If we remove the hunting aspect, please inform me why I should add a defensive shotgun to my gear.
Let’s just assume I have a DD Midlength AR15 set up properly, a reliable handgun (or two) and the proper gear that goes along with them. Seriously, I’m not asking about buying more for those firearms, I’m set.
Feel free to get crazy with your own personal reasons (TEOTWAWKI, Gun Bans, Russians/Chinese/Alien invasion, Stephen Kings The Stand, whatever). I just want reasonable reasons for owning a defensive shotgun, the value of owning one, and your personal opinion on why I should add one.
I have a shotgun dedicated to hunting already, and I would really like to add a defensive oriented shotgun to my kit for future training/use, but I can’t justify the cost/value in my own head… This is the Shotgun forum, convince me.
There’s a place for it, but I don’t think it’s a must have. One more tool in the box, or club on the golf bag.
I think a shotgun makes a great post up and wait weapon in you’re dealing with potential home invasion and your family is secure with you.
No need to invest big money for a defensive shotgun. A Mossberg or Remington with an 8 round tube and a velcro’d elastic shell caddy on the receiver is all you really need.
No you don’t need one, but as stated above a nice 870 with an extended tube isn’t much and you never know when it could come in handy for a specific use beyond training and/or defense. If you look hard enough you should be able to find one for about $400+.
Even all decked out (synthetic stock w/pistol grip, extended magazine, sling and mounts, high-visibility sights), you’re only out a few hundred dollars, and the gun can be converted back to a ‘sporting’ gun anytime.
You can always find 12 gauge ammunition, regardless of threatened ‘AW’ bans which cause shortages of 5.56, 7.62x39, 7.62x51, 9mm, .45ACP, .22LR, et al. Even if you build on a 20 gauge for reduced recoil, the ammunition is widely available.
Not a must have in my opinion, but another tool in the tool box. One thing to consider, during the ammo panic, the only ammo easily found around here were all forms of 12 gauge shells.
I converted my old 870 defender recently. I sorta wanted a “tactical” shotgun, but couldn’t really justify the expense. Put a Hogue short LOP stock and a reddot on it first and later replaced the barrel with a 20" vent-rib rem choke barrel. I would prefer it shorter, but I like the chokes… It shoots good now…
I sold my 12ga to my father in law about a year ago. I am sure I will get it back someday. Big, heavy, lots of recoil. They do have there place but it was always about the last gun I would have picked.
The heaviest load I would use inside the house would be those used for turkey hunting. They have hundreds of pellets compared to buckshot (as few as 9 pellets), recoil somewhat less and the individual pellets will not over penetrate.
A load of #2 or BB will shred a 2x4 post. I have no doubt that it will penetrate sufficiently on an intruder at ‘hallway’ distances (3 to 7yds.) to terminate the encounter. What I don’t want is the pellets that miss to continue two or three rooms away, where loved ones may be hiding.
So did/do I, a shiny blued steel/wood furniture Remington 1187 Premium I bought about 20 years ago. After having some fun for the first few years busting clay pigeons, I put it away in the back of the safe where it was mostly forgotten about.
Recently I invested some $$ in modifying it for HD purposes, and I have to admit that it has been transformed into something much more interesting (see link in my signature). What is your hunting shotgun?
I’m in the same place… Have a KAC SR-15 properly setup for defensive use, and a few handguns. My Mossberg 590A1 sits in the corner behind the bedroom door. It’s fun to shoot and nice to have I guess, but I’m selling it next week to fund a new project (.22 bolt gun). I have an O/U 12ga for hunting and clay shooting, the “defensive” shotguns always seem to just get dust on them.
I do like the versatility of a shotgun and having a well rounded defensive collection… But I prefer handguns and my carbine for defensive work.
You are mistaken. Number 1 buck is the minimum suggested round for putting down people. If your trusting your sheet rock walls to save your family from shot, your strategy is already messed up.
No need to get a defense shotgun if you already have a good carbine. Nothing says you can’t get buckshot or slugs for your hunting shotgun. If you need close in weapon to where bbl length is a concern, then use the carbine or pistol. Otherwise your 28" bbl with buckshot or slugs is fine for front or back yard encounters or defending behind a safe room door.
I would rather make sure my carbine and pistol have enough mags and ammo and good sights or optics and a redundant second before adding a defense specific shotgun.
I think the shotgun makes sense if you need a first defensive long gun on a budget. Hard to beat the value if a $300 Mossberg 500 or Rem 870. But that is superseded by a good carbine.
