OT: Home defense shotgun

[TheStateUofMS]

Not a hunter. Don't own a shotgun but looking to get a solid shotgun for pretty cheap. Can be used, but prefer new. Been told you can get a decent one for $200. This is obviously one I never want to have to use other than taking it to Shoot Straight a couple times a year to stay familiar with it.

I figure Sixpack is the PERFECT place to ask this question.

I already got dales.

 

[57stratdawg]

I'd think more like $400 new, but I'm certainly no expert.

I didn't realize they can be 5+1. That's packing some heat.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

Would this one not be fine?

https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/pro...310101.do?sortby=priceAscend&refType=&from=fn

$219

 

[katfsh]

Look at a 410 with home defense loads. They reduce the chance of shooting through walls and other members of your family.

 

[notoriousD_O_G]

Would this one not be fine?

https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/pro...310101.do?sortby=priceAscend&refType=&from=fn

$219

I have this exact gun with an 18 barrel. I bought it 5 or 6 years ago at a gun show for about 180.

 

[DerHntr]

Would this one not be fine?

https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/pro...310101.do?sortby=priceAscend&refType=&from=fn

$219

Yes.

If you don't plan to use it except for range shooting once a year to make sure it works, then you don't need a very good gun.

I've bought multiple shotguns in the $100 range at pawn shops over the years as refinishing projects. You primarily want to look for rust, pitting inside the barrel, overall care of the weapon, etc. Tell them you want to see them load the gun and shuck shells through it to make sure it works properly. Last, don't worry much about what shape the stock is in if the metal components look good. A crappy stock will bring the price down and the stock doesn't make the gun shoot.

 

[WrapItDog]

Mossberg® Maverick® 88 Security 12 Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun $189.99

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/mos...auge-pump-action-shotgun#repChildCatid=298704

 

[rugbdawg]

If it's really just for home defense, you just need the shotgun that makes the loudest cocking noise. I'm serious.

Unless...your occupation is one where people could target you and legitimately try to kill u in your home, you will never shoot it, even if you have an intruder.

 

[TUSK.sixpack]

PM me. if you like.

I'll make it quick, fast, cheap, and simple for you....

Not gonna do it on here, though.

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

You take the plug out of a shotgun and it will hold 5 or 6 shells.

 

[ronpolk]

If it's really just for home defense, you just need the shotgun that makes the loudest cocking noise. I'm serious.

Unless...your occupation is one where people could target you and legitimately try to kill u in your home, you will never shoot it, even if you have an intruder.

This!

Get a pump. If anyone ever breaks in your house and hears that loud pump, they will likely leave. There is no mistaking that sound.

 

[aTotal360]

Taurus Judge chambered with Winchester 3in PDX ammo.

 

[WayboDawg]

Mossberg Maverick 88 Security 12 Gauge: $189.00 at Academy Sports. Bought one last year and it works great. Load it up with some 00 Buck shot and you should be good.

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/mossberg-maverick-88-security-12-gauge-pump-action-shotgun#repChildCatid=298704

 

[Digging dog]

Any given pawn shop. Criteria you'll need is pump action, extended magazine, and a short barrell length (so you're not hitting door jams and bed posts. Difference between a 2 3/4 and a 3" shell is pretty irrelevant when you're shooting across the coffee table in the den.

 

[PBRME]

If it's really just for home defense, you just need the shotgun that makes the loudest cocking noise. I'm serious.

Unless...your occupation is one where people could target you and legitimately try to kill u in your home, you will never shoot it, even if you have an intruder.

Joe Biden? Is that you?

 

[Hellsyeah]

Look into some Dragon's Breath shells. Those will be sure to stop any intruder in their tracks

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

I want to get a Judge.

 

[aTotal360]

I'm eyeing a Taurus Public Defender. It's a poly Judge with a short barrel. Picked one up in the gun store the other day. Weighs considerably less than the standard Judge.

http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=693&category=Revolver

 

[Xenomorph]

You'll shoot your eye out.

 

[Dawg1979]

17 a judge. i have a Smith and Wesson XVR 460. shoots a .45 long colt, .454 casuall, and a .460 sw mag. that mother is waaaaay better than a judge

 

[Xenomorph]

Don't forget the accompanying headboard...

 

[aTotal360]

In what way? Please explain. I get S&W usually makes better products, but we are talking about middle of the road revolvers. If this was about 1911s, I'd listen. As is, there isn't a nickel worth of difference between the two. You're paying for the name. Just like you do with a Browning.

A XVR is better than Judge just like a Yeti is better than a RTIC.

 

[Maroonandwhite]

I have owned a full frame judge and smaller public defender. Both guns have steel frames. A good friend and coworker has the light-weight frame public defender. His gun is great for all-day carry in the woods. Mine is a little heavier, stainless frame. We carry ours when doing our in-woods jobs. But his polymer frame is a bear to handle when firing. It is jumpy. Judges are great though for snakes, wild dogs, and self-defense in forest work. I would not want to carry one in public. There are much better options. I think the same could be said for home defense. I say all of this as a loyal owner since they came out.

The S&W is probably a higher quality weapon. My current PD had to be sent back to the factory because the cylinder did not align totally with the barrel. It was not enough to cause me any concern with failure, but was worried that projectile shavings could potentially injure anyone standing beside me on the firing line. It was a pure quality manufacturing issue. They repaired the issue free of charge. For what I use mine for daily, the Taurus is the better option than the higher priced Smith.

 

[BELdog]

The derp is strong in these responses.

1. A 410 is going to penetrate a Sheetrock wall just as easily as a 12 gauge. The pattern will be just as tight and velocities will be similar. Less pellets do not equal less penetration.

2. Don't count on the mere presence of a gun as a deterrent. If you are racking the slide on a shotgun when something goes bump in the night, you are dead *** wrong. Keep one in the chamber. Keep the element of surprise.

3. A defensive firearm is the ONLY time I would suggest spending the extra money. No, you won't use it a lot, but if you need it, it damned well better work. Your life depends on it. Think about that.

 

[ShrubDog]

You get what you pay for especially in a gun. A cheap gun is a cheap gun. Don't let the name fool you.

Don't waste your time with a 410, get a 12 gauge.

 

[Xenomorph]

Point #2..

Now here's something I can get behind. ..I'm not law enforcement. I'm not looking to arrest you. I don't need to get your attention by racking the slide. And this ain't Hollywood.

If you've broken into my home, the first and only way you'll know I have one in the chamber is by the bright light and loud bang followed immediately by searing pain.

 

[Dawgbite]

Granted, a $200 shotgun is better than a stick but do you really want to trust your life and the lives of your family to the cheapest gun you can find? I'm not trying to start a pissing match but I look at home defense guns the same way I do insurance, I don't really want the minimal homeowners insurance when a tornado hits.

 

[Junction John]

17'ing SWEET

 

[aTotal360]

Agreed on all points. A Taurus and Smith versions aren't much different. Neither are manufactured to extreme tolerances. Comes down to price vs value. IMO, that's where the Judge wins. The Smith version is probably slightly better built, but not waaaaay better like the other guy was saying. As a home protector that you will probably not ever have to truly "use", the Judge will do the exact same job for less money.

 

[notoriousD_O_G]

A home defense shotgun will hardly ever leave the house and hardly ever be shot so as long as you use quality ammo and clean it after shooting you should be fine.

 

[Arthur2478]

I'll offer another vote for the Mossberg Maverick 88 with the 18.5" barrel. I have one myself and it's a solid gun for the money. In fact, the Maverick 88 is essentially just a cheaper version as the Mossberg 500. Most of the accessories for the 500 will fit the 88 just fine.

Also, I see others in this thread mentioning the Judge pistol. There is nothing wrong with that gun (I have one of those as well), but for me a pump shotgun has a huge home defense advantage over any pistol: Sound. The sound of a pump shotgun loading a shell in the chamber is universally known (it translates to "get the 17 out" in all languages). I keep my 88's magazine full of 000 buckshot but nothing in the chamber. In the event I had a break-in, I can assure you as soon as I pump that round in the chamber, that will scare the ever loving **** out of anybody who hears it and it can be hear throughout the house in the middle of the night. I'd rather not deal with the legalities of killing a burglar if I don't have to. Pump that action and they'll be heading the Hell out of your house asap.

Also, if you prefer Remington here's a deal on the 870 with an 18" barrel:
http://www.southernohiogun.com/870-remington-magnums.html

 

[Arthur2478]

Would this one not be fine?

https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/pro...310101.do?sortby=priceAscend&refType=&from=fn

$219

FYI, you don't want a 28" barrel if it's strictly for home defense. Get the 18.5" version.

 

[BELdog]

I'd go to my local gun store/pawn shop and find a used Remington 870, Mossberg 500/590 or Winchester 1300 with an 18-20" barrel and be done with it. Those guns will be better than anything in the "$200 new" range. Should be able to find a used 870 for $200-$250 and you'll have a much better shotgun than a NEF Pardner or Stevens. Stuff it full of Federal or Winchester 00 buckshot and buy a Magpul Forend and a decent quality weapon mounted light for it and you'll be done. Do yourself a favor and spend money on a decent light even if you have to save for a while and get it later. If you are using a shotgun against a home invader, it's more than likely going to be dark and you won't have a free hand to hold a light.

 

[thekimmer]

Buckshot is probably not be the best choice.

Mossberg Maverick 88 Security 12 Gauge: $189.00 at Academy Sports. Bought one last year and it works great. Load it up with some 00 Buck shot and you should be good.

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/mossberg-maverick-88-security-12-gauge-pump-action-shotgun#repChildCatid=298704

Buckshot will most definitely do the job but at the target ranges likely inside a house so will lighter loads that have much less of a containment issue. If you are trying to stop a 200lb target at ranges of 20+ yards then buckshot is your load but the likely range inside a house is probably at most 20 feet. A lighter load like seven or eight shot packs a huge wallop at close range but does not have nearly the danger of wall penetration and risk to your neighbors or your loved ones in the next room. Anybody who doubts the stopping power of 8 shot at close range I challenge you to try this. Set up a gallon jug of water and shoot it at 10-15 feet and see what happens to it.

 

[Dawgbite]

Buying a $200 gun to protect your family is about like recruiting 2 star offensive linemen to protect your 5 star QB. Benelli M3 or M4.

 

[WayboDawg]

You'd be hard pressed to tear up a pump action shotgun, even a $200 one. If one is jamming, it probably just needs cleaning. A new one (even a cheap model) that you just keep in the closet for home defense is 95% of the time going to just work. Now if we are talking semi-auto handguns, don't go cheap...even better, go American.

 

[msstatelp1]

The Mavrick 88 has good reviews and has many interchangeable parts with the 500. It's inexpensive but not cheap.

 

[Puckettdawg]

The Maverick is a good, dependable shotgun. For the money it can't be beat. As for the 00 buck, if over penetration is an issue, I would go with #4 Turkey shot. Also, if someone is breaking into your home and they are aware that you are there, please don't advertise your position buy "racking" one in. If there are children about, chamber a round when you go to bed at night. If you are not familiar with firearms, DO NOT buy used. There are a lot of dishonest people out there trying to dump a malfunctioning gun on a sucker. Be sure to shoot it more than a few times before you rely on it for protection, all guns have their quirks and you don't want to find out about it when your confronted with a threat. But what do I know, I just use to sell the things.

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

I wanted a Judge or Public Defender to carry as a snake gun when I'm in rice fields. Could have used it yesterday several times.

 

[Xenomorph]

I have a 15 year old Mossberg 835 Ultimag that's been through hellish conditions. I clean it once a year no matter how dirty it is. And I've never pulled the trigger and it not gone kablam.