Hey Pedes! The family and I are going gun shopping in a couple hours. We own a Ruger LCR, but we're ready for a shotgun for home defense. That being said, I was hoping to get some recommendations on what we should get. We need to stay under $500 (including some ammo), but we'd like to spend less than that if possible. Please let me know your suggestions.
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https://www.pewpewtactical.com/best-home-defense-tactical-shotguns/#toc6
Thank you, that was really helpful.
I always heard you want a shotgun that "pumps" just because the noise can be a deterrent. Not sure if that's exactly the hard hitting advice you're looking for though haha.
If I was trespassing and I heard that sound I would not stop to look around. Lol GREAT advice! Thank you.
This is a myth. You have to assume that the adversary is armed and trained and having to cock the shotgun not only wastes valuable time and risk of load failure, but also gives away your position. You should always have a round chambered in your shotgun and the only sound that should come from the weapon before discharge is the small click of the safety.
Wow, I didn't even think of that. I will keep it ready to go.
Good ole mossburg 500 flex with SLUGS, so cheap you can buy two
Looking it up now, thank you.
I have a 500, and I am happy with it. My next purchase will be the Mossberg 590M.
https://www.mossberg.com/category/series/590m-mag-fed/
Good to hear, just have to hope the supply isn't out.
What you should do is go to the shop and ask to handle a bunch of them. Get the one that has a feel and features you like.
You should also have an idea about if you want pump or auto loader. (pump is less expensive). Also, 12ga. 20ga. or .410?
Since you are *buying for home defense, you will probably want a short barrel, and a breach choke.
https://www.remington.com/shotguns/tactical/model-870-dm/model-870-dm
https://www.remington.com/shotguns/tactical/model-870-express-synthetic-tactical-7-round
https://www.remington.com/shotguns/tactical/model-870-express-tactical
I will do that, thank you. I'm thinking I do want a pump and I heard from another pede that 20 gauge would be best. Easier to handle, which I like in case my wife needs to use it.
Bummer! I don't live close to any, thank you though.
https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/remington-870-express-12-gauge-pump-action-shotgun#repChildCatid=751006
I live in Commiefornia and the site says it can't ship here.
Dang, you don't have an Academy close by? You might have to find a FFL dealer to help you out then. I know wal-marts around here stopped selling firearms years ago, but I remember buying an 870 there for $199.
Yeah I think all you can buy at Walmart now is overpriced pellet guns. We have a couple licensed dealers in town, just no major sporting good stores where the deals usually happen. We're going to a small business in about an hour, if their selection is too limited then there's a bigger store down the road.
Find your self an FFL to get something delivered, and then shop online.
https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/shotguns/remington-870-pump-shotgun/p/p30447
I like the sound of that, do you know if the 10-day waiting period starts from the date of purchase or from when the FFL gets it?
Actually I'm reading that if you already own a licensed pistol, that you don't have to wait the 10 days.
Mossberg 500
Remington 870
Tried and true, both will throw a 3 inch slug and both are relatively cheap. You can find used 500s at caabelas feom 200-400 and used 870s from about 350-700
Either one here.
870 is used by Military and Police.
Thank you, Pede.
This. This is the best shotgun in the $200 range. Bought one years ago at wal-mart, and then bought a second at academy.
Thank you, no Cabela's near me but I'm guessing the gun shops will have similar pricing.
I love my Mossberg 590, if you can find one. That's the thing, no one has inventory at the moment, you almost have to order one and wait for it.
But 'test' a couple for fit, your ability to handle it, size/weight/barrel length. A shotgun you are comfortable with is the first thing, sometimes folks buy something they think looks cool or whatever and it doesn't work for them.
These days a good auto isn't a bad choice either, used to be they might jam and so people preferred pumps but these days they function.
Handle a few, if you can manage it shoot a few, take your time and think it through.
And, used guns can be a great bargain. A well made shotgun is hard to screw up, if it isn't damaged it's probably good, rack it, inspect it, if you find a deal you can even get a gunsmith to check it for you. But again, used guns are kinda scarce these days too.
The good news is there's still plenty of shotgun ammo available.
Be careful.
https://kekpe.pe/i/5f4ea787266b6.jpg
Thank you for the advice. I'm what you would call an oversized human being (6'7 230lbs) so I'm hoping to find one that my wife would be able to handle if she needs to but won't be too small for me, so I doubt there are shotguns that can be too small.
Savage pump action from Walmart sells for around 200 bucks and eats shells up without fail.
Do they still sell guns in California? I haven't been to our Walmart in years...
weaverly SA-08. 20gauge you know... the recoil.
My wife might appreciate that, I've also been told that 20 gauge is still enough to stop a home invasion.
You will never fire it. You just need the option. 3 quick snaps on the trigger and invasion will be stopped. Trust me, you don't really wanna kill anyone, to be honest. That's a shit ton of paperwork.
You are right, I don't want to kill anybody. The last thing I need is to be locked up all night while they investigate. Leaving my family home alone, I'm guessing if I stop an intruder in the name of black lives matter, however, I will be let out instantly
I am so overwhelmed. Even worse after going to an info site. I hope I can find someone in my little town to walk me through selecting a firearm. I feel infantile but never did I expect to need a weapon and very concerned about affording it as well. Not sure I can.
Well I mean, if you can’t swing 300 bucks for a pump action, you can get break action single shot shotguns for like 100 bucks. It isn’t optimal at all, but it’s better than nothing.
Thank you for responding
Yeah the average prices can be a bit deterring, but I'm finding out that there are cheaper options. I recommend just doing what I did and posting a question, there are plenty of gun enthusiasts here to help.
thanks