Budget shotgun for home defense

Kenk · June 16 2019 04:06:17 PM MDT

My father in law asked me about budget home defense shotguns today. He will not be using this for anything other than home defense. There have been numerous home burglary's in his area, many when the home owners are sleeping, and wants to be prepared
Thanks

Ken

RDub01 · June 16 2019 04:52:59 PM MDT

Just did a quick search at Bud's Guns for low to high pump shotguns..

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/search.php/type/Shotguns/sort/price-asc/firearm_type/29038

Might be something there he would be interested in..

Kenk · June 16 2019 04:57:22 PM MDT

Thanks RDub01!

sqlbullet · June 17 2019 08:43:11 AM MDT

The standard list applies here. In no particular order:

Benelli Nova series
Mossberg 500 series
Remington 879
Winchester 1300

A quick look at Gunbroker puts used guns in the $150-$300 range and new starting about $300 + FFL.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/813106390

I would suggest that an AR Pistol should be considered as well.

Kenk · June 17 2019 11:25:23 AM MDT

Thanks much!

Ken

Ramjet · June 18 2019 07:04:10 AM MDT

Maverick makes some decent shotguns for pretty low prices.

Essentially a Mossberg

They offer defense shotguns in Pump, side by side and over under. I have run hundreds of rounds through the side by side and over understand without an issue they are built like tanks.

Kenk · June 18 2019 11:34:01 AM MDT

Thanks Ramjet!

Trapper6L · June 18 2019 08:53:13 PM MDT

Ken, I'd be talking FIL out of a shotgun for home defensive weapon. The average confrontation is close, real close. You'll find anything from 3 to 20 feet from the "experts" but regardless, the shotgun might as well be a rifle at that range. A good semi auto pistol with a laser sight is great for the older folks as there's no major aiming required, just put the red dot on his but and pull the trigger. Obviously your FIL might not want anything but a shotgun. The Mossbergs are near bulletproof. Of the list posted by sqlbullet, we have all of them in the vault. The most reliable will be the Benelli. The Benelli is also the shotgun of choice by the Texas Gov't trappers that they use from helicopters. But they aren't a cheap date. The next most reliable is a 50 year old Mossberg that probably has more miles on it than most Peterbilts. It's been in a sunken boat, under mud by 3 feet, dropped out of the back of a moving truck, and it works like the day I bought it. If you come to the ranch and need a shotgun, the Mossberg is one I'll hand you. I'm not sure you can destroy one and they are very reliable. Never had this one malfunction in all of the several hundred cases of ammo to go thru it including 3" magnums. For the money, I don't think you can buy a better built shotgun.

Kenk · June 19 2019 05:03:29 AM MDT

Thanks Trapper, I have a Mossberg 935 Magnum Turkey and really like it. It's nothing fancy but always performs. Plus his wife isn't a fan of pistols, hence the reason he's looking at shotguns.

Ken

sqlbullet · June 19 2019 08:15:44 AM MDT

Trapper is thinking like me, though with arthritis and the onset of less grip strength, my mom can't operate a semi-auto slide in most cases. And magazine changes are tough too. And recoil is a challenge. An AR pistol remedies these concerns and she can run hers like a champ.

Kenk · June 19 2019 08:35:05 AM MDT

Nice, Thanks sqlbullet : )

Bluebird5000 · June 19 2019 09:29:29 PM MDT

Quote from: Kenk on June 16 2019 04:06:17 PM MDT
My father in law asked me about budget home defense shotguns today. He will not be using this for anything other than home defense. There have been numerous home burglary's in his area, many when the home owners are sleeping, and wants to be prepared
Thanks

Ken

If you buy 'used' be careful to make sure it is still in good condition. I mean the parts, who cares if it has scratches and what not on it. I have had a used pump break at the range shooting standard buckshot, then I had to go buy a new one haha. There are good used shotguns I"m just saying maybe be careful. Obviously the brand would matter too.

I'd maybe go over the options with him so he feels he's making his own decision. I personally like pumps since I grew up with them. I'd probably recommend a Mossberg 500 and load it with copper plated buck.

Also besides being familiar with it, he will need to test its pattern at the range, shotguns of the same model can pattern differently. In my own shotgun (Mossberg 590) I have noticed a great deal of variation in both pattern quality and width of pattern at 5, 7.5, 10 and 15 yards. Yes those idiots saying you do not have to aim are wrong, but if you have 16 pellets of #1 buck or 9 pellets of 00 inside a 6in circle, or even 3in, that's still a lot of chances to hit a vital organ or two. Also if he shoots them at point blank range when the buckshot hits their body, each bullet will make its own path ... Mr. home invader is not going to enjoy it!

Kenk · June 20 2019 04:55:06 AM MDT

Thanks Bluebird!

tommac919 · June 20 2019 06:45:00 AM MDT

Prob already made a choice by now...but i have several Mavericks 88s ( mossburg ) and never an issue... cheap but good
nice thing is many parts of the 500 model fit

Ramjet · August 25 2019 07:12:29 AM MDT

Mossberg s are tanks for sure I have two of the shockwaves one in 12 and one in 20 gauge. I find them very easy to yield and with the added laser easy to get hits on target. They are not for everyone but I sure like mine for HD weapon. Everyone has their preference for a wide variety of reasons. All good use what you choose and choose to practice.