Is barrel length important for a HD shotgun?

Charlie Martinez · Jul 28, 2019

My HD long gun is a 20 Ga bolt action shotgun, 24" barrel & polychoke loaded w/No. 6 shot.
I have been considering shortening the barrel to 18"
I dislike altering guns but if the modification is justified I'll do it
Is it worth the trouble?

Armored farmer · Jul 28, 2019

I wouldn't.
In the event you should have to use it.....someone could claim it was altered.
?.maybe if it was a 30inch full choke I would.
If you do cut it off, be sure it's legal length.

Havok7416 · Jul 28, 2019

As cheap as pump actions are right now (sub-$200 new) you are likely better served buying something purpose-built.

Virginian · Jul 28, 2019

According to all the self proclaimed experts it is critical. Better maneuverability. As you hole up and don't move.....

Browning · Jul 28, 2019

I’m generally in the ‘more maneuverable’ camp. It’s obviously not going to come into play in every situation though. Clearing your house by yourself unsupported is generally a bad idea unless you just have to (to go get kids or some other family member). Sometimes you have to though. I remember Clint Smith had some good ideas on how to run a ‘Long Tom’ bird shotgun for home defense.

https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Duck...to+put+ol'+Long+Tom+away+after...-a0129627338

In the two shootings I’ve run on with shotguns (by and large most people tend to shoot others with handguns) one barrel looked to be about 18” inches (ran out of the house after the guy and blasted him through the rear windshield) and the other was a bird barrel that didn’t seem to hinder the home owner any as he blasted the guy coming through the door.

Then again with the last one he had to move through the house towards the front door while the guy was trying to kick it in. The guy just hadn’t made it through yet.

George P · Jul 28, 2019

There's no reason to clean and sweep - that's the police job. So, hole up in a bedroom with the muzzle pointed at the door while dialing 911

jmr40 · Jul 28, 2019

Barrel length matters, up to a point. I'd consider a 24' barrel about as long as I'd want, but you can certainly make longer ones work. Somewhere around 20-21"" is what I consider ideal. I really don't.like the barrels shorter than about 20" I'd be more concerned about it being a bolt gun and in 20 ga than the barrel length. There are lots of good pumps that would be a much better option and at very good prices today. Even if you have to buy used.

bannockburn · Jul 28, 2019

Charlie Martinez

I would get another shotgun (most likely a 12 gauge pump with an 18" barrel), rather than cutting down the barrel of a bolt action shotgun. I currently have two shotguns for home defense: a Maverick 88 12 gauge and a Winchester 1300 20 gauge; both with 18" barrels.

SharpDog · Jul 28, 2019

I would not alter it. Sounds like a great upland gun as it is and should do fine in HD.

If you really feel you need a shorter shotgun I would just get another as otrhers have already said.

I've heard great things about TriStar:

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/product/45903/tristar_cobra_ii_tactical_12ga

Here's a Mossy 20 ga. for a little more:

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog...s_id/90858/mossberg+500sp+20g+20"+grs+cb+mudy

Browning · Jul 28, 2019

George P said:
There's no reason to clean and sweep - that's the police job. So, hole up in a bedroom with the muzzle pointed at the door while dialing 911

I’m guessing you don’t have kids. That’s a reason.

Other than that I’d generally agree with you.

ColtPythonElite · Jul 28, 2019

Regardless of barrel length, I wouldn't want a bolt action for HD.

bannockburn · Jul 28, 2019

ColtPythonElite

That's what I was thinking too! If it's all that you've got then you just have to make do. But a bolt action shotgun wouldn't be my first choice for home defense.

rb288 · Jul 28, 2019

I have 2 18" home defense shotguns.
Since they are strictly for HD, and my ranges of engagemrnt would only be 10 to 15 yards max, they are perfect for what I want, and need.
Let me modify that, I, also carry one in an over the shoulder scabbard when I am "walking the property".
I have 5 acres that is composed of 3 acres of woods, that I walk around every other day , or so.
I carry one of my HD shotguns during those walks.

Charlie Martinez · Jul 28, 2019

The 20 Ga shotgun is for my wife. She's really not a regular at the pistol range but she shoots trap with this bolt gun once a month or so
In another related HR thread a former LEO says that even a single shot is a good HD gun when the gunner uses it well. A pump or semi auto would be better but are they absolutely necessary for adequate protection?
Are self defense scenarios where criminal & defender engage in an extended gun fight like those you see in movies? I don't know but putting myself in the mind of a criminal offender, once the element of surprise is gone & the victim is armed & fighting back, the first priority will be to run away not hang around & shoot it out. To my way of thinking the first well-placed shot wins so make it count instead of relying on the spray & pray philosophy
I agree that sweeping the house is not safe but there have been times when I have gootenup to check things out after hearing "something" just to make sure things are OK. The last time I heard a strange noise in the middle of the night & wrote it off as "nothing to worry about" I woke up to find my car window smashed & my radio torn out of the dash
I wouldn't want to call the cops every time I hear a funny noise w/o knowing first what it is so I find that getting out of the bedroom to check things out is unavoidable

herrwalther · Jul 28, 2019

24" is considerably more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces compared to 18.5". But I wouldn't modify it either. A Maverick 88 or H&R Pardner pump are easy to find in the $150 range to make a dedicated HD shotgun.

Fiv3r · Jul 28, 2019

I am also of the mindset that shouldn't modify it. It seems like a nice gun as is. Like others have said, pump guns are inexpensive depending on your budget.

The longer barrel is tougher to move around, but for home defense, it really shouldn't matter. I kinda find the 20" barrels to hit the sweep spot for me.

BigSteve57 · Jul 28, 2019

George P said:
There's no reason to clean and sweep - that's the police job. So, hole up in a bedroom with the muzzle pointed at the door while dialing 911

Browning said:
I’m guessing you don’t have kids. That’s a reason.

Other than that I’d generally agree with you.

Good points IMHO. We were taught to TRY and get to the bedroom where we have added a steel door & steel frame; door has a keyed lock on the outside and a lever on the inside like an exterior door. We had a carpenter reinforce the studding around the door too. The rest of the house is hardened in ways to increase the likelihood of us being able to do that and to force an intruder(s) to go in certain directions. But we're alone - no kids or other people living in the house. That would be different I think.

We have a Benelli M4 as our HD shotgun.

SharpDog · Jul 28, 2019

I have 250 lbs of dog (down from 2200 lbs

) recommend that as a home accessory

entropy · Jul 28, 2019

SharpDog said:
I would not alter it. Sounds like a great upland gun as it is and should do fine in HD.

Bolt action shotguns are not good upland guns....nor duck guns. Wouldn't be my first choice for HD either. I recommend getting an 18" barreled pump for your HD shotgun. The 870 is my favorite. Trade that bolt action for one if you must.

BigSteve57 said:
We have a Benelli M4 as our HD shotgun.

A very good choice, also, though spendy. The H&R Pardner mentioned in another concurrent thread is another fine choice; cheap, and available at Walmarts almost everywhere.

FL-NC · Jul 28, 2019

Don't cut up that bolt action shotgun. Get a H&R 18" partner at Walmart for $140 and a box of buckshot.

nipprdog · Jul 28, 2019

Buckshot instead of birdshot.

1KPerDay · Jul 28, 2019

George P said:
There's no reason to clean and sweep - that's the police job. So, hole up in a bedroom with the muzzle pointed at the door while dialing 911

There are several reasons why you might need to clear your own house. Kids are one reason.

I vote go with a 18-22" barrel if you have a choice.

cdb1 · Jul 28, 2019

SharpDog said:
I would not alter it. Sounds like a great upland gun as it is and should do fine in HD.

Sounds like a crappy upland shotgun to me.

mljdeckard · Jul 29, 2019

I wouldn't start cutting anything. There are too many good, non-expensive options that would work better.

Eating Ramen to buy a Armscor VR80.

LoonWulf · Jul 29, 2019

nother thought about getting a dedicated home defense shotgun....at least out here you blast someone and your not getting that back anytime soon, I'd prefer to not loose a gun I liked or cost decent money.
guess I'm in the market for a cheap shotgun........

Is barrel length important for a HD shotgun?

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