Home Defense Shotguns....Let's See them

[Jimdo]

"Back to the topic: it's legal to hunt hogs in Georgia at night, and I've tried (learned a lesson about good flashlight and batteries, too! ). It doesn't take long to figure out it's hard to move and hold a light securely along the bore of a shotgun! "
- This is precisely why you should have had the flashlight mounted to the firearm in a tactical fashion.... Everything then becomes much easier to manipulate and you have the added benefits of your tac. light.

 

[cameron.personal]

 

[JShirley]

My HD shotgun is a short-barreled cylinder bore 12 GA Mossberg 500 with ghost ring sights. The only mods I've done are a shorter LOP stock and adding a sling. The only addition mods I may do might be a light and side-saddle or (more likely) butt cuff.

J

 

[inSight-NEO]

You know, insight, this is a bit off-topic.

You are right...I was off topic and I apologize for that. I generally do not stray, but I considered SM's "final" post as falling under the category of "making allowances" and certainly worthy of a response. Hence, I was merely attempting to give "SM" something to think about (since he apparently does not accept PM's, I was left with the only option of posting a "non-firearm related" response).

The vast majority of my students, quite frankly, don't deserve me

After all is said and done, being "deserving" really should have nothing to do with it. For instance, my father has taught for over 25 years; Has he encountered similar situations? You bet he has. Just the same, he still loves teaching and has, over the years, adopted/learned some very interesting/insightful points regarding this issue. As an example, if you reach 2 or 3 individuals out of 30 (for instance), you have accomplished something worth speaking about as these 2 or 3 individuals will positively affect many more throughout their lifetime. In turn, those they affect will go on to have a positive affect on others as well, etc., etc. After all, if everyone involved in, lets say, science, religion, politics, art, etc., threw in the towel due to extreme opposition/slander...where would we be now? Would we ever have truly advanced as a society? But, this isnt an educational forum, so I will leave that debate alone.

Back to the topic at hand- Similar to you, I have a Mossberg for HD. But, in my case, it is a 590 (8+1) which has essentially "converted" to an A1 (HW barrel, metal safety, metal trigger guard/assembly). The only additional "mods" to this gun are a Meprolight tritium front bead sight, Wolff mag spring and Vang Comp follower. I keep a Urban E.R.T. sling around for range use, but I never keep it on the gun when its at home serving as an HD weapon (it just gets in the way).

 

[tactikel]

My SD shotgun is a 870 special field 20 ga- loaded, one in the pipe. I see no reason to alert the BG that I have cocked my shotgun (and I have sacrificed a precious round). I will yell that I am armed, have called 911, and he will be shot unless he leaves RIGHT NOW. a "shuck-shuck" isn't a deterrent to the drugged up losers who commit most of the break-ins in my area!

 

[inSight-NEO]

I will yell that I am armed, have called 911, and he will be shot unless he leaves RIGHT NOW. a "shuck-shuck" isn't a deterrent to the drugged up losers who commit most of the break-ins in my area!

Of course, yelling may not be a deterrent as well (particularly if this individual is "drugged up"). If nothing else, them hearing the "clack-clack" would validate to them that you are indeed armed (although I do not condone, at all, relying on racking the forend as a strong tactic).

Personally, as I have mentioned numerous times before, if someone hears me "arming" a weapon...so be it; at least Im armed. From there, its up to them to decide if they care or not. In the meantime, I would simply wait until either: 1) the BG (or BG's) make a move or 2) the police show up.

 

[JShirley]

Wasn't pointing fingers, insight- I was apologizing!

Deserving does sometimes have something to do with it. When students can hide behind the law and school policy to disrespect teachers in ways I would never dream of disrespecting anyone, much less an instructor- those students really don't deserve quality instruction, and are making an active effort to drive off teachers. My mentor teacher was a very sweet, extremely skilled man who was recently awarded the 08-09 History Teacher of the Year award from DAR. Few things have frustrated me more in this life than seeing that good, sweet, veteran, who had fought for his country in Vietnam and came back to win the peace, treated with such disrespect by punks who were wastes of space and air.

Afghanistan was less stressful. I turned in my letter of resignation today.

Maybe I'll do more shooting this year...

 

[Hungry Seagull]

Final word in Arkansas.

The State as a whole Promotes, Protects and preserves to teach the Castle Doctrine as a asbolute right conferred to all Homeowners. No further retreat is necessary and deadly force may be used if so inclined.

Basically anyone breaking into a dwelling in this state does so at risk of thier life. Particularly in some towns that everyone is armed and knows how to shoot.

During the late part of last year I counted about... 14 home invasions and I think about 9 killed intruders who died either inside the home or collasping into the street trying to get away, one held at gunpoint becuase of drugs and confusion, and two arrested after showing up at hospitals with GSW's or turning themselves in some time after a invasion hit the news.

We did lose several home owners and some people who are familiar to the population, the Media Reporter from our Channel 7 in Little Rock comes to mind.

I dont see too many states adopting this as a Doctrine to be supported without harm to the home owner by way of civil suits or other prosecution should the entire shoot be deemed by those in Power to be "A good shoot" and no charges brought.

 

[inSight-NEO]

Wasn't pointing fingers, insight- I was apologizing!

I apologize for making assumptions on this one.

JShirley-

Maybe my father is lucky in that he has been teaching at a "private" (ie., religious) school these many years. If he had been subjected to the public school system, perhaps his outlook (and mine) would be quite similar to yours. Of course, should those who are "deserving" of an education be made to pay (indirectly speaking) for the actions of those who are not? Its a difficult situation, no doubt. Either way, these "punks' will get their "just reward" when the real world slaps them in the face one day...trust me. Regardless, I respect your take on this.

Maybe I'll do more shooting this year...

Sounds good to me...

 

[Hungry Seagull]

I recall my History Teacher.

Unfortunately I was (Thanks to my Father...) aware of our Nation's great past and process of getting to where we have been and are now. I enjoy History.

I took a great deal of teasing from the rest of the class who only saw it as 50 minutes of clock watching hell before lunch. But my Teacher stayed the course, and didnt stop. To this day, I think the teacher just loved the subject sooo much that just telling the stories was satisfaction enough regardless of the assigned audience.

We did go on a field trip to Antietiam as part of the class. For me it was rich with various units engaging in various parts of the battle time/space and sitaution while the rest of the children simply saw it as a large recess.

I recall the woods near the Dunkard Church as a place where survivors rallied and desperately tried to warn thier comrades coming up the hill to form into battle line because just over the hill and out of sight were several enemy regiments only they were in the corn and could not be seen until they were almost upon the small church itself. My class mates were incapable of forming this concept.

What a scene it must have been.

Im not trying to derail the topic. But I dont know when to keep big mouth shut so forgive me for throwing my two bits into the pot.

 

[psyopspec]

What add-ons will actually enhance my odds of coming out on top in a middle of the night Home defense senario?

Training and practice.

 

[Mr.warp]

Suggestions for HD shotguns.

Hi, yes I am new. To the forum and guns (of my own) in general. I was raised around them enough to learn to respect them as tools for protection and survival. Though I likely have only shot 1500 rounds in my life time. My knowledge of handguns and rifles is extremely limited. I have no qualms admitting that and really look forward to learning from the community.

That being said, I am getting married next year (we already have a home together) and currently I have a .22 marlin rifle purchased a few years ago to help my grandfather take care of his "p-dog" problems.

I am very sure that I will be investing in a Shotgun for HD in the next 6-12 months. I would love ANY and all suggestions as well as any other HD or personal defense (via in the car or carried as I am seeking out the proper permits in my state).

Also as a side question, my fiancee (Erika) is very nervious with a gun in her own hands. She has only shot rifles as a kid and doesn't want something for herself that is too noisy and easy for her to handle. A handgun is ideal and she is going to go to the shoot range with me (once we fine one for her) to learn how to handle it if she ever had to (God willing none of us would have to).

Any thoughts?

 

[throdgrain]

Mr.warp.

Buy a shotgun you are going to SHOOT. A LOT!

One thing this forum has taught me is that home defence shotguns tends to be another way of saying "unfired shotguns I prance around with in my jockey shorts in the lounge"

Oh, and "take photos of that I post on the internet"

I seriously doubt a gun you have rarely fired will help you in a bad situation.

 

[inSight-NEO]

One thing this forum has taught me is that home defence shotguns tends to be another way of saying "unfired shotguns I prance around with in my jockey shorts in the lounge"

True. Simply owning a weapon does not necessarily mean one is then prepared for any HD encounter.

Then again, some of us actually fire (and are familiar with) our HD weapon of choice.

Anyway...to Mr.Warp-

The "typical" HD shotgun, IMHO, usually will sport a barrel ranging from 18" to 20" (either Cylinder bore or Improved Cylinder). Anything shorter and you may have to deal "special" licensing and/or possible legality issues (depending on your state laws). Also, a simple front bead sight (or possibly a tritium equipped bead sight) is nice for HD as well. In terms of brand, well thats up to you. Generally speaking, it seems that Mossberg and Remington shotguns are the most popular when considering such needs as HD.

Now, if you want to both hunt and protect yourself and your family, I would consider owning two barrels (this will somewhat depend on which brand/model of shotgun you choose); one for hunting, one for HD. Either that or just buy two guns....

Also as a side question, my fiancee (Erika) is very nervious with a gun in her own hands. She has only shot rifles as a kid and doesn't want something for herself that is too noisy and easy for her to handle. A handgun is ideal and she is going to go to the shoot range with me (once we fine one for her) to learn how to handle it if she ever had to (God willing none of us would have to).

Any thoughts?

Since starting out with a shotgun may be out of the question (to her), I might think of a .38 revolver or possibly a 9mm semi-auto for starters. Of course, most weapons of decent caliber will be "noisy" and have a bit of kick, but these two probably wont nearly as much so as say, a .357 Magnum (which I happen to love).

Point is...just try introducing your wife to various handgun "types" (revolvers, semi-automatics) and their respective calibers. Most gun ranges should have the option of renting various types of weapons. Then, let her take it from there and decide what works best for her. Certainly try to offer a "polite" education to her regarding firearms, to the best of your current ability, but dont press things too much or she just may no longer consider this stuff "fun."

Then, later on (as I did with my wife), you can introduce her to the world of the shotguns.

BTW- Both of these topics have been covered numerous times. Therefore, you should be able to find a wealth of knowledge and information (and yes, many more opinions) regarding these topics. Take care.....

 

[Mr.warp]

Thank you.

Thanks for the helpful pointers, I do realize my question was a bit off topic but while at work and wanting to ask while I still had the question in my mind I thought best to get it out in something that seemed semi current.

Noise like that has tends to make her shy away from anything I have noticed..
I would almost (because of her nature) suggest her to at least consider a modern Derringer just something she could slip into even her evening purse?


How ever as to shotguns, the seems to stand a lot of sense.
I guess now it is going to be up to me finding what feels right in my hands more or less.

 

[Maverick223]

My choice for HD is this Saiga 12...not finished yet...still waiting on parts. The only thing better than a good old "ka-chook" is a nice "ka-clink" from an the loosely fit bolt of an AK. Also, I highly recommend a flashlight and tape switch as shown, as it makes a great fast-target-acquisition, close range sight and is good for identification as well.

P.S.: The red residue on the gun is not rust...you ever wonder what a slug does to a brick wall (or what is behind one)...I no longer do

 

[Pun1sher]

hey maverick, where did you get the light for that? I plan to use mine for HD too.

P.s. did you you use rust-oleum on the polymer?

 

[Maverick223]

where did you get the light for that

It's just a Surefire 6P with a tape switch added. The mounts are two cheap 1" scope rings. The pic. rail forearm was ordered from DPH Arms.

P.s. did you you use rust-oleum on the polymer?

Yeah, that brick dust got everywhere, good old 12Ga makes quick work of a wall though (hope my neighbor won't mind ).

 

[Pun1sher]

Wow thanks man, that's a good site. Lots of good stuff on there, and all in stock!

 

[Maverick223]

Wow thanks man, that's a good site. Lots of good stuff on there, and all in stock!

NP, they sell pretty decent stuff, had good customer service, and pretty quick shipping; so they are GTG. Less than perfect service out of Miss. Auto Arms though (order from 4+ mo. ago still has not shipped, even after parts are in stock...getting aggravated).

 

[ScareyH22A]

mmmm... mint Milanos


forend with picatinny rails + 1" rings + SureFire flashlight on weak arm side = easy thumb access and no need for night sights as it lights up the bead just fine.

 

[ScareyH22A]

It is in fact a rail but I don't notice it. If anything, it acts as a grip. The whole forend is actually less slippery than my old Speedfeed Law Enforcement forend which I thought was the be-all end-all of forends. Also, by the receiver, the grip gets wider which eliminates slip while racking. And believe me, I wouldn't put it on my shotgun unless it's completely functional. The main reason I changed my forend is because I like the wider girth, better grip, and I could remove the heavy aluminum Mesa Tactical barrel and magazine mount rail system. The added benefit of placing the light on the forend instead of up forward near the tip of the barrel is moving the weight towards center mass. It feels much lighter and is easier to maneuver. I'd change the light to something smaller and lighter too but I had this light lying around for years and thought I'd put it on the shotgun since it wasn't being used for anything.

 

[Maverick223]

I am not going to count on some burnt brain junkie to recognize the sound of a pump being charged to get their attention

And if they do that usually signals a "primal instinct" that it is about time to leave, with a duck and a weave.

I wouldn't want anything in the way of me pumping my gun.

I can't get mine to pump worth nothin'

 

[scottishclaymore]

Well, as it happens I am running an 8-shot Mossberg Maverick Security that I take shooting at least twice a month, and more when I can afford it. Nothing fancy, but it's reliable. To the chagrin of many people here I have purchased and currently have it outfitted with a topfolding stock -- this is because it gets toted places in a bag and just wouldn't fit with a regular stock, though I'd rather have one of those for most applications. Folding stock also has a shell carrier on it -- not because I am worried about needing more than 8 rounds, but because I carry a few slugs on there for urban instances where the range could possibly exceed 25 Yards.

It's a good gun and I have had at least one occasion to be very grateful for having it with me.

 

[scottishclaymore]

Here's a couple of pictures:



And folded:



And finally, in my "Tennis Racket" bag, which is the whole reason I put a folding stock on it to begin with: