Ideal defensive/patroll/buggout shotgun?

[swampcrawler]

What would you guys choose? Imagine having to leave home for supplies, fuel, medical help, ect durring a disaster/riot type sittiation. (probably unrealistic, but I live in south louisiana and hurricane suck)

What shotgun would you choose and how would it be set up? My current defensive shotgun is just a cut down 870 express, but I'm thinking of eventually upgrading to a police magnum/wingmaster, or maybe an old beretta 1200fp.

I know a carbine would do well or maybe even better in this kind of sittiation but I love defensive shotguns and believe in there capability. Just virtuous as to what you guys would be packing around

 

[Fred Fuller]

Solo or with company?

Alone, I'd not carry a shotgun in those circumstances, if I had a choice. With company that can handle larger numbers/longer ranges, if that's all I had or could get, maybe.

Shotguns are great for fixed defensive situations at relatively short range where relatively limited numbers of assailants are likely. Anything else, I want a magazine fed carbine or rifle, given a choice.

 

[bluekouki86]

I'm with Fred. Give me a m4/ak/m14 over any shotgun. The shotgun just lacks medium to long range capabilities that you would need with the unknown. With a range of 0-600 meters its hard to beat a .223 or similar.

Now with that said, I'd take my 870 for several reasons. First is ease of operation, anybody age 10+ can operate one. Second would be the massive availability of replacement parts due in part to everybody under the sun owning one. Third would be its proven reliability.

 

[MCgunner]

You know, hurricanes, unless you live in New Orleans (a third world city), never warranted a shotgun as mandatory for my evacuations. I have run from quite a few storms, usually took ALL 20 of my long guns and 20 (roughly over the years) handguns because I didn't want 'em ripped off if my house was flattened. I wasn't unarmed, but didn't take ammo for most of 'em. Last storm I ran from was Ike, ran to my buddy's house/farm north of Waco. I've moved since then, inland, no longer need to run from storms. My old home was across the street from Lavaca Bay, not a safe place to be in a bad storm. The town was only 12K souls.

Everyone quotes NO and Katrina as an example of what WILL happen. Well, first of all, GET THE HECK out when they tell ya to, but NO is a special case. Most towns pull together and help each other out after a storm. I went through Carla as a kid. My grandpa had the only working water well in our community, was his irrigation well, shallow well, and had a gasoline powered pump on it. We supplied water for everyone on our road after Carla, had to boil it to be safe, but it was water! Our house got some water, wood floors were warped for years, but no structural damage. Everyone in the area pulled together to help each other out. We never thought about shooting anyone. Heck, we didn't have locks on the doors and we didn't have AC, so windows were always open and, normal times, the attic fan was on, night and day in summer.

Yeah, it's a different time, but I live out in the woods now on a small place with small acreages around me. It's 80 miles from Houston, so there's lots of Houston folks buying up acreage around here for their "bug out" destinations. It's run the price of land up unbelievably. We got our place as a HUD foreclosure dirt cheap. So, we are already bugged out.

I don't really believe in "prepping". I'm prepped, anyway, ammo, guns for hunting and CCWs, a generator and a travel trailer in case the lights go out in a storm. Country boys will survive. I believe any advice you get on a shotgun for "bug out" is totally opinion made up on fantasy speculation. There are no hard and fast rules. These scenarios are dreamed up so a husband can justify buying a tacticool firearm to his wife. THAT is MHO. If you want a shotgun, BUY one. Nothing is more versatile in the field or in the house or anywhere than an affordable pump shotgun. Get one with a short barrel for home duties and a long barrel for hunting/foraging if you think you can hunt for food without starving to death in an EOTW scenario. Me, I've got chickens, a pig trap, deer, lots of small game, a coon trap, even a tank with bass in it, and we're working on the garden situation. I'll make it no matter what. I'm already "bugged out". And, the shotgun might lack 600 yard effectiveness, but I don't figure I'm justified in killing a man at 600 yards regardless of the situation.

 

[jmr40]

A carbine length AR is 10x better for your uses. The gun you have is as good as any of you insist on a shotgun. Spend money on ammo instead of upgrades.

 

[Kingcreek]

The 870 with 20" barrel and a mag extension and sling would be ideal in my opinion.
BTW, I thought tornadoes suck and hurricanes blow.

 

[VegasAR15]

I have a 500, 870 express, 870 wingmasters, had an FN Herstal Tactical Police Shotgun and a few others that wouldn't really consider for defense purposes shut as a Browning A5 and some single shots. My absolute favorite shotgun and the one I would use for such a situation IF I chose a shotgun, my converted Saiga 12.

Sure a carbine would be better for longer range, but let's be honest with ourselves people, what are the chances of you shooting people out to 5-600 yards, even 100 yards. If you are a civilian taking those shots you are probably not going to be justified in court later. I think my Saiga 12 would handle anyone that I should legally be engaging and with quick reloads and higher capacity magazines and/or drums I am not worried about loading one by one into a tube for reloads.

 

[MCgunner]

In Texas, not all states, carrying a long gun in the truck loaded is not illegal and during the recent trial aftermath from the case we all heard about unless we were in Antarctica at the time, if I were traveling in the city, a short, maneuverable shotgun would be good insurance carried in the truck. This isn't really an EOTWAWKI scenario, but a civil unrest thing. I know of few weapons that can persuade a person to stop aggression without a shot, but the shotgun comes closest. Me, I have faith in my little coach gun. I ain't a tactical kinda guy and two rounds and a butt cuff full are just as good as a pump when facing down 50 or 100 in an angry mob. The coach gun sure is portable and I can back it up with handguns on my person.

 

[oneounceload]

Having lived through back-to-back-to-back-to-back hurricanes in 2004, I hunker down, board up the windows and wait it out. We got a lot of rain, a lot of wind, saw a LOT of old oaks get toppled, but there was no looting or NO type of behavior. Most folks are too busy trying to assess and salvage their home scene to go about robbing folks. Every neighborhood is different, as is every storm situation, but if, after the storm has passed, and you are now trying to go get some ice, a handgun will serve you just fine

 

[yzguy87]

If I had to choose a shotgun it would be a Saiga 12. I have a Mossberg 500 that is great but I like the option of semi auto. Especially if I was threatened.

 

[scramasax]

For self defense against looters/bandits any longarm will do. A shotgun is still probably the best for a defensive scenario. It doesn't matter pump/auto/double barrel. Because the myth is still common about the effectiveness of the "scattergun" Cut you in half, don't have to aim etc. It is still one of the most effective antipersonnel arms extant but does have its limitations. I have been well served by an 870 for over 30 years. My dad has been just as satisfied with an A5.

For travel now I normally carry a Marlin carbine in .357 along with two S&W revolvers in the same caliber and A Winchester md.12 that I have lately found and tuned. I feel that these will fulfill any reasonably possible needs I might have and are mostly socially acceptable most places. Also I must admit that the setup is retro cool.

There are so many good options . Any good carbine by definition is handy fast to action and effective with the right choice of ammo be it lever action/auto or pump would be my first choice. Lighter weight ammo for portability as well. But remember that any long arm is a liability in normal work and social interaction.

That is why you must always have a handgun. Be armed but not overtly. This makes
you either a threat or a target.

That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

Cheers,

ts

 

[waterhouse]

I wouldn't choose a shotgun, but If I did it would be my 21" Benelli m2 because it is my 3gun shotgun and I have the most practice reloading it quickly.

 

[mac66]

Since the OP specifically asked what SHOTGUN you would take my answer is a basic 25 year old Mossberg 500 with 18" bbl on it and fitted with a sling. I have a Saiga 12 which is cool but cumbersome and an 870 which is just too pretty to lug about in an emergency. I also have some singles and doubles but my 500 is good all around utility shotgun used to rough treatment.

 

[swampcrawler]

Lots of good info here. I love this sight due to the relatively real-world down to earth kind of guys here.

I agree that ever needing a long gun, or even a handgun, is minuscule. But I'd rather spend a lifetime with one behind the seat, than ever have that "If only I had a..." moment. And I'm not planning on charging into the corner store after a thunderstorm with a long gun and tac vest.

So now It looks like the thing to do is keep my 870, my HK45 (need to buy more mags for that) and pick up either a nice 357 lever (I absolutely love them) or the DDm4 iv been drooling on.

 

[MattShlock]

Versatility

My choice would be what's versatile. To me this means a 12 ga. Mossberg 590 Special Purpose (not heavy A1) with a Poly-Choked barrel. 8+1+4 with the factory SpeedFeed stock and I can change the range/pattern with the flick of a wrist. Different ammo is important for that versatility too. So, a little #6 shot with some rifled slugs and alotta #1 Buckshot. Good to go to at least 100 yards and devastating capability through them.

This 5+1+4+5 Poly-Choked Mossberg 500 is just a smaller version...

 

[Speedo66]

You're probably better off with a concealed pistol. Or maybe a Keltec Sub2K in a computer bag.

If the last major disruption was any indicator, forget long guns, the authorities (police, National Guard), will disarm you on sight.

 

[JAshley73]

I kind of chuckle every time I see one of these threads. My answer is always the same.

I'd take my 12g Beretta A303, a flat of bird shot, and a couple cases of white-flyers along too. If the zombies let-up long enough for a game of trap, I could still get a round or two in. I mean hey, if the world's coming to an end, why not have some fun before you go?

And I live next to a cemetery, so a Zombie Apocalypse could literally be 'right next door'...

 

[wunderkind]

Mossberg 500, 18.5" bbl, sidesaddle, 12" Hogue LOP stock, sling w/loops for some extra rounds. 400.00 or so new, significantly less if you can find a deal on a used Mossberg.

 

[ICE1210]

If you know the 870, stick with it. There are reasons that gun has been riding around in Police Cruisers for 30 years.

 

[Deer_Freak]

I would choose a mossberg 500. I have owned one for over 40 years. I know I can keep it running. There is no gun that is more popular. I am sure I will be able to find pieces of a Mossberg 500 in an abandoned house, barn, or some form of shelter.

Yes, Mossberg has upgraded/downgraded the 500 over the years. But the parts can be fitted or made to work in another 500 with nothing more than a whetstone and a file.

 

[JSH1]

I would take the gun you currently own. I can't see buying a gun specifically for such a low probability event.

 

[OptimusPrime]

I would take the gun you currently own. I can't see buying a gun specifically for such a low probability event.

I'm with JSH, love the one you're with.
The scenarios are so widespread that it almost defies perfect planning. Adapt and overcome. Carry a pistol, put your shotgun over your shoulder, and things should work out just fine. For me it's a Mossberg 500 12 gauge. Pocketful of buck on the left, pocketful of slugs on the right, and let's go find some gasoline.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

I shoot my Mossberg 500 a lot as I belong to a trap league. I'd be hard pressed to swap out the 28" barrel just because I'm so used to shooting it. I have a 590 for the house but its heavier and I'd likely take the 500.

To me it's less about the weapon and more about your comfort and familiarity at using it. I would even be ok if someone said they shoot their double barrel a ton and are most comfortable with it so that is what they would carry. Of course I assume we all would a pistol as well on us.

If I dint carry the shotgun, probably my next pick would be my 30-30 lever action since I shoot that a ton and feel confident with it out to 400 yards. Yes, a semi auto has lots of advantages over my lever action but I don't shoot the semis nearly as much as the lever.

 

[MCgunner]

So now It looks like the thing to do is keep my 870, my HK45 (need to buy more mags for that) and pick up either a nice 357 lever (I absolutely love them) or the DDm4 iv been drooling on.

Very versatile in the field and deadly for self defense. Plus, I just sit around and admire my Rossi every once in a while. It's 25 years old, one of my go to working guns around the place. Normally, I carry a light .38 handload for small game, heavy magnums kill hogs and deer. Not on the shotgun topic, but thought I'd toss that in since you seem to like 'em.

 

[swampcrawler]

Mcgunner, iv seen that picture elswhere on THR, and sent it to some friends to help with my "I want a Rossi" argument. Thats what a lever gun should look like.