Which shotgun for home defense?

[Jason_W]

The Benelli M2 Tactical is in the same general price range as the FN. It's recoil operated meaning there are no gas tubes to get gunked up.

 

[Mainsail]

.... it needs to be cleaned every 300 rounds.

Go answer the phone, Reality is calling.

Do you really think a citizen defending his or her home will fire enough shells to foul a shotgun to the point it will become unreliable?

I'm not at war. I'm not a soldier. I'm not a cop. I'm just a regular guy that enjoys shooting and would defend myself and my home with a firearm if need be. 98% of everyone else on here is likely the same.

I'm not tactical, and all the ridiculousness these days has made me anti-tactical. For what are you preparing?

 

[oneounceload]

Originally Posted by Sheepdog1968 View Post
.... it needs to be cleaned every 300 rounds.

So clean it; it isn't hard

 

[I6turbo]

I'm not particularly a semi-auto man except for HD or just messing around, but I've owned, shot, and been around fellow shooters with Auto-5s and Model 11s for most of my 50-year shooting life. I don't recall ever having witnessed a jam with either of these guns despite having personally fired or witnessed several thousand rounds through them. The Model 11 in question, I'm not sure it's been thoroughly cleaned in 40-50 years despite my Dad carrying it on rainy days in the quail patch 50 years ago (edited - time has gotten away from me - it's been longer than I realized!). It rarely gets fired these days but it still works normally.

IME, if someone is having reliability issues with a decent quality semi-auto shotgun, they are doing something wrong, feeding it some worse-quality ammo than I've ever used, or they are too jinxed for me to hang around with. Semi-auto shotguns have been dead-nuts reliable in my hands.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

If I had an M4 i. would clean it. I point it out in that a pump can easily go 1000 or 2000 rounds and still function. I don't expect to need that many rounds in home defense. It just means if you have the benelli M4, take it out training a few times, you will be up against the reliability limit round count. I also know some folks tend to be lazy with cleaning.

 

[2ndunamended]

I have an 870 HD with an extension and side saddle. That said, I've recently considered the Moss 930, primarily because I'd prefer at semi at this point to complement my handguns and bullpup.

I used to subscribe to the idea of the pump sound being the warning to a bad guy. But now I'd rather just use my voice as the warning followed by the sound of double aught enforcing my domicile sovereignty.

 

[justice06rr]

If I had an M4 i. would clean it. I point it out in that a pump can easily go 1000 or 2000 rounds and still function. I don't expect to need that many rounds in home defense. It just means if you have the benelli M4, take it out training a few times, you will be up against the reliability limit round count. I also know some folks tend to be lazy with cleaning

While the Benelli M4 is very nice, its quite over-priced for a shotgun that does the same thing as many other shotguns do. The average price for an M4 in my area is about $1500 (cheaper elsewhere/online I'm sure).

The Mossberg 930 or Rem1100 can be had for under $800 easily. I doubt most normal casual users will shoot 300rds; 1000 is unusual unless you do 3-gun or shotgun events. Shotguns don't require much cleaning unless you shoot in high-round count or dirty conditions to begin with.

My Saiga12 has never been cleaned after hundreds of flawless rounds since I've owned it, although it is an AK-type piston design.

 

[JAshley73]

ATN0822686 - Which one did you go with? (Seeing as this thread is several months old now...)

I echo the other members who don't understand the recommendation to use a pump-gun for self-defense... My concealed-carry pistol is a semi-auto, and while it carries a really good reputation for being a reliable gun, once at the range, it jammed on me. Following the logic of most everyone's advice here, I should chuck it, and go pick up a single-action revolver instead... Likewise, we should all ditch our AR-15's and pick up some bolt-rifles as well...

I can remember my semi-auto shotgun only failing to feed a new round, only twice in about 2000 rounds... Both times, the front of the shell caught the mouth of the chamber, and didn't feed in. Both times, cycling the charging-handle was all that was needed to feed the offending round in and go "bang". 1-in-1000 isn't too bad if you ask me... It has never failed to eject a shell.

I haven't spent much time with a pump-gun, but I doubt I could go through 2000 rounds with only two screw-ups with the pump. Not that it couldn't be done I guess, but hopefully everyone gets the idea...

--------------------------

Back to the original post - If the original poster hasn't made a decision yet, then my advice would be to see which one "fits" best, and by that I mean most comfortably. They won't all feel/fit the same. The "quick-n-dirty" is, that the Remington & Beretta will fit the same, but different than the Mossberg & FN ( and Winchester & Browning FWIW...). My experience is that Remington, Beretta & Benelli's stock dimensions are all very similar, but different than Winchester, Browning, FN & Mossberg - who's stock dimensions are also similar to each other. My guess is that one of these two groups will "fit/feel" good, but not the other group. That doesn't mean that there's anything wrong with any of them, they're just "different."

It sounds like each of the guns listed are quality guns. The only other guns that I would add to the group would be a Benelli M2, a Versamax, and a Beretta A300 as a cheaper option. And my other point of advise, would be to skip the short barrel, and go for a more conventional 28" barrel, so that you could get some more "practice" in on the clays range. If you have intentions of using this gun on a 3-gun range, or even on private land doing the same "3-gun" type practice shooting, then skip the 28" barrel advise, and just go for what "fits/feels" best.

And oneounceload's point about the 9-shots adding a lot of weight & bulk to the swing is right-on. Make sure that you can still "move" the gun with all that extra weight up front...

All the best.

 

[browningguy]

Any of the ones in the OP will do the job. Personally I use a Benelli M2.

 

[ATN082268]

ATN0822686 - Which one did you go with? (Seeing as this thread is several months old now...)

I echo the other members who don't understand the recommendation to use a pump-gun for self-defense... My concealed-carry pistol is a semi-auto, and while it carries a really good reputation for being a reliable gun, once at the range, it jammed on me. Following the logic of most everyone's advice here, I should chuck it, and go pick up a single-action revolver instead... Likewise, we should all ditch our AR-15's and pick up some bolt-rifles as well...

I can remember my semi-auto shotgun only failing to feed a new round, only twice in about 2000 rounds... Both times, the front of the shell caught the mouth of the chamber, and didn't feed in. Both times, cycling the charging-handle was all that was needed to feed the offending round in and go "bang". 1-in-1000 isn't too bad if you ask me... It has never failed to eject a shell.

I haven't spent much time with a pump-gun, but I doubt I could go through 2000 rounds with only two screw-ups with the pump. Not that it couldn't be done I guess, but hopefully everyone gets the idea...

--------------------------

Back to the original post - If the original poster hasn't made a decision yet, then my advice would be to see which one "fits" best, and by that I mean most comfortably. They won't all feel/fit the same. The "quick-n-dirty" is, that the Remington & Beretta will fit the same, but different than the Mossberg & FN ( and Winchester & Browning FWIW...). My experience is that Remington, Beretta & Benelli's stock dimensions are all very similar, but different than Winchester, Browning, FN & Mossberg - who's stock dimensions are also similar to each other. My guess is that one of these two groups will "fit/feel" good, but not the other group. That doesn't mean that there's anything wrong with any of them, they're just "different."

It sounds like each of the guns listed are quality guns. The only other guns that I would add to the group would be a Benelli M2, a Versamax, and a Beretta A300 as a cheaper option. And my other point of advise, would be to skip the short barrel, and go for a more conventional 28" barrel, so that you could get some more "practice" in on the clays range. If you have intentions of using this gun on a 3-gun range, or even on private land doing the same "3-gun" type practice shooting, then skip the 28" barrel advise, and just go for what "fits/feels" best.

And oneounceload's point about the 9-shots adding a lot of weight & bulk to the swing is right-on. Make sure that you can still "move" the gun with all that extra weight up front...

All the best.

Sorry for the delay in posting updates. I went with the Mossberg 930 and bought a bunch of ammo to practice with. I plan on using 00 Buckshot for the bulk of my home defense shotgun ammunition. I am in the beginning stages of my gun collection and there's a pretty good chance I will pick up one of the other choices in this poll somewhere down the road. I do appreciate everyone's input. Thank you.

 

[Bobson]

Let's walk through a hypothetical scenario where you'd need the shotgun in the first place. This might not be how it would play out in your home, and maybe that's something you should work on, or maybe not. I like the end result of this scenario, and it's easy to implement processes to increase odds that it plays out this way:

Something goes bump in the night. You wake up. You wake your spouse and tell her to take shelter in predetermined location. You grab your shotgun. You hit a master switch activating every light in the home. Wife is already dialing 911. Dog is barking. Children are awake and enroute to your room, from their rooms just next to yours. Everyone is in your room within moments, and door is closed/locked. You hunker down from defensive position and train shotgun on door, knowing everyone loved is behind you, and potential threat will come from that door, or not at all.

You wait. Threat knows his presence is known, and either vacates premises or is free to steal your stuff until cops arrive. Either way, you and your family are safe. The end.

Doesn't get much better than that. Now, does it matter what shotgun you armed yourself with?

Edit: I see you made a decision. Well done. Happy trails. Focus on your plan and your process. Gun's not much good without a plan.

 

[Candyman87]

I find it strange how many people rely on semi-auto handguns for self defense (carry) or home defense, yet feel that a pump is the logical choice for a HD shotgun. It seems to me whatever logic it is that dictates a pump shotgun would require a single-action revolver in a handgun?

For me the last (and only) time my 11-87 jammed, I had to completely disassemble the gun to clear the jam. Because of that its being relegated to skeet and trap use. The only thing that dies if it jams there is my ego.

Now dollar for dollar you can get a more reliable pump than a semi auto under $500 for an HD gun. I think that's why pumps are prevalent. A lot of people want something that is going to go bang every time without dropping and arm and a leg for reliability.

 

[jprem223]

Just want to add on , not rebuild.

Hello all, I have a rem. Sportsman 12,3" mag. Will 870 parts be interchangeable with it, im talking stocks, feed tube and the like want to change to home defense it now has 18" deer bbl w/changeable tubes, but stock, stock.(no pun intended)thanks jp

 

[Odd Job]

Wish we could get the SLP in the UK

I agree. When I researched semi-auto 12g shotguns, that was the one at the top of my list.
Apparently the barrel is 2" too short for us here.

I agree with others who recommend the semi-auto route.

I took a number of shotgun courses in South Africa, with 12g pumps. Everything was fine until there was an unexpected event, such as the instructor shooting the ground a few feet ahead of us whilst we were taking cover behind some barricades. At that point I short cycled the pump. There were other unexpected events in those courses where each of us short cycled the pump.

If the pump isn't used a lot and if you don't know how you will react under stress, there is the risk of a short cycle. From my experience, I would get the most reliable semi there is...

 

[Mainsail]

ATN0822686
I echo the other members who don't understand the recommendation to use a pump-gun for self-defense... My concealed-carry pistol is a semi-auto...

I agree. When I researched semi-auto 12g shotguns, that was the one at the top of my list.
Apparently the barrel is 2" too short for us here.

I short cycled the pump. There were other unexpected events in those courses where each of us short cycled the pump.

If the pump isn't used a lot and if you don't know how you will react under stress, there is the risk of a short cycle. From my experience, I would get the most reliable semi there is...

This is what I say whenever this topic comes up, either in the forums or in conversation.

It's not just short-cycling the pump either- under stress it's not uncommon to completely forget to pump the gun. At the range with only light artificial stress (shoot several targets fast) I found myself aiming, pull the trigger- boom, aim, pull the trigger- nothing.... When I asked myself how on earth I cold forget to pump the gun I realized that ALL my defense guns are auto loading, only the lone shotgun (my go-to home defense gun) was manually operated.

I asked my dealer about several of the big-name brands of semis and he strongly recommended one I had never even heard of; the SLP, so I went with that in its short configuration. The short 18" length is MUCH easier to maneuver than my old heavy 590A1. I've added the tri-rail with a lightweight light on the front. I've purposely avoided the addition of other tactical accessories, just the light on the business end and a 4-shell holder on the stock.

I'm curious to know why the SLP isn't allowed in some places.

 

[moe.ron]

Mossberg 590, A1, never even fired it, I should probably fix that.

I wish I didn't always have to go to the range and I could just go out and play.

 

[george burns]

Here is what I learned. I have been carrying for 45 years, owned 2 shotguns, a BPS and a Beneili pump.. The only time I used it , "the BPS" was when I used to shoot birds. Other than that, they both sat in the closet collecting dust. I have had robberies, a home invasion 30 yrs. ago, and never had the time or incantation to go get the shotgun when I had a pistol or two right next to me or in my pocket.
This idea that you will shoot your way to where the shotgun or rifle is, most times is not really practicle. I would bet that your shotgun is going to sit in the closet for 10 years when you could have bought something that you might actually use every day.
I may be completely wrong, but I know a lot of guys with nice shotguns that they take out to show company, and never shot.
Do you enjoy shooting shotguns, because a HD shotgun is just that, the barrel is too short at 18.5 inches to use for clay or skeet, so it's a man eater, that's it.
Or get a good $300 pump and call it a day, that way you have one, and won't feel bad if you don't really ever use it.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

There is one advantage to having a semi auto. That is the ability to shoot it one handed and have it reload itself so you can shoot again. Loui Awerbuck used to say that their is a good chance you might need your other hand to carry or guide your family. Having said that, whether you want a pump or semi auto, is a personal choice. It doesn't matter much which you have if it is using for busting clays or hunting birds. For home defense, you just need to make sure it is reliable and keep them much cleaner than you do a pump. If you are the kind of person who doesn't change your furnace filter or take care of your lawnmower, etc then maybe a semi auto isn't the best tool for you.

I'm glad you picked one and I hope it works well for you. I really do. If you have a chance, take it to a multi day shotgun defensive firearms class such as Gunsite and learn its strengths and weaknesses.

Based on my training and likes dislikes, I've made my choices on what I use for self defense and what I practice with. Your choices could be completely different and that's fine.

Mostly just take the shotgun out and shoot it and have fun. When you get about 1000 rounds through it, please give us a range report.

 

[sappyg]

Since my wife told me that I can't hide my "machine gun" behind the piano anymore I'm having a similar delima. That is, should I move the downstairs shotgun upstairs and keep the upstairs shotgun downstairs? Both are identical except one has an extended mag. Both together cost less than any SA shotgun available and both get used regular.

I think we need to get rid of that dang piano personally but it's still a good place to hide a pistol if not a "machine gun"

 

[MCgunner]

 

[justice06rr]

There is one advantage to having a semi auto. That is the ability to shoot it one handed and have it reload itself so you can shoot again. Loui Awerbuck used to say that their is a good chance you might need your other hand to carry or guide your family. Having said that, whether you want a pump or semi auto, is a personal choice. It doesn't matter much which you have if it is using for busting clays or hunting birds. For home defense, you just need to make sure it is reliable and keep them much cleaner than you do a pump. If you are the kind of person who doesn't change your furnace filter or take care of your lawnmower, etc then maybe a semi auto isn't the best tool for you.

I'm glad you picked one and I hope it works well for you. I really do. If you have a chance, take it to a multi day shotgun defensive firearms class such as Gunsite and learn its strengths and weaknesses.

Based on my training and likes dislikes, I've made my choices on what I use for self defense and what I practice with. Your choices could be completely different and that's fine.

Mostly just take the shotgun out and shoot it and have fun. When you get about 1000 rounds through it, please give us a range report.

Good points Sheepdog.

In the end, it boils down to your training and preference. Both have pro's and con's.

What I suggest to everyone is try doing a Multi-gun class e.g. 3Gun event. I've done it a few times and it will really show you how to use your pistol, rifle, and shotgun in different scenarios. You will also be able to streamline your firearm setup based on your needs and preference.

 

[Tony617]

I have an 18" SLP and fired almost 1100 rounds out of it. I only shoot 9 pellet 00 buckshot or slugs with a velocity of 1325 FPS or greater. I have light and side saddle as well.

 

[2zulu1]

I cant pick any of the above semi autos as the only semi that I have seen about a dozen different folks use in shotgun classes that has been utterly reliable is the benelli M4. Even then it needs to be cleaned every 300 rounds.

You've taken a considerable number of classes in order to witness all of the "above" fail.

 

[2zulu1]

I have an 18" SLP and fired almost 1100 rounds out of it. I only shoot 9 pellet 00 buckshot or slugs with a velocity of 1325 FPS or greater. I have light and side saddle as well.

View attachment 216569

View attachment 216570

Mine has been totally reliable too, with the C-MORE on top, I'm consistently hitting pop cans at 20-25 yards, Federal OO buck flight control. Even skinny 9 year-olds hit their targets with this combination and they don't dislocate their shoulder in doing so.

What are your thoughts on the SLP's forward shell ejecting while shooting left handed?

 

[plumberroy]

I agree with the semi-automatic route in general, and especially if a person who hasn't trained extensively with a pump might be the user. Heck, I've seen quail and turtle doves surprise shotgunners into short-stroking or no-stroking pump guns. It's not hard to imagine the brain freeze that a home intruder might cause.

This excuse still blows my mind!!! Over 40 years of shooting . I have never done it. Still don't understand how you can mess up fire, pull back till it stops! push forward till it stops! fire repeat as necessary
Never seen and auto shotgun I would bet my life on if a pump was available.
I am a believer in using the same gun system for everything I may use a different barrel length choke etc the more you use a gun the better you get with it .
My utility gun (bedside for intruders, critters in the chickens, bag a bunny or tree rat for the pot gun) is a 18.5 barreled fixed modified choke 870
Roy