Shotgun Thread

SoonerAviator

SoonerAviator

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SoonerAviator
I know we’ve had some replies in a few threads talking about good “survival” weapons/guns. I’m looking to find a nice hunting gun for all-around bird hunting but to also use as a home-protection weapon during the non-hunting seasons.

Figured something akin to a Remington 870 Wingmaster 28” and a spare 18.5” tactical barrel to keep on it when not hunting. Any suggestions to something similar? I’ll admit my knowledge of shotguns is pretty much non-existent, but I’d want something capable of 3” shells and the 870 has been made longer than I’ve been alive.
 
You can't go wrong with a Remington 870 or Mossberg 500........you're 2 barrel idea is good
 
kgruber said:
You can't go wrong with a Remington 870 or Mossberg 500........you're 2 barrel idea is good
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I've seen the Mossberg 500 mentioned several times by friends as well. As mentioned, I don't know enough about scatterguns to know which is "better", or if I need to look at a step up from the R870/M500 for the hunting side of it. I'm sure they both do just fine in terms of sending material downrange in a residential home where targets are probably less than 15yds away at most. I'd be more concerned about going through the walls with 00 buckshot, but in my home it's a pretty negligible risk due to the layout of the house and the bedrooms.
 
That beautiful boom stick on the right is a Remington 1187 and the one on the left is a mossberg 500 20g. While I love my remi I have to admit, the sound of racking the mossberg is intimidating enough.

9b8716792515ffd867831a7dc3c4ca97.jpg
 
The ones I’ve got are old models so I can’t speak to the new production but my go to shotgun has become the Ithaca Model 37. I’ve got a duck/trap and a slug version and I love them both. Perfect shotgun for me, reliable action, lightweight, and very enjoyable to shoot.
 
cowman said:
The ones I’ve got are old models so I can’t speak to the new production but my go to shotgun has become the Ithaca Model 37. I’ve got a duck/trap and a slug version and I love them both. Perfect shotgun for me, reliable action, lightweight, and very enjoyable to shoot.
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I've always love the look of some of the old over/under models. There have been a few older Brownings with some beautiful scroll work on the stock and receiver. However, they don't make particularly good home defense options, lol.
 
SoonerAviator said:
I've seen the Mossberg 500 mentioned several times by friends as well. As mentioned, I don't know enough about scatterguns to know which is "better", or if I need to look at a step up from the R870/M500 for the hunting side of it. I'm sure they both do just fine in terms of sending material downrange in a residential home where targets are probably less than 15yds away at most. I'd be more concerned about going through the walls with 00 buckshot, but in my home it's a pretty negligible risk due to the layout of the house and the bedrooms.
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Mossberg 500 over the Remington 870. Have shot both hundreds if not close to thousands of times, 500 hunting, 870 military/LE work. The Mossberg has a better location for the safety/slide release, IMHO. The 500 safety is on the top of the tang and the slide release at the rear of the trigger guard. The safety on the 870 is on the rear of the trigger guard and the slide release is at the front of the trigger guard. You don't want to be messing around the trigger guard for the safety while dark and half asleep. Plus over the past few years, the quality of Remington products have been somewhat iffy, but they have been getting better. You can get a good price on a package for the 500 that includes a rifled barrel for slug rounds and a straight barrel for regular shot shells.
 
The 870 is my pick. I love the look of the Remington 870 Marine Magnum.
 
Mossberg 500/590 with a mag extension is a good combo. Only problem with an Ithaca 37, is extending the mag tube. It requires moving the barrel lock. if you can find an Ithaca 37 riot gun, I'd jump on it. Love my 37's....bottom feed, bottom eject and the safety can be flipped for right or left shooters.
 
bflynn said:
The 870 is my pick. I love the look of the Remington 870 Marine Magnum.
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Yeah they always look slick with the chrome/black scheme. I'll probably go with the typical wood stock and black barrel since it would be easier to keep clean, lol.
 
Craig said:
Mossberg 500/590 with a mag extension is a good combo. Only problem with an Ithaca 37, is extending the mag tube. It requires moving the barrel lock. if you can find an Ithaca 37 riot gun, I'd jump on it. Love my 37's....bottom feed, bottom eject and the safety can be flipped for right or left shooters.
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Oddly enough, I'm left-handed for all intents and purposes (sports, handwriting, etc.), but have always shot pool and rifles off the right shoulder. Probably right-eye dominant or something I suppose.
 
JB1842 said:
Mossberg 500 over the Remington 870. Have shot both hundreds if not close to thousands of times, 500 hunting, 870 military/LE work. The Mossberg has a better location for the safety/slide release, IMHO. The 500 safety is on the top of the tang and the slide release at the rear of the trigger guard. The safety on the 870 is on the rear of the trigger guard and the slide release is at the front of the trigger guard. You don't want to be messing around the trigger guard for the safety while dark and half asleep. Plus over the past few years, the quality of Remington products have been somewhat iffy, but they have been getting better. You can get a good price on a package for the 500 that includes a rifled barrel for slug rounds and a straight barrel for regular shot shells.
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Very good info, and it's precisely the type of stuff I'm looking to understand on the differences between manufacturers/models. I mean, some guys will talk about how they like the way a certain gun "swings", but the technical location of critical items like safeties and slide release is probably of greater importance for my uses. Any thought to the semi-auto/pump and mag-fed options? I feel like the regular ol' pump is probably the simplest and least likely to have FTF issues vs semi-auto. The mag-fed seems a bit to "tactical"-looking for my tastes.
 
SoonerAviator said:
I've always love the look of some of the old over/under models. There have been a few older Brownings with some beautiful scroll work on the stock and receiver. However, they don't make particularly good home defense options, lol.
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I don't know about that. If you need more than 2 rounds of shot in your home... well, buddy, you got bigger problems.
 
I'm a big BIG fan of my Winchester SXP. Smoother than a Mossberg and tougher than a Remington in my opinion. I have the Turkey gun which is a 24" barrel, not too long for home defense and not too short to be used out in the field. It's my do-everything shotgun, great for slugs with the rifle sights, swap chokes and I'm shooting 24/25 in trap with it. My favorite shotgun I've ever owned.

cq5dam.web.835.835.jpeg
 
SoonerAviator said:
Very good info, and it's precisely the type of stuff I'm looking to understand on the differences between manufacturers/models. I mean, some guys will talk about how they like the way a certain gun "swings", but the technical location of critical items like safeties and slide release is probably of greater importance for my uses. Any thought to the semi-auto/pump and mag-fed options? I feel like the regular ol' pump is probably the simplest and least likely to have FTF issues vs semi-auto. The mag-fed seems a bit to "tactical"-looking for my tastes.
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It really depends on your use. I'm looking at getting a semi, but can't really justify it's use. I don't shoot a lot of clays, and haven't hunted waterfowl or birds in a couple of years. That's where semis shine. But I have been successful shooting/hunting all the above with a pump, and after years of practice you can get pretty damn fast with follow up shots with the pump. I've never shot a mag fed shotgun, and honestly I don't see the appeal besides trying to look tacti-cool. Reliability is rock solid in a pump.
 
DaleB said:
I don't know about that. If you need more than 2 rounds of shot in your home... well, buddy, you got bigger problems.
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Lol, true. However, I'd rather not entrust my families' welfare on the premise that I'm any sort of a crack shot. If there are two intruders, I better hope the second one runs after the first shot, or that I only need one shot each! However, if I rack all 5+1/6+1 shells and still have a problem it's probably because I really upset the local mob boss somehow (probably busted up his TP distribution ring).
 
SoonerAviator said:
Oddly enough, I'm left-handed for all intents and purposes (sports, handwriting, etc.), but have always shot pool and rifles off the right shoulder. Probably right-eye dominant or something I suppose.
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I'm left handed and only have one gun that is left hand dedicated. I also golf right, used to be able to switch hit back in the day, and shoot right hand pool if the shot needed it.
 
Well, all the shotguns in our safe date back to at least the 1960s. My Mossberg 500A (12 gauge, IC) and my wife's Winchester 1200 (20 gauge, modified). Then there's the Winchester 1897 (yes it is old enough to be labeled "1897", rather then "97") in 16 gauge, full choke that was my great grandfather's duck gun that works great, as well. Today, I'd probably get another barrel for the Mossberg for home defense. It would make a great backup for the 1911, AR-556, etc. :p
 
Both Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 are good and will do the job. I prefer the 870, but don’t own one. I own a Mossberg 500 that is reliable, but because of the lightweight, has pretty stout recoil.

For home use, I have a KelTec KSG with muzzle brake. I love the thing and with a limb saver, It’s completely comfortable to use. Plus with two tubes, I put shot into one, and slugs in the other. Plus as a bull pup design, perfect for home or CQB.
 
Ghery said:
Well, all the shotguns in our safe date back to at least the 1960s. My Mossberg 500A (12 gauge, IC) and my wife's Winchester 1200 (20 gauge, modified). Then there's the Winchester 1897 (yes it is old enough to be labeled "1897", rather then "97") in 16 gauge, full choke that was my great grandfather's duck gun that works great, as well. Today, I'd probably get another barrel for the Mossberg for home defense. It would make a great backup for the 1911, AR-556, etc. :p
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I have uncle who used to keep the coyotes at bay from his chicken coops with an old 16ga double-barrel (don't remember the brand, but it was probably pre-1930s). Seemed like a great all-around hunting/ranch gun.
 
I own a couple Remington 870, new and old, a Mossberg 500 and an assortment of others ... semi-autos, pumps, over/unders, etc ...
A friend of mine loves his KelTec ... I cringe at seeing the support hand so close to the muzzle...
I'm not an AR fanboy (even though I do own/have built a few) but I'm somewhat intrigued by Rock Island Armory's VR80
https://armscor.com/firearms/ria-imports/shotgun-series/shotguns-mag-fed-series/vr80/

The newer Benelli SuperNova look nice
 
cowman said:
The ones I’ve got are old models so I can’t speak to the new production but my go to shotgun has become the Ithaca Model 37. I’ve got a duck/trap and a slug version and I love them both. Perfect shotgun for me, reliable action, lightweight, and very enjoyable to shoot.
Click to expand...

Ditto on the Ithaca 37. Mine only has the long slug barrel, and it kept our freezer full of venison during an otherwise hungry period in our family's lives. A friend had the same gun with the short barrel and a choked barrel. I'm right handed, but it's a great gun for a lefty too because it ejects out the bottom. Another advantage is that by removing the barrel it packs down to a fairly compact size. The later model 87 is the same, but chambered for a 3" round, the 37 takes a 2-3/4" round.

Re pump vs. semi auto, the auto damps the recoil somewhat making it easier to shoot, but for home defense nothing beats the ominous sound of racking a round into the chamber.
 
gkainz said:
I own a couple Remington 870, new and old, a Mossberg 500 and an assortment of others ... semi-autos, pumps, over/unders, etc ...
A friend of mine loves his KelTec ... I cringe at seeing the support hand so close to the muzzle...
I'm not an AR fanboy (even though I do own/have built a few) but I'm somewhat intrigued by Rock Island Armory's VR80
https://armscor.com/firearms/ria-imports/shotgun-series/shotguns-mag-fed-series/vr80/

The newer Benelli SuperNova look nice
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Yeah, part of the idea behind the shotgun was so the wife could also operate it easily enough. She likes the idea of a handgun more, but I don't want to rely on her trying to stop intruders with a 9mm or 40 cal handgun in my absence. The AR's are a great platform for home defense and just general fun since they can be outfitted a million different ways in every caliber imaginable. Pump shotguns are a bit more fool proof and have more stopping power than just about any handgun out there. Having to put a single projectile in the center of mass while in the dark, half-asleep, and frightened is a bit easier with a shotgun.

However, I know several guys/gals who could do a sweep of the house with fully customized ARs in tandem and probably rehearsed such an improbably event many times in their own homes. I'm a little nervous just ringing the doorbell, lol.

Edit: just realized I glossed over the shotgun AR "VR80" you referenced. Watched a couple of videos and some guy had one with a 19-rd magazine. Should be great for when the wife and I need to reenact "Mr and Mrs Smith"!
 
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DaleB said:
I don't know about that. If you need more than 2 rounds of shot in your home... well, buddy, you got bigger problems.
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Can never have to much ammo during critical situations. If invaders are armed you best have more than two shots. If not, you will most likely become another liberal's statistic. Purchase extensions (will not work for bird hunting), fill them up then hang even more ammo off the stock. Emergencies are just that, emergencies.

For survival situations. No time worrying about loading or scrabbling around looking for ammo after a crash. Ammo should be with/attached to the firearm at all times.

Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk
 
Dana said:
Re pump vs. semi auto, the auto damps the recoil somewhat making it easier to shoot, but for home defense nothing beats the ominous sound of racking a round into the chamber.
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True, but racking the slide back on the Beretta and then pushing the button to let it slam home and charge a round sounds mighty good as well. Think racking a semi-auto pistol, but much MUCH louder.
 
alright aright - make it stop! I've been biting my tongue since the first "rack it and they run" comment but just can't hold it in any longer. I taught concealed carry and self defense with a couple partners (2 from the CO sheriff dept) for a number of years. We all cringed when this OWT was tossed out.

Bad guys, when hearing a shotgun racked, do not soil themselves and run.
They think "I want that and I'm taking it! Follow the noise!"

One had better be prepared, practiced, and in the right mindset for what follows, and not rely on "I heard all you have to do is rack the shotgun!"
 
gkainz said:
alright aright - make it stop! I've been biting my tongue since the first "rack it and they run" comment but just can't hold it in any longer. I taught concealed carry and self defense with a couple partners (2 from the CO sheriff dept) for a number of years. We all cringed when this OWT was tossed out.

Bad guys, when hearing a shotgun racked, do not soil themselves and run.
They think "I want that and I'm taking it! Follow the noise!"

One had better be prepared, practiced, and in the right mindset for what follows, and not rely on "I heard all you have to do is rack the shotgun!"
Click to expand...

Lol, I always take those comments as more tongue-in-cheek. Ideally, I've got it racked and safety off with finger on bang switch before I ever leave the bedroom to investigate the disturbance. I'm not sure I even want to "rack it" in any audible manner so I can maintain some semblance of surprise as to what direction I'm coming from.
 
I never viewed a shotgun as an ideal home defense weapon. It's just too long. I keep a S&W 639 loaded with glasiers as my home defense weapon. My third choice would be my Series '70 Colt 1911. Notice I did not make the distinction between first and second choice. I shot M39's in IPSC competition and have won them. My first choice would probably be a Sig Sauer P226. I got the opportunity to shoot them in the Army but I don't have one personally. Might pick one up.

My father still has my grandfather's Ithaca 37 shotgun. It is a work of art. The only shotgun I own is a Browning pump. It does fine for me as I am not a shotgun guy. I used it to hunt for quail and chukar back in the day.

If I went for a long gun for defense, I'd probably go for an AR pattern M4 carbine type, with optical reflex sights. To be up to speed. I love the Mini 14, but sighting options are more limited and there is some good stuff out there.
 
2 things.

1) Shoot all of them. I have a 500, 870, Super 90, SBE II, and a SBE III. Come down to Denton and I will let you shoot them all. You decide. I like the SBE II and III as it allows for 3 1/2 inch shells. My 500, 870, and 90 have extended mags, so there are more shots.

2) I used to poo-poo the idea of 20 gauge. If your wife may possibly shoot the gun and you want her to be able to control it, a 20 is a good fit. Shorty Shotgun shells may offer a lower kick and more capacity if you want to stay in 12 gauge, but I have never shot them.
 
gkainz said:
Bad guys, when hearing a shotgun racked, do not soil themselves and run. They think "I want that and I'm taking it! Follow the noise!"
Click to expand...

I learned this myself during one of my training classes years ago. Sounds incredible but the mentality of someone entering a home knowing people are there and no doubt armed shows just how stupid some folks can be. I have no desire to harm anyone ... until I truly believe you are trying to harm me or my loved ones ... then it's on. I also was taught that many home invasions will have multiple people and that the homeowner should have at least 20 rounds at the ready as in a moment of fear you may miss a few times before the threat is eliminated. Shotguns are quite messy inside ...

Dale
 
SoonerAviator said:
I know we’ve had some replies in a few threads talking about good “survival” weapons/guns. I’m looking to find a nice hunting gun for all-around bird hunting but to also use as a home-protection weapon during the non-hunting seasons.

Figured something akin to a Remington 870 Wingmaster 28” and a spare 18.5” tactical barrel to keep on it when not hunting. Any suggestions to something similar? I’ll admit my knowledge of shotguns is pretty much non-existent, but I’d want something capable of 3” shells and the 870 has been made longer than I’ve been alive.
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My dad had an 870 with a 18.5 in barrel with an interchangeable choke in it. I think he nomally ran a modified chock IIRC. It was my favorite gun for quail and pheasant hunting. It was light and quick, easy to carry I could not tell that it was any less accurate or effective than the 1100 with a 28” barrel.

Brian
 
Daleandee said:
I learned this myself during one of my training classes years ago. Sounds incredible but the mentality of someone entering a home knowing people are there and no doubt armed shows just how stupid some folks can be. I have no desire to harm anyone ... until I truly believe you are trying to harm me or my loved ones ... then it's on. I also was taught that many home invasions will have multiple people and that the homeowner should have at least 20 rounds at the ready as in a moment of fear you may miss a few times before the threat is eliminated. Shotguns are quite messy inside ...

Dale
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The IWI Tavor I listed is 12/15rds depending on the shells. Hard to beat that in the shotgun world. I personally have a CZ P09 (20rds) and an AR with a few 40rd mags next to my bed.
 
Mine works as it it should


I love it, my FIL bought it new in 1921.
 
Sac Arrow said:
I never viewed a shotgun as an ideal home defense weapon. It's just too long. I keep a S&W 639 loaded with glasiers as my home defense weapon. My third choice would be my Series '70 Colt 1911. Notice I did not make the distinction between first and second choice. I shot M39's in IPSC competition and have won them. My first choice would probably be a Sig Sauer P226. I got the opportunity to shoot them in the Army but I don't have one personally. Might pick one up.

My father still has my grandfather's Ithaca 37 shotgun. It is a work of art. The only shotgun I own is a Browning pump. It does fine for me as I am not a shotgun guy. I used it to hunt for quail and chukar back in the day.

If I went for a long gun for defense, I'd probably go for an AR pattern M4 carbine type, with optical reflex sights. To be up to speed. I love the Mini 14, but sighting options are more limited and there is some good stuff out there.
Click to expand...

I get that, but remember, this is home defense for people who aren't military trained or have more than a box or two of ammo fired by them. So while my wife and I have fired weapons, and would certainly train with any we intended to use for hunting/personal protection, I don't feel that a handgun would be our best solution for the infrequent shooter. I'd also like to use it to go out with friends/family on occasional bird hunts and such. Harder to do that with a handgun. We will probably end up getting a pistol as well for the wife as a "backup", but the shotgun is higher priority.
 
texasag93 said:
2 things.

1) Shoot all of them. I have a 500, 870, Super 90, SBE II, and a SBE III. Come down to Denton and I will let you shoot them all. You decide. I like the SBE II and III as it allows for 3 1/2 inch shells. My 500, 870, and 90 have extended mags, so there are more shots.

2) I used to poo-poo the idea of 20 gauge. If your wife may possibly shoot the gun and you want her to be able to control it, a 20 is a good fit. Shorty Shotgun shells may offer a lower kick and more capacity if you want to stay in 12 gauge, but I have never shot them.
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Yeah, I thought about the 20ga as well, I guess I'd just have to see how much kick the 12ga had with non-magnum loads. She's not a small-framed woman by any means, so I don't worry about it knocking her to the ground, but I also don't her to absolutely hate the shotgun if it bruised her shoulder up just practicing.
 
I have the H&R Pardner 20 ga. I use it for skeet and have shot a hog with it using slugs. It didn't cost much and is reliable. I needed a pump to shoot skeet with friends. My Savage Model 24 22/20 is great for walking the fence lines but not good for skeet.
 
SoonerAviator said:
Yeah, I thought about the 20ga as well, I guess I'd just have to see how much kick the 12ga had with non-magnum loads. She's not a small-framed woman by any means, so I don't worry about it knocking her to the ground, but I also don't her to absolutely hate the shotgun if it bruised her shoulder up just practicing.
Click to expand...

Get a Limbsaver pad and reduced recoil shot shells. Those help. And pull the shotgun tight into your shoulder pocket with a forward leaning stance.
 
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