Best Shotgun for Home Defense

[Alan]

I've been looking into shotguns for home defense and could use some input from those with experience. I'm debating between a 12-gauge and a 20-gauge. I know 12-gauge has that extra stopping power, but I've heard the 20-gauge is easier to handle due to less recoil, especially in tight spaces. What do you think?

I also want to know about barrel length and stock types. What features really matter when you're relying on it for protection? Any specific brands or models you trust that are simple and reliable?

Lastly, how important is training? I've shot shotguns casually, but not in a serious context. What kind of practice should I look into to feel prepared?

 

[Retired W4]

Alan,
My door gun is a Remington 870 Tactical that came from the factory with an 18" barrel, full length mag tube, and Knox recoil absorbing stock. I have gone with the 20 gauge so my wife can handle it as well and besides, the 20 is plenty at the close range the gun will be used at. It is loaded with 2 3/4" #3 buck with a bandoleer full of the same plus 5 rounds of slugs hanging with it.

I keep the chamber empty with the hammer down so the pump handle is free to chamber a round, with the safety off. Jack a round in and pull the trigger. No messing around. I believe this configuration is the quickest and safest way to keep a door gun ready.

 

[Magus]

I have a Mossberg 31/2 utility magnum with a slug barrel. I believe in making it count,
I'm home and I'll always be, so if they're breaking in and know I'm there, they
mean me no good, so that 1st shot is going to count!

 

[Brucer41]

Alan,
My door gun is a Remington 870 Tactical that came from the factory with an 18" barrel, full length mag tube, and Knox recoil absorbing stock. I have gone with the 20 gauge so my wife can handle it as well and besides, the 20 is plenty at the close range the gun will be used at. It is loaded with 2 3/4" #3 buck with a bandoleer full of the same plus 5 rounds of slugs hanging with it.

I keep the chamber empty with the hammer down so the pump handle is free to chamber a round, with the safety off. Jack a round in and pull the trigger. No messing around. I believe this configuration is the quickest and safest way to keep a door gun ready.

In the dark and quiet, the sound of the mighty 870 being racked is enough to freeze someone with enough common sense. A .45 and a 12 gauge being racked in the dark are the two worse sounds you can hear as an intruder. Time to leave and in a big hurry if you are smart. You might not hear the next sound. Love my 870! Wouldn't trade it for the world. Besides the sound it makes, having that big hole put in your face is a real world changer for a bad guy.

 

[sheepdawg]

I have a 1946 made Winchester mod. 12 riot gun clone full of #4 buckshot. Pull the trigger and start pumping. I tried that once.

 

[BillsCamino]

I've got a Mossberg Maverick 88 12ga w/Opsol adapter to shoot mini-shells.
Also an Ithaca model 37 12ga Deerslayer that slam fires

 

[Magus]

Has anybody noticed the sound of an AK racking and an 870 are almost identical?

 

[Brucer41]

Has anybody noticed the sound of an AK racking and an 870 are almost identical?

Not yet but by Xmas I am hoping to hear it up close and personal to validate your opinion! lol

 

[Marplot]

In the dark and quiet, the sound of the mighty 870 being racked is enough to freeze someone with enough common sense. A .45 and a 12 gauge being racked in the dark are the two worse sounds you can hear as an intruder. Time to leave and in a big hurry if you are smart. You might not hear the next sound. Love my 870! Wouldn't trade it for the world. Besides the sound it makes, having that big hole put in your face is a real world changer for a bad guy.

I knew an undercover agent who carried a 20ga pump, very short barrel. Don't remember the details, but he told me that for over 30 years, he never fired it. Just racking it would have the toughest bad guys to drop anything they were carrying.

 

[Marplot]

I have two Police Hi Standard 12 ga bullpups. One has a built-in Mag flashlight.
18" open cylinder barrel
26" overall
Easily handled by one hand, hold the curved butt stock crooked to the bicep
Gives the other hand free to do whatever.

Back in the day, a cop friend said it was great to blow off a deadbolt, and have a service pistol free

 

[Marplot]

Oops. Double post.

 

[Saculmot]

If you're only going to have one shotgun, get one that will do it all, like a Mossberg 500 with removable chokes. You can change chokes and hunt about anything you want. If you get a shotgun without a removable choke, you're stuck with what you've got. More bang for your buck.