What shotgun works best for home defense?

[Alan]

I've been pondering a shotgun for home defense and could use some real advice. I'm debating between a 12-gauge and a 20-gauge. I get that 12-gauge packs a punch, but I've heard a 20-gauge is easier to manage and has less recoil, which could be crucial in a tight space.

What should I look for regarding barrel length and stock setup? I want something that's reliable and straightforward to use. Any specific models or brands that have done well for you?

Also, how crucial is training? I have basic shooting experience but haven't done anything formal. What kind of practice should I focus on to feel ready if the situation ever arises?

 

[LDB]

I don't have a shotgun now as I quit skeet long ago and sold the O/U I used. That said, my "suspect list" includes a Mossberg 590S. When I eventually get one it will be that specific model as it is factory chambered to handle and function with the 1.75" 12ga. shells. That will deliver full power 12ga. on the receiving end but less recoil on my end. Yes, it's fewer pellets but also significantly greater capacity. I haven't decided between the shorter OAL Shockwave and the 18.5" standard. But one or the other. Good luck with your research.

 

[Liberty Ned]

I have a double-barrel rabbit-ear, but I wouldn't use it for self defense in the house. Too much blood splatter that would gave to be cleaned.

 

[GaryS]

At the risk of being one of "those guys" I have three that can be used for self defense.

I recently bought a Remington 870 Express in 20 gauge from a friend. It came with a 28" vented barrel and an 18" barrel. Using that, it's quite sufficient for close in self defense.

Some years ago I bought an Ithaca 37 "Police Special" in 12 gauge. Seven round tube magazine, Parkerized finish, walnut furniture. The 37 has a long history as a law enforcement gun. LAPD used the for decades.

The last one is Savage 69RXL. This one was a police department gun that I bought from someone I knew some years ago. Over the years I did a number of repairs and upgrades to improve performance for self defense use. The same model was used by the USMC in Vietnam. I wouldn't recommend buying one unless you are capable of a detail strip to clean and replace parts as needed. There isn't a lot of information on them out there and new parts are impossible to find while used parts are difficult to locate. It's a great gun, but you really have to want to own it and be willing to work to keep it running right.

 

[Davek42]

I am using the Smith &Wesson Governor.
6 rds of 410 #4's.
This gun has manageable recoil and at 15 yds or less it has a devastating pattered.
You can also shoot 45 acp on a 2 or 6 rd clip and you can also shoot 45 LC
The 45 shoot very well in my gun.
You can also mix the cartridge in the gun.
You can use a mixture of 410's or you can use 410 with 45's as back up rds
There are several different self defense 410 rds in the market place. After a lot of testing for me… in my home at close range 2.5" 410/#4 shot is my choise.

 

[Deleted member 85]

Two schools of thought...pump action and semi-auto. Mossberg is a good choice for modest price, then Beretta for mid-range price and Benelli M series for higher price.

 

[GaryS]

I prefer pump action, but that's just me.

 

[Drycreek]

I have an old police trade-in Remington 870 in 12 gauge with an extended mag and a butt stock that looks like an AR.

 

[dennyntx]

I have several but my go-to is the Remington 870 hardwood that they came out with a couple of years ago with the wood furniture and 18in. Barrel

 

[Twraska]

I know they're not glamorous, fancy or even remotely pretty, but my old Mossberg 20ga I got for Christmas in the early 70's will load, fire, and eject any shell I feed it. Can't say that about half the newer shotguns my son has bought over the years.

 

[dennyntx]

Those old mossbergs were some good old guns I had one about 40 years ago wish I still had it

 

[Chief Snorkel]

Any american made pump. Bearing in mind that any gun used in self defense is almost certainly going to be taken by police, expensive high quality guns may not be a good choice. Since American made pumps last forever, I recommend 20ga. You'll appreciate it when you get old.

 

[JDBraddy]

Whichever one you can get your hands on when you need it!

That being said, Beneli M4 is hard to beat, or Mossberg 940 JM-pro.

 

[Twraska]

Any american made pump. Bearing in mind that any gun used in self defense is almost certainly going to be taken by police, expensive high quality guns may not be a good choice. Since American made pumps last forever, I recommend 20ga. You'll appreciate it when you get old.

I'll have to disagree with the statement of any American made pump. I've seen some shotguns over the years that had a "tight" chamber and didn't feed well with all factory ammo.

 

[dennyntx]

I'll have to disagree with the statement of any American made pump. I've seen some shotguns over the years that had a "tight" chamber and didn't feed well with all factory ammo.

I would have to agree with you I've seen some that will only shoot long brass if you tried to use short brass they would jamb up when you tried to cycle it. But with long brass ran perfect.

 

[shooter1911]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is if you choose a 12ga. you don't need to worry about the recoil by using Federal LE 132 00 with Flitecontrol that is a 9 pellet low power defense load that is carried by many Police. It travels at 1145fps, and has much less recoil compared to standard 12ga. ammo. Flitecontrol is amazing in that it holds a tight group out to long distances. I have personally checked it out to past 25yds and it maintained a very tight group which is an advantage in a home. Just a thought if you decide on a 12ga. If you prefer they also make an 8 pellet version. I believe that one is LE 133 00. I hope this helps.

 

[dennyntx]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is if you choose a 12ga. you don't need to worry about the recoil by using Federal LE 132 00 with Flitecontrol that is a 9 pellet low power defense load that is carried by many Police. It travels at 1145fps, and has much less recoil compared to standard 12ga. ammo. Flitecontrol is amazing in that it holds a tight group out to long distances. I have personally checked it out to past 25yds and it maintained a very tight group which is an advantage in a home. Just a thought if you decide on a 12ga. If you prefer they also make an 8 pellet version. I believe that one is LE 133 00. I hope this helps.

Those would definitely be good for someone looking for a low recoil round I roll all my own 21 pellets of #4 buckshot max powder charge they will knock you down I do load some with a light powder charge for in case I have to use them indoors

 

[LDB]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is if you choose a 12ga. you don't need to worry about the recoil by using Federal LE 132 00 with Flitecontrol that is a 9 pellet low power defense load that is carried by many Police. It travels at 1145fps, and has much less recoil compared to standard 12ga. ammo. Flitecontrol is amazing in that it holds a tight group out to long distances. I have personally checked it out to past 25yds and it maintained a very tight group which is an advantage in a home. Just a thought if you decide on a 12ga. If you prefer they also make an 8 pellet version. I believe that one is LE 133 00. I hope this helps.

Wasn't aware of that and glad to know about it. Looking it up on Federal website gives Part # PFC154 00. Thanks for sharing that.

 

[shooter1911]

You are very welcome. Do a little research and you will find many PDs issue those for the guys who still carry shotguns. I was originally told they would not work in gas operated shot guns, but they performed perfectly in my Remington Model 1100 which is a very old model. Always best to check tough.

 

[LDB]

Getting a shotgun is on my list although other things trump it. I've been planning to get the Mossberg 590S as it is designed specifically to function with the 1.75" shells giving much more capacity. When I do get a shotgun I'll have to compare the Federal and the 1.75" shells to see which are better for me.