Sorry if there is another thread somewhere. I looked at the first page and FAQ thread. Couldn't find what I was looking for.

Had some uncomfortable stuff go down near my house over the last couple of weeks, so I've decided that I'm in the market for a shotgun for home defense. I'm not a gun person- I've shot a pistol a few times.

Basically, I need something I can protect my family with. Another stipulation is that it needs to be something my wife can handle. I'm out of town every now and again, and she needs to be able to handle this thing. She's no wimp- she was an athlete at A&M- but she's still a lady with no gun experience.

Another requirement is low cost. I'm one of the poors.

I stopped by academy tonight and it looked like I had two options. They had a 12 gauge Mossberg for $189 and a 20 gauge H&R for $179. I talked to my buddy who's a police officer and he was nervous about my wife and the 12 gauge, but wasn't familiar with the H&R brand.

Thoughts?

Hard to go wrong with the Remington 870. Got mine there, it just feels more solid than the othermodels

Another vote for the 870, or a Winchester Defender.

[This message has been edited by BaitShack (edited 9/22/2011 9:35p).]

thanks for the input!

Just a quick google search looks like both of those guns are at least $100 more than the Mossberg. Is there a reason I should spend another $100+ on something that won't get used that often? We'll probably practice every now and again and hopefully will never use it for its purpose. We aren't hunters, and probably won't start any time soon.

Remington 870 marine mag or a nighthawk custom

Is your life worth another $100

I'm just asking. What is the difference? I really don't know anything.

870 just shoots. They are one of the most reliable guns in the world, from everything I've seen.

and the Mossberg doesn't shoot? Are they really not that reliable?

I haven't heard a lot about the mossbergs, personally, but I know the 870 is super reliable.

Where are you located? Have you tried going by a gun shop and checking them both out?

I stopped by Academy in San Marcos this evening. Problem is I don't know anything. The guy handed me the Mossberg and I felt like a complete idiot. I don't know that I'd be able to tell a difference between the two.

I don't doubt that the Remington is reliable. I'm just wondering if it's really necessary to spend an extra $100 on something I'll rarely use. Money's super tight- it's a stretch to even spend the $189+ tax.

If the $100 extra is truly worth it, and it's not just some guys who love guns convincing me to get a better gun just because it's better, then I can figure out how to swing it.

I really do appreciate the input. I have no clue what I'm doing, but I know at this point I feel helpless in defense of my family. So I gotta do something.

If you can't afford to spend more than $200, then the H&R pump will be fine. Since neither of you have any experience shooting, I would recommend a 20 instead of a 12. My wife likes to shoot and a 12 gauge is too much for her.

[This message has been edited by Jh0400 (edited 9/22/2011 10:23p).]

Yes, the extra $100 is worth it. When your life is on the line, do you really want to rely on that "on sale" gun from Academy, or one with a solid reputation and lots of recommendations?

If the Mossberg is too expensive for you, you're better off saving up a month or two.

Hard to beat the Lupara (Sicilian for "wolf killer"in 20 or 12 gauge

Taught my wife to shoot it starting with sub caliber inserts for .410, moving up to skeet loads and finally what's in it now, Winchester reduced recoil 00 Buckshot. There is also 3 more buck and 2 slugs in a stock mounted cuff, but I anticipate it would be all over by the second shot. The stock mounted shell holder does provide a little more mass that helps reduce the recoil even more.

Either they are going to be DRT or fleeing the scene. Family rule against engaging or even investigating anybody outside the house. That's what 911 is for.

PS-we have no kids around to worry about safe storage, nor will allow any kiddos to visit until the shotgun is locked away or the bedroom is locked out. Period. Even if they have to wait outside for the all clear.

thanks everyone. Much appreciated. We do have a 2 year old boy and a kid on the way. Advice I got was keep the gun up on a high shelf until the boy gets old enough to be able to get to it. At that point, lock it away and get the boy some gun safety lessons.

Thanks again.

Hard to beat the tried and true 870

fit and finish vs the newer mossberg's is nicer on the 870, and the gun is flat versatile. I ended up picking one up, and it fills everything I need from doves to home defense, and with a few dollars in different furniture(which is easily interchanged) it can be converted from a purposed hunting gun into a home defense weapon.

I'd give the extra 100$ for the fit and finish, and the long standing proven reliability. In your price range, especially with a newer shooter, 870 is the way to go.

Plus they'll actually hold a little of there value should you choose to ditch it

quote:

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That's what 911 is for.

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From a 911 dispatcher, remember police are not going to be at your house because you dial the phone.

Not going outside= good plan
the "that's what 911" is for attitude= bad idea.

I work for a good department, we have fast response times and I work with three officers who care a lot about there jobs.....but we cannot be perfect.

[This message has been edited by Ag_of_08 (edited 9/22/2011 10:53p).]

Disco, if you are on a budget I would go with the Mossberg Maverick 88 from Academy for $189. It's a good solid choice and will do everything you need it to do. I have a dozen or so shotguns for various purposes, and I believe this Mossberg will do the trick. If you can spend a few more bucks the Remington and Winchesters mentioned are very good choices. Good luck with your choice. Whatever you buy, learn everything you can about that weapon.

Saiga 12 Automatic. This is a bad*ss gun! It's basically an AK-47 shotgun. You can get a 10 shell clip or a 25 round drum. No bad guy (or Zombie for that matter) can touch you.

Which is better? I have a 870 and love it, but is the Winchester a better gun for the same price?

Winchester® Super X Pump Defender Shotgun
http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=GM442882&pdesc=Winchester_Super_X_Pump_Defender_Shotgun&aID=510D2&merchID=4006

or
Remington Model 870™ Express® Synthetic Home Defense 12 Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun
http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_299865_-1?N=39632025+4294965700

I didn't know they started making the Defender again. However, my Rem 870 is a 6+1 while the Defender is 5+1.

Also, get 20 gauge. Its more than enough and easier to practice with. My 12 870 18" with 00 buck loads kicks like a mule. After 3 shots, I really don't want to shoot it anymore. I have to practice with light loads.

I bought the Winchester Special Defender a few years ago. It has a 22" barrel with rifle style sights and corresponding length magazine tube.

What I like is that it has interchangeable choke tubes. I usually leave a full choke in it for outside use other than hunting and improved cylinder for home defense (like the pattern is really going to matter at 20 feet !) Why? If I shoot it in defense outside, I'm accountable for every one of those little buckshots going downrange. I would just as soon they all stay relatively on/in the target.

Only change I made on it is a pistol grip full stock ,(no folders for me-I'm too old and fragile)a stock mount shell cuff, a side saddle shell carrier on the receiver, and an offset barrel mounted flashlight on a short rail that clamps between the barrel and magazine tube.

try checking some of the pawn shops. I use an old Stevens 12 gauge sawed off to 19" that I bought for $100 several years ago. Where do you live? I know the pawn shop just north of the Sears in SM has guns

Ya know Sasappis has the best advice for the "for my wife" and "self defence" compromise. Light enough for the wife to handle bit shorter stock, 20ga plenty big and no kick-um so wife will practice- some.

You cannot beat the awesomeness of the mossberg chainsaw!

recoil can be a real problem for new shooters and/or women. a gas operated semi auto greatly reduces the recoil. second hand or pawn shop in decent condition might be no more than new pump.

If not in a hurry, I would order a Holland and Holland 'Royal' Over and Under. It may not be the best, but it'd damn sure be the finest.

quote:

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Saiga 12 Automatic. This is a bad*ss gun! It's basically an AK-47 shotgun. You can get a 10 shell clip or a 25 round drum. No bad guy (or Zombie for that matter) can touch you.

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It's also well outside of the OPs price range, and plenty of bad guys can "touch you" with one. The drums are 20 rounds and magazines 30 btw.

As for the OP, I don't like shotguns for home defense, but if I had to recommend one, it'd be the 870 that so many others have recommended. Check the pawn shops. You should be able to find an 870 Express at one for around the same price as the new Mossberg at Academy.