If a friend asked for your advise

Tommy Vercetti · July 18, 2004, 01:57 PM

on which shotgun to buy just to have around the house..because it's better to have one and not need it than to need one and not have it..he's not a hunter..he doesn't own any guns but his dad has a 12 gauge pump shotgun he has shot and is along the lines of what he wants..for just in case

Vibe · July 18, 2004, 02:13 PM

A pump shotgun would be good. Plus it's somthing that's effective and more importantly something he is already somewhat familiar with..."Go with what you know" is always pretty good advice. But then again so is "learn more".

steveno · July 18, 2004, 04:23 PM

get a remington 870 in 12 gauge. it is the best pump shotgun bar none

Manchu · July 18, 2004, 04:36 PM

870 HD (part# 25077), from Davidsons <$320.

Hard Ball · July 18, 2004, 05:19 PM

Also the "Klatch Klatch" sounf of a pump 12 gauge shotgun's action being worked is VERY intimidating.

Geoff Timm · July 18, 2004, 05:32 PM

Be sure to emphasize safety and suggest one of the locking rack systems, if it's the only gun it's as effective as a safe and easier to hide.

Geoff
Who worries about kids in the house.

Vibe · July 19, 2004, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Geoff
Who worries about kids in the house.

Slightly off topic - but maybe not....

It's not "kids" in the house that one must worry about - but ignorant uneducated (where firearms are concerned) "kids" in the house. And a full grown person can (under these conditions) be just as dangerous to themselves and to others. Ignorance and stupidity are MUCH more dangerous than ANY firearm.

ducktapehero · July 19, 2004, 10:39 AM

Ithaca 37, it's what the 870 wants to be when it becomes a REAL shotgun.

K80Geoff · July 19, 2004, 12:45 PM

The Ithaca 37 is a great gun, so is the 870.

Pump shotguns are more difficult for non gun oriented people to use. They have to know how to rack the slide and throw the safety. Most people will not know how to do this unless you show them. I know this from having to show gun people how to do it! Little kids are going to have a hard time, bigger kids should be taught not to touch.

BTW the Ithca 37 was originally Remington design, they dropped it for the model 31 which was dropped for the 870.

HSMITH · July 19, 2004, 06:06 PM

For a gun that will not get shot much if at all take him to Wal-Mart and get him the Maveric 88 by Mossberg for about $160 brand spanking new. It works fine, and will be all he needs. Spending double on an 870 or a 37 would be money tied up that could be used elsewhere.

If you need to trim one small branch do you buy a handsaw from the bargain rack or a Stihl chainsaw for $450? I suppose it depends on your financial condition but you get the point.....

dfaugh · July 19, 2004, 06:35 PM

or some permutation thereof

ducktapehero · July 19, 2004, 06:51 PM

Quote:

BTW the Ithca 37 was originally Remington design, they dropped it for the model 31 which was dropped for the 870.

Coke dropped the real thing for that nasty ass new Coke. Companies make mistakes.

PATH · July 19, 2004, 11:47 PM

Basic home defense requirements are met at a bargain price with a Mossberg 500 as was previously mentioned. Remington and Ithaca are wonderful to be sure but for some jobs the 10 dollar hammer is every bit as good as the 40 dollar one.

At the shop I work at the Mossberg is the #1 seller for home defense. I can't say as I like the pistol grips some folks get. The Defender Model in .410 is just great especially for folks of small stature. I'd like to think that the racking of a shotgun is an effective tool for dealing with miscreants. The Mossbergs sound every bit as menacing and are every bit as effective as their more expensive counterparts.

DISCLAIMER: The aforementioned opinion is mine and mine alone and reflects my personal choices in firearms. I thank God that Glock does not make a shotgun or I would be in serious trouble here!

Arizona Fusilier · July 20, 2004, 12:10 AM

For this particular scenario, I would vote for a Mossberg too. Good value for the money. At this time in history, I think most reputable makers have mastered the slide action (pump) shotgun sufficiently that the occasional use envisioned here would not be served by more expensive models, as others have noted.

K80Geoff · July 20, 2004, 07:25 AM

I take the advice of a master carpenter I once had dealings with.

"Quality tools pay for themselves in the long run"

K80 who just bought a Stihl chainsaw

(For a lot less than $450!)

Red Tornado · September 3, 2004, 03:24 PM

I have a Mossberg 500, and agree that it is an excellent choice. However,(just to confuse things a bit

) since it's for just-in-case, he might consider one of the import double-barrel coach guns. I think the Baikal is around $200 and the length makes them very handy for a home defense situation.

There's no scarier sound than a pump being racked, but there's no scarier sight than a pair of 12ga barrels looking at you.

Quartus · September 3, 2004, 03:39 PM

Don't overlook the Winchester 1300. Not as much $$ as the Remington, but a respectable piece.

I'd never recommend a double for anything other than cowboy reenactments or just fun shooting.

ghostdoc · September 3, 2004, 08:33 PM

I like the Remmy 870, but the others are great shotguns too. Better tell him, whatever he gets, to take it out and train with an experienced friend like yourself or take a course. Good luck to ya. gd

seeker_two · September 6, 2004, 07:08 AM

If he's a novice looking for a simple SD SGN, I think he'd be best served by a 12ga double-barrel coach gun (i.e. Stoeger, EAA, etc.)

Easy to load, unload, secure, & generally operate...
Prices similar to a quality pump (I paid $250 for my Stoeger)....
More compact than a pump w/ the same barrel length....
No gas system to clean....
Can't short-shuck a double...

The only "shortcoming" is its ammo capacity (1 shell per barrel); but, w/ practice, reloading is faster than one would think. Just keep a butt cuff w/ extra rounds handy, and you're all set....

K80Geoff · September 6, 2004, 07:27 AM

Well I supose if the guy is going to shoot one box of ammo in the gun and put it in the corner of the closet and not use it a coach gun is the best choice. It is the simplest and most reliable action. Especially the russian guns which are built solid.

Edward429451 · September 6, 2004, 11:53 AM

K80Geoff has it right. Quality tools are worth much more in the long run. Mavericks are ok when brand new and would saw the one branch down, but in 5 yrs he may need to use it again and would probably wind up buying another then. He'd then be paying the same price or more after the second purchase. Pay twice as much now and get ten times the gun, last forever.

There's nothing worse than thinking you have a tool on the shelf, needing it and finding out that you really don't have a tool on the shelf (anymore).

Remingtom 870 in any configuration.

rugerdude · September 6, 2004, 12:51 PM

I paid 140 dollars brand new for mine and I could have paid less but I liked the ribbed fore-end. the money you save on not buying a 200+ dollar gun can go to getting ammo to practise with, or things like a side folding stock (the 88 is a bit long at 4 feet). Personally I have never short shucked a shell, The action was a bit stiff when it was brand new but that has been fixed. It may not be the most expensive gun but I would trust my life to it in a HD scenario. Also I was amazed at how simple it was, taking it apart and cleaning it is no sweat. Oh and in case you were wondering, the maverick 88 is a cost effective version of the mossy 500, the safety is on the trigger guard which will probably be more familliar to you anyway. Yes, it is a plastic safety but it is durable enough (i don't plan on banging the safety on a rock anytime soon). Or if you want a true evil HD gun you can buy the Mav and order the 18.5 inch barrel from mossberg and put a PG or folding stock on it. All for less than the cost of an 870. (I think, barrel:75, PG:15, Folder:40)

July 18, 2004, 02:13 PM	#2
Vibe Member Join Date: October 15, 2002 Location: Arkansas, USA Posts: 73	A pump shotgun would be good. Plus it's somthing that's effective and more importantly something he is already somewhat familiar with..."Go with what you know" is always pretty good advice. But then again so is "learn more". __________________ The opinion of 10,000 men is of no value if none of them know anything about the subject. - Marcus Aurelius - TFL Member #17104

July 18, 2004, 05:19 PM	#5
Hard Ball Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 1999 Location: California Posts: 3,925	Also the "Klatch Klatch" sounf of a pump 12 gauge shotgun's action being worked is VERY intimidating. __________________ "I swear to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemeis domestic or foreign WHOMSOEVER."

July 19, 2004, 10:39 AM	#8
ducktapehero Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2004 Posts: 125	Ithaca 37, it's what the 870 wants to be when it becomes a REAL shotgun. __________________ "Licensed to kill gophers, by the government of the United Nations."------Carl Spackler The Revolver Not as clumsy or as random as a semi-auto. An elegant weapon for a more civilized age.

July 19, 2004, 12:45 PM	#9
K80Geoff Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 1998 Location: NE Pennsylvania Posts: 3,639	The Ithaca 37 is a great gun, so is the 870. Pump shotguns are more difficult for non gun oriented people to use. They have to know how to rack the slide and throw the safety. Most people will not know how to do this unless you show them. I know this from having to show gun people how to do it! Little kids are going to have a hard time, bigger kids should be taught not to touch. BTW the Ithca 37 was originally Remington design, they dropped it for the model 31 which was dropped for the 870. __________________ I am no longer a member of this forum. Bye!

July 19, 2004, 06:35 PM	#11
dfaugh Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2002 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 1,715	Mossberg 500 or some permutation thereof __________________ "If you Listen to Fools, the Mob Rules" "No one has the answer, but one thing is true. You'e got to turn on evil, when its coming after you. You've gotta face it down,and when it tries to hide, you've got to go in after it, and never be denied. Time is running out...Let's roll. Let's roll for freedom, let's roll for love. We're going after satan, on the wings of a dove. Let's roll for freedom, let's roll for truth. Let's not let our children grow up fearful in their youth."

July 18, 2004, 01:57 PM	#1
Tommy Vercetti Senior Member Join Date: June 26, 2004 Location: Fairhope, Alabama Posts: 1,119	If a friend asked for your advise on which shotgun to buy just to have around the house..because it's better to have one and not need it than to need one and not have it..he's not a hunter..he doesn't own any guns but his dad has a 12 gauge pump shotgun he has shot and is along the lines of what he wants..for just in case __________________ "When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying the cross." Sinclair Lewis, (It Can't Happen Here, 1935) "Orators are most vehement when their cause is weak" Marcus Tullius Cicero

July 18, 2004, 04:23 PM	#3
steveno Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2004 Location: Minden , Nebraska Posts: 1,407	get a remington 870 in 12 gauge. it is the best pump shotgun bar none

July 18, 2004, 04:36 PM	#4
Manchu Member Join Date: June 27, 2004 Posts: 20	870 HD (part# 25077), from Davidsons <$320.

July 18, 2004, 05:32 PM	#6
Geoff Timm Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 472	Be sure to emphasize safety and suggest one of the locking rack systems, if it's the only gun it's as effective as a safe and easier to hide. Geoff Who worries about kids in the house.

July 19, 2004, 06:06 PM	#10
HSMITH Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2002 Posts: 2,019	For a gun that will not get shot much if at all take him to Wal-Mart and get him the Maveric 88 by Mossberg for about $160 brand spanking new. It works fine, and will be all he needs. Spending double on an 870 or a 37 would be money tied up that could be used elsewhere. If you need to trim one small branch do you buy a handsaw from the bargain rack or a Stihl chainsaw for $450? I suppose it depends on your financial condition but you get the point.....

July 19, 2004, 11:47 PM	#13
PATH Senior Member Join Date: September 10, 1999 Location: Rockland, NY Posts: 1,489	Basic home defense requirements are met at a bargain price with a Mossberg 500 as was previously mentioned. Remington and Ithaca are wonderful to be sure but for some jobs the 10 dollar hammer is every bit as good as the 40 dollar one. At the shop I work at the Mossberg is the #1 seller for home defense. I can't say as I like the pistol grips some folks get. The Defender Model in .410 is just great especially for folks of small stature. I'd like to think that the racking of a shotgun is an effective tool for dealing with miscreants. The Mossbergs sound every bit as menacing and are every bit as effective as their more expensive counterparts. DISCLAIMER: The aforementioned opinion is mine and mine alone and reflects my personal choices in firearms. I thank God that Glock does not make a shotgun or I would be in serious trouble here! __________________ For sure it is an evil spite, and breaking to the heart, For Irishmen to watch a fight and not be taking part. -Robert Service 'How MacPherson Held The Floor'

July 20, 2004, 12:10 AM	#14
Arizona Fusilier Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2000 Posts: 1,082	For this particular scenario, I would vote for a Mossberg too. Good value for the money. At this time in history, I think most reputable makers have mastered the slide action (pump) shotgun sufficiently that the occasional use envisioned here would not be served by more expensive models, as others have noted.

July 20, 2004, 07:25 AM	#15
K80Geoff Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 1998 Location: NE Pennsylvania Posts: 3,639	I take the advice of a master carpenter I once had dealings with. "Quality tools pay for themselves in the long run" K80 who just bought a Stihl chainsaw (For a lot less than $450!) __________________ I am no longer a member of this forum. Bye!

September 3, 2004, 03:24 PM	#16
Red Tornado Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Location: Arkansas Posts: 226	I have a Mossberg 500, and agree that it is an excellent choice. However,(just to confuse things a bit ) since it's for just-in-case, he might consider one of the import double-barrel coach guns. I think the Baikal is around $200 and the length makes them very handy for a home defense situation. There's no scarier sound than a pump being racked, but there's no scarier sight than a pair of 12ga barrels looking at you.

September 3, 2004, 03:39 PM	#17
Quartus Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2001 Location: Virginia Posts: 3,823	Don't overlook the Winchester 1300. Not as much $$ as the Remington, but a respectable piece. I'd never recommend a double for anything other than cowboy reenactments or just fun shooting. __________________ . Better to know what you don't know than to think you know what you don't know.

September 3, 2004, 08:33 PM	#18
ghostdoc Member Join Date: August 10, 2004 Posts: 43	I like the Remmy 870, but the others are great shotguns too. Better tell him, whatever he gets, to take it out and train with an experienced friend like yourself or take a course. Good luck to ya. gd

September 6, 2004, 07:08 AM	#19
seeker_two Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2002 Location: Deep in the Heart of the Lone Star State (TX) Posts: 2,169	If he's a novice looking for a simple SD SGN, I think he'd be best served by a 12ga double-barrel coach gun (i.e. Stoeger, EAA, etc.) Easy to load, unload, secure, & generally operate... Prices similar to a quality pump (I paid $250 for my Stoeger).... More compact than a pump w/ the same barrel length.... No gas system to clean.... Can't short-shuck a double... The only "shortcoming" is its ammo capacity (1 shell per barrel); but, w/ practice, reloading is faster than one would think. Just keep a butt cuff w/ extra rounds handy, and you're all set.... __________________ Proud member of Gun Culture 2.0......

September 6, 2004, 07:27 AM	#20
K80Geoff Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 1998 Location: NE Pennsylvania Posts: 3,639	Well I supose if the guy is going to shoot one box of ammo in the gun and put it in the corner of the closet and not use it a coach gun is the best choice. It is the simplest and most reliable action. Especially the russian guns which are built solid. __________________ I am no longer a member of this forum. Bye!

September 6, 2004, 11:53 AM	#21
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	K80Geoff has it right. Quality tools are worth much more in the long run. Mavericks are ok when brand new and would saw the one branch down, but in 5 yrs he may need to use it again and would probably wind up buying another then. He'd then be paying the same price or more after the second purchase. Pay twice as much now and get ten times the gun, last forever. There's nothing worse than thinking you have a tool on the shelf, needing it and finding out that you really don't have a tool on the shelf (anymore). Remingtom 870 in any configuration.

September 6, 2004, 12:51 PM	#22
rugerdude Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2004 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma Posts: 1,443	Get The Maverick!!!!! I paid 140 dollars brand new for mine and I could have paid less but I liked the ribbed fore-end. the money you save on not buying a 200+ dollar gun can go to getting ammo to practise with, or things like a side folding stock (the 88 is a bit long at 4 feet). Personally I have never short shucked a shell, The action was a bit stiff when it was brand new but that has been fixed. It may not be the most expensive gun but I would trust my life to it in a HD scenario. Also I was amazed at how simple it was, taking it apart and cleaning it is no sweat. Oh and in case you were wondering, the maverick 88 is a cost effective version of the mossy 500, the safety is on the trigger guard which will probably be more familliar to you anyway. Yes, it is a plastic safety but it is durable enough (i don't plan on banging the safety on a rock anytime soon). Or if you want a true evil HD gun you can buy the Mav and order the 18.5 inch barrel from mossberg and put a PG or folding stock on it. All for less than the cost of an 870. (I think, barrel:75, PG:15, Folder:40)