The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Suggestions on a Shotgun for Home Defense?

leadcounsel · March 27, 2014, 06:04 PM

If you're an average or larger adult with average or better strength, then a pump 12 gauge of the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 series with an 18-20" barrel will suit you just fine. Avoid the pistol-grip only models. A regular rifle style stock or a stock WITH a pistol grip will work fine.

If you are recoil sensitive, or smaller than average, you might load it with reduced recoil ammo. Or possibly look for a youth model 20 gauge with reduced recoil ammo.

With the shotgun, practice and load it with 00 or #4 buckshot and it will handle nearly any self defense situation you will likely encounter in the home. Birdshot should NOT be used for home defense.

I think that the 12 gauge is among the best HD weapons, and also very affordable.

March 27, 2014, 06:04 PM	#10
leadcounsel Junior member Join Date: September 8, 2005 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 2,119	If you're an average or larger adult with average or better strength, then a pump 12 gauge of the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 series with an 18-20" barrel will suit you just fine. Avoid the pistol-grip only models. A regular rifle style stock or a stock WITH a pistol grip will work fine. If you are recoil sensitive, or smaller than average, you might load it with reduced recoil ammo. Or possibly look for a youth model 20 gauge with reduced recoil ammo. With the shotgun, practice and load it with 00 or #4 buckshot and it will handle nearly any self defense situation you will likely encounter in the home. Birdshot should NOT be used for home defense. I think that the 12 gauge is among the best HD weapons, and also very affordable.