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 Shotgun recommendations?: 
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Real Name: Jennifer
I'm finally buying a shotgun. Problem is, I know nothing about shotguns. I don't know what I want. My allotted budget is about $1500.

The only thing it will be used for is home/personal defence--we had hate group propaganda literally thrown (in Ziploc bags filled with rocks) into our yards in this and several other neighbourhoods and my own "Hate Has No Home Here" sign was stomped into the ground. Which of course made me think of home defence, because fuck those motherfuckers. So, recommendations?: Something high quality, super easy to learn to use, and sturdy would be on my list of "musts", but besides those things, no clue where to start.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. ~ Jennifer

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Wed Jan 16, 2019 6:41 pm
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You won't need to spend anywhere near your budget. You can get into a good HD shotgun and ammo and even some training for far less than $1000.

Shotguns are a premier HD gun around the LeadCounsel estate. Beware the myths. Yes you have to aim them. No, don't rely on racking them to scare people away. Do not get a pistol grip only or birds head grip design. They are cool in the movies but not as practical (nor necessary) in the real civilian world. (Their only advantage is compactness for escort duty.)

Stick with 2.75" shells. Slugs and shot from#4 to 00 is probably the sweet spot. If you have significant worry of over-penenetration and your ranges are otherwise very short, birdshot is acceptable. Avoid gimmick loads. Pumps are generally 1/2 to 1/4 as much as a good semi-auto.

Pump guns are great, but require a bit more mechanical knowledge and ability to pump the gun and not jam it by "short shucking it." You can learn to speed load and top off shotguns if you're in a real fight. Keep shells handy on a side saddle. Mossberg 500 series, Remington 870. Generally about $300-500. Clones thereof are Maverick, Pardner Pump, and others are generally acceptable for quality and performance at about 1/2 the price.

The semi-autos are faster and generally reliable, but some are fussy with light low brass loads. And often more expensive. Remington 1100 or 1187 and Mossberg 930 have good reputations. About $600-1000 guns.

Whatever gun you get, go train. Rule of thumb is about a 1" buckshot spread per 1 yard. But it will vary on type of load, make, barrel length, and each gun may offer different personality... But if you factor 1/1 spread, your average 5 yard room or 10 yard back yard space is going to have a spread of about 5" or 10" respectively.

You might also consider a 20 gauge. It has pros and cons. Can elaborate more if needed.

Watch these videos - good representations of shotguns and loads.
Shotguns
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49kcp5vep_I

Buckshot home defense
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny67ZNy4zwQ

Birdshot on home interior walls
https://youtu.be/zaR1EVybUgc

20 v. 12 gauge
https://youtu.be/zaR1EVybUgc

Buckshot gel test
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbFLY9OIqPA

Slug gel test
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HuVkXLreWE

Birdshot gel test
https://i.ytimg.com/an_webp/yIfilArIHlY ... ybVOqFauRg

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Wed Jan 16, 2019 7:40 pm
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I'd recommend an autoloading shotgun if you don't have much shotgun experience. Running a pump gun under stress can be tricky. I'm really happy with my Mossberg 930 JM pro, but the barrel length might make maneuvering in a hallway a little complicated. I'd be more than happy to bring my collection of shotguns down to west coast armory if you have a sunday free, you'll just have to provide some shells.


Wed Jan 16, 2019 8:00 pm
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A pump is easy to run. I know a few guys that shoot skeet with an 870 pump.

A pump will hold more ammo than an auto. I never have any troubles with our pumps (rem, win, etc) but a have had the semis get stuck sometimes. You have to finger up the loading ramp and then it will cycle.


Wed Jan 16, 2019 8:14 pm
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Yeah . . . I'd buy a reasonably-priced pump shotgun (or two, or three, whatever you want) and you're off and running. thumbsup For $1500 you can buy two shotguns and enough shells to last you the rest of your life. :bigsmile:

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Wed Jan 16, 2019 8:17 pm
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Pump is a great option (and inexpensive) to start with.
And don't let anyone talk you into a 20 ga.
I know tons of short youths under 90 lbs that shoot 12 ga. pumps & over/under shotguns all day long, so you shouldn't have a problem.
It just takes a short amount of quality training by a shotgun instructor and you'll have no problems.
I can refer you to a fantastic instructor who does nothing but shotgun training, if you wish. Has shotguns available to use as well.
With a little instructor time, you'll know exactly what you want to buy and how to effectively shoot it.

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Wed Jan 16, 2019 8:59 pm
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Last edited by CQBgopher on Sat Jan 19, 2019 11:34 am, edited 1 time in total.



Wed Jan 16, 2019 9:05 pm
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I'd recommend the FN p12 pump. Easy to shoot, and it almost pumps itself. Light weight, six shots, rotating bolt like an AR15, and a rail for a red dot. You can easily get the P12 and a Holosun or Primary Arms red dot for $600ish. Mine lives by my bedside stoked with #4 buck.

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Wed Jan 16, 2019 9:15 pm
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There's merit to a 20 gauge, and not a lot of loss in "lethality." A load of 20 gauge buckshot is gonna ruin someones day. 20 with low-recoil buck is probably going to be easier for a smaller framed weaker person who may otherwise struggle with the recoil of a 12 gauge.

I wouldn't feel undergunned with the 20. Heck even the .410 would be a good choice, and still very lethal.

OP, don't be bullied into a larger gun than you can handle. The 20 is fine. The 12 is fine.

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Wed Jan 16, 2019 9:16 pm
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Mossberg 930 tactical semi-auto 12ga with standard stock (no pistol grip). And you don't need HD loads...birdshot at close distance will ruin anybody's day.

Ordinarily, I would recommend a pump, but the recoil is softer with a semi.


Wed Jan 16, 2019 9:19 pm
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I've had 870's all my life so that's what I run but I do have semi autos for waterfowl hunting.
If you don't have much experience with shotguns I'd suggest that you get with someone that has both types to shoot.
Not sure where you live but if you'd like to come to West Oly & shoot mine you'd be more than welcome. I have plenty of ammo from #4, #2, BB in steel, 00 Buck & 1 oz slugs to try out.

Good luck with your quest.

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Wed Jan 16, 2019 9:21 pm
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Mossberg 500 or benelli supernova for pumps.

Benelli m2 or m4 for semi auto.

Stay with 12ga and reduced recoil/flight control shells, as others have said.


Wed Jan 16, 2019 9:44 pm
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She can handle a 12 GA, she is taller than 1/2 the guys on this site!
Jen, I would take up Isildur (Jay) on his offer to get you with the Shotgun Instructor. You can get some training, try pumps and Semi's and then you will be comfortable and know what to get.

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Wed Jan 16, 2019 10:26 pm
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usrifle wrote:
She can handle a 12 GA, she is taller than 1/2 the guys on this site!
Jen, I would take up Isildur (Jay) on his offer to get you with the Shotgun Instructor. You can get some training, try pumps and Semi's and then you will be comfortable and know what to get.


Thank you John. Now everybody thinks that I'm the Jolly Green Giant's twin sister. :bigsmile: Nah, I'm only 6' and 185. I am not recoil sensitive. My upper body strength is good, not lifting weights fabulous, but good.

Thank you guys for all the input and Jay, I am sending you a PM.

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"The Constitution shall never be construed to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms."
~ Samuel Adams


"If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun."
~Tenzin Gyatso, aka His Holiness the Dalai Lama

"We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves."
~ Romans 15:1


"Ils Ont Les Armes, On Les Emmerde, On A Le Champagne!"~Charlie Hebdo, November 2015


Thu Jan 17, 2019 5:10 am
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Last edited by CQBgopher on Sat Jan 19, 2019 11:31 am, edited 1 time in total.



Thu Jan 17, 2019 7:21 am
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