Which shotgun would be the better buy? Mossberg security,Winchester security defender 1300,or spend a little more and buy Remington 870 express security HD . Thank you

-- David (pingpongdave@dreamsoft.com), December 08, 1998

Answers

David,

If you're going to buy a shotgun for protection of your home and folks, not hunting; the basic Mossberg model 500 will do just fine. Not that I think marauding mobs will be the general case come 1-1-2000, but scatterguns are a nice thing to have around just in case of whatever.

See about having it sawed off to legal length at a reputable gun shop, if that's your purpose. Maximum effect at close range.

The Mossberg's a good basic model, and not extravagantly priced. Especially if you can find one slightly used.

-- John Howard )Greenville, NC) (pcdir@prodigy.net), December 08, 1998.

John,

I just found used pistol-gripped one for $200...included a brand new carry case, slide converter to grip and heat shield. Well worth the price.

Rick

-- Rick Tansun (ricktansun@hotmail.com), December 08, 1998.

Rick sounds like you got a deal for real

(how's your gramma doing?)

-- John Howard (Greenville, NC) (pcdir@prodigy.net), December 08, 1998.

We own the Mossberg and the Winchester defender. Both are excellent for home defense. Just stock up on lots of ammo.

-- bardou (bardou@baloney.com), December 08, 1998.

I recommend the Mossberg, because the position of its safety on the back of the receiver makes it easiest and quickest to use especially if you're wearing gloves. I used to have a Remington 870, which has its safety in the back of the trigger guard; I missed a shot at a deer once because I was fumbling around with gloves on trying to find it. Good thing deer don't carry guns...

-- Max Dixon (Ogden, UT) (Max.Dixon@gte.net), December 08, 1998.

You GUYS sound like you'll be disappointed if you don't get to blow a few holes in your neighbor. Personally I'm going to make it without blasting anyone. Kinda like the Ghandi of New Jersey. BTW who the hell wants to survive with the likes of you

Know Your Roll

-- Jimmy Bagga Doughnuts (jim1bets@worldnet.att.net), December 08, 1998.

Or it could be Jimmy I have enjoyed target shooting as a hobby for 23 years now. I do not relish hunting animals, let alone killing another human being, but if it comes down to a matter of "no choice" than I will. "Oh hello there guy with a baseball bat! You would like to beat my head in, quite possibly killing me, and then rape the women? Sure, go right ahead...I don't have anything to stop you with"

John, I think you already saw the thread on my partial return, she is doing much better, and thanks for asking:)

Rick

-- Rick Tansun (ricktansun@hotmail.com), December 08, 1998.

Rick,

sounds like you got a deal! I'd suggest you might want to order a regular synthetic butt stock for it as well... pistol grips are inherently less accurate, and a lot harder on the shooter in terms of absorbing recoil...one or two shots are fine, but take it to the range with a box of #4's and see what happens if you try to get through all 25 of them...

none the less, you still got a good deal.

Arlin

Arlin Adams

-- Arlin H. Adams (ahadams@ix.netcom.com), December 08, 1998.

Shotguns: use 00 buck or slugs for social work. Don't need magnum (unless you are a swat entry team member needing to shoot through locks) Watch out: buck will spread about 1" per yard, depending on choke. After 15 yards, somebody or something besides your target will likely be hit. Slugs (.75 cal) can penetrate many layers of sheetrock and plywood - watch your neighbors. Shotguns lack range - their main advantages are: - more range than handgun - much better accuracy at short range than handgun for semi-trained people "point and shoot" - pyschological deterent - specialized loads (but don't bother looking for non-lethal loads, the weapon is inherently lethal, accept that or drop the project. Some people hate 12 ga recoil, I enjoy it, though I'm not large frame. For some small people, a 20 gauge is a better choice. Almost as effective stopping power, much less recoil. Small people can shoot a 12 ga with stock tucked tight up into armpit, index with body for aiming. For sighted shooting, tuck stock into the edge of the chest, don't have the butt directly agianst your shoulder. Keep a tight cheek weld (cheek to stock). Don't be scared of your own gun, and it won't hurt you. Otherwise, you can get a bloody nose with a 12 ga. Pistol grip on rifle stock gives better shooting accuracy, but is inferior in a retention situation. True pistol-grip-only shotguns are uselelss as sighted fire is impossible. Barrel longer than 20" is harder to maneuver for in-home defense situation. Shotguns aren't easy to retain unless you know what you are doing. If you don't, just drop to one knee and fire upwards as they come on you.

Skeet shooting is NOT realistic training for combat shotgun. Light loads, off the shoulder, narrow stance, its all wrong. Train for combat. Remember, most shotguns are NOT drop safe. They safety's are trigger-safety's only. Be careful.

Pump is cheaper and very reliable. Autoload is faster, and can still be used if one hand down. Auto can fire slugs almost as fast as a machine gun. Benelli is the best autoloader, but kicks like hell.

For long range work, the rifle, in .308, is king.

-RC

-- runway cat (runway_cat@hotmail.com), December 08, 1998.

I just bought two Mossberg 500 12 GA pumps from K-mart, on sale, for $179 each. I am extremely pleased with them.

-- Paul Milne (fedinfo@halifax.com), December 08, 1998.

Personally, I'd go with the Remington 870HD. The barrel is already cut to the legal minimum. Police "riot gun" magazine extensions are easily had and installed. Plus you can get a combo deal from your dealer you can get an interchangeable barrel for either bird or deer hunting. I currently own several 870's and if I can afford to before 1/1/00, I'll own several more for family and friends.

Check six! WW

-- wildweasel (vtmldm@epix.net), December 08, 1998.

I have 2 shotguns.I have a standard field grade 870 for general hunting duties(rabbits, squirrels, etc,) and A winchester defender 1300 with the 8 shot mag that I keep in the closet for social situations. I have a device on the side of the reciever called a sidesaddle,which holds 6 shotgun shells. I've had the 870 since childhood,but I bought the defender at wal mart a year ago for 169.95

Wildweasel,keep in mind, the 870hd is a good shotgun, but the mag tube has a crimp in the end that makes it difficult to add a mag extention. You can drill it out for yourself, but it takes a bit or work.

Remember,one or two boxes of shells in the back of the closet may not be sufficient. I have 14 boxes.

Lawrence Keeney

-- L.E. Keeney (Keeney@newwave.net), December 08, 1998.

Sidesaddle: great idea. Only downside is, it will interfere with weak side shooting. Why is weak-side shooting necessary ? You may be in a situation where cover topology requires it. Thus I personally stay away from side-saddle, and anything else that makes my guns asymmetric.

-RC

-- runway cat (runway_cat@hotmail.com), December 08, 1998.

Sorry, LE, on reading closer I see your sidesaddle is on receiver, not stock as some are. Thus my comments do not apply to you.

-RC

-- runway_cat (runway_cat@hotmail.com), December 08, 1998.

someone tried to sell me a slightly used pistol grip winchester defender 12ga for $225, i thought that's too much for it. what do u think?

-- AJB (hawk_2004@inorbit.com), November 06, 2004.