hey everyone, new to the forums and thought i'd start here. to sum it up, i'm researching what gun(s) i'd like to buy while i still can, mainly for home defense. obviously the first thing that comes to mind is a shotgun, so i've been researching what models would be best. i just have a few questions.
1. where is the best place to make your purchase (if there is any)? there's a gun show coming up in january and i was planning on waiting til then to check that out, i'm not in a huge hurry.
2. when choosing a shotgun, how much of an issue is age? i know aesthetics isn't the most important thing, but i figure if i'm gonna spend a lot of money i want something i like, and i tend to like the "look" of the older style shotguns, with a wood finish and full stock. that leads me to my next question.
3. when it comes to home defense, how important is the pistol grip? all the tactical shotguns i see have a pistol grip and i personally am not a giant fan, although if they are supposed to serve a specific purpose then that's a different story.
4. as far as models go, i'm looking at the winchester 870, mossberg 500, and winchester 1200. money really isn't an issue but i'd like to keep it at 500 max. the other models i was looking at was the norinco trench gun clone, but i'm assuming that this probably wouldn't be the #1 choice for a primary weapon based on reliability?
5. last question, which really is nothing important but just curious, does anyone have any opinions on the IAC 1887 lever action 12gauge? or just lever action 12gauge shotguns in general? obviously this wouldn't be for a primary defense weapon or anything, just something cool to own
thats all i can think of for now, thanks for any help
I bought a Maverick 88 Security which is owned by Mossberg. the only differents in it and one of the Mossberg models is the safty location and the Maverick has a polymer trigger houseing.
The Maverick cost me $189.99 at Acadamy Sports. The reciever is not drilled and tapped for sights or optics.
It does'nt have sling studs either, but I added those.
If you entend to do a lot of shooting one of the Mossbergs or Remington's and maybe a Bennelli might be better for you.
You can be reccomended a lot of shotguns which is good but I would follow up and go to all the manufacturers websites to read about there offerings.
You said you had 500 to spend. If you shop hard you can find a good deal and have plenty of money left to rig it out anyway you want to, if your into that.
Lastly HD, police/military shotguns were hard to find not long ago but I've seen more on the shevles now.
Pistol grips...I personaly would'nt have one on my Maverick.
By the way Winchester has a new line of pump shotguns and one of them is a short barreled shotgun I would mind haveing so go to Winchester and take a look.
Good Luck...A.H
EDIT::: Though I own a pistol the short barreled shotgun brings me more comfort and security.
When you shoot one with 3" magnum 00 Buck Shot you'll be blown away at the awesome Monster in your hands.
The pellets don't spread has much as you think they would, believe me it will lay to waste what ever you shoot with it Big Time LOL Buy one you'll see...A.H
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Last edited by ArkansasHunter; 10-29-2009 at 07:11 PM.
1. In my experience gun shows tend to have high prices. If you go know what you can pay else where for the gun you are looking at and try to get the dealer to give you the same or a better price. Shotguns are not hard to come by, no need giving more than you need to to buy one. On the other hand gun shows are good to look around at and you can see the guns you might want to buy in person and handle them and what not. They are also a good place to find used guns but again make sure you know what the gun is worth so you don't pay more than you need to.
2. Looks are as important as you make them. If wood is what you want by all means get a gun with a wood stock. As for age that is normally not much of a problem as long as the gun is in good shape thou some problems can arrise with really old guns and modern ammo. For the guns you have listed no problem over age as long as it is in good shape.
3. Pistol grips, as in a full stock with a pistol grip, is handy for some situations. if holding the gun for a long period of time it is more conforatable for instance. It can help a little with manuvering in tight surroundings but a normal stock is just fine for most peoples uses. If you are talking about a stand alone pistol grip then you should steer clear. They look cool and make the gun a smaller package but you loose a lot of function from being able to shoulder the gun and accuracy suffers, unlike some may think you must aim a shotgun particularly when used for home defence because of the short ranges you would be shooting the shot pattern will only spread to a few inches about 5 inches at the most in home defence distances such as down a hall way or across a room.
4. The first three modles you listed are just fine. You will find more aftermarket accessories for the 870 and 500 but all are reliable. The 1200 would have to be a used gun purchase as it is no longer made. Also the winchester 1300 is another modle to consider. I have the 1300 defender which has an 18 in. barrel and extending magazine tube. It is a nice shooting gun thou it kicks like a mule with slugs and buckshot. All those should be had under your $500 mark,
The trench gun you talked about is better than nothing but if home defence is your purpose there are much better options, which you listed.
5. I am personally not familure with any of the lever action shotguns, however, it would be an interesting gun to add to ones collection.
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"I don't go shooting without my guns and they don't go shooting without me!"
2. Should'nt worry too much about age pick something that you like but make sure it is dependable also.
3. In my opinion a full stock is better or you can get a full stock with pistol grip, most people I talk to say to stay away from pistol grips as they are wrist busters. A full stock is better because you can shoulder the weapon allowing for a more accurate shot placement ( yes you can miss with a shotgun under the sress of a HD situation )
4. I am not sure about the Winchester 870/1300 but I use the Mossberg 500 and it is very dependable in all my trips to the shooting range I never had a failure to fire, failure to extract , jam or broken part and have probably put about 300 rounds through the gun so far but keep in mind with 300 rounds it is still fairly new. But a very dependable gun works all the time for me.
5. I have never handled a lever action shotgun but I also think that it would be cool to own one or use one.
I have a Remington 870 with a shorter barrel loaded with alternating slug and double ought shells. I take the position a person invading my home may well have both body armor and a drug interaction with the brain.
The lever shotgun is a great novelty. It was not a great market success.
I would like one as a fun gun but not for home defense.
A pistol grip is not for everyone. It can be a real whack to the hand/wrist. You can, in my opinion, do better with a regular stock.
There are a lot of very good used 870's out there that would be excellent candidates for stock refinishing to a look you desire.
Best of luck to you.
Last edited by nathangdad; 11-21-2009 at 08:26 PM.
I have a Remington 870 with a shorter barrel loaded with alternating slug and double ought shells. I take the position a person invading my home may well have both body armor and a drug interaction with the brain.
The lever shotgun is a great novelty. It was not a great market success.
I would like one as a fun gun but not for home defense.
A pistol grip is not for everyone. It can be a real whack to the hand/wrist. You can, in my opinion, do better with a regular stock.
There are a lot of very good used 870's out there that would be excellent candidates for stock refinishing to a look you desire.
Best of luck to you.
Also the design of the Remington 870 allows you to get an extension tube that will give for higher capacity in shells without having to change the barrel like the Mossberg Model 500's do. Extension tube and 20 inch barrel make a good combo, with your choice in stock and forearm. that is my opinion though
i personaly hate pistol grips because it stopps your swing.old guns are fine as long as the barrel is not twisted wire and the gun closes tight.the kick from a 12ga is not bad even with buck shot but the gun will def. let you know its there lol. gun shows usually have a high price so a local place is fin but do NOT buy a gun if you cant pick it up and see how it fits you will know if it does.i have put thousands of rounds thru my 870 and have had no problems at all
