Self-Defense Shotguns-Sound Off [Archive]

Michael Brown

06-13-2005, 11:50 PM

Who uses a shotgun as part of their personal defense battery?

I use a Benelli M1 Tactical loaded with Remington 8-Pellet Reduced Recoil Buckshot at home.

At work I'm required to use the department Remington 870. However I deploy the AR-15 far more often.

Anyone else?

Michael Brown

Fasglas

06-14-2005, 08:10 AM

I have a Benelli M1 Tactical, but it's not really ready to rock and roll. I got a little spooked when I heard that sometimes the shells will deform if kept loaded in the gun in warm weather. Have you ever experienced that?

Michael Brown

06-14-2005, 11:12 AM

If the conditions are climate-controlled (i.e. inside a house) it isn't a problem.

I have seen it occur to shotguns left in patrol cars 24/7 but its a rarity if you use shells that have a full plastic rather than cardboard interior like the LE loads.

Michael Brown

kjones99

06-14-2005, 01:24 PM

870 loaded with 00buck! of course, it's a lefty....

capmarine

06-14-2005, 06:35 PM

carried an 1187 rem.,ar-15a3.have an 870 next to the bed.use LE 9pellet loads.

walpur6isknight

06-16-2005, 09:55 AM

a personal defense battery isnt complete without a shotgun.
im currently looking into folding stocks for a marine magnum 870. think itll be the knoxx copstock...... but, i may decide
to call it good with hogue stock and foregrip, and fix up a police model as a combat shotty. just cant beat an 870. i looked at benelli shotguns at outdoor america about a year ago, they had an m3 s90 for 1200. i almost bought it, but decided not to. i wish i would have.......was that a good price?

DrBaker

06-18-2005, 10:26 PM

Moss 500 and Rem 870 both with a sidesaddle full of 00buck are always handy at home.

walpur6isknight

06-18-2005, 11:13 PM

for me its one buck in the chamber, and a tube full of slugs.
i dont care for the bulk of the sidesaddles.
i like a plain jane shotty. was considering a folder, so i could stow it in my ruck, but im just going to keep it plain.
besides i wont be hiking or camping, or anything like that for quite a while, so a backpack shotty isnt as important as it once was.

capmarine

06-18-2005, 11:38 PM

#4 buck is a good choice

454lvr

06-24-2005, 04:05 PM

Ballistic Products has a load for a slug on top of six 00 buck. It should stop about anything.

liliysdad

06-24-2005, 07:56 PM

I carry my Personal 1958 vintage Wingmaster Riot on duty.

Of course, with a sidesaddle, Ghost Rings, synthetic furniture, mag extensions, and Gun Kote, it aint quite stock.

J.P.

06-24-2005, 08:04 PM

Mossy 500 persuader w/Ranger 00 Buck.
Chick-chink *BOOM*

capmarine

06-27-2005, 07:22 PM

when i was with the squad the Marshal's would step out with their shorty's-14" (cant remember the make,maybe wilson's??)i will start carrying my 870 again.

chvylvr350

07-05-2005, 09:53 PM

I just got the FN Police shotgun. I am not going to do anything to it except add a light and a hogue stock set. Probably going to be using Reduced Recoil #4 buck.

mons meg

07-07-2005, 07:08 PM

Mossy 590. No bloody A, no bloody 1. 8+4 Winchester Super X 00 buck. I can't seem to find any 1 or 4 buck at the local stores around OKC.

okla-lawman

07-20-2005, 04:25 AM

Home Mossberg 590. Barrel has had forcing cone lengthened, back bored and angle ported. Side saddle and speed feed stock. Pelican m6 light.

Current duty shotgun Remington 870, hogue compstock, m3 streamlight, blackhawk
ammo butstock ammo holder (cant use side saddles cause of shotgun locks)

I am building a new 870 except it will have a fully decked out barrel including porting. Teflon finish, night sites and one of my modified omg bright flashlights. Othewise it will be set up like my current 870.

Of course I keep a loaded AR-15 carbine in both my patrol car and house. I like it even better.

OK CTU

07-22-2005, 09:09 AM

Love those 870s... I've been tryin to find one at a good price so I can do what I want to it without spending too many of momma's dollars.

Jason Witt

08-04-2005, 12:40 AM

I have an 870 stoked with low recoil buck loads accessible in the bedroom. I need to get a light for it however.

J

ssgrock3

08-14-2005, 10:07 AM

beretta 1201 w/ OO buck

pete156

09-09-2005, 06:15 PM

Mossberg Maverick 88
18 1/2" Barrel
Xenon Tactical Light installed
Loaded up with 2 #4 shot and 3 00 buck

If they're dumb enough to break in then they're gonna be leaving with a nice BIG hole in 'em.

okguy91

09-09-2005, 11:25 PM

sagia 12c with one in the camber and one in the mag 8rd mag full of low recoil 00 buck.

ez bake

09-22-2005, 02:18 PM

I'm from around Okmulgee so of course I had to get the Mossberg Mav 18 1/2" barrel. Best $149 I ever spent at Academy. The wife likes to shoot it as well.

Later,

EZ Bake

pete156

09-22-2005, 02:26 PM

Hmm...I do see a trend of most people using "low recoil" 00 Buck. Does that mean that I probably oughta change mine out for that. I've currently got some Federal Vital Shock 00 Buck and I don't see it being a good thing to end up on my arse if I fire at an intruder. And I've also never fired any 00 Buck before, so I don't have a clue what to expect. Maybe I ought to take the mossy out to the field this weekend and give it a shot with the federal. :)

DrBaker

09-22-2005, 05:05 PM

I've never used any low recoil buckshot. I've shot tons of the regular stuff. How much difference does it make?

RatTerrier

10-03-2005, 08:56 AM

I'd like to have my bro's shotty...a Spas 12 guage, can be used as a pump or a semi auto with a folding stock!! And yeah, this is the shotty used in The Terminator. http://pookieweb.dyndns.org:61129/spas/spas.htm

okiecruffler

10-26-2005, 05:14 PM

I must be an odd duck. I've got a Stevens 311 SXS 12 ga with 19inch tubes sitting at the bed side. Loaded with 4shot.

green country shooter

11-06-2005, 08:38 PM

Ithaca 37, 20" barrel, loaded with 00 Buck and slugs in the side saddle. I just take the barrel off and put the factory barrel back on to go duck hunting (well, and I do unload it first and then put the plug back in, too.)

patrickcudd

11-06-2005, 08:48 PM

I'd go the opposite way on ammo......That Heavy Shot "Dead Coyote" looks like good stuff.

SMS

11-18-2005, 04:59 PM

870 with factory mag tube extension, synth stock. Added a Surefire forend and a 4 round side saddle.

I keep it stoked with 2 3/4 in 000 buck. I don't go for the low recoil loads. If you give up recoil you are going to give something else up like velocity or mass.

A regular 2 3/4 in buckshot round isn't too punishing and still hits hard with a lot of pellets.

blake711

11-19-2005, 10:33 AM

I am supprised I haven't seen anyone with a Winchester Defender its an 8 shot. I have been researching a home protection 12 gauge and was thinking about this. I would like to go with an 870 as thats what I hunt with. Only issue is you have to get a mag extension. Do you 870 owners use a mag extension if so please sound off on your experince with them.

SMS

11-19-2005, 12:39 PM

my 870 has a factory 7-shot mag extension on it...no problems.

I did switch out the cheap plastic follower with a "no-bind, hi-vis" aluminum one from Brownells.

_n4z_

11-19-2005, 06:04 PM

my "defense battery" includes a remington870 w/ 20" rifle sighted improved cylinder barrel. couple 00's in the mag, 3 more on the stock along with 2 win-X 2.75 slugs.

back up is a ruger gp100 ss 6" w/ 158gr. sjhp .357magnums and two speedloaders of same.

wifes backup ruger sp101 ss 2.25" w/ 158gr lhp's .38spec +p and two speedloaders of same.

and for reaching out to touch someone a marlin336 in 30/30.

*barrel change on the 870 = quail, dove, pheasant pounder, though i don't hunt much anymore.

blake711

11-19-2005, 08:19 PM

sms is yours a police model? if so what did you pay for it?

SMS

11-20-2005, 05:58 PM

Not the police model but Remington's home defense deal....870 with factory black finish and black synthetic stock, and mag extension for $300. At the time I bought mine they were offering a $25 rebate which sweatened the pot.

H&H has a couple in stock and they have some new ones with a green finish and pistol grip stock and smaller forend (which wont get in the way of a 6-rnd sidesaddle) for less than $400.

blake711

11-20-2005, 09:51 PM

Thanks SMS don't guess I have seen that option after looking at remmys website I saw it.. Will have to check one out for sure..link (http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model_870/model_870_express_synthetic_18inch.asp)

DrBaker

11-20-2005, 10:00 PM

H&H has a couple in stock and they have some new ones with a green finish and pistol grip stock and smaller forend (which wont get in the way of a 6-rnd sidesaddle) for less than $400.

I saw those last week. I really like the look of the green finish on them.

blake711

11-20-2005, 10:03 PM

does h and h have a website? Anyone have their address? I may have ot make a trip out to OKC to have a look around..

DrBaker

11-20-2005, 10:08 PM

www.hhgunrange.com

Their website isn't much better than the Glock website, but they do have a nice store/range.

blake711

11-21-2005, 12:43 PM

Anyone know where to get a remmy home defense 18 inch in tulsa before I make a rode trip to okc?

SMS

11-27-2005, 12:22 PM

Did you find one Blake?

stepper

12-10-2005, 09:34 PM

I got to shoot Dr.Baker's mossberg today. I've been wanting a shotgun for a year or so, but just haven't done it. I'm going to get one that I can use as self defense, and take it out to shoot the clay's every once in awhile.

c10bonanza

12-12-2005, 11:00 PM

I must be odd man out. My current shotgun is a Winchester 1300 with a 26"? barrel. I've had it since my Dad gave it to me for Xmas at 17. It is my everything shotgun.

The long barrel will make it difficult to manuver in the house should I ever need it, so I am looking at purchasing an 870. 18" and a Surefire front end. Nothing else.

For home defense, I keep my Winney loaded with 3 rounds of #4 buck and 2 rifled slugs to finish any job.

okla-lawman

12-13-2005, 12:58 AM

Anyone know where to get a remmy home defense 18 inch in tulsa before I make a rode trip to okc?
OPS had some use police magnums in the under $300 range.

mikeyinokc

12-19-2005, 02:19 PM

We had an early Christmas yesterday due to some of the family members traveling out of state on next weekend. My wife gave me a new Mossberg 500 Persuader. Not sure how, or if I want to pimp it out for home defense. I have removed the stock and replaced it with the pistol grip. I am thinking of putting a light on it, and maybe a sidesaddle shell carrier.

Any comments on what is really practical, and useful? And what is not?

Thanks

SMS

12-19-2005, 05:06 PM

full length pistol grip stock or just a pistol grip? I've found the pistol grip to be very uncomfortable and uncontrollable. Contrary to popular belief, you can miss with a shotgun...they look cool but that's about it.

DrBaker

12-19-2005, 05:20 PM

I've fired many rounds through the Moss 500 with the factory pistol grip. It's not very comfortable IMO. On the other hand firing the gun from the hip/1 handed/etc with the full stock is very comfortable. YMMV.

mikeyinokc

12-20-2005, 08:28 AM

Thanks for the comments guys. I did put just the pistol grip on the gun. I can well imagine it would be uncomfortable to shoot that way. I have looked at some add on items from several companies. I think it was Tac Star that has a pistol grip replacement as well as a pistol grip/forearm replacement and a grip cover for both. It might be more comfortable using both pistol grips?

I'm looking at the different light attachments available to decide what I want to do there.

Have you ever tried the reduced recoil loads?

Thanks, Mike

pete156

12-20-2005, 09:19 AM

I installed a pistol grip on my Mossberg and it bothers my wrist to shoot even the #7 birdshot. I hate that too cause man does it look so small and neat with the 18 1/2" barrel and pistol grip only. Well, I may end up looking for a pistol grip buttstock to replace it.

mikeyinokc

12-20-2005, 10:48 AM

pete156

12-20-2005, 12:06 PM

I would have also picked up a pistol grip forend for my Mossberg, but unfortunately I haven't seen one made for the Maverick yet. :(

AresV

12-20-2005, 06:42 PM

Link to TacStar grips (http://www.tacstar.com/tacstar/grips.htm)

Here's a picture of the TacStar two pistol grip layout. Might be a better solution. Anyone tried something like that? I'm like you Pete, I like the looks of the shotty with the pistol grip, but I'm not into pain anymore.

I had a similar setup to that on one of my 870's when I was younger. I didn't have any trouble shooting it, but personally, I'd rather have a buttstock and be able to shoulder the gun, even at close range.

AresV

12-20-2005, 06:54 PM

Current HD shotgun is a Remington 870. 20" IC barrel with rifle sights (swapped the stockers for Mepro night sights), Surefire 618FA forend, 3 shot mag ext., 6 shot side saddle, hi-vis follower, Knoxx SpecOps stock, and the whole gun has been refinished in a matte black by Airborn Coatings in OKC. The side saddle carries four 2-3/4" 00 Buck and a couple slugs just for good measure. I may refinish the gun with Duracoat in the future because I wasn't too thrilled with a couple runs in the SDF finish that Airborn applied.

I had a Vang Comp Speed Safety on it but I had to remove it when I put the SpecOps stock on (hard to explain, but basically the SpecOps stock would have contacted the safety and caused damage to one or the other). It wasn't a case of just a little grinding to fit, it just can't be done because of the size of the safety and the design of the stock.

The 870's backup is my G32C and a Surefire G2 Nitrolon.

SMS

12-20-2005, 07:54 PM

I can't say this enough: Being able to shoulder the weapon and utilize the sights is a critical option for a self/home defense gun....you can miss with a scattergun.

mikeyinokc

12-21-2005, 10:30 AM

SMS, point well taken. The more I look into this topic, the more I feel the pistol grip only is not the direction I should take. Does anyone have an opinion on the gear from ATI. I see several dealers carrying their stuff. I'm leaning toward a collapsable/adjustable stock with a pistol grip, along with a forearm pistol grip.

Didn't realize there were so many accessories out there 'til I got this shotty.

DrBaker

12-21-2005, 10:40 PM

Does anyone have an opinion on the gear from ATI. I'm leaning toward a collapsable/adjustable stock with a pistol grip, along with a forearm pistol grip.

That's what I got for my 870. I ended up taking it off and going back to factory. I'm much happier with the factory setup than the ATI stuff.

mikeyinokc

12-22-2005, 12:23 PM

Dr Baker, have you looked at the Knoxx SpecOps adjustable stock? It has a recoil absorbing mechanism built into the stock.

Knoxx (http://www.knoxx.com/NewStyleKnoxx/Products/SpecOpsStock.html)

DrBaker

12-22-2005, 04:58 PM

I haven't used one of those so I'm not sure one way or the other.

If I did change anything on either shotty, it would probably be the hogue stock and forend. Chances are I'll leave my 870 and 590 alone.

When do I get to shoot it??? :gun1: :gun1:

Tulsa Shooter

12-22-2005, 08:16 PM

IMO the ATI parts are cheap, I put them on my mossberg 500 and ended up taking them off. I have a speedfeed III now on my 500 and I absolutely love it. The pistol grip and full length stock feel great.

AresV

12-23-2005, 08:49 AM

Dr Baker, have you looked at the Knoxx SpecOps adjustable stock? It has a recoil absorbing mechanism built into the stock.

Knoxx (http://www.knoxx.com/NewStyleKnoxx/Products/SpecOpsStock.html)

I've got the SpecOps stock on my HD 870. It's a great stock, makes a 00 buck 3" mag load feel like next to nothing. I mainly bought it because the reduction in muzzle rise but the reduced felt recoil is a nice bonus. Especially when you want to test a bunch of different types of ammo in it.

mikeyinokc

12-23-2005, 08:52 AM

AresV

12-23-2005, 09:33 AM

Thanks for the comments guys. Does anyone in the OKC area carry an assortment of stocks that a guy could see and touch?

Doc, we will have to get together and shoot it sometime soon. I'm just trying to decide what stock I want to put on it before it take it out.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Nobody I know of carries the Knoxx stocks or Speedfeeds. H&H has some guns with Speedfeed stocks on them IIRC. For me, it was one of those "Buy it to try it" purchases. I figured if the SpecOps stock sucked, I'd just throw it on Ebay and lose $20 selling it used.

If you're a member at Tri-City or H&H I can let you know the next time I'm going shooting and I'll bring my HD 870 so you can try out the Knoxx stock. I had a Speedfeed III on it before, but the Knoxx is a PITA to install (mainly because I don't have the right style of allen wrench). Otherwise I'd just switch them out so you could try both.

liliysdad

12-23-2005, 11:29 AM

Hoov

12-23-2005, 12:06 PM

If you are looking for a great house gun, I like the Remington 870 with the mag extension on it. If you buy the Express without the tube on it, you have to hone out the cams inside, buy the extension and change the follower. By the time you do all of that, it will cost you about $100. The 5077 already has it on it. (We carry that model and it runs $269.) If you want to add a side saddle, a four round will mount on, no problem. If you want the six round model, you have to cut down or change the fore end. The big difference between the 5077 Express and the "Police" 870s is the sights. The police models are supposed to be polished out more, but they really are not that much better internally. If you have to qualify with slugs past 50 yards, then get the ghost ring or rifle sighted police model. If you just need a house gun, the 5077 is probably the best deal on the market. Most departments don't like the Winchester 1300s because you can't make them cruiser safe. The Mossberg's problem is... well it only costs $159!! Oh yeah, if you put on a side saddle, don't over tighten the new screws!! You will squeeze the receiver and then your gun won't run. As far as coating, Airborn at 39th and about Portland, usually does a great job. You can get hot pink if you really want it. They usually charge about $100 to $125 depending on the gun. Turnaround is pretty quick and their OD green is sexy. Hoov

AresV

12-23-2005, 08:24 PM

Ares, can you give me some info on Airborn? I have heard that tehy do refinishing, but I cant ever get an answer from anyone via email.

What did it cost you for an 870? I am looking at having my 870 done. Who do I need to contact? Do you have any photos?

I work in OKC and just dropped by there one day to ask about the refinishing. They charged me $48 to do the receiver, barrel, mag extension, and action bars. Turnaround was a little under a week and a half.

I wasn't terribly impressed with the work because there's a pretty large run in the finish on my receiver. Of course, I didn't notice it until I got the gun out in the light about 4 months after they had finished it. I've thought about taking it back to them and having it redone, but I just haven't gotten around to it.

The finish seems to be tough as nails, I'm just disappointed with the run on the receiver.

I'll try to take some photos and send them to ya. Shoot me your e-mail via PM and I'll try to get them sent over.