What shotgun works best for home defense?

[alan]

I'm considering a shotgun for home defense and could use some real-world advice. I'm stuck between 12-gauge and 20-gauge. The 12-gauge is powerful, but I've heard the 20-gauge is easier to handle with less recoil, especially in tight spaces. What's the best choice for home use?

When it comes to barrel length and stock setup, what features should I focus on? I want something simple and reliable. Any brands or models you've had good experiences with?

Also, how big of a deal is training for this? I've shot shotguns before, but not really practiced for home defense. What kind of drills or practice should I be looking at to feel prepared?

 

[Eastenerwesterner]

Because I purchased my guns for sporting purposes, this is what I would reach in the safe for-
12g turkey gun because the barrel is shorter than my duck gun, more maneuverable in tight spaces.
I stick with pump actions. Seen too many people have issues with their Semis because of poor cleaning. I also want to make every shot count only having 5.
My wife has her 20g in her SxS when she is doing fire clearance for Rattlers.

 

[Marrk]

@Alan I have no expertise in anything, but I do have a little experience.

1) Grab a 12 gauge and shoot it once or twice. You'll figure out pretty quickly whether recoil is going to be an issue for you.

2) A shorter barrel shotgun will be more maneuverable in most home defense situations. However, if you are a trophy cup winning skeet shooter, you don't need any advice on gun handling.

3) Training is everything, and there is no end to it. Think about the space you need to defend. Have a plan. Practice with your weapons.

4) If your real name is John Wick, forget what I just said.


Post Scriptum: There are four rules to gun safety. One of them is considering all of the things that your shot might hit unintentionally. 200% of the time, an iPhone is better than a shotgun.

 

[High Dez]

I have this exact model for self-defense. Mossberg Maverick 88 with 18.5"-barrel, 12 gauge, chambers 3" mag. Holds 5+1 if you use 2 3/4" shells. Pretty inexpensive, can find them for $250 or less.

https://www.mossberg.com/maverick-88-security-31023.html

 

[Marrk]

I have this exact model for self-defense. Mossberg Maverick 88 with 18.5"-barrel, 12 gauge, chambers 3" mag. Holds 5+1 if you use 2 3/4" shells. Pretty inexpensive, can find them for $250 or less.

https://www.mossberg.com/maverick-88-security-31023.html

That's a nice one, Dez. Mossberg and Remington are the two big dogs in this game. Both are well-liked.

 

[Eastenerwesterner]

Other considerations for this scenario, would be Pistol caliber carbines.

Wife has her 9mm semi, I have my 44 lever action. Gives you more capacity without the through and through of a rifle inside the house.

There are more than one ways to skin a cat.

Edit: Was visiting friends in another state. He was asking me about guns. He wanted to get a shotgun to protect himself in the BLM times.
I asked him and his wife-would you use it? He hesitated, wife didn't. I told them she should get a gun, but he shouldn't .

 

[Javbike]

I have this exact model for self-defense. Mossberg Maverick 88 with 18.5"-barrel, 12 gauge, chambers 3" mag. Holds 5+1 if you use 2 3/4" shells. Pretty inexpensive, can find them for $250 or less.

https://www.mossberg.com/maverick-88-security-31023.html

I have the same one bedside weapon only way to go

 

[Sgt Rock 11B]

It really depends on where you live.

Unless you're a hunter you probably will be very awkward with a long gun.

Few years ago when the Civil Disobedience was getting crazy two middle age women came into Turners to pick up the shotgun they bought. It was obvious that they needed real training with it.

I am sure sometime in the past someone said with a shotgun all you need to do was point and pull the trigger and you get a hit every time.

 

[Frank M]

I personally would never use a shotgun for in-home defense (unless your plan is to barricade in your room) but if I had to, I would use a Benelli M4, Remington 870 or an Ithica 37 with a pistol grip. For those that worry about jamming in a semi auto, pumps jam just as well. Regardless of your choice, train, train, train.

 

[xchecker]

I've had a Mossberg 590 for 30yrs now. Bought as a LEO trade in for $125 in '95. Pulled the plug for 8+1 capacity, pistol grip and a flashlight. 18.5"