Need recommendations for first HD shotty

[MarcoPolo]

All,

I known handguns well, but really have no experience with shotguns. With the layout of my home (all bedrooms upstair, 1 staircase which dead-ends at my door (pun intended)).. to get upstairs, and to the real valuables (my kids) you have to come up a full flight of stairs. My question is this... it seems like with a known, single point of cover the shotgun is the perfect choice.

I'm not looking for BRAND (thought is seems Mossberg and Rem are the dominant players) but more of a "what".. barrell length, combat grip or "full stock".. that sort of thing.

Also, I know with handguns capacity is a big deal. With a shotgun, what are the capacities and can I actually get several shots of rapidly (with the "kick") and stay on target?

And finally, do most handgun ranges allow you to shoot shotgun? Seems like they'd be out of place on "rifle" ranges.


Thanks in advance for your help!

[UrbanCowboy]

I would go with something that has a 18 or 18.5" bbl. The reason bieng that it is much easier to maneuver around the house than longer barrel. Shot capacity can vary depending on the model and are generally from 4-8 shots. Staying on target during rapid fire shouldn't be too much of a problem but will somewhat depend on the load you are using. For the stock I personally would go with the Knoxx SpecOps. This will help with recoil and subsequently with your follow-up shots since it does reduce muzzle rise. Also the LOP is adjustable so it may feel better than the usual 13 or 13.5". The ranges I have gone to all allow shotguns to be used. Hope this helps

[Rob1035]

I'd got for an 18" version with a full mag tube (usually 5-6 rounds depending on brand) and real shoulder stock (as opposed to a pistol grip, folder, etc. I say this because you can get basically the above shotgun from any major maker for pretty cheap, often sub $300. After that, get some rounds through to get a feel for it and then start deciding if you want to add lights, different stocks or pistol grips or whatever.

For me, I found a Mossy 500 with wood stocks and a 18.25" barrel, well used for $135 shipped. That leaves a ton of cash left over for shells and mods:cool:

[Grim Jackal]

Not all pistol ranges allow shotguns, but a lot of pistol ranges around here will let you shoot a shotgun if you only use buckshot, i.e. no slugs.

Both of the previous posters offered good advice, any basic model shotgun is a good choice, the 18 inch to 18.5 inch is ideal if your using it for HD, etc. I personally like the speedfeed tactical or youth stock in its basic configuration as it offers a shorter length of pull for me and shortens the overall length of the weapon system by about an inch or so.

As far as most of the gimmicks out there, the only thing I would say is real useful for a HD gun is a Surefire Light forend or similar light system. You may never need the light, but it's great to have and invaluable if you do.

[6734]

My vote would be for a Remington 870P or Mossberg 590A1, both with 18" barrels, as either one will do just fine. I tend to stay away from folding stocks as the only ones I have shot have hurt like hell. I like a regular (non-pistol grip) stock with a shortened length of pull. Also, a Surefire light is the most important accessory you should add, as well as lots of training to develop your skills and to really find out what your limitations and the limitations of your weapon are.

You could add a side saddle and some nice ghost ring sights later on, but my advice would be to stay away from too many gimmicks and to shoot the hell out of it to figure out what you really need.

Oh yeah, if the training doesn't help you overcome the recoil, you can always look at some of the "reduced recoil" loads for a 12 gauge. My personal preference is for Hornady TAP or Poly-shok rounds for my house gun.

Oh yeah, and more training :)

[MarcoPolo]

Thanks for all the feedback. I too tend to like starting with the basics and practicing enough until equipment actuallyl makes a difference. I appreciate the advice!

[Vigilant]

Remington 870 Express 18-inch 7-shot with full stock and a 5 or 6 shot butt sleeve. I found a NICE elastic 5-shot sleeve with a stirrup strap to hold to the butt and keep the sleeve from sliding around. Bought the sleeve on Gunbroker. You should be able to find the 870 I mentioned for around $300.

Vig

[epsylum]

Originally posted by Vigilant
Remington 870 Express 18-inch 7-shot with full stock and a 5 or 6 shot butt sleeve. I found a NICE elastic 5-shot sleeve with a stirrup strap to hold to the butt and keep the sleeve from sliding around. Bought the sleeve on Gunbroker. You should be able to find the 870 I mentioned for around $300.

Vig

I had that exact same 870 express. I paid $280 NIB. The only problems I had with it was the finish. The finish is very rust prone. Keep a very thin layer of oil on it (put some on a patch and swab the gun) and it does fine.

Well, that and the stock recoil pad is horrible.

I sold it about 3 months ago and now have 2 semi-autos. I may get another pump someday.

[M1Garand]

Get the shortest barrel you can get (or legally own). I use a 14" barrel at work, and it shots less than an inch grouping at 25 yard. Shorter barrel will help you maneuver better in your house.

Load it up with slugs or 00 buck shots. Don't worry pistol grips. If you have one, fine. If you don't have one, it is not all that important. You may want to get night sights for your HD guns as most HD applications occur at night. Along that line, you may consider a flashlight on your forend.

Good luck. Keep it safe.

[josp]

M1 Garand
Is this short enough...http://www.serbu.com/shorty.htm

[MarcoPolo]

Got it!

After doing my homework, I went with the 870 Express Magnun (7 shot).

I'm going to spend some time at the range tomorrow putting birdshot, 00 buck, and slugs through it.

Although i'll look for gear down the road, my goal right now is to get used to the gun and how to shoot it... i'll then look for gear to make "us" better.

(Pix on the way)

[MrMurphy]

A Sentry Solutions Tuf-Cloth works well for antirust on the 870 Express. Just remember to wipe the gun down with one EVERY time you handle it in hot/muggy weather.

[Blitzer]

There are many threads on this subject, possibly one could use the search feature to find them?

http://www.glocktalk.com/search.php?s=&action=showresults&searchid=4692111&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending


http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/6998/178294awjeez3zi.jpg

[glockmeister71]

My 870HD was my first shotgun.I've fooled with guns for years,but really had no interest in a shotgun.I'm more into target bolt rifles than anything.After I got my 870,I absolutely love it.I find myself shooting it almost everytime I shoot.I keep Hornady TAP 00 buck in it.A while back,I bought (250) Remington #4 buck and I use those for pratice out to 10yds.They spread really bad,but are FP 2.75" loads like the TAP's.They both recoil about the same.The TAP's pattern better at 25yds than the Remingtons do at 10yds.I was surprised how easy it is to shoot fast strings and get back on target fast,but I'm a big guy.