Using a hunting shotgun for home defense???

[center-mass23]

I have a standard Benelli Nova Shotgun that I use for hunting. I would like to also use this shotgun for home defense. First of all do you think this shotgun would make a good home defense weapon. Second in order to make it a useful home defense weapon what do I need and where can I get it. I know I need a shorter barrel. What about shell holders? Anything else you might recommend?

[MrMurphy]

Realistically if pushed, you could still use a bird barrel at across-the-room distances, but it'd be easier to disarm someone with a gun that long. Short barrels are primarily for maneuverability, and you shouldn't be creeping around the house alone with a shotgun. You don't have enough people, and probably not the right training. The shotgun is a hole-up and wait for the cops "bedroom howitzer".

A shorter barrel, and maybe a SideSaddle for an extra few rounds minimum. A mounted white light being a high priority as well.

[mitchshrader]

870 clone costs less than a benelli barrel, likely.

i paid 213 OTD for a H&R pardner pump. 22", 5+1, camo, TruGlo sights.

6 1 oz slugs and nightlights in the hallway.

ymmv. i ain't had a chance to test it, but i have every confidence that badguys will like my choice as much as a fancy gun.

[walkin' trails]

The long barrel makes the gun a lot harder to wield in close quarters. On the other hand, the long barrel may make the gun appear more intimidating, thus allowing you to protect the home without actually having to use deadly force. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, buy a shell holder sock that slips onto the stock, investigate the feasiblitly of a Tac-Star light (usually less than $100), and plan your home defense tactics accordlingly. Defending the little corner of your bedroom or family quarters while the police are en route is a lot more preferable than going looking for an intruder in the dark by yourself. Learn gun-handling tactics that allow you to present the gun in close quarter, but still prevent a gun grab.

[JohnJak]

It is better than having a stick in your hands.

[Blitzer]

JAMBOG!

Lots of previous threads discuss this topic here on GT.

Maybe a search before you post would be effective?

:thumbsup: ;) :supergrin:

[GLOCK35TX]

Any weapon is good for home defense -

You do not need a "Tacti-cool" shotgun for home defense - a shorter barrel may be easier to move around in a house.

My advice get a few more rounds on the gun - a buttstock shell holder for example..and know how to use the weapon..have a plan of action..

Also - any weapon for home defense is not meant to intimidate an assailant ~ If you have the weapon out for home defense - then it's a little late for that.

[ElevatedThreat]

The only things "needed" on a home defense shotgun are a short barrel and sights you can see.

All the many accessories that people add are just because they are tacticool.

Some, like on-weapon lights, can actually be dangerous to the user if you are not trained in proper tactics.

Plus, if you ever really use the gun, a plain-jane shotgun will be much more defendable in court than super-ninja killer-diller special with extra-deadly add-ons.

-ET

[GLOCK35TX]

I agree with you Elevated Threat - Some people go way overboard with the gadgets and gizmos .. and then get no training on how to use them on a weapon..
An improperly used light on a search can also be a deal for disaster.


BUT luckily I see Center Mass 223 lives in Texas. Starting in Sept. 07 the new "Castle Doctrine" goes into law - which means that a homeowner has no duty to retreat if someone breaks into there house.. the new law follows very closely to Floridas already existing law.
AND if in the course of legally using deadly force to protect yourself the new Castle Doctrine provides that a criminal who survices or the family of who who did not - cannto sue the home owner..as long as the force was justified.

[M1Garand]

Have a gun for home defense is better than none. With that being said, a shotgun is an excellent home defense gun, whether it is labelled for hunting or "tactical."

Benelli Nova is an excellent shotgun. You may want to get a shorter barrel, so it is more maneuverable indoor.

[GlockFish]

Originally posted by Blitzer
JAMBOG!

Lots of previous threads discuss this topic here on GT.

Maybe a search before you post would be effective?

:thumbsup: ;) :supergrin:

JAMBOG!

I can't tell you how many posts I read every day suggesting someone use the Search function!

And the expression JAMBOG? JAMBOG!! Its JAMBOG'ed itself. Give it up..... let it die already. Please.

:rofl:

[Blitzer]

Originally posted by GlockFish
JAMBOG!

I can't tell you how many posts I read every day suggesting someone use the Search function!

And the expression JAMBOG? JAMBOG!! Its JAMBOG'ed itself. Give it up..... let it die already. Please.

:rofl:

Your response was redundant as well! "Search and you will find!", as the old saying goes.

:tongueout: :upeyes:

[mitchshrader]

inspired to put accessory money into a spare gun, or accessory money that isn't needed explicitly into ammo and training, or accessory money into security of their domicile, or more adequate mobile security (lock box for car) ..

talk em into it.

the real world has paperwork and laws and hasn't all that many ninjas.

toys are cute, but the fact is, if you have a 1957 model 10 and a box of shells and willing to use it, your home is defended sufficiently to make about anybody think three times and decide against it.

it helps a LOT if you shoot regularly. which gun helps MUCH LESS.

being AWAKE helps immensely. having a light on helps.

but i'd rather they have a 22 and a little dog than a belt fed .50 if i want em alive..