HD Question

[clever_21]

Is this the general consensus for HD. And when I say general I mean overall the norm. There will always be different strokes for different folks but I just want to know overall would this be an OK set up. BTW I personally do not want a black "tactical" looking shotty.

870 express magnum, 18' barrel w/2 shot extension
smooth bore for shot shells (not slugs)

Is magnum needed? I have heard that low brass 2 3/4 is all you want for HD. Please keep in mind I want simple, easy, no-nonsense, anyone-can-pick-it-up, point and shoot HD.

What do you all you 870 experts think? Thanks in advance for your help.

[clever_21]

Also, what are the usual sights for HD? I presume it's whatever you like best but overall what do most ppl go with? Bead? Rifle? Ghost?

[MrMurphy]

Shorten the stock a little bit.

Basic bead, at room distances, is fast and accurate for buck. The XS Tritium version is even better (bigger and night-usable) and the Hi-Viz fiberoptic version is also good for about 1/4 of the price. :)

Reduced-Recoil or standard 12ga buck does fine. The only reason you'd use magnum is for shooting at geese, enemy aircraft, and through cars with slugs. :)

[CAcop]

Magnum rounds are not needed for use around the home. Feel free to use them if you think you need them but even reduced recoil rounds are good enough. A shotgun has plenty of power to do the job. That's why you bought it.

[L-2]

I think your weapon choice was very good. There's no reason for criticism in choosing a Remington 18.5" barreled, 2-shot extension gun. I most likely wouldn't have criticized other brands, either, though.

I personally like ghost ring sights, but beads generally work fine. My wants & needs are probably different from yours as my guns are not just for home defense. I practice shooting a lot of slugs at 50 to 100 yards.

I only carry 2 3/4" rounds. I've tried 3" stuff, but found the price & availability limited from my usual suppliers. While I've shot the 3" (magnum) stuff, especially in slugs, I've found the 2 3/4" slugs more conducive for faster follow-up shots. I do also carry slugs, btw.

For 00 buck, I like Federal LE12700, which has the tightest pattern I've found so far, which I prefer. LE13200, for a bit less recoil is good, too. With less recoil, there's less velocity and penetration, as a trade-off.

(For work, I've got to carry issued Winchester 2 3/4" 00 buck. I think its stock number is "XB1200". I also must carry Winchester slugs for work.)

For slugs, I prefer a name-brand Winchester or (for personal use) Remington "Slugger" 2 3/4" 1 oz. rifled slug. I'll generally transition to a slug at 15 yards or more. Again, your needs may be different and 00 buck may be all you need. I've found these two brands have consistent quality control and generally available from my suppliers.

Shotguns are limited in ammo capacity. 6 or 7 rounds
1. I'd want a backup (hand)gun or two, if possible.
2. I want more ammo availability on the shotgun. I put slugs in a receiver-mounted side-saddle, and more 00 buck in an elastic butt-cuff holder.

I continually practice loading & manipulating the shotgun as ammo capacity is limited and shells are singularly loaded. These are my needs. You may be fine in knowing you'll have 6 rounds available and, hopefully, it'll be more than you'll ever need.

Then there's training...
Training is good to get. It drills you in shooting. It builds your proficiency and confidence in using that weapon. It presents ideas, such as things I've just written of here. We didn't even talk about lights and slings, either. It lets you try some equipment which you otherwise may not use or practice with at a regular visit to a shooting range.

That was exhausting. I think I'll go to bed now..

[clever_21]

This was great info all around! Thanks all very much to everyone. L-2 special thanks for your opinion. Well thought out and informative. Also, when I say your opinion I mean it. Its nice to hear suggestions and what you prefer rather than telling me what I "need." Hope you got a good nights rest.

[mds1140]

No intention to hijack, the OP had some great questions......

How are you guys storing your HD shotguns? I am thinking about getting one, it would be primarily for HD, but I have kids. How are you storing yours, while keeping it 'reasonably' accessible?

mike

[MrMurphy]

Gunvault makes the Bedvault, a slide-out drawer that attaches to the frame of your bed with a lock.

Mossberg makes a wall mount for long guns that locks.

A Lifejacket, with a cable going around a bedframe, will "work".