best semi auto shotgun for self defense, what is your opinion

My vote goes to Fabarm Martial Pro Forces...looks good, super reliable, nicely put together, accurate, just enough capability to customize (not anything like an 870 though, if that's your thing).

I love it! It has a spring-assisted forward throw on the action, but if you don't like that it's easy to take the spring out.

I put a full choke on it, which seems to improve the accuracy of my slugs, which is about all I shoot.

Micro Aimpoint co-witnesses perfectly with the original ghost ring sights. It makes it super fast to acquire targets.

You can ditch the heat shield easily enough to save a bit of weight, but it looks more badass with it on.

There is a regular rear stock instead of the pistol grip stock, if you wish as well.

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I think the semi-auto shotgun, in its better examples, is a viable choice for self defense, having several advantages over pump guns. Since the 19th Century, machines have proven very capable of performing repetitive tasks more efficiently than people, and so it is with ejecting the spent shell from a chamber and pushing home a fresh one. Provided suitable ammunition is chosen, the semi-auto will not short stroke the action, although an inertia gun might hiccup if you don't have enough mass behind the gun. The semi-auto is easier to keep in the fight if you are injured and can't manage the slide of a pump gun. Gas operated semi-auto shotguns produce less felt recoil, and in many cases a semi-auto is easier to slug select than a pump.

Most of the disadvantages of the semi auto shotgun have more to do with barrel length and ammunition capacity regulations than it does with things that pertain to the action itself, but lets consider some of the others. Semi-autos are usually more expensive than pump action guns of similar quality. Some semi-auto shotguns benefit from minor modifications, which represent an additional cost; specifically, a larger charging handle and a longer bolt release button can be advantageous on some models. Some semi auto shotguns are more sensitive to the use of field and skeet loads than others. Some semi auto shotguns won't cycle reliably unless there is enough mass behind the butt, so shooting from awkward positions could result in a stoppage. The law restricts magazine length, but this is a minor inconvenience rather than a major tactical disadvantage. No conventional shotgun is going to have a 30 round magazine, so learning how to continuously add shells to the magazine during the action is a valuable skill set, but it is with a pump gun too. Less lethal ammunition will not cycle a semi-auto action, but you know that going in, so you're prepared to pull back the charging handle each time you fire. When a semi-auto action must be cycled manually, it usually requires the shooter to break his firing grip on the gun.
 
Boomer said:
I think the semi-auto shotgun, in its better examples, is a viable choice for self defense, having several advantages over pump guns. Since the 19th Century, machines have proven very capable of performing repetitive tasks more efficiently than people, and so it is with ejecting the spent shell from a chamber and pushing home a fresh one. Provided suitable ammunition is chosen, the semi-auto will not short stroke the action, although an inertia gun might hiccup if you don't have enough mass behind the gun. The semi-auto is easier to keep in the fight if you are injured and can't manage the slide of a pump gun. Gas operated semi-auto shotguns produce less felt recoil, and in many cases a semi-auto is easier to slug select than a pump.

Most of the disadvantages of the semi auto shotgun have more to do with barrel length and ammunition capacity regulations than it does with things that pertain to the action itself, but lets consider some of the others. Semi-autos are usually more expensive than pump action guns of similar quality. Some semi-auto shotguns benefit from minor modifications, which represent an additional cost; specifically, a larger charging handle and a longer bolt release button can be advantageous on some models. Some semi auto shotguns are more sensitive to the use of field and skeet loads than others. Some semi auto shotguns won't cycle reliably unless there is enough mass behind the butt, so shooting from awkward positions could result in a stoppage. The law restricts magazine length, but this is a minor inconvenience rather than a major tactical disadvantage. No conventional shotgun is going to have a 30 round magazine, so learning how to continuously add shells to the magazine during the action is a valuable skill set, but it is with a pump gun too. Less lethal ammunition will not cycle a semi-auto action, but you know that going in, so you're prepared to pull back the charging handle each time you fire. When a semi-auto action must be cycled manually, it usually requires the shooter to break his firing grip on the gun.
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no more replies are needed.. thats a great bit of info!

i did not know that less lethal ammo would fail to cycle a semi.
 
6MT said:
:agree: just what are you thinking you need this for self-defense? I am curious.
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IMHO, the defense of human life is the highest calling that can be applied to our guns, and represents the best reason to own them. This position should not be debatable by anyone who has thought the problem through. Each one of us has the right to exist, and anyone, or anything, whose actions intentionally threaten to infringe upon that right must be stopped as quickly and effectively as possible. That pretty much defines the correct implement for the task.
 
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Weatherby PA459, pump action

Ghost ring, fast sight action.
Very smooth action.
Just throw a shell in the action by the ejector hole then close the action, goes Bang everytime.
Better recoil than the Remington BlackHawk I had.
Removeable choke.
Affortable
 
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I prefer the weight and length of my fabarm, but the others do well at the range also. I've only fired slugs so far.
 
bonisoir said:
if buying a semi auto shotgun for self defense, these factors are considering:
a: less recoil
b: fast deplacement for new target
c: dependable
d:length, non restricted is the best to bring out for practice.
e: quality
f: easy to clean.
what is your choice?
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bonisoir said:
i find out it is a big job to clean the firearm...
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bonisoir said:
does the semi auto shotgun need to clean often like handgun?
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what is your aversion to cleaning and maintaining?

It's a very large, important part of firearm ownership....
 
bonisoir said:
does the semi auto shotgun need to clean often like handgun?
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Yes, though in the case of the Benellis at least you can get away with not cleaning them for a long time, probably thousands of rounds, as long as you lube them periodically.

Conventional gas shotguns, not so much.

I would not let any shotgun go for too long without cleaning though, just on account of the huge job you'll face if you let it go.

Shotguns get dirtier than other types of firearms as not only do you have a huge amount of powder residue but you also have a lot of melted plastic in there too.
 
Was thinking of this thread last few days... ordered a Benelli M2 Field (21") :)
IMO one of the best semi-auto shotguns we Canadians can own; light, simple and low-maintenance.
 
What is it with all you Nancies and this .. Why do you need it for self defense, call the police, blah blah blah...grow a pair you wankers. If the guy wants advice on a Semi for protection, give advice on the question, don't prove your a B!tch by getting him to justify why he want's it. Do you justify why you want to own a firearm...no I didn't think so. If you have nothing constructive to add, move on to the EE section on buying some testicals.

Now back to the original question, if your looking for rock solid reliability in a defensive semi auto shotgun, I think the Benelli M4 is the way to go. Proven reliability, mag a capacity, 8 rounds with Ghost loading. There's a reason the US military use them, because they go bang every time, and that's what you want. It's pricey, but it comes down to you get what you pay for.
 
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