Defense 12 ga needed
- Thread starter 10 X
- Start date
thank goodness for that
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
If the gun will really be used to protect your life, don't cut corners. In a high risk/high stress environment short stroking a pump is a real concern for the uninitiated, and your comment concerning alack of training rounds is a red flag.
The two solution I have to offer is to choose a SXS double or a reliable semi-auto of the Benelli class. The double provides a short compact gun that is mechanically simple and extremely reliable, particularly if its the exposed hammer/double trigger style. The Benelli offers greater firepower, but has an advantage in that if you needed to switch loads in the middle of a conflict, it could be done without taking the gun out if action, thanks to it's cartridge drop lever.
If for example you were loaded with birdshot and needed to switch to a slug, you would simply trap the slug load between the fingers of your support hand, and the forend, pull back the operating handle with your shooting hand, slide your support hand back towards the ejection port until the slug load enters the receiver, release the bolt handle and fire. No subsequent round from the magazine would be released unless the cartridge drop lever was hit.
If you're set on a pump gun, the Mossberg 590 is the top choice IMHO. I've carried mine for 12 years now, and its never had a single hiccup. Nothing has worn out, but should it, there is nothing on the gun that cannot be replaced by the owner. The same cannot be said for Remingtons as they gain experience, due to their stabbed in cartridge stops, and riveted ejectors.
The two solution I have to offer is to choose a SXS double or a reliable semi-auto of the Benelli class. The double provides a short compact gun that is mechanically simple and extremely reliable, particularly if its the exposed hammer/double trigger style. The Benelli offers greater firepower, but has an advantage in that if you needed to switch loads in the middle of a conflict, it could be done without taking the gun out if action, thanks to it's cartridge drop lever.
If for example you were loaded with birdshot and needed to switch to a slug, you would simply trap the slug load between the fingers of your support hand, and the forend, pull back the operating handle with your shooting hand, slide your support hand back towards the ejection port until the slug load enters the receiver, release the bolt handle and fire. No subsequent round from the magazine would be released unless the cartridge drop lever was hit.
If you're set on a pump gun, the Mossberg 590 is the top choice IMHO. I've carried mine for 12 years now, and its never had a single hiccup. Nothing has worn out, but should it, there is nothing on the gun that cannot be replaced by the owner. The same cannot be said for Remingtons as they gain experience, due to their stabbed in cartridge stops, and riveted ejectors.
I would just get something like the Mossberg 500 SPX because it is short light and fast to use, if you need a few more shells in the tube mag then a 590 SPX/A1/etc.
If big box mags for home defense is wanted for dozens of shots quickly, no offense, then some time shooting at a range might be in order, that much PDX or buck being shot at an intruder and missing them is going to basically strip all of the drywall in the house. Unless the plans are for all shots into the corpse to make hamburger.
The local authorities would frown strongly on such use of excessive defense.
jmho...
If big box mags for home defense is wanted for dozens of shots quickly, no offense, then some time shooting at a range might be in order, that much PDX or buck being shot at an intruder and missing them is going to basically strip all of the drywall in the house. Unless the plans are for all shots into the corpse to make hamburger.
The local authorities would frown strongly on such use of excessive defense.
jmho...
- Location
- Airdrie, Alberta
RELIABLE pump 12g. 20" barrel or shorter, loaded with a mix of 00 and slugs, if you haven't stopped the threat with 6 or 8 rounds of that not much can help you.
The box mags are nice if youre complying with storage laws but want to load your shotgun as quickly as possible. It doesnt get any faster than a box magazine.
If I had access to an Ithaca 37....awh damn Im jealous.
Just get a 14" fabarm (shooting edge), or an 18" mossberg/remington 870 man.
FYI to op just in case- you cant cut a shotgun barrel past a certain point without getting in trouble just dont cut it down to 5"....
The legal limit for chopping of all barrels (not just shotguns) is 457mm (17.99"), as measured from the breech face to muzzle crown. Anything shorter than that makes a prohibited firearm.
Mark
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
Hmm, there seems to be more misinformation on this subject than on many others. My understanding is that if you cut the barrel yourself, or have a gunsmith cut it, the minimum length that it can be shortened to is 18.5" measured from the bolt face to muzzle. Otherwise, the barrel must be manufactured to the shorter length and stamped accordingly in order to be legal.
457mm (17.99") is the limit for cutting any barrel. 470mm (18.50") is the limit to keep a semi-auto centerfire non-restricted. You could chop the barrel on a semi to 18" and it would remain legal, but it would become a restricted firearm.
Mark
