Folks, I'm in the market for a home defense shotgun. I have a 20 gauge Winchester pump that was my granddad's, I love it but it's built for hunting. No doubt it will do the trick in a home defense situation, but I am looking for something purpose built. A little rambling now and then questions:
I recently shot my buddy's Linberta tactical autoloading 12 gauge. It was pretty sweet, ate everything we put into it. Not sure that's the one I want, the truth is I'm not the biggest Bud's guy and that brand seems to be exclusive to Bud's. If the Linberta shakes out to the best value I'll do it, but not starting there.
I really want a 20 gauge so my kids (and my shoulder) can practice, practice, practice. 20 gauge delivers plenty of damage and is easier for most people to shoot relative to a 12 gauge. My daughter is 5'4 and a 12 gauge is just too much for her. My shoulder could do without the punishment of a 12 gauge after about 15 minutes of shooting. My son is a big hoss and could probably wield dual 12 gauges, but that's another thread.
On the other hand, 12 gauge ammo is everywhere in every imaginable load for every imaginable purpose. Home defense situations aren't likely to last 15 minutes.
I've settled on wanting an autoloader, but will be talked into a pump if the argument is persuasive.
I've been looking at the Weatherby SA-459, model SA4592019PGM, UPC 747115420032. Pretty well reviewed and the price is right, I've seen them for $359 at CTD.
Also looking at the Mossberg SA-20, model 75780, UPC 884110757807. That Mossberg name is nice, and this model is also pretty well reviewed.
Questions:
What can I do to a 12 gauge to make it shoot softer? I would not expect my daughter to practice with a "normal" 12 gauge, one shot and she'll be done and may never pick it up again. I don't know much about reduced recoil rounds with regard to home defense, and have no insight to different felt recoil reducing pads that may be available.
Can anyone recommend an autoloading, tactical (read: pistol grip), 20 gauge for home defense?
Any general thoughts are also welcome.
I recently shot my buddy's Linberta tactical autoloading 12 gauge. It was pretty sweet, ate everything we put into it. Not sure that's the one I want, the truth is I'm not the biggest Bud's guy and that brand seems to be exclusive to Bud's. If the Linberta shakes out to the best value I'll do it, but not starting there.
I really want a 20 gauge so my kids (and my shoulder) can practice, practice, practice. 20 gauge delivers plenty of damage and is easier for most people to shoot relative to a 12 gauge. My daughter is 5'4 and a 12 gauge is just too much for her. My shoulder could do without the punishment of a 12 gauge after about 15 minutes of shooting. My son is a big hoss and could probably wield dual 12 gauges, but that's another thread.
On the other hand, 12 gauge ammo is everywhere in every imaginable load for every imaginable purpose. Home defense situations aren't likely to last 15 minutes.
I've settled on wanting an autoloader, but will be talked into a pump if the argument is persuasive.
I've been looking at the Weatherby SA-459, model SA4592019PGM, UPC 747115420032. Pretty well reviewed and the price is right, I've seen them for $359 at CTD.
Also looking at the Mossberg SA-20, model 75780, UPC 884110757807. That Mossberg name is nice, and this model is also pretty well reviewed.
Questions:
What can I do to a 12 gauge to make it shoot softer? I would not expect my daughter to practice with a "normal" 12 gauge, one shot and she'll be done and may never pick it up again. I don't know much about reduced recoil rounds with regard to home defense, and have no insight to different felt recoil reducing pads that may be available.
Can anyone recommend an autoloading, tactical (read: pistol grip), 20 gauge for home defense?
Any general thoughts are also welcome.
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