Posted on 09/06/2005 2:53:37 PM PDT by pogo101
After seeing how society crumbled in New Orleans recently, I realized that I need a basic home-defense firearm, and I'm pretty well decided on a shotgun. I'd like you FReepers' recommendations on a model. (Don't worry, I'm already resolved that the first place it'll go is to a 10-hour safety class with me. Got a well-reputed teaching facility all picked out.)
If it matters, I live in greater LA.
I'm about as macho and gun-totin' a guy as Captain Kangaroo, but these last seveal days have brought home to me that it is my RESPONSIBILITY as the head of a household to be able to protect my home and family in times of dire crisis, where the law is unavailable.
I hope I never need to use it, but I need to be ready: After the holidays, I'm adding a shotgun to my emergency kit.
Just pick up your basic Mossberg for $200 and load birdshot if you're afraid kids might get hit by strays, or load buckshot if you don't care to blow holes through your walls.
I have a feeling you will get a myriad of replies, but if you are just looking for home defense, I'd get the Remington 870 Express. It's reliable and inexpensive. Get as short a barrel as possible.
Just MHO.
Captain Kangaroo was a Marine in WWII. Get a Mossberg Pump 12 gauge. Put two inches of white tape around the muzzle end of the barrel for low light visibility.
I like the Ithaca model 37
See either post #3 or #4. Either is quite suitable for your needs and won't break the bank.
If you don't think you'll get the hang of a pump, find a nice used Browning Auto-5. You'll like the hump on the old Humpback.
Ditto what Sir Gawain said. Better advise: Get out of LA! I live 125 miles from Los Angeles and I've been to New Orleans. After spending time in both locales, I remember thinking to myself that these are not places I want to live if the SHTF.
Well if you want to keep a crowd of 100 looters at bay id reccomend http://world.guns.ru/shotgun/sh10-e.htm ;)
Any pump shotgun, i don't care what gauge, as long as it shots when you pull the trigger.
12 gauge anything with no. 4 or 5 shot. If for home defense, the shortest length (legal) barrel will suffice, pumps are nice and easy.
Nothing will bring an intruder in a darked home to his senses as quickly as the sound of a pump shotgun jacking a round into place. The sound is unmistakable and therefore useful.
Yes, it's more than triple the price of any shotgun that would suit your needs just as well.
Currently legal in California.
I'd also recommend putting a skeet choke on it, just to give you that extra little bit of dispersion. At close ranges this won't matter so much though.
Baretta, Over and Under.
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