Sounds like a shotgun is the way to go. Is 12 gauge what I should be looking at? Are the youth models basically just as powerful, just smaller?

Thanks again

 

Youth model will have a shorter length of pull (shorter stock) other than that the actions are the same and will fire all the same loads!

I would go for a Mossy 500, Father in law has the one in Shovelheads pic, great gun $290!

As for ranges, if you are rural head out in the sticks on public land, or ask the local gun shops. I personally head out onto public land. (gotta get my moneys worth right? )

 

12 gauge refers to the size of the bore/round. Youth would probably be just a smaller size grip and butstock, though I am not a shotgun person personally so take this post with a grain of salt.

 

Yes, a .12 gauge chambered for 2 3/4" - 3" shells is your best bet. This Chambering has the widest variety of loads to choose from.

I would stay away from .20 and .410 gauges for this reason.

Another thing I forgot to mention is that whatever you choose make sure the whole family can use it safely in an emergency with the least amount of complication possible. (family training day! )

 

Thanks again. Anyone in central OH have a recommendation on the best places to purchase? Also, what length barrel is recommended?

I know there is a Bass Pro Shop in Cincinnati. Around here we have Gander Mountain, Dicks Sporting Goods, and Buckeye Outdoors.

 

Another recommendation for the 12 gauge pump. A Mossberg 590 would be perfect, but a decent used 500 would work great too. I prefer the Mossberg to the Remington because I find the thumb safety on the Mossy to be easier to work than the crossbolt safety on the Remington.

Shorter is better on home defense shotgun barrels. If you find a really good deal on a used gun with a long barrel, Mossberg and Remington barrels are readily available and easy to swap.

 

Thank you. Among all my friends I am only one that favors the mossberg over the remington for the safety...was beginning to think I was alone.

 

Just PLEASE, whatever you do, do NOT shorten the barrel too much. There are restrictions (FEDERAL) on not only barrel length (I think that's 18 inches) but OVERALL length of the firearm, and that may be variable from state to state. Find and check for CURRENT local laws and regulations. Certain people had their lives forever changed at Ruby Ridge due to a shotgun having an 18.5 inch barrel, and a shortened stock - made it sub-legal length, and the rest is sorry history.

Best, and Happy New Year!

 

What would be the difference between the 500 & 590?

 

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=109958

check out that thread before you load up with #8s and expect a drugged out crack head to stop.

Mossberg 500 or Mav 88 are good choices on the low end of the spectrum in price for a shotgun.
A wheel gun is simpler for most and can sit loaded for a long time.
I prefer an automatic pistol myself. I keep a 9mm loaded.

Before any purchases, remember a few things.
1. practice
2. your wife will need to learn it too.
3. practice
4. check your local laws regarding self defense. a $100 lawyer bill is pretty cheap insurance to get a solid understanding of the laws and loopholes.
5. practice
6. work out a plan with the family.
7. practice
8. dont get attached to the firearm you use for defense.
9. practice.
10. practice.

 

I'm definately with you on this one tmleadr03. I'm protecting my family and property, not trying to intimidate someone.
I would ask around and handle a few different types of shotguns to see what is the best feeling to the shooter, and ease of access to the shooter (ie, left handed shooter with say a rh 870, have to reach under to push safety, or use thumb, etc)
Also, in what I would consider a "combat" situation, would an auto be better to someone who doesn't shoot much? Someone under the strain of a situation may not remember to pump the next round into the chamber.

Just my .02

 

Buy the shotgun with an 18" barrel. Do not attempt to shorten it yourself. Anything less is illegal. A home made shortened barrel is barrel is much more closely inspected and tested by law enforcement.

 

Shells loaded with rock salt could be another option, but only if you or a re-loading friend are capable of loading them.

Also, do not fire unless the invader is yielding a gun or life threating weapon, or court could be nasty, sadly its that way.

 

walmart offers a remington 870 express for $260 with a mail in $30 rebate. really good gun for the money. I bought one for myself cause the other 12 gauge i have is an more expensive 1187 and i wanted something cheap to crash through the brush with. Family went quail hunting today and i dropped birds with the cheap 870 just as well as my 1187. hope this helps.

 

I keep a rabbit eared Rossi double barrell 20 gauge cleverly concealed by the bed hot and ready. Short, easy to swing, and safe if you're on the right end of it. In addition, I can get to a 45 within about 10 feet of anywhere in the house.
My wife and I and the three dogs are the only ones in the house so storage is not a problem. You could be looking right at them if you were in my house and not even know it.
My first line of defense is a well lit area around the house (swapping all over to GREEN eco friendly lights of course). The second defense is locked doors. The third defense is a 135 pount Rottie, a 110 pound Rottie, and a 75 pound Shepard all of which are inside. The last line of defense you don't ever want to be on the wrong end of. Not to mention several cell phones handy in case the land lines get cut. Now this may sound a bit radical but, I figure that inside that little shack that I and the bank own is my last little bit of privacy left on this spinning globe and I aim (pun intended) to keep it that way.
Good luck in your choice and above all, be safe and get to know the weapon so you can without a doubt and no hesitation, get to it in the absolute dark, rack, and fire. I can't stress enough to make triple sure what you are firing at before you pull that little lever. Once you go bang, you can't take it back.