Shotgun Suggestions?

[StrigaMort]

I've been wanting to buy a shotgun for years. I have a team building exercise coming up (for work) that is going to take place at a firing range. Put those two together and I'm seriously considering buying one.

What I'll use it for~

Target practice (slugs and maybe skeet)

Security- the main reason I've wanted one for years

Hunting? Probably not, but I'd like to kill some paper with the kids... teach em safety and all that

Zombie outbreak (kidding)

Obviously I want to biggest, baddest shotgun that money can buy, but really I need to keep it very low priced (Big 5?)

So... what do you recommend?

Which caliber, and why?

I'd like a pump, any reason why I should choose otherwise?

I'm reasonably familiar with firearms, but it's been a while since I owned one. Is there anything I need to know about legalities and California?

Thanks!

[jbswear]

For security, I'd rule out 12 gauge and go for a 20 gauge. They're lighter, less kick, and easier to handle. Saw off the barrel and you have a perfect home defense weapon that can be swung around a door easily.

Load them with bird shot and people in the next room (your kids, maybe) are at much lower risk of being injured by lead penetrating the walls.

If you want to know about legalities, contact your local authorities for the straight dope. Don't ask an international forum.

[Fatty SS]

Remington 870. There are tons of great pumps out there, but you'll seldom hear anyone complain about the tried and true 870.

[nucular]

For self defense? Mossberg 500 pistol grip in 20-gauge

[LaxBuddy21]

Agree with the 20 gauge. Bird shot is also a good idea for home defense.

[thatoneguy...]

If you have cash to splash, the Benelli M4 is an excellent choice. If you are looking at home defense, this would be the one for me... good luck finding 20ga defense loads, they aren't anywhere near as common as the 12ga. Really can't go wrong with the Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 though.

[RandomHero]

I have to disagree with my compadres here. Yes 20 guage is fine, but saw the barrel off below 18" and now you have an illegal weapon. By the way, that's a felony. Fine for keeping under the bed but if you're going out in public you'd have to be a real DA to do that.

Pump shotguns are fine, but pistol grips SUCK. Yeah they look cool, but shoot one a few times and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Bird shot, can't recommend that either. You need 00 or 000 buck or similar if you want this to be a serious HD weapon. The problem with birdshot is that it does not penetrate enough to be effective as a defense round. Birdshot is designed to bring down little birds.
What you want is either the 870 or Mossberg 500. I prefer the 500 (actually converted mine to a 590) and have never had one problem with it, ever. Wal-Mart or Big 5 is probably your best bet.

[thatoneguy...]

Class 3 stamp lets you purchase a short barrel shotgun. I agree with the buckshot sentiment

[nucular]

Originally Posted by RandomHero

I have to disagree with my compadres here. Yes 20 guage is fine, but saw the barrel off below 18" and now you have an illegal weapon. By the way, that's a felony. Fine for keeping under the bed but if you're going out in public you'd have to be a real DA to do that.

Pump shotguns are fine, but pistol grips SUCK. Yeah they look cool, but shoot one a few times and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Bird shot, can't recommend that either. You need 00 or 000 buck or similar if you want this to be a serious HD weapon. The problem with birdshot is that it does not penetrate enough to be effective as a defense round. Birdshot is designed to bring down little birds.
What you want is either the 870 or Mossberg 500. I prefer the 500 (actually converted mine to a 590) and have never had one problem with it, ever. Wal-Mart or Big 5 is probably your best bet.

Who said anything about sawing the barrel off? My suggestion for a pistol grip was to get the length down - that and a 16.5" barrel is the best you can do in a shotgun. If its for self defense - I presume in a house - it might be pretty hard to swing a full size shotgun around without hitting walls, etc. I think a pistol is probably a better alternative but a shotgun is definitely easier to hit your target during a high stress situation.

[thatoneguy...]

Collapsible 6 position is by far the best medium... shortened stock length with an actual stock, best of both worlds!