Shotgun Question

[Spoiled Grape]

This isn't a political discussion, so I don't want anybody saying something that will get my thread closed down. I need serious discussion and help.

Premise
I am fine living by myself, and always feel safe and comfortable. While on tour, I can sleep in the van in a strange city, and feel completely safe. I am proficient at martial arts, and I've been in enough bad spots to know how to negotiate myself out of them.

However, I lived with my fiance for quite a bit. We recently moved back out so to save money for a house to eventually call a permanent home. During that time with her, I always had a bad feeling in my stomach at night. Perhaps it was the bad lock on the apartment, or the weird sound the wind made through the canyon, but I'm more certain that it had to do with me being responsible for the protection of my fiance. I just did not feel safe.

Bottomline
I have a dog, I'm a decent fighter, I have a bat, but I want a shotgun when we move back in together.

I plan to train myself with the gun, and have my fiance get liscened and train herself with it as well.

I want it to make the "shotgun pump" sound. This is a must for the obvious "scare tactic" reason.

Questions

What's the typical "spread" of a shotgun? Is it possible to get one with a small spread, or to adjust the spread? This will be for home security, 100%. I plan to train with this, so I won't be shooting blind.

Which shotgun will have the lightest kick? My fiance will be training with this as well, and she is a lightweight. (110 lbs?)

Which will be most economically friendly? Obviously quality is important, and I wouldn't dare save a couple of bucks just to get something that is shabby, or won't perform when necessairly. However, I'm not looking to spend tons of cash on some fun little widget or scope that I don't need.

Do I even need a shotgun? Is there a better firearm that would be more appropriate for my situation? I don't want to conceal the weapon, as I want it to be very obvious that I have a firearm. I also don't plan on hunting or shooting for recreational purposes at this moment.

Thank you very much in advance for all subject related answers.

Mods - I did a search for shotgun, and the firearm thread was mostly about handguns. I'm also wording this as carefully as possible so this does not get closed. If there is a pre-existing thread that I missed, please refer me to it and than feel free to close the thread. Thanks! Apologies in advance if I did miss the thread.

 

[tplyons]

With my limited knowledge, the amount of spread is dependent on the ammo. If you're using any sort of shot, it would depend on the size of shot. For home defense, a slug might be a bit better of an idea in close quarters. Sure, it'd do more damage to the intruder, but less to your home.

 

[AxtoOx]

A self defense shotgun is going to have a wide pattern, shorter barrel = wide pattern. If you don't get a short barrel, you can't wield in in a small area (indoors).
Guns should NOT be used to scare someone, you pull it out, you shoot it, or don't get one!!!!!
I would not get smaller than a .20 gauge, but would recommend a .12 gauge and teach her to use it.
Mossberg is very reasonable and seems to be good quality.

You might consider a handgun.

 

[Spoiled Grape]

With my limited knowledge, the amount of spread is dependent on the ammo. If you're using any sort of shot, it would depend on the size of shot. For home defense, a slug might be a bit better of an idea in close quarters. Sure, it'd do more damage to the intruder, but less to your home.

Thanks!

I searched a few firearm websites, but they seem very anti-noob and very prone to Fender v. Musicman type arguments that I'd rather avoid.

 

[VanillaO]

Is it wrong that my first instinct was that this thread would be about the passenger seat in a car and not an actual shotgun?

 

[SomecallmeTim]

Spreads can be adjusted, though I've never messed with the spread on my gun. I'm paranoid about swapping barrels and all that. I'm sure there are people on the forum more knowledgeable than I regarding adjustments, so I'll let them talk.

I'd spring for a .20 gauge shotgun. Your fiance should have no problem handling it, but it's also large enough to be intimidating, which seems to be a factor for you. Most women I know who hunt go with a .20 gauge. You can get a decent pump-action shotgun that will last a long time for under 300 dollars, in my experience. My dad bought me a Remington .12 gauge about five years back for around that price.

 

[Spoiled Grape]

A self defense shotgun is going to have a wide pattern, shorter barrel = wide pattern. If you don't get a short barrel, you can't wield in in a small area (indoors).
Guns should NOT be used to scare someone, you pull it out, you shoot it, or don't get one!!!!!
I would not get smaller than a .20 gauge, but would recommend a .12 gauge and teach her to use it.
Mossberg is very reasonable and seems to be good quality.

You might consider a handgun.

So get a .12 gauge to teach her with than transition to the .20 gauge? Or a .12 gauge just for her, while having the .20 gauge for me?

I realize there is a whole different thread for handguns, so I'll reserve any handgun questions I have for there, but I do have one.

My main concern is that while I'm sure adrenaline will put me on my toes should my home be invaded, I could be too "pumped up" to aim 100% as I did in practice. A shotgun obviously makes up for that, at the price of your home and belongings.

 

[jady]

If I were in a position to get a firearm for home protection, a shotgun would definately be my first choice for the following reasons:

1. the shotgun pump sound, I will shoot someone but Id rather not so if they run away, all the better.

2. Less chance of one of my small kids shooting themselves with one as opposed to a handgun due to the size and wieght (probably not accurate but it makes me feel better)

3. If I am gonna use a gun for home protection, it will probably be 1/2 asleep in the dark in my undies so I want a big spread.

4. I want to shoot the intruder but Id rather not kill him/her if possible, a shotgun with small shot will hurt a bunch but have less of a chance of killing said intruder.

I am almost to the point of getting a gun to protect my family, this will include a safe of some kind and mucho training and practice for the wife and I.

 

[anomalee]

winchester 1300 defender. Definately a 12 guage...and the spread can be changed by the ammo, the length of the barrel, and the choke of the barrel. for the most common types...an improved cylinder choke is the widest, full choke is the tightest...modified in between. The 12 gauge is bigger than a 20 guage, and my sisters could shoot both at age 14, so you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[Roland777]

So get a .12 gauge to teach her with than transition to the .20 gauge? Or a .12 gauge just for her, while having the .20 gauge for me?

.12-gauge is larger than .20-gauge.

 

[scottblessed]

here is a better idea, just make sure you have a decent lock on your door, there is no need for a gun...

 

[Sonic_Death]

I only know a small amount, but I used to be a big gun enthusiast.

Although you only claimed to want a pump action for the obvious scare tactic, it is also very useful because it allows flexibility in the types of loads you put in. You can put custom loads or low powered ones as your fiance might prefer.

There are many factors that go into the "spread" of the shotgun. This will mainly be determined by the choke of the barrel, barrel length, the kind of ammunition, etc...

Now as far as ammunition goes, do you really want to kill an intruder? There are many kinds of ammunition that will definitely subdue someone, but not kill them or leave them severely injured. There are rubber slugs, beanbags, even gas shells if you wanted which can contain pepper gas or whatever.

Anyway, back to the "spread". There are adjustable chokes, but I don't think you will need to get this. There are shotguns with a much smaller spread, which you can look into.

You say you want a pump action, so that will overall be a good choice. They are efficient for your needs, typically cheaper, have a multi-shot capacity, you can use different loads, etc. Now there are 'short barreled' which you may want to look into, I think riot squads use these kinds on occasion. That may suit your needs better.

Overall, I am pretty against having guns in homes though, although I can understand when people do. If you have any choice in the matter and there are alternatives to not getting one, I say do that. Get a better lock, two locks, whatever. Just my opinion.

 

[Spoiled Grape]

If I were in a position to get a firearm for home protection, a shotgun would definately be my first choice for the following reasons:

1. the shotgun pump sound, I will shoot someone but Id rather not so if they run away, all the better.

2. Less chance of one of my small kids shooting themselves with one as opposed to a handgun due to the size and wieght (probably not accurate but it makes me feel better)

3. If I am gonna use a gun for home protection, it will probably be 1/2 asleep in the dark in my undies so I want a big spread.

4. I want to shoot the intruder but Id rather not kill him/her if possible, a shotgun with small shot will hurt a bunch but have less of a chance of killing said intruder.

I am almost to the point of getting a gun to protect my family, this will include a safe of some kind and mucho training and practice for the wife and I.

I don't have children at this point, but this is definatly something that weighs in on my choice. I want to protect them from intruders, but I also want to protect them from themselves. I think a shotgun will be easier to explain to a child as a "no-no" than a handgun which is often imitated in the form of children toys.

 

[BassManPatsFan]

Guns should NOT be used to scare someone, you pull it out, you shoot it, or don't get one!!!!!

Why not? Most police officers/armed guards carry them for exactly that--intimidation. Yes, policemen do shoot their guns occasionally, but guns in many situations are often used to scare someone into submissing to your orders. I see no problem with using it as a scare tactic in the case that someone breaks into your house.
If I were you, I'd go for a handgun because they are smaller, easier to handle, and more easily hidden in a place where you could grab it in an emergency. Also, if you ever were to shoot your gun (I hope you'll never have to), it should be known that shotguns make quite a big mess, if you know what I mean.
-Alex
edit: I see you're talking about children...that sort of brings a whole new aspect into consideration. I am young and do not have children, but if I did, I'm not so sure if I would even make them aware of whatever gun I might own for their safety's sake. Yes, most kids can't shoot themselves with a shotgun, but they certainly could accidentally shoot each other or someone else entirely. Children and guns do not mix well--even the most responsible child could get curious around such a "no no" item as you said and make a big mistake.

 

[guy n. cognito]

You will have a hard time finding decent defensive loads for any guage except 12. There are some manufacturers that make 20 ga OObuck, but it can be quite hard to find. Since you will be training with a smaller shooter, I would suggest an auto-loader over a pump. Many shooters report less felt recoil with the auto. Get one with a quality shoulder pad. I would suggest a Remington 1187. These come in many varities, including some that are specifically decked out for home defense. Mossberg also makes a quality defensive shotgun at a reasonable price.

Kudos on getting training. It is the most important part of owning a firearm.

 

[Spoiled Grape]

Now as far as ammunition goes, do you really want to kill an intruder? There are many kinds of ammunition that will definitely subdue someone, but not kill them or leave them severely injured. There are rubber slugs, beanbags, even gas shells if you wanted which can contain pepper gas or whatever.

No, I don't want to kill an intruder. I want to stop them from killing, stealing from, or hurting my family. Thanks for bringing this up.

Overall, I am pretty against having guns in homes though, although I can understand when people do. If you have any choice in the matter and there are alternatives to not getting one, I say do that. Get a better lock, two locks, whatever. Just my opinion.

I should note that this is more for my fiance than me. While I described differently in my initial post, I realize now that I'm thinking more for her than me. I am on the road about 40% of the year, and every year it increases a little bit more. This is good for me, but bad for her. She is okay with it, but she definatly does not like being home alone. She has friends over, and sometimes goes to stay with her parents, but this is not always an option, and definatly not an option should we follow through with marriage plans.

Don't worry, the gun option is definatly one of many choices. However, if it becomes the choice, I want to be well informed.

Thanks again!

 

[AxtoOx]

So get a .12 gauge to teach her with than transition to the .20 gauge? Or a .12 gauge just for her, while having the .20 gauge for me?

I realize there is a whole different thread for handguns, so I'll reserve any handgun questions I have for there, but I do have one.

My main concern is that while I'm sure adrenaline will put me on my toes should my home be invaded, I could be too "pumped up" to aim 100% as I did in practice. A shotgun obviously makes up for that, at the price of your home and belongings.

You may have it backwards, .20 is smaller than .12. .12 will kick, but 1 shot w 00 buck will do the job. The reason you don't scare or intimidate people with guns is it's a good way to get killed. If he has a weapon and hears that shotgun, he will shoot or stab, ( most gun fights are within 10 ft.) immediately and you may never get the chance to use it. Nobody likes the idea of killing someone, at least anyone sane, but if you have a gun, you have to be willing to do it.
Same if you have a handgun and yell "freeze" if they are armed, you've had it.
Using bird shot may just wound them, their adrenaline is running too, they'll shoot. You have to be willing to put them out of action, or back off on the idea.
Your welcome to PM me with any handgun questions. I have many and a concealed carry license. I'm not the only one around here that does, you'd be surprised.

 

[guy n. cognito]

Why not? Most police officers/armed guards carry them for exactly that--intimidation. Yes, policemen do shoot their guns occasionally, but guns in many situations are often used to scare someone into submissing to your orders. I see no problem with using it as a scare tactic in the case that someone breaks into your house.

The point of saying "if you pull it, be prepared to use it" is that there are many people that truly don't intend to use the firearm other than as a scare tactic. Unfortunately, there are many people (drug addicts and crazy people) that may not be scared by a firearm. In that case, if the victim doesn't use it, it's quite likely that the firearm will be taken from them and used against them. For that reason, it is advisable to never pull a firearm unless you're prepared to take a life.

I am a big firearm fanatic, but I have advised many people against owning a firearm simply because they have told me "I could NEVER shoot someone."

 

[scuba steve]

the benelli nova pump is a very good shotgun. the new super nova(same gun, better features) has comfort-tech technology which makes the recoil very managable, even for a smaller person. the added bonus to the nova pump is that it has a 3 1/2 inch chamber, so you can shoot 2 3/4 inch shells up to the big 3 1/2 inch shells. this is a very high quality shotgun at a reasonable price. lotta bang for buck imo.

 

[Jeff Martinez]

If you buy a "standard" hunting shotgun, you'll most likely have the option to use removeable "screw-in" chokes to adjust the spread. For home defense, a full-open choke would be best. It gives you a much better margin of error.

Not much can induce peeing-of-the-pants quicker than the sound of a pump-action shotgun being prepared for action. (In the movie "Blood and Chocolate", there's a scene where you hear that lovely sound, but when the camera turns to the character with the gun, she's got an SKS...not exactly the same sound.)

Mossberg makes a great pump-actions that are very affordable.