What shotgun works best for home defense?

[Alan]

I've been researching shotguns for home defense and could use some real-user insights. I'm leaning between a 12-gauge and a 20-gauge. I understand the 12-gauge has the stopping power we want, but I'm also considering the 20-gauge for less recoil, especially in tight spaces. What do you all think?

What features should I prioritize? Barrel length and stock setup seem important, but what else? Reliability is key for me, so if you have any specific models or brands that have worked well, I'd really like to hear about them.

Also, how essential is training? I've fired shotguns casually, but I'm looking to step it up. What kind of practice would prepare me for a home defense situation?

 

[Terry Nixon]

A 12 gauge shotgun can be very difficult to manage for some people due to the recoil. There has been a lot of discussion as to what type of shells one should use for a home defense shotgun. Some "experts' tell us that there is a danger of over-pentration and hitting a family member behind the target if the shotgun is loaded with buckshot. I think that obviously rules-out using a slug load. Fired at a target at close range (probably 6 feet or less) the pellets only begin to disperse into a pattern. Generally there will be only one large hole in the target at that range as the pellets will still be in the shot cup. Upon impact with a human torso I would think they would disperse inside. Some people advocate using a #6 shot shell.

There are "expert" opinions of what to use and what not to use. I am no expert and don't claim to be. When I began my law enforcement career we were issued 12 gauge #4 buck shells. If I remember correctly these had 21 pellets. Later the switch was made to 00 buckshot. It has fewer but larger-sized pellets. I think there was concern about collateral damage from the increased number of pellets in the #4 buck and responsibility for what the larger number might hit. The 20 gauge would offer less recoil, and of course fewer pellets because of the shell capacity. I have seen 20 gauge buck shells but the availability of them is not as good as 12 gauge.

I personally keep my bedside Mossberg 500 loaded with 00 buck. The Mossberg I own began life as a "Cruiser" model with only a pistol grip instead of a stock. On the range, I found shooting even a #6 standard shot load was very uncomfortable on my wrist holding the rear grip. I only fired 2 or 3 shells. I ordered and installed an extendable plastic Tapco stock on it.

 

[Pawngal]

Mine is an 870 express Remington 20ga, youth model, 24" barrel, loaded with 00.
Same gun I've used for deer and pheasant hunting so am familiar with it.
All major firearms companies have jumped into the defensive shotgun business. Some are AR style others standard style pumps.
I've heard and read good stuff about the Turkey imports from GForce, They can often be found for under $200 .

 

[Spikedriver]

The best shotgun is the one in your hands when you need it. That said, a shorter barrel is easier to maneuver around tight spaces. My personal home shotgun is an Ithaca 37 Deer Slayer with a 24" barrel and sights, loaded with low recoil 00 buck.

 

[ameshawki]

Just about any pump gun will work. Remington 870s have all but disappeared, and the last few years they were garbage. Never liked them anyway, they don't fit me. Mossberg/Maverick is hard to beat. Don't overlook the Benelli Nova. I've had or have all three. There's a lot of Turkish stuff out that at a variety of price points, some decent, some rough. Ithaca 37 is a neat design, but not super common and generally high priced. They have a cult-like following out east. Had one years ago. Take-down for cleaning is a pain so I got rid of it. In 12 gauge they can be stout.

I run 20 gauge almost exclusively. At household ranges, it's more than enough. I have both conventional stocks and pistol grip stocks (the full stock, not just the pistol grip). And one collapsible now that I think about it. They all work. Try them on for size, one will speak to you. Shorter rather the longer barrel. Ideally changeable in case you take up hunting or shotgun sports. A light if you're so inclined; none of my have one.