best choice defense shotgun ??

[bk40]

I presently own a Winchester 1300 Defender w/ pistol grip. I am in search of a 100% reliable, short barreled home defense s/g.
1. I've been debating about whether or not to replace the grip on Win with a Choate stock - or buy another s/g. Opinions?
2. I've read that Winchesters are not reliable - any info on this ?
3. Will .410, 16 & 20 gauge s/g's be effective enough for in-house defense purposes or should I stick w/ the 12ga?
4. What load do you recommend?

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...... bk40

 

[fal308]

Most people go either Remington, Mossberg or Benelli for a defensive shotgun.

 

[Mike Spight]

bk40: Sound wisdom from fal308. If you don't mind paying the freight, the Benelli Super 90 is pretty well set right from the box. Go w/ghost ring sights...I prefer the standard style stock, NOT the folding type w/pistol grip. IMHO, they will beat the @#$% out of you if you get in the required practice...recommend you go w/12 ga, use #1 buck, 2.75" standard velocity shells...remember, magnum in a shotgun shell means more pellets per shell...not a lot more powder/power.

 

[Grayfox]

Check the "Looking for a shotgun" thread. It covers the same question you are asking.