My sister recently went through a nasty divorce and told me she would like a shotgun for home protection for her and her 3 kids. She does not have a lot of money and is trying to get on her feet so I thought I would buy her one. Question is I have heard of people using single shots for home defense do they really have any merit or is it just marketing? Money is an issue in this purchase but I do want her to feel safe again. Thanks
Help for my sister!!!!
- Thread starter OldSoul
- Start date
My advice...
Would be to let her check out the Mossberg line of pump actions,and get her to handle each one in a different gauge to see what is best for her.
Personally I would recommend that she try the Mossberg 500E Cruiser (a 13.5 inch stock can be added for $50.00+ a bit of pocket change) I say this because I don't know how much time she has spent shooting and heavy recoil could be a problem.
In any gauge though I will say that for home defense #4 buck is tough to beat for pellet size and payload.
Would be to let her check out the Mossberg line of pump actions,and get her to handle each one in a different gauge to see what is best for her.
Personally I would recommend that she try the Mossberg 500E Cruiser (a 13.5 inch stock can be added for $50.00+ a bit of pocket change) I say this because I don't know how much time she has spent shooting and heavy recoil could be a problem.
In any gauge though I will say that for home defense #4 buck is tough to beat for pellet size and payload.
UtahHunting
New member
+1 on the youth model 20g. I see them for 150 or so quite often here used. Easy to handle and will get the job done.
i agree with the mossberg... maverick 88's are cheap enough and easy to use.
i also agree with the take her to a range with a flat of shells.
but one may argue with the order of that, when in fact that may be back wards!!! ya might want to take her to the range first and let her shoot before the purchase of a gun she wont be comfortable with. the big thing to remember is to not stop there if you really want her to be protected and feel secure long term you should take her to the range more than just to fit her with a gun...have her use to using it and have it in her mind that it is a go to protection weapon.
either way good luck.
i also agree with the take her to a range with a flat of shells.
but one may argue with the order of that, when in fact that may be back wards!!! ya might want to take her to the range first and let her shoot before the purchase of a gun she wont be comfortable with. the big thing to remember is to not stop there if you really want her to be protected and feel secure long term you should take her to the range more than just to fit her with a gun...have her use to using it and have it in her mind that it is a go to protection weapon.
either way good luck.
Does she know how to shoot? Is she familiar with firearms safety?
If she doesn't know what kind of shotgun to buy, I suspect the answer is "no." If that is the case, you will help her more by buying her a lesson or two, so she can get some necessary skills. Odds are, the lesson(s) would help her figure out what she wants, too.
If she doesn't know what kind of shotgun to buy, I suspect the answer is "no." If that is the case, you will help her more by buying her a lesson or two, so she can get some necessary skills. Odds are, the lesson(s) would help her figure out what she wants, too.
Rifleman1952
New member
When I thought about answering this question, the women, in my own life (wife, relatives & friends) came to mind. For the women I know, the choice would have to be a 20 gauge over the 12. They just wouldn't practice with the 12 gauge. The 20 gauge would be ideal for most of the women I know. I agree with those who stress the importance of good training and practice for your sister. If she is serious and committed, it won't take long for her to become proficient. In 20 gauge, I like the Mossberg Tactical 6. You should also be able to find a used side by side for a reasonable price. Stoeger makes an economy level side by side and over/under in 20 gauge that would likely get the job done for her needs. I would avoid the single shot, although one is definitely better than none.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...ical+6+Shot+20+Ga.18+12"+Barrel+Cylinder+Bore
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...ical+6+Shot+20+Ga.18+12"+Barrel+Cylinder+Bore
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youngunz4life
New member
buy new
mossberg 500 shotgun (pump)
or
double-barreled shotgun (non-pump plus can do two consecutive shots)
...if she isn't into firearms or shotguns, she should have no problem with the double-barreled shotgun(opinions differ but I wouldn't personally recommend the single shot)...
not sure if you are firearm savvy, but even non-enthusiasts have knowledge of what I speak: 'break-top' where you can put a shell in each side before closing it to fully load...when you shoot only one will shoot at a time. in an emergency you will still have a loaded shotgun after firing it...most will agree two shots is almost always enough...
*you can get decent deals, so if the price is too high you are doing something wrong w/regards to a shotgun
mossberg 500 shotgun (pump)
or
double-barreled shotgun (non-pump plus can do two consecutive shots)
...if she isn't into firearms or shotguns, she should have no problem with the double-barreled shotgun(opinions differ but I wouldn't personally recommend the single shot)...
not sure if you are firearm savvy, but even non-enthusiasts have knowledge of what I speak: 'break-top' where you can put a shell in each side before closing it to fully load...when you shoot only one will shoot at a time. in an emergency you will still have a loaded shotgun after firing it...most will agree two shots is almost always enough...
*you can get decent deals, so if the price is too high you are doing something wrong w/regards to a shotgun
the problem with single shots is that most of them are exposed hammer models. Under stress would you trust yourself to de cock a shotguns hammer if you had to draw down a bead but didn't pull the trigger?? Not this cat!
You could get a hammerless single like the EAA imports from russia but you would probably end up spending as much as you would on a cheap pump gun.
You could get a hammerless single like the EAA imports from russia but you would probably end up spending as much as you would on a cheap pump gun.
I am trying to talk her into going with me to a gumshow next weekend so she can get a feel of a few guns.TheKlawMan
Moderator
Perhaps not as easy as you think. Cutting a synthetic stock with a hacksaw can be a problem. Perhaps easier with a Mossberg than a Remington 870. A wood stock is easier to shorten. You may then have the cost of a new recoil pad.
I don't know if it is such a good idea to get her a pump of any kind. Modern auto loaders are pretty reliable and you always have to worry about short shucking a pump under pressure.
If recoil is going to be a problem, she is probably better off with a gas operated semi. Some 20 gauge pumps are built on a lighter frame than the 12 gauge and the reduced weight results in less reduction in felt recoil than you might expect. Of course it may easier to find a pump shotgun with a HD barrel (short like 18 to 20 inches).
While the pump tends to be less expensive, it's a waste of money if your sis isn't going to practice with it and feel comfortagle using it for defense.
How tall is she?
Edward429451
Moderator
A Remington 870 Express Youth in 20 Ga is a dandy little SG and quite comfortable to shoot.
a Nasty divorce, domestic situation etc ?
The introduction of a gun at this time might not be a good idea for someone with nu gun experience ? How is her relationship with her x-husband ? Does he have visitation rights and come to pick up the kids ? Is he the one she needs protection from ?
I would strongly suggest a course in fire arms and self defense before giving her a gun. A gun in the hands of an inexperienced person could lead to a bad situation especially with children in the home. Could lead to the wrong person being shot, the gun could be taken from her and used to shoot her.
My suggestion would be to have her get training before giving her a gun.
The introduction of a gun at this time might not be a good idea for someone with nu gun experience ? How is her relationship with her x-husband ? Does he have visitation rights and come to pick up the kids ? Is he the one she needs protection from ?
I would strongly suggest a course in fire arms and self defense before giving her a gun. A gun in the hands of an inexperienced person could lead to a bad situation especially with children in the home. Could lead to the wrong person being shot, the gun could be taken from her and used to shoot her.
My suggestion would be to have her get training before giving her a gun.
youngunz4life
New member
get the shotgun Home Defense/Protection of Life only(my opinion). Please keep us posted. Good luck...