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Well I bought a new toy at Cabella's a couple of weeks ago, it's a "Tactical Turkey" Shotgun.

http://www.mossberg.com/products/defaul ... n=products



Not being much of a turkey hunter I bought it for both home defense and for the fact that if the Libs get their way then this particular shotgun will be illegal in two years.

My question is, for home defense what type of shotgun rounds are ideal? Bird shot? Buck shot? What's the difference between the two? Right now all I have are "dove load" shells and some spare slugs.

Also, can one take a shotgun (with slugs) to fire on a rifle range? Short of calling a specific range anyone have any experience doing that?

And finally does anyone know where I can find a shotgun light and holder in real tree camo? Is there such a thing or will I have to settle for black?


Thanks all
David

"00" will work just fine...

I've never really felt slugs were a good choice for a home defence round for a shotgun...Sure, if you hit something, but I'll trust many projectiles over one anyday of the week...

stevie_d_64 wrote:"00" will work just fine...

I've never really felt slugs were a good choice for a home defence round for a shotgun...Sure, if you hit something, but I'll trust many projectiles over one anyday of the week...

I agree 110%. My slugs are locked in the safe. I've currently got the bird shot loaded up in it.

"OO" is about the diameter of a 9mm bullet, it can travel through a couple of walls of sheetrock. I have "OO" in my bedroom Shotgun but a officer friend of mine suggested bird shot if I am going to have to shoot toward other bedrooms, which is the case in my house.

Just my .02

texas297 wrote:My question is, for home defense what type of shotgun rounds are ideal? Bird shot? Buck shot? What's the difference between the two?

Bird shot is smaller is definitely not suitable for larger mammals. Buck shot is larger, up to almost 1/3 inch diameter.

Please read up on this on the web. There's plenty of information and disagreement about which size shot to use.

Wikipedia has a good article about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birdshot

You might want to check out these low-recoil compact shells: http://www.aguilaammo.com/minishells.htm

Also, can one take a shotgun (with slugs) to fire on a rifle range?

Most pistol and rifle ranges prohibit shot because it destroys the target holders. They might let you shoot slugs.

A skeet or trap range might let you pattern your shotgun.

- Jim

Some indoor ranges allow shotgun, and some outdoor ranges do. (real helpful, huh? )

As far as what to load for home defense; Do you live in a house, apartment, condo, etc? Do you share walls with a neighbor? Are there others living in your house, what is the arrangement of your house?

You should take your new gun to a range and pattern it. That means, shhot targets at 3, 7, 10, 15 and 25 yards with the load you have decided to use.

When photobucket comes up, I'll post my results from my Mossberg 500.

seamusTX wrote:

texas297 wrote:My question is, for home defense what type of shotgun rounds are ideal? Bird shot? Buck shot? What's the difference between the two?

Bird shot is smaller is definitely not suitable for larger mammals. Buck shot is larger, up to almost 1/3 inch diameter.

Please read up on this on the web. There's plenty of information and disagreement about which size shot to use.

Wikipedia has a good article about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birdshot

You might want to check out these low-recoil compact shells: http://www.aguilaammo.com/minishells.htm

Also, can one take a shotgun (with slugs) to fire on a rifle range?

Most pistol and rifle ranges prohibit shot because it destroys the target holders. They might let you shoot slugs.

A skeet or trap range might let you pattern your shotgun.

- Jim

Thanks Jim, and God Bless Wikipedia. That site is priceless! It crossed my mind to check there, but I thought it might be to specific of a topic to be on there.

Regards,
David

That's a nice looking boomstick you got there.

KinnyLee wrote:That's a nice looking boomstick you got there.

Thanks. It was one of those things that as soon as I saw it, I had to have it.

I've been wanting a short barrel shotgun for years and saw one at the FTW Gun show a few weeks ago that was similar to this one but black and a couple of other minor differences. It was nice but it didn't give me the "gotta have it" sensation like this one did. I of course like pistols, and all guns for that matter, but I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Shotguns. They are just FUN.

texas297 wrote:Thanks Jim,

You're welcome.

Spend some time reading Massad Ayoob, too.

- Jim

texas297 wrote:
Thanks. It was one of those things that as soon as I saw it, I had to have it.

I've been wanting a short barrel shotgun for years and saw one at the FTW Gun show a few weeks ago that was similar to this one but black and a couple of other minor differences. It was nice but it didn't give me the "gotta have it" sensation like this one did. I of course like pistols, and all guns for that matter, but I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Shotguns. They are just FUN.

I know what you mean. I felt the same way about those Benellis. They are Mmmmm Mmmmmm Good!

For human beings, nothing works better than #1 buckshot at social distances. #1 buck has the ability to produce 30% more wound trauma than 00 buck, and is the smallest sized shot that will reliably penetrate 12"+ in ballistic gel. If overpenetration is a very real concern, #4 buck isn't a bad idea - roughly half the pellets will penetrate the FBI minimum in gel. 00 buck works just fine, but #1 buck will make them "more dead" .

Whats the website that actually illustrates this issue???

I recall it was (boxoftruth.com or .org) one of those...

Talks about the issue "Txi" brought up about penetration...I agree with that being something you should seriously consider when and if you discharge a load like this...

00 buck can be a honkin' round to use in this capacity...

But with me saying that, I would state that #8 shot will sting a little bit if applied in the same manner...

You'll get your point across in any event...

seamusTX wrote:

texas297 wrote:Thanks Jim,

You're welcome.

Spend some time reading Massad Ayoob, too.

- Jim

Thanks Jim I will. But honestly when I saw your reference above I thought it was going to take me to this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mossad Though completely off topic it makes for fascinating reading.

Check out this web site....pay particular attention to the shotgun section:

http://www.theboxotruth.com/index.htm

Lot's of interesting real world information to be found here as opposed to the sometimes biased opinions you read in the gun rags.

My question is, for home defense what type of shotgun rounds are ideal? Bird shot? Buck shot? What's the difference between the two? Right now all I have are "dove load" shells and some spare slugs.

Depends if the turkeys are wearing body armor or not.

BTW, try a few slugs or buckshot loads out and let us know how that AR stock works out. My son has been trying to get me to buy one for my HD gun. Personally, I think I'd rather have a real recoil pad.