HELP ME SELECT A HOME DEFENSE 20 GA SHOTGUN

[CWOOD]

I am currently leaning toward a used 870 youth 20 gauge shotgun for home defense.

I am open to other options which have available options for mag extensions, etc. I could also consider a semi auto rather than a pump.

The person it is for is a small frame female who has very limited exposure to firearms.

I think that the 20 gauge loaded with buckshot would be adequate for self defense purposes but with lower recoil than a 12 gauge.

I would add a clamp on LED tac light and would probably add a mag extension. I don't think much more would be required.

I welcome your input and experiences and suggestions to assist me in making this decision.

Price range goal (without options) is around $300 or less if possible.

Thanks in advance.

[mr surveyor]

Mossberg 500 Bantam (20 ga - 2-3/4 to 3" shells) - 22 inch barrel (accu-choke, with three choke tubes), short stock, tang safety. A very maneuverable gun. Actually I bought it just to try the shorter stock for bird hunting due to some shoulder and elbow flexibility problems. After the first experimental dove hunt outing with it in 2011, it's become my favorite bird gun and favorite all around shotgun .... all for around $300. Prior to that I had gone through several guns (in the $500-900 price range) that just wouldn't fit my physical needs, although I could have spent a few hundred more and had the stocks custom fit. I just didn't want to spend the time and money to chase that rabbit.

[karder]

I think a 20 gauge is just about the perfect HD solution for anyone who might be a little recoil shy whether a young person, smaller lady who doesn't shoot often, or an older person. You can often find very good deals in pawn shops, and I would not hesitate to get any decent brand: Remington, Moss, Winchester, etc. that was slightly used. I got a nearly new Winchester 1300 at a pawn shop for $150 if I remember correctly, back in the early 90's that I still use as a bedside gun. I used that shotgun as a truck gun until things on the border got so hairy a few years ago when I switched it out for more firepower. It has been a while, but I think a bought a couple of items at the same time I got the Winchester and I spent $150 for everything. I am just saying, you can sometimes find a really good deal if you hunt around. Good luck.

[el_chupo_]

A 20ga is perfect, even if you are not a little recoil shy. Other than availability and ammo selection, I think the 20ga covers HD about as well as anything else available. Check out Massad Ayoob's thoughts on youtube as well.

Does this person shoot much, and do you anticipate them going out and practicing? Will they do more practicing with a pistol at an indoor range?

Do you think they will be "clearing" the house, or sitting in a closet waiting on police?

The reason I ask - IMO, if they are willing to practice, a handgun may be more practical as an only gun for HD and other use. You can maneuver better, shoot with an off hand/weak hand, have more capacity, and often times it is more forgiving for new shooters to get used to. You can easily take it outside with you to investigate that noise you heard. Can do weapon mounted light/laser in most cases, or off hand carry a light as well. Can toss it in the glove box on that trip to see the kids/parents/grandkids/siblings, etc. Storage is easy, lock boxes are cheap, holsters are plentiful and inexpensive...

I am a big shotgun fan, for HD and other uses but you still have to aim - a shorter bbl youth 20ga will still hold a 2-4" pattern at most house distances - but if she shoots it once and leaves it under her bed, she isnt doing herself any favors. You need muscle memory and practice to get used to follow up shots with a shotgun, especially a pump. And a 20ga is still going to leave a bruise after a box of shells, even light ones. And in my experience with new shooters, a handgun is just easier to get used to, handle, and be comfortable with grabbing if need be.


As to guns - Walmart carries the HR Pardner pump in 20ga, with a 22" bbl (IIRC), for about $175. It is a Rem 870 clone, and things like stocks and fore-arms will fit. Barrels will not interchange. I think they have the Mossberg 5XX 20ga youth for about $225, 870 is a bit more.

I'd always err on the side of quality, but the HR had plenty of solid and long term reviews online, including a guy who bought it with an 870 and did direct comparisons, down to cutting up the bbl and receiver to check the metal quality.

For the light, spend a couple extra bucks and get something recoil rated and high quality - Streamlight or Surefire lights can be had at reasonable costs, and a weapon light mount isnt too much.

[CC Italian]

I recommend the 870 youth. Great gun! I added the recoil reducing adjustable knoxx stock with it and it is just great. Wife can shot it all day with 2 3/4 shells of buckshot. But Imo 3inch shells bring it pretty close to standard 12 gauge buckshot recoil. Remember the 20 gauge weighs a little less.Load it with #4 federal personal defense buck for the best low recoil hd load. Yes the #4 copper plated buck works great and penatrates enough. Recoil is only maybe 20% less then my mossberg 500 12 gauge with low recoil federal #1 law enforcement shells. The 3in mag federal vital shock load in 20 gauge has more recoil then the low recoil 12 gauge load Imo.

[CC Italian]

My wife is only 4 foot 10 and can shoot it all day. When she first started she was so afraid but I think she likes being the small cute one who can handle a shotgun just as good as a guy. Most guys at the range figure she is out of her element until they see her reload it and fire off all 5 shells with ease. The biggest problem for her was the length of pull. It was still to long. The Knox's stock solved the problem! If the lady is under 5 ft you will need a short length of pull 12inch or less. The knoxx stock took up another 2-3 inches off the butt and it made all the difference. Now she can rack a shell with ease. Before her arms couldn't reach to rack in another shell.

As for the 20 being adequate for hd. It is far more adequate then you think. The difference between 20 and 12 is nominal Imo. Within hd situations of 12 yards the bg wont know the difference.

[carlson1]

Bud's Gun Shop had the Remington 870 20ga Youth Model on sale awhile back. That is what I recommend.

[el_chupo_]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMv2z_PX7s0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[CC Italian]

Sounds about right to me. When I shoot my 12 gauge mossberg and 20 gauge Remington youth 20 back to back both are pretty much as close as you are going to get to a one shot stop scenario. I do believe that the 20 has the 12 beat in one area though. Its smaller size and less weight not only make it easier for small stature people to hold but it just feels more fluid in your movements. At least to me it does. Maybe not a 6ft tall large frame guy but to this 5 foot 8 mid size frame guy it does!

[Deltaboy]

870 or 500 Mossie or a used 1300 Winchester. Also they have reduced recoil ammo in 20 gauge.

[RoyGBiv]

Before buying... I suggest she actually shoot both a 12 and 20 ga.
Be sure to get low recoil HD loads (if you can find them ) for the 12 ga.

[Cedar Park Dad]

Before buying... I suggest she actually shoot both a 12 and 20 ga.
Be sure to get low recoil HD loads (if you can find them ) for the 12 ga.

Excellent point. If you don't have access many outside shotgun ranges will rent them.
My wife can't shoot a 12 gauge but can blast away with a properly padded 20 gauge.

[CWOOD]

OK, folks, thanks for all the input. It is gonna be a 20 gauge.

NOW, which one.

I would like to add a +2 magazine extension.

I know they are available in 20 gauge for Remington 870/1100 shotguns.

How about for Mossberg 505 Youth (20" barrel, 4+1) or 500 Super Bantam(22"barrel, 5+1) I haven't had much luck on the internet finding extensions for these.

Finally, what are opinions about pump vs. autoloading for an inexperienced shooter.

I should include Winchester also.

As a cost consideration, Walmart carries (in some stores) the Mossberg Bantam for less that $260. That sounds like a good deal.

[CC Italian]

I would look at Academy, Gander etc. Local stores. I live outside Houston and the 20 gauge 870 youth and 505 youth mossberg I can find locally with a few phone calls. Basically someone within 15 miles has one.

That being said the Mossberg 505 is smaller, lighter and has a 12inch length of pull. It holds 4+1 with 2 3/4 shells Here is a pic http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/mossber ... 84667.html

Here is a pic of what I have. Rem. 870 youth. It has a 13inch length of pull. It is 4+1 with 2 3/4 shells http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/remingt ... 84833.html

The Mossberg is noticeably lighter and smaller in the stock then the Remington. Once I put a limbsaver recoil pad on my Remington the length of pull was the same as a normal 20 gauge and my wife couldn't rack a shell. This is why I got the knoxx adjustable stock but I don't think they make it for the 20 gauge any more. Looks like this.http://www.policehq.com/Products/KNX-SP ... eC1jG3yB8E I can adjust it to whatever I want and it dampens recoil pretty well. But I don't think they make it for the 20 gauge any more.

Also another option that Remington makes in a pump is this bad boy. I would want one for me not my wife. It is small 12inch length of pull and also very light! It is 4+1 in 2 3/4 shells. This shotty would rock as an HD gun. It felt great in the hand but it is noticeably smaller then the Remington youth. It is like the Mossberg but with a 2inch shorter barrel.http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/remingt ... 11924.html

I wouldn't go with a semi-auto. Price goes up and some of the semi autos jam alot. I have had no problem with any of my pumps . Keep it simple imo. But that is just me.

[mr surveyor]

my Mossberg Bantam has 22" barrel, 13 inch LOP, three choke tubes, 5+1, and is only 40.5" OAL. Slightly longer OAL than an 18.5" 12 ga standard model. All for around $300. All I added was sling swivels for field carry. I even sold my 12 ga shorty to the associate pastor at my church a few months ago as I no longer felt I needed it as much as he felt like he did.