HD Shotgun?

in my experience holding the shotgun lightly, makes it easier to shoot fast and control the recoil. tight cheek weld.
True. I was referring to a high, tight shoulder mount and pull it into the "pocket". Medium grip on foreend, lighter grip on handle/stock with trigger hand. Squeeze. Bang.
 
Can't go wrong with a Mossberg, especially the 590. How much would he be paying? And why no 18.5" barrel? 20" is pretty long in tight quarters. Well, so is 18, thats why I like my 870 with a 14" barrel or my KSG to greet unwanted visitors with. Not familiar with XG ghost rings. I prefer a tritium front bead only on home defense shotgun for its quickness. Don't have to take time to line anything up. Or better yet, a light/laser combo. Put the red dot on what ya want to hit AND see your target.
He got a quote of $700 for this Mossberg 500 from a local dealer. Ordering and having it shipped to an FFL ended up costing quite a bit more.

The FFL wants their cut it appears. I haven't bought a gun in close to 20 years now. I used to pay $10- $20 for a transfer, those days are long gone.
 
I grew up with these monsters called Marlin Goose Guns - but these days I much prefer a pistol for practice/HD.

Goose 1.webp
Goose 2.webp


I had to have one just for the novelty.. 36in barrel.
 
Is he a large or small guy?

I only ask this, super light 12Ga will punish his slender erse while he gets lots of practice in. He may get all flinchy. But of course a lighter gun is more maneuverable. I have a Win 1300 Featherweight Classic. Just over 5 pounds. I have purple marks.
He's about 5'10" 175-180 lbs.
 
I wouldn’t recommend a shotgun for a new shooter or minimal skill shooter (which is 99% of people) These are experts weapons that need a lot of training to even become somewhat proficient with. I’ve trained with SWAT and tier 1/2 guys, so I know a thing about fighting guns.

The Mossberg… isn’t even on the radar. A fighting shotgun is a Beretta A300 Patrol, Beretta 1301, Benelli M2, or Benelli M4.

If he REALLY wants a fighting shotgun the list above is it. If he is on a budget, the A300 Patrol can be had for $900-$1000. A bit more than a Mossberg but a far better fighting gun.

If he is a low skill shooter, which is 97% likely, I’d recommend a 9MM pistol caliber carbine for defensive use over the shotgun. There are several from Smith&Wesson, Beretta, Ruger, CZ and others that are reliable and in his price range.

If he is REALLY stuck on the pump shotgun nonsense for some reason, avoid the 20 inch barrels. The 18’s handle SO much better and just feel so much better in the hand in actual use.
 
I wouldn’t recommend a shotgun for a new shooter or minimal skill shooter (which is 99% of people) These are experts weapons that need a lot of training to even become somewhat proficient with. I’ve trained with SWAT and tier 1/2 guys, so I know a thing about fighting guns.

The Mossberg… isn’t even on the radar. A fighting shotgun is a Beretta A300 Patrol, Beretta 1301, Benelli M2, or Benelli M4.

If he REALLY wants a fighting shotgun the list above is it. If he is on a budget, the A300 Patrol can be had for $900-$1000. A bit more than a Mossberg but a far better fighting gun.

If he is a low skill shooter, which is 97% likely, I’d recommend a 9MM pistol caliber carbine for defensive use over the shotgun. There are several from Smith&Wesson, Beretta, Ruger, CZ and others that are reliable and in his price range.

If he is REALLY stuck on the pump shotgun nonsense for some reason, avoid the 20 inch barrels. The 18’s handle SO much better and just feel so much better in the hand in actual use.
This is fascinating. I'm a casual hunter with more experience on shotguns vs. rifles and no experience with handguns.

Please expand on your opinion that a handgun would be more effective. I'm thinking that in the heat of the moment, the shotgun would have more margin for error. I'm guessing that in this instance the person is going to do minimal training, not visiting the range often.

EDIT: Per AZjeff below, oops - misread the 9MM pistol caliber carbine part. Idiot! Thank you.
This thread covers the discussion well: https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/pcc-vs-shotgun-for-home-defense.374932/
 
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I wouldn’t recommend a shotgun for a new shooter or minimal skill shooter (which is 99% of people) These are experts weapons that need a lot of training to even become somewhat proficient with.
If he is a low skill shooter, which is 97% likely, I’d recommend a 9MM pistol caliber carbine
Both of these statements are not on the topic at hand, but are 10000% true.
 
I have a 590A1 and love it. Very accurate out of the box. Mostly use it for bear protection. I’d suggest your friend take a decent couple day class once he gets his shotgun. Just like handguns and AR’s, training is key and there is more to running a shotgun than one would think.

Home defense can be broad too, is he worried about an intruder inside his home or at his door, or does he want something to protect a 5 acre property? Maybe an AR would suit him better?
 
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