What shotgun works best for home defense?

[Alan]

I've been thinking about getting a shotgun for home defense, and I'd love to hear your experiences. I'm stuck between the 12-gauge and the 20-gauge. Sure, the 12 has that extra stopping power, but I've heard the 20 is easier to manage, especially in tight spaces. What's been your experience with both?

When it comes to features, what's important? Barrel length, stock setup — any insights would be great. Reliability is key for me, so I'm also curious about brands or models that have worked well for you.

And what about training? I've used shotguns a bit, but not extensively. Any tips on how to get into serious practice to feel prepared? Appreciate the help!

 

[mgderf]

I use a Mossberg Shockwave in 12ga.
Mind you, this has a 14" barrel and a birdshead grip.
It is short by any standards, but that makes it easier for me to wield.
A lot of people have troubles trying to control a shorter barrel shotgun buyt I find it incredibly utilitarian.

Remington has their version in the Tac14, but I prefer the tang mounted safety on the Mossberg.
These come available in 12ga,20ga, or .410 bore.
The 20ga.ight well be easier to handle, but I would advise against the .410 bore for home defense. Just not enough stopping power.

Now, if you go with either the Mossberg or Remington, you need to check out the OpSol brand adapter that allows you to load and cycle the Aguila mini-shells.
These are supposed to be full power loads, but only 1-1/2" long so you can get many more in the magazine.
Mini-shells available in slugs, bird shot, or buck shot.
I choose 00buck.

 

[MikeD77]

Shockwave it is. This one lives on the coat rack, inside my back door. Great little shotgun. As above, outfitted with the adapter for the short shells.

 

[Jack Ryan]

Remington 1187 Priemer Trap. I put my smooth bore slug barrel on it is the only concession to HD defense and I use the same gun, same configuration for just general killing every thing annoying me around place. It has been totally reliable for "killing" thousands of flying things moving a lot faster than anything on the ground or in the house ever will. I've probably shot it more times are more different things from clays to birds to beaver, chipmunks and squirrels. I recon it will put a load of 00 buck where I want it to go, it sure hurts those beavers pretty good.

Taking a perfectly good shotgun and cutting it up and adding a dozen battery operated doo dads and strings amo all over it and then shooting it 2 times a year just doesn't make the slightest sense to me for something you EXPECT to bet your life on. Looking good in a movie isn't going to stop you getting your ass kicked and your family killed and or robbed.

When I have to reload in the dark, I'll be reloading something I reloaded a thousand times every year for 20 years or more. When I have to POINT and pull the trigger it will be with something throwing 9, 30 cal pellets every time I pull the trigger and I can stick another one in with out unloading or taking it out of the fight.

 

[Owen49]

For inside the house, I have a 12 bore Mossberg Shockwave with the OpSol adapter & loaded with Federal 1¾" No. 4 buckshot. If the fight goes outside, it's my 12 bore Mossberg 590A1 loaded with 2" 00 buckshot from NobelSportItalia.