Shotguns for HD

[1Shifter]

Hey Guys,
Recently I had three unwanted guests lurking around my house, banging on the door in what I am sure was an attempt to get me outside. Anyway in addition to adding acouple of security lights I decided to upgrade my home security system. I bought a IAC Hawk that I'm going to pickup from Bob's Tuesday, I'm not thrilled with having a Chinese knock-off but I needed something cheap (which it is). I live in a single home, no really close neighbors and no one in the house except me and the wife. My questions are (1) what type of ammo is most suitable for my situation and (2) what is your opinion of the IAC Hawk?. I apologize for the ramble but I haven't shot a shotgun since I was a teenager and have never had a urge to own one. With a couple of armed home invasions I had to face reality.
Mosins are nice but not the best choice for H/D

 

[Redd Byrd]

Consider No. 4 Buckshot

 

[Fishguy]

Check this thread out. While your question (regarding best shotgun ammo for HD) has been asked numerous times on MDS, this thread was posted fairly recently and addressed by a fair number of members.
http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=144665

As for your question about the IAC Hawk, I don't know what that is so I can't comment on it. I will throw my .02 in and also recommend taking a look at Maverick 88 by Mossberg as a inexpensive HD shotgun. They can be had for around $200 from Walmart and barrels and accessories made for the Mossberg 500 (and there are a metric buttload of accessories on the market for the Mossberg 500) will also fit/work on the Maverick 88.

Also, who said Mosin's are no good for HD? I cannot imagine any home invading thug with the grapes to stand his ground in the face of a bayonet charge from a Mosin wielding home owner.

 

[Uncle Duke]

Lots of opinions on shot size, with #4 Buckshot and heavier all having fans. There are pros and cons for each that you can read up on. But whatever else you decide upon, decide to take that new gun out and shoot it. Shoot it often. Shoot it until it's second nature to you. Find out how it patterns and how it performs. There's no substitute for that, and that applies with any home defense choice. Good luck!

 

[1Shifter]

Thanks Guys

I appreciate the imput. I know it's a complicated subject with lots of opinions and that's what I wanted. Thanks for the link too, I never considered fields of fire, construction etc. Lots to learn and yes I plan on going out with it as soon as this crappy weather breaks.
It's a shame that we have to live like this, I grew up in St.Marys (I'm 55) and this was never too big of a concern. Hell the only reason we had guns was to hunt or plink with.

 

[lsw]

I have an H&R Pardner Protector, which is built by the same Chinese manufacturer as the IAC Hawk and the NEF-branded Pardners. They are close copies of the Remington 870 with the major difference being the barrel lug is closer to the muzzle on the Chinese guns. Most other parts are interchangeable with the 870. Reviews on Youtube and the usual web sites and forums very favorable for both lines and the NEF-branded Pardners too, with the occasional bad review like any other firearm. Does yours have the ghost ring sights?

My own has been reliable and is built like a tank. It's absolutely necessary to practice and familiarize yourself with the weapon's operation if you are serious about relying on it for HD. Drilling with birdshot is cheap but be sure to use your chosen HD round too. It will kick noticeably more.

#4 will penetrate a little less than 00 and has 27 pellets vs 9, but at inside-the-house distances, spread and pattern are not really going to be a consideration. Even with 18 inch barrel and open choke, the pellets will all strike withing a few inches. There are some reduced power buckshot loads that would be good choices if your concerned about penetration with your home's layout.

 

[thomfantomas]

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Winchester-reg-PDX-Personal-Defense-Shotshells/1159802.uts there ya go

 

[Uncle Duke]

I appreciate the imput. I know it's a complicated subject with lots of opinions and that's what I wanted. Thanks for the link too, I never considered fields of fire, construction etc. Lots to learn and yes I plan on going out with it as soon as this crappy weather breaks.
It's a shame that we have to live like this, I grew up in St.Marys (I'm 55) and this was never too big of a concern. Hell the only reason we had guns was to hunt or plink with.

You're right sir! It is a shame. It's a damned shame. But what would be more of a shame (for me personally....each man or woman must visit alone in good conscience) would be an inability to stop a life endangering threat to one's family or one's self that I didn't want, didn't ask for, didn't wish to have forced upon me or mine, and couldn't otherwise avoid or negate. The time for that sort of contemplation is well in advance of an event that you'll hopefully never have to experience.

 

[Bikebreath]

Lots of opinions on shot size, with #4 Buckshot and heavier all having fans. There are pros and cons for each that you can read up on. But whatever else you decide upon, decide to take that new gun out and shoot it. Shoot it often. Shoot it until it's second nature to you. Find out how it patterns and how it performs. There's no substitute for that, and that applies with any home defense choice. Good luck!

Good!

1Shifter - Have your wife shoot it, as well and know these rules...

All guns are always loaded.
Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

 

[MikeTF]

Regardless of all of the stuff you read and the endless hours of agonizing that you may or may not spend on this, be certain of one thing: when the moment of truth comes, make sure you have the fortitude to pull the trigger.

When I see all of the tooth gnashing that goes on over what type of gun/ammo, I can't help but think: 'geeze what's going to happen when you've got to react quickly? Paralysis through analysis?

If you're on a budget, buy a Walmart Mossberg knock off pump shotgun and several boxes of 00 buck or slugs (shooting at a patterning board will reveal there's not much difference for many home shooting distances, besides slugs may not penetrate a ballistic vest with plating, but they sure as will feel like they did).

 

[Blackstar65]

Consider the Federal 00 LE loads with the flight control wad. They have a pretty tight pattern even out to 25 yards. But if your backstop isn't good don't take the shot.

 

[GUNSnROTORS]

00 in my HD shotgun.

 

[Bafflingbs]

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/edu91.htm

 

[Mega]

This is what I have.

 

[chooks9]

I used to use a mix of no. 2 and no.4 tungsten/copper plated buckshot when I lived in a condo. Today, I use no 5 or 6 high brass with a modified choke.

 

[kenpo333]

This is what I have.

Feeds well in my benelli M1. You just have to feed in 10 rounds.

 

[Sirex]

The Chinese copies of the 870 are nice. My HD choice is my Mossberg 500, but I HAD a 12G Pardner Pump protector. It's the same thing as the Hawk, just blued and not parkerized and has a bead sight instead of ghost rings. My dad wanted a 12G 18", and was toying with chopping his Ithaca 37. I was opposed to this and gave him my Pardner so he could keep the Ithaca whole. I do plan to replace the Pardner either with another or a Hawk 982. They have good reviews and can say they seem just as solid as my old Remington 870 Police Magnum. The Hawk should do fine and should accept most accessories a 870 would. If you are in a single family home with no close neighbors, I would use 00 buckshot. The heavy Hawk should soak up more recoil than my light Mossberg, but they also make reduced recoil 00 buck loads. Stay safe.

 

[Mulchman]

Nothing beats an 870 pump with extended tube and Federal Tactical OO buck. I can send 63 - .38 caliber "bullets" down range faster than you can unload a 30 round mag from an AR. AWESOME amount of fire power in a weapon overlooked by many.

Not to mention you can take a door off its hinges and a man off his armor wearing feet!

 

[Indiana Jones]

I love having a shotgun for home defense. It is just very reassuring. I shoot long guns better than hand guns too. I use a 590A1 and some nights it is slugs, some buck, and some mixed.

 

[1Shifter]

Thanks Again Everyone.

I realize that this subject has been done to death in these forums, I appreciate everyones patience and advice. A couple of my buds have small farms and I am at their mercy for "range time". As soon as I can set something up I plan on taking it out and get the feel for it. My shotgun experience is limited to an old bolt action Sears 12 guage my Dad had. That was alooong time ago. I kept a Louisville slugger in my room next to the bed in case I needed it but no more. I still have the bat cause as the saying goes "bats don't jam".Thanks Again.