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74novaman wrote:

drjoker wrote:The answer is, "because you can," and "everything is bigger in Texas." It's a free Texas and you may do so if you wish. But, is it really necessary? Nah.

so what do you use for home defense? shotgun? pistol? flashlight?

I believe the answer to that question is "Yes". At least it is for me.

Rockrz wrote:
And, who is Clint Smith?

http://www.thunderranchinc.com/director.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Furyataurus wrote:Hey NcongruNt, I just recently put on a Mesa 6 shot side saddle shell holder and a Hogue Fore-end on my 870!!!! . That fore-end makes a BIG difference in the way it handles now.

I've got an upgrade for mine slated for this weekend, as long as nothing else comes up. I've been wanting a Knoxx SpecOps stock for my 870 for a while. In addition to the pistol grip (which means I need to practice some more once I get it ), it's got a recoil compensation system built in that is supposed to make even magnum loads incredibly easy on your shoulder. Cabela's carries them for $120, and I'm going to pick one up Friday or Saturday and hit the range.

http://www.knoxx.com/products/SpecOps_Stock.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I've got a side saddle shell holder for mine as well, but haven't messed with the fore-end at all - I'm quite happy with the one I have on mine already. What kind of fore-end did you get, and what makes it better? I'm guessing that it's rubberized.

jimlongley wrote:

Stupid wrote:4. some may even forget to pump in the adrenaline high.

Not if you're somewhat used to the gun. Yes, I'll admit that I transitioned from a pump to a semi-auto in a "strange gun" stage at a match some years ago, and couldn't figure out how to pump the semi until I realized that it loaded itself. But unless you are really used to a semi-auto and take up a strange pump and expect it to cycle itself, you will remember how to pump, particularly if you know your gun.

If I have learned anything from these forums, it is that under stress you revert to your training. Whatever you use, you need to train with it. If you never shoot the gun you plan on using as a defense weapon, then yes - you might forget to pump the action. If, however, you spend considerable time training with that very gun, you will revert to that training and are unlikely to suddenly forget to operate it.

I have a Remington 870 for home defense. I've spent considerable time with it, practicing moving/shooting drills, multiple target drills, transition drills, and shooting from various positions. I'm quite confident with my ability to make rapid successive shots and keep them on target. Because I've trained with this gun and continue to do so, I have no doubt it will serve me quite sufficiently were the need to arise, and that I will have no issues with forgetting to operate the gun.

dihappy wrote:If you got the money, do it.

IMO all the talk about a shotty for home defense is over rated.

First there is hardly any spread in pellets when speaking of the distances involved in home defense situations. (12' = 1 3/4'' - 4'') hence, you still have to aim.
Second, its larger than a pistol and requires two hands.
Third, not practical for small or weak individuals.

Nothing against it, however i dont think its as good as a good pistol.

A pistol will allow you to defend and fire at the same time.
A pistol will allow you to maneuver better
A pistol can be handled by weaker, more frail individuals
Hollow point pistol rounds will be less likely to go through an individual and hit something else.

my $ .02

It's not about the spread, it's about the devastation. My HD shotgun is loaded up with 3" 00 buckshot. That's Twelve 8.38 mm 54 grain pellets hitting the BG all at once. You're essentially pulverizing an entire area a few inches in diameter, making a vital hit much more likely than a single shot from a handgun bullet of any caliber.

While not as portable or maneuverable as a handgun, the shotgun is quite superior in its effects against an intruder. I do not see how you think a handgun is more appropriate than a shotgun for a "weaker" person. If someone has trouble holding a shotgun, they're likely going to have the same issue with a handgun, except they have no shoulder to steady against with the handgun.

As far as over-penetration is concerned, the only time I think you're really going to see that kind of issue is with slugs.