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While meandering through Cabela's the other day, I paused to look at a shotgun for home defense purposes. Having hunted and shot skeet and sporting clays with my trusty 870 (30" full choke) in all types of conditions and lighting, I knew that I wanted another one or a clone for this use. I was a bit taken aback at the prices for the Remington's and have become somewhat concerned by reports of quality issues since their take over. I remember reading something by Andy C I think about alternatives at better price points. I looked at Mossberg, Stevens, Winchester and Weatherby.
Tried the fit and action on all they had and ended up choosing the Weatherby PA-08 TR model. http://www.weatherby.com/product/shotgu ... tr/pa08_tr" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
(sorry could not figure how to post picture).
It was on special sale at $268 and ultimately what pushed my choice was how well it fit me. The operation is the same as the old 870 with the safety and the action release in the same locations and configurations. I also picked some 00 buck for it. Now after cleaning it I figure I should go somewhere to pattern it just for my comfort if nothing else? Is Elm Fork the location for that or are there other locations north of Dallas that offer the ability to check the pattern?

2.75" or 3"? I like 2.75" is my 500A for home defense.

jmra wrote:2.75" or 3"? I like 2.75" is my 500A for home defense.

I bought the 2.75" with the gun. I am pretty sure I have some 3" stashed away also. The gun is capable of using either.

rwg3 wrote:Is Elm Fork the location for that or are there other locations north of Dallas that offer the ability to check the pattern?

There may be others, but Elm Fork certainly has that feature. AndyC and I once each bought inexpensive shotguns similar to yours, and we tested them inside that "old west storefront" looking handgun range at Elm Fork. We patterned onto B27 targets at 5, 10, and 15 yards. It was instructive.

I patterned a couple of shotguns with various brand of buckshot and settled on a modestly priced brand after the test. I didn't see a significant difference. The brand I use is Spartan 2 3/4" 00. I wanted to try #1 Buck shot but couldn't find any at the time. I have a Win 1300 Defender 18-1/2" and an old JC Higgins (High Standard Flite King) pump with the barrel cut to 21". It actually did better that the Winchester. It a beater that I carry it in my truck. Good Luck!

Thanks for the feedback. I will have to try to get over that way and see what I can do with this thing.
OH btw Happy Thanksgiving to all!