Ranch/home defense shot gun

[AppleADay]

It has been a while since I have been in the shot gun game. Looking for advice on a 12 gauge that I can use around the property for varmint abatement and also for home defense. Had a friend who had a supernova tactical and that was nice but on the pricey side. Any advice/wisdom is welcome, thanks! 

[Chucktshoes]

What’s your budget and list of desired features? There are good guns that fit what you want in a wide variety of price points, but it all depends on what you want whether or not it’s the right gun for the job. 
 

Pump or Auto? Tube capacity? Optic compatibility? These are the type of things to decide on before you even start looking at models. 

[10-Ring]

This is what you seek.  I have many shotguns, most much more expensive than a Maverick, but the Mavericks are great guns. I like them because I can beat on them and not worry about it and they get the job done. The combo would meet your needs well and is very affordable at just over $300. 

[AppleADay]

8 hours ago, Chucktshoes said:

What’s your budget and list of desired features? There are good guns that fit what you want in a wide variety of price points, but it all depends on what you want whether or not it’s the right gun for the job. 
 

Pump or Auto? Tube capacity? Optic compatibility? These are the type of things to decide on before you even start looking at models. 

Thank you for the feedback!

I would prefer auto if possible but pump is fine. I’d like 6+ in the tube(the more the better). It would be nice to have it come with a decent sight or be capable of a red dot. Price range: under $500 if possible. 

[AppleADay]

8 hours ago, 10-Ring said:

This is what you seek.  I have many shotguns, most much more expensive than a Maverick, but the Mavericks are great guns. I like them because I can beat on them and not worry about it and they get the job done. The combo would meet your needs well and is very affordable at just over $300. 

Thank you! I will look into this. 

[pop pop]

I went the Mossberg mdl 500 way. Had a youth model 20 Ga with a side saddle that held 6 rounds and 5 in the tube. It came with an 18 1/2' brl so I purchased a 28" brl for it and gave it to my grandson. I put the plug back in it so it would be legal to hunt with as it only holds 3 rounds in it now. He duck hunts with it. 

I have a mdl 500 in 12 Ga with a side saddle and 18 1/2" brl in my gun safe now. My 500 has an extended tube on it and it holds 8 rounds on board now. Fills my needs in the shot gun world. 

[papa61]

12 hours ago, 10-Ring said:

This is what you seek.  I have many shotguns, most much more expensive than a Maverick, but the Mavericks are great guns. I like them because I can beat on them and not worry about it and they get the job done. The combo would meet your needs well and is very affordable at just over $300. 

I tend to agree with this. I've had a 500 Cruiser in the bedroom closet for about 25 years. I don't hunt so I don't need the extra barrel but if I were buying today this would be considered. The extended tube on mine is great though. 8+1 00buck is good medicine.

[Sleep profit]

Hard to beat a Mossberg 500 or a Remington 870 both great guns Look on this site something will come along 

[Jpoc700]

I have a mossberg 500, reliable never fails.  I also have a supernova set up tactical with an M4 stock very smooth.  Like them booth.

[Choatecav]

I love the Mossberg, as well, but I keep a Remington 870 right next to the bed.  

[peejman]

Just keep in mind that even an 18" shotgun can be unwieldy inside a house.  The shot pattern will only be a couple inches at 30 ft.

 

[Thearmededucator]

870s and Mossberg 500 or 590s are the old standby, and a fantastic option. In particular I like the Magpul SGA stock options. 
 

The new semi-auto hotness is the Beretta 1300 or A300, but they are 2-3 times more expensive. 
 

Some caveats to add: 

1) Shotguns are a thinking man’s gun if you want to run it well. Especially a dual use gun like you want. Get training on it and practice ammo management. 

2) Put thought into your defensive round. I prefer Federal Flite Control, if you can find it.  Contrary to conventional wisdom, you don’t want a wide spread. Pattern your gun at various distances and record your results. 

[papa61]

3 hours ago, peejman said:

Just keep in mind that even an 18" shotgun can be unwieldy inside a house.  The shot pattern will only be a couple inches at 30 ft.

 

 

2 hours ago, Thearmededucator said:

870s and Mossberg 500 or 590s are the old standby, and a fantastic option. In particular I like the Magpul SGA stock options. 
 

The new semi-auto hotness is the Beretta 1300 or A300, but they are 2-3 times more expensive. 
 

Some caveats to add: 

1) Shotguns are a thinking man’s gun if you want to run it well. Especially a dual use gun like you want. Get training on it and practice ammo management. 

2) Put thought into your defensive round. I prefer Federal Flite Control, if you can find it.  Contrary to conventional wisdom, you don’t want a wide spread. Pattern your gun at various distances and record your results. 

Agreed. My 500 is mission specific. I've read the staggard loading logic and agree with the principles. So, my house is open with only 3 doorways less than 8 feet wide so no issues with choke points inhibiting the swing. I have it for only inside the house and only loaded with buckshot. If I have to go outside I'll pick up the AR. I have a pistol on the nightstand with the job of getting me to the closet. Both the nightstand pistol and the Mossberg are equipped with lights. I wouldn't want the pistol grip version because of the lowered mag capacity and controllability. I still think the Maverick combo is a good dual purpose choice with proper loads and expectations. And of course, practice. 

I would like to have an autoloader just because and an old Wingmaster is on my list. 

[Alleycat72]

4 hours ago, peejman said:

Just keep in mind that even an 18" shotgun can be unwieldy inside a house.  The shot pattern will only be a couple inches at 30 ft.

 

And that's why I did a SBS.

[AppleADay]

3 hours ago, Thearmededucator said:

870s and Mossberg 500 or 590s are the old standby, and a fantastic option. In particular I like the Magpul SGA stock options. 
 

The new semi-auto hotness is the Beretta 1300 or A300, but they are 2-3 times more expensive. 
 

Some caveats to add: 

1) Shotguns are a thinking man’s gun if you want to run it well. Especially a dual use gun like you want. Get training on it and practice ammo management. 

2) Put thought into your defensive round. I prefer Federal Flite Control, if you can find it.  Contrary to conventional wisdom, you don’t want a wide spread. Pattern your gun at various distances and record your results. 

Yes, I realize practice is key and I plan to become proficient with it. 
 

I’ve been looking at the 590a1 and they have some nice models. 
Thanks for the feedback! 

[peejman]

10 hours ago, Alleycat72 said:

And that's why I did a SBS.

Or a Shockwave with a pistol grip and brace. 

The 590A1 is an excellent choice. 

[1gewehr]

I know that you specified shotgun.  But, you also said it was for around the property and for varmints (two and four legs).  In my part of the woods, 'varmints' usually means coyotes.  Coyotes are usually at the max range (or further) for shotgun use.

My recommendation would be an AR15.  Pick your caliber, but I use 6.5 Grendel.  It's instant death on coyotes, and an inexpensive IR sight will allow use in the dark.  And, around the house, it's handier and lighter than an 18" barrel shotgun.  (Unless you hang all sorts of crap on it).  Just my humble opinion! 

[45guy]

KSG pump. 14 rounds, short and easy to move around corners. 2 tubes so you can have 2 different rounds.