Mossberg M11 .22LR vs Rock Island 12ga?

[Guest TargetShooter84]

I was at a local gunshop earlier today and was browsing around until I saw those two guns that caught my attention now I can't decide if I want to get one of them or not. I already have a home defense gun (Glock 19) so that's mainly my home defense gun but I do spend some time at the range so I would think the .22LR would be a fun toy to spray bullets at targets but would the 12ga be a ideal range gun and home defense? The price difference between those two isn't really a big difference, maybe $50 difference.

Just don't want to buy one and not use it alot is mainly my point of why I'm asking for opinions. I think I would get a kick out of the Mossberg but never heard anything about the brand?

Rock Island 12ga:

Mossberg M11 .22LR: (Its not the one but is almost like it):

I'm hung up on those two and would like to purchase one sometime soon but which would you recommend?

And has anyone experienced those two before? Or the brand? If so, do recommend or not to recommend?

Edited February 22, 2011 by TargetShooter84

[JAB]

Those both look pretty cool. I don't have any experience with those particular models but here are my thoughts on a 'security' type shotgun vs. a .22 rifle, in general:

Shotguns are fun and have a certain 'wow' factor. That said, I don't shoot them all that much just for plinking. When I do it is just informal shooting with my BIL in his and my sister's back yard. Shotguns never go to the formal range with me, although it would be interesting to try them out with slugs on the 50 and 100 yard range. Shotguns are generally pretty loud. The specific one you are looking at seems to be more of a HD setup. I have a Maverick Security 88 with a 20 inch barrel for an HD long gun but if I didn't have it in the HD lineup it would be pretty useless to me as I wouldn't hunt with it (I have other shotguns if I want to hunt with one.) I've never shot trap, clays, etc. but I wouldn't think that a short barreled, cylinder bore shotgun would be the best choice for that, either. I like the short barrel/cylinder bore for dedicated HD use just because it is more maneuverable. There is a side benefit that it is cool to shoot paper with it but if I weren't planning to use it for dedicated home defense then I would think that a longer barrel - maybe one that allows the use of screw in chokes - would be more versatile. A shotgun with a longer barrel would kill paper just as well, could be used for hunting if you wanted and could still be used in home defense (it just might not be quite as maneuverable.)

A .22, on the other hand, is almost the opposite end of the spectrum. They aren't loud, the ammo is supercheap (especially if you get one that will digest bulk ammo.) They are good for generally maintaining shooting skills as well as just a heck of a lot of fun for plinking, punching paper and so on. Plenty of folks like them for small game hunting and pest/varmint elimination, too. You can't hunt larger game with a .22 like you can with a [longer barreled] shotgun and it wouldn't be the preferred choice of most folks for home defense (although most folks would also prefer not to be shot with one.) For range fun, though, a .22 handgun or rifle is hard to beat, IMO, and those 'tactical' .22s look like they would be a hoot. In fact, I will go on record as saying that I have never really had a desire to own an AR15 and probably never will (nothing against them, I just don't think that they are my 'thing') but I'd still like to have one of the .22 EBR models that are on the market, now.

Edited February 23, 2011 by JAB

[Guest BenderBendingRodriguez]

I think JAB more or less nailed it. You're going to get a lot more use out of the .22 than the 12ga, and overall it's probably going to be more fun to shoot. And much cheaper.

That being said, the shotgun is a FAR more appropriate HD gun than your Glock 19. I love 9mm guns, and I don't think they're underpowered as a self defense round, but if you're talking home defense you really should be looking at either some sort of carbine or a shotty. If you've ever seen the holes you can put in a sheet of paper with some 00 buck, you will understand why people love keeping them around their house. There's really not much out there that can come even close to putting that much lead on a target in close quarters.

If you're confident in your home setup, and really just want something to enjoy, and aren't looking for a real-world-practical gun, go for the .22. I love mine! But if you want a serious tool, get the 12ga.

That said, you can find very inexpensive shotguns and .22s, though perhaps you would have to look to different models or styles. There's no reason to not pick up both eventually. Get the best of both worlds.

[Guest nosnos]

I think pistols make great basic home defense weapons. Easy to manuever, easy to practice with, and no home-invader is going to scoff at a 9mm.

And I LOVE shooting my tactical .22lr at the range! Tons of fun, cheap, and my wife enjoys it too.

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[Guest TargetShooter84]

Very informative post, JAB!

Much appreciated. I will think heavily on this and decide, however few suggested 15/22 or CMMG 22 so I may look into those.

Agreed with those points about HD, even though I may be moving so I don't want to lug the shotgun around just yet until I am settled in permanently so I will stick with my G19 for the time being as a HD gun.

Nosnos- what kind of tactical .22LR did you get?

[Guest nosnos]

I got a S&W 15/22. I like it because all the ergonomics are exactly like an AR. Its lightweight, and surprisingly accurate.

My brother has a Sig 522 and really likes it. The Mossberg looks cool too, but I've never handled one.

Good luck, and whatever you get let us know how you like it!

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