What is the current best shotgun deal?
What model shotgun is literally the best bang for your buck that is most effective at short range?
What ammo should be purchased with it?
Please give as many details as possible.
I have home defense in mind.
and hunting.
Posted in best shotgun


November 10th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
The Mossberg 500 is hands down the best deal…. Not just because of the price but because its a reliable easy to use shotgun…. If your an average size guy then get a 12 gauge shotgun… Dont get a pistol grip model they are difficult to aim — No matter what they show you on TV they dont spray a room with pellets.. Close up you still have to aim…. Use only 2 3/4 inch 9 pellet buckshot…. This types of cartridge has less penetration thru walls (still quite possible)…….. I have a Mossberg Persuader / Cruiser model # 50577 and have had NO problems with it and a lot of fun shooting it… See the below links
November 10th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
What do you intend to do with it? Hunt? Home defense?
The Remington 870 Express is availibe in many configurations for about $240. The same can be said about the Mossberg 500A. Ammo will depend on what you have in mind.
November 10th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
It all depends on what you are going to use it for. If you are looking for a big bore (12 gauge) then there are a few good guns out there. If you are looking more of a moderate bore (20 gauge or .410) then there are more companies. As far as Ammo goes……you should get as much as you can, as fast as you can. Ammo prices have more than doubled over the last year or so and no sign of stopping. I recommend that you look into companies like Remington, Mossberg, and H&R. These are good companies for shotguns. The next question is if you want a single shot, pump shotgun, or Semi-Auto. Price also plays a big part, and H&R is in my opinion the best value. And if you want a crazy shotgun just watch the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn02le8e0nQ
This gun has a drool factor of 100, only military though, so you will have to wait.
November 10th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Probably the least expensive, reasonable quality shotgun available is the Mossberg Maverick 88, which can be had at most sporting goods stores like Cabelas, Academy and Outdoor World for around $200.00. It is a plain, no-frills black 12 Gauge shotgun with an 18.5 inch barrel (nearly the shortest allowed by law without special paperwork) and a 5+1 magazine capacity. Although you could spend about $100-150 more for a better weapon, like a Remington 870, Mossberg 500, or Benelli Nova, for general-purpose close range defensive use, this is probably the most gun you are going to get for the least money.
Shotguns are designed generally to be used at short ranges – it’s been said that a shotgun is what you bring to a pistol fight that you know is going to happen. Basically, any 12Ga shotgun with a short barrel and large magazine capacity is a good pick for short-range defensive work, so this fits the bill.
For ammunition, you will want to load it with either #4 or 00 Buckshot in standard 2 3/4" shells, depending on wheir your preference lies. #4 Buck generally consists of 27 smaller pellets headed downrange, while 00 Buck generally consists of 9 larger pellets going downrange. I prefer #4 Buck for its greater spread and smaller shot, since I live in an apartment, so that’s what I keep in the tube of my ‘Gauge, but I also keep 3 rounds of 00 Buck and 2 Slugs strapped to the stock in case I see a need to switch my ammunition types out at a moment’s notice.
For ammunition brands, go with Federal for the #4 Buckshot, as they offer copper plated, granular buffered, plastic shot-cupped rounds, which translate into denser patterns and greater penetration. For 00 Buckshot, Hornady TAP is generally considered the best 00 Buckshot available, shooting tight patterns and getting great penetration.
All of these recommendations are for defensive use. For hunting, there are thousands of different configurations of shotguns for different animals – pheasants, ducks, turkey, deer – that’s a pretty broad subject, but this gun should get you on your way defense-wise.
I hope this helps, good luck and stay safe!
November 10th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
u can get a decent shotgun from walmart for under 200 bucks sometimes. its not gonna be the greatest but itll still pack a punch
November 10th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I would buy a Mossburg 500. You can buy them with a 18 inch barrel and pistol grip. I would go with 12 Ga. and use 000 buck shot and slugs every other round starting with slug.
November 10th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Mossberg Maverick.* Use number four (4)* Bird Shot for in home self-defense.*
November 10th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Mossberg model 500. Brand new in the box for $300 with stock and pistol grip.
I dont much care for the mossberg maverick. I choose the model 500 over the Remington 870 due to personal experience with both guns.. I really prefer the thumb safety on the mossberg that easy to switch off.
November 10th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I recommend the Mossberg 930 Autoloader Special Purpose Field/Security Combo (12 gauge). It sells for under $500.00.
It comes with two interchangeable barrels. An 18.5" barrel for self-defense, and a 28" barrel for hunting. This gives you far greater versatility than a shotgun that comes with only one barrel.
The typical 18.5" to 20" self-defense barrel isn’t well-suited for hunting, and the typical 26" to 28" hunting barrel isn’t very good for tight self-defense situations in your home or vehicle. The Mossberg Field/Security Combo takes care of this problem by giving you two easily interchangeable barrels, which is ideal for all-around use.
Mossberg has a proven reputation for producing quality American-made shotguns that are affordable and durable.
I recommend Federal brand ammunition, though Remington and Winchester are also very good.
If you live in a home or apartment/condo where penetration through thin walls presents a danger to others, use #4 birdshot (2 3/4") for self-defense. It is plenty effective at home defense ranges. If penetration isn’t a concern in your situation, use #1 buckshot (2 3/4").
There are so many different hunting loads out there, that I can’t make a recommendation without knowing what specific creature(s) you intend to hunt.
I suggest you buy your hunting ammo from a gun shop, or one of the major sporting stores geared toward hunting. Find a knowledgeable employee, and they will be able to give you good recommendations.
Check out the links below for more information. The item number for the Field/Security Combo at the Mossberg website is #85325.