As most newcomers to guns and gun ownership are aware, there are several different legal uses for firearms, ranging from range fun to competition to hunting. One of the most important uses is self-defense, or, in the case of self-defense against home invasions, home defense.
In fact, a study published last year in the journal Injury Prevention shows that protection is the overwhelming reason Americans exercise their Second Amendment rights. In that study, nearly 80% of gun owners said they owned a firearm for the protection of themselves and their families.
The Self-Defense Shotgun
Several types of firearms are useful for home defense, yet shotguns are particularly effective because they are easier to shoot accurately than rifles and pistols, and shotshell projectiles are less likely to penetrate walls and other hard surfaces than rifle and pistol bullets.
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Why a Shotgun for Home or Self-Defense?
Home-defense shotguns typically have several features that make them perfect for their purpose. First, they are typically compact, since a long shotgun would be harder to maneuver around corners and other obstacles in the house when something goes bump in the night. They also usually have a fairly high capacity, holding at least five rounds and often many more.
Another must for home-defense shotguns is reliability. A gun that won’t go off every time you pull the trigger has no business being utilized for such an important purpose. For that reason, many prefer pump-action shotguns over semi-auto models, although many semi-autos can be as reliable as pump guns when broken in and with the right ammo.
The ability to mount a light is also preferred by many who utilize shotguns for home defense. Likewise, stopping power is important, hence most who use a shotgun as their primary self-defense firearm prefer a 12 gauge to its less powerful cousins.
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Fortunately for those wanting to own a shotgun for home defense, several gunmakers produce defense-specific models, sometimes referred to as “tactical shotguns,” that are easier to maneuver and often offer greater magazine capacity than sporting shotguns.
A Couple To Consider
Mossberg is a legendary name in shotguns, and there’s little wonder why—the company made its first pump gun, the Model 500, way back in 1962. The Model 590A1 is among the company’s most popular tactical pump guns for home-defense purposes.
Chambered in 12 gauge with seven-shot or nine-shot capacity, this shotgun features a heavy-walled 20-inch barrel with a cylinder bore choke and a Parkerized finish for durability. Overall length is 41 inches, the synthetic stock features shell storage, and it also boasts XS Ghost Ring sights for easy aiming.
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Mossberg says the 590A1’s “hearty construction and proven endurance make it a prime choice for home defense applications.”
The base model starts at about $750 at gun shops.
Beretta’s entry into the semi-auto home-defense shotgun market is the A300 Ultima Patrol. Engineered to be ultra-reliable and easy to manipulate, it features the classic mechanisms of the venerable A300 platform along with enlarged controls, an enhanced loading port, a thinner fore end design with multiple M-Lok and QD sling mounting points, and a 7+1-shot extended magazine tube secured by a custom barrel clamp with integral M-Lok capability.
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A shortened compact stock with a 13-inch length-of-pull maximizes maneuverability and gun handling in confined spaces, as does the 19.1-inch barrel. A gas-operated semi-auto, it is available in 12 gauge with a black synthetic stock and black finish. The A300 Ultima Patrol can typically be found for just under $1,000 if you shop around a little.
