What shotgun works best for home defense?

I've been thinking about getting a shotgun for home defense and could use some input from those who've been there. I'm stuck deciding between a 12-gauge and a 20-gauge. I know the 12ga hits harder, but I've heard the 20ga has less recoil and might be better for indoor use. What do you guys think?

When it comes to barrel length and stock setup, what features should I really focus on for home defense? I want something that's easy to handle and reliable. If there are specific models or brands that you've had good experiences with, let me know.

Also, how critical is training? I've shot shotguns before but not in a serious way. What do you recommend for practice to make sure I'm ready if I ever need to use it?

More ammo options with the 12 and the ammo is usually cheaper. A deceased neighbor's wife gifted me a 12 gauge coach gun and it is my favorite short barreled persuader. If you live in a more populated area I would choose a 12 gauge pump with the short shells to increase ammo capacity and lower the recoil.

Personally, I like & have a Mossberg 930 SPX semi-auto (outside of house use) with a full pistol grip stock and 8 rounds, as well as a Mossberg Shockwave pump action (inside of house use) with a bird's head pistol grip, both 12-gauge, 3-inch chambers. The choice of shot size for each is relative to usage. For the 930 SPX it is 3-inch 00 Buckshot (more effective distance), and for the Shockwave, it is #2 shot (less wall penetration). In your case, I would recommend a Mossberg 12-gauge, short-barrel, full-stock pump action using 2 3/4 inch low recoil #2 shot.

My vote goes to the ubiquitous(?) Remington 870. It's everywhere. Everybody (even non-gun owners) knows of it. There's a bazillion number of parts & pieces & accessories to make it like a tinker toy and rebuilt it into something you'd like!

Is it hard to find Remingtons these days since they are out of business?

Alan said:

I've been thinking about getting a shotgun for home defense and could use some input from those who've been there. I'm stuck deciding between a 12-gauge and a 20-gauge. I know the 12ga hits harder, but I've heard the 20ga has less recoil and might be better for indoor use. What do you guys think?

When it comes to barrel length and stock setup, what features should I really focus on for home defense? I want something that's easy to handle and reliable. If there are specific models or brands that you've had good experiences with, let me know.

Also, how critical is training? I've shot shotguns before but not in a serious way. What do you recommend for practice to make sure I'm ready if I ever need to use it?

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I use a youth model, 20-gauge, pump. A youth model is shorter and better for CQB (therefore more maneuverable inside the house). It affords less recoil, therefore more controllable for the smaller framed family member. It has less possibility of over-penetration of sheetrock walls. Mine is an 870 Remington, but a Mossberg 500/590 is just as good (I carried a 590 during some of my Army adventures). 18 inches is the minimum barrel length for a shotgun per the NFA of 1934. An 18 to 20 inch barrel is best for security scenarios. Inside a room, whether it is a 12 or 20 gauge is of little consequence!

"Also, how critical is training?"
Regardless your choice, handgun, shotgun or an AR platform, whether concealed carry. home defense, etc., Practice is paramount. For learning the controls (safety, action type, loading), speed of handling with the firearm and accuracy using it. Practice different scenarios in your home (WITH AN UNLOADED FIREARM) in all locations that an invader may be encountered in. All who need to use it need to practice with it. Children need to be taught that they are NOT to touch it unless a parent is with them to supervise them. Curiosity is when most children expose themselves to danger. Satisfy that natural curiosity so they are not tempted to when an adult is not around, Do intruder drills with your family. And always know where they are as well as where the intruder is, Once the shot is sent, it cannot be recalled!

Alan said:

Is it hard to find Remingtons these days since they are out of business?

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Good used 870 Remington's are plentiful. New and Used Mossberg's are out there too and just as good as the Remington. The Army used both 870's and 590's as well as some Winchesters 1897's and Ithaca 37's.

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