HD and Range fun?

[drs1457]

Hey friends, I am completely new to shotguns, but have a hankering to buy one. I could use some advice from this community. I would like to have a fairly good quality shotgun that can double as a home/self defense weapon and also one that is fun to take to the range to shoot clay pigeons. 20 gauge is probably where I am headed. I thought a pump action would be good, but a friend who shoots Beretta shotguns says they are "old technology" and recommends up and down or semi-auto. I have long arms and am tall but not sure I want a really long shotgun. Where should I start my research?
Thanks in advance

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Ram Rod]

I like pump shotguns personally. I'd go with 12ga though. Been a while since I shot any clays, but slugs at the range can be a lot of fun depending on what you're using for targets.

[matiki]

Like Ram Rod, I also prefer pumps. I own a 12 ga. mossberg. "Old technology" should not be confused with "Obsolete technology".

[United93]

"Old technology" should not be confused with "Obsolete technology".

Especially in the firearms department.
How is a pump action 'older technology' than an over/under anyway?

IMO, you should go with a 12GA Mossberg pump gun with an 18 inch barrel.

[bmcgilvray]

Amen!

Or you can shoot old technology semi-auto guns that are dependable.

1931 Remington Model 11 12 guage


With short barrel for household defense
[

With original barrel (bottom shotgun) after a morning's duck hunt

[drs1457]

Yeah I thought maybe my friend was mis-representing pump guns and I am still interested in them. I appreciate any shotgun recommendations you may have and thanks to those who have already suggested some. I've got a lot of learnin' to do.

[Blackeagle]

I thought a pump action would be good, but a friend who shoots Beretta shotguns says they are "old technology" and recommends up and down or semi-auto.

Does your friend realize that successful autoloading shotguns have been around for over 100 years? They're pretty old technology themselves. Early pump shotguns are only a decade or two older.

[matiki]

I would look at the Mossberg 500 or 590 and the Remington 870. They are great guns and barrels are readily available so you can swap 'em out for HD and hunting/clays.

[ckfarris]

As far as starter shotguns go, I would look no further than a remington 870. Pumps are far more reliable IMO

[Thanis]

...I thought a pump action would be good, but a friend who shoots Beretta shotguns says they are "old technology" and recommends up and down or semi-auto...

Your friend is right, as at the very least, a pump is not new technology. However, the rate of fire on a pump is good and should be good for HD, and I trust it to cycle better than a semi-auto.

GL.

PS - I think the fearsome sound of a pump action shotgun being racked and putting fear in an intruder is an overplayed statement. It just as much lets the intruder know where you are.

[drs1457]

I would look at the Mossberg 500 or 590 and the Remington 870. They are great guns and barrels are readily available so you can swap 'em out for HD and hunting/clays.

Hmm. I didn't realize you can swap out barrels. That would work for me! Another question: do the stocks vary in length? I am a tall guy with long arms. Went to a gun show and held lever action guns (mostly Marlin) and I felt like my right am (trigger hand) was not extended enough. Maybe I am too used to shooting handguns.

[retsupt99]

A pump shotgun is a great HD gun, however, I have taken a different approach for my HD.
I have a reworked (for fast action shooting) Stoeger Coach Gun Supreme in 12ga.
I can easily turn corners in the house and the 'double barrel' is very intimidating.
I can hold the gun with one hand and let it hang...doesn't touch the ground. Reloads are quick enough. The first two shots welcome the first couple of intruders and then Mr. Kimber begin his welcomes...
I guess it's what ever you get used to...

[matiki]

I'm tall with long arms myself. The standard stock on most shotguns suits me just fine.

Are you bent worse than they show here?
Alaska Hunter Safety Course - Pointing a Shotgun

[drs1457]

I'm tall with long arms myself. The standard stock on most shotguns suits me just fine.

Are you bent worse than they show here?
Alaska Hunter Safety Course - Pointing a Shotgun

No, not really. I guess it just feels weird as I am not a long gun shooter presently. I need to go shopping. I do like the idea of a barrel change out for HD and range. Thanks everyone for your input. I will send along pics if/when I get the new shotgun.