I also have a 20ga pump as part of my HD setup. I can tell you that I am not concerned with 5+1. That is not to say that I don't have a backup plan if things begin to go poorly. Things can go South no matter how many rounds you have available. Things fail, guns fail, nerves fail.. I consider it a pretty good idea to have at least a backup plan. Overall, I think your SA-20 is a darn good gun and if you are accustomed to it, that adds another point in your favor. If it were me, I would consider your situation to be reasonably met. If you told me it was a single shot 410, I would encourage an upgrade for a worse case scenario.
20 Ga Semi-Auto Shotgun for Home Defense Capacity Question
I have a pump and a semi-auto 20 ga shotgun. (plus a couple of 9 pistols). The semi-auto shotgun brings comfort in the rapidity of shots but only can hold 5+1 when using 2.75" shells, it can also handle 3 inch). I have never had to use it in a panic situation but just being able to pull the trigger without having to coordinate though a hand pump seems to be worth its weight in gold.
I like a 20 ga for the more gentle kick and also the wife is confident using it.
I'm thinking in the event of a group home intrusion say with 3 or 4 guys that I would be regretting not having a semi-auto shotgun that can hold 9.
Do you think it's worth trading that 5+1 20 semi (Mossberg SA-20) in for something with more capacity, and if so, does anyone have a recommendation for a 20 ga higher capacity?
I like a 20 ga for the more gentle kick and also the wife is confident using it.
I'm thinking in the event of a group home intrusion say with 3 or 4 guys that I would be regretting not having a semi-auto shotgun that can hold 9.
Do you think it's worth trading that 5+1 20 semi (Mossberg SA-20) in for something with more capacity, and if so, does anyone have a recommendation for a 20 ga higher capacity?
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I wouldn't trade guns for that reason alone. However, in terms of practicality, I would study "tactical" reloads for your gun and practice (with dummy rounds) reloading in the dark.
How do you store your shotgun - full up with a round in the chamber? Full mag, empty chamber?
How do you store your shotgun - full up with a round in the chamber? Full mag, empty chamber?
Keep the 20 ga, its fine with the right ammo(imo slugs). Try to find a mag extension / bracket for it. Definitely a light on it too.
Why are you suggesting slugs instead of buckshot?Keep the 20 ga, its fine with the right ammo(imo slugs). Try to find a mag extension / bracket for it. Definitely a light on it too.
Tactical reload dude.
Pick it up, rack a shell into the chamber, top off the magazine. Shoot 2 rounds, load 2 rounds. Shoot 3 rounds, load 3 rounds.
If you keep some shells on the stock in a butt cuff, you will be ready for 99.8% of possible home defense scenarios. In those other 0.2% of scenarios, you need a self loading rifle with 30 rd magazine.
Pick it up, rack a shell into the chamber, top off the magazine. Shoot 2 rounds, load 2 rounds. Shoot 3 rounds, load 3 rounds.
If you keep some shells on the stock in a butt cuff, you will be ready for 99.8% of possible home defense scenarios. In those other 0.2% of scenarios, you need a self loading rifle with 30 rd magazine.
I also have a Mossy 20 gauge pump, that I bought for wife, and home protection. I am comfortable with it, as I also have handguns to back up the 20 gauge. The dealer told me I cannot shoot slugs, and I didn't fully understand that explanation, but am comfortable with buckshot.
Its a matter of preference really.Slugs give it rifle like accuracy which may be needed in defense and the stopping power compared to buckshot is significantly better. If God forbid ya gotta shoot an attacker ya want to stop 'em fast. Where I'm at it might be a bear or a dog. Efective range with buckshot is limited, especially with a short slug barrel. One other consideration, one of your family members grabbed as a shield/ hostage. Buckshot no good. My shotgun doubles for hunting, buckshot is notorious for wounding deer. Slugs again preferred. Just my preference.Why are you suggesting slugs instead of buckshot?
Back before we carried AR's for patrol rifles I carried an 870 loaded 5+1 which was more than adequate back in the day. Make sure whatever ammo you are using will RELIABLY function in your autoloader! Autos tend to be more ammo sensitive than pumps!
>>>> Hi gasmitty,I wouldn't trade guns for that reason alone. However, in terms of practicality, I would study "tactical" reloads for your gun and practice (with dummy rounds) reloading in the dark.
How do you store your shotgun - full up with a round in the chamber? Full mag, empty chamber?
The 20 ga SA is stored as below. Note we don't have kids or kids visitors, and on the rare occasion we do weapons are fully secured. It is stored 5+1.
>>>Hi Fizban - that's an excellent way to think about it. You are right, no matter what you have - if you are Arnold holding a Gatling gun - you need to have a backup plan in case that fails that is practiced. Good reminder.I also have a 20ga pump as part of my HD setup. I can tell you that I am not concerned with 5+1. That is not to say that I don't have a backup plan if things begin to go poorly. Things can go South no matter how many rounds you have available. Things fail, guns fail, nerves fail.. I consider it a pretty good idea to have at least a backup plan. Overall, I think your SA-20 is a darn good gun and if you are accustomed to it, that adds another point in your favor. If it were me, I would consider your situation to be reasonably met. If you told me it was a single shot 410, I would encourage an upgrade for a worse case scenario.
I practice with the shotgun at the local military base trap shooting range. Even the wife gets into it. Its a good way to stay familiar with the gun.
>>> 1911srule. I don't have a mounted flashlight, I have a hand flashlight that works ok when I have my 9, but haven't thought about the mounted light, which would make a lot of sense on a shot gun. I'm going to find me one. Thanks for suggesting that. Any one you may be happy with?Keep the 20 ga, its fine with the right ammo(imo slugs). Try to find a mag extension / bracket for it. Definitely a light on it too.
5+1 should be enough...once you turn the first intruder into ground meat
the others will scatter out the back door. And if they don't then whip out the 9's.
the others will scatter out the back door. And if they don't then whip out the 9's.
You may want to do a bit of reading regarding the terminal ballistics of various shotgun rounds.Its a matter of preference really.Slugs give it rifle like accuracy which may be needed in defense and the stopping power compared to buckshot is significantly better. If God forbid ya gotta shoot an attacker ya want to stop 'em fast. Where I'm at it might be a bear or a dog. Efective range with buckshot is limited, especially with a short slug barrel. One other consideration, one of your family members grabbed as a shield/ hostage. Buckshot no good. My shotgun doubles for hunting, buckshot is notorious for wounding deer. Slugs again preferred. Just my preference.
The Box O' Truth #22 - 20 Gauge Shotgun - The Box O' Truth
Slugs are a great option to have available, and if you're going to deal with a bear (and cannot put your hands on an appropriate rifle) then they are a solid choice. For anything smaller than a bear, buckshot is likely to be a better choice unless there is a significant barrier between your muzzle and the target.
I agree that buckshot is a less than ideal choice for hunting deer - but understand that the majority of that issue is due to people that have not spent the time to pattern their shotgun with their hunting load taking shots at ranges that are too long for their gun/load combination. I would also point out that for home defense for people that have an income under $250K per year, it is unlikely that they will have a shot inside their house that is longer than 15 yards. That is a far cry from the distances that most deer are shot (or wounded) at.
A properly selected buckshot load out of a 12 gauge shotgun is probably the single most effective fight-stopping round, provided that the target is not wearing body armor. By going with #3 buck in a 20 gauge, you will give up a bit of penetration - but you will still have a very effective round on board.
http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum/defensive-rifles-shotgun-discussion/116974-some-very-informative-test-data-smaller-buckshot-loads.html
A slug is a devastating round...but when you look at the realities of engaging a human assailant with a shotgun, there is a reason that both police departments and military users all use buckshot as their primary choice for shotguns. The probability of an incapacitating hit with buckshot is higher than with a slug.
I use tactical buckshot in a pump shotgun. It holds 8 rounds. I don't anticipate anyone sticking around after I fire the first shot.
The only situation that I could imagine where multiple, determined people break into my house would be if they thought I was dealing drugs and were trying to rip me off. Most guys aren't going to be willing to die trying to steal my Kool Whip salad bowl collection and my worn out furniture.
The only situation that I could imagine where multiple, determined people break into my house would be if they thought I was dealing drugs and were trying to rip me off. Most guys aren't going to be willing to die trying to steal my Kool Whip salad bowl collection and my worn out furniture.
A pump shotgun is fine. It takes the front sight off of the target longer than a double barrel or semi auto. It doesn't require any more dexterity or training than operating the safety.
A 5 round tube magazine with a back-up 9mm pistol is a good plan. Tactical shotgun reloads are good to practice. I think I'd rather drop the shotgun (on a sling) and draw the pistol. I prefer a semi auto rifle because of several factors, but magazine capacity and speed of reloading are two.
A 5 round tube magazine with a back-up 9mm pistol is a good plan. Tactical shotgun reloads are good to practice. I think I'd rather drop the shotgun (on a sling) and draw the pistol. I prefer a semi auto rifle because of several factors, but magazine capacity and speed of reloading are two.
OP,
Surefire is a great light for a HD shotgun. Also get the switch (Streamlight I think)that is mounted where your natural grip is on the fore end. It comes with double sided tape but I used Shoe Goo which worked better and can be removed. Consider this 9+ pellets in a pattern or a heavy slug you can precisely place. Over penetration is a consideration, but stopping power is much greater. I don't buy the increased hit argument with buckshot, as I was taught to use my sights. Best to just test a variety of loads on the range and make up your own mind. My 12 ga can consistently keep a 1 oz slug in a 6" group at 100yds. Just depends what your needs are. IE; In an apartment I'd choose buckshot. I'm in a rural area so I want to reach out further...accurately. Lets say my kids getting chewed on by a critter, unless your at point blank range buckshot is useless.
Surefire is a great light for a HD shotgun. Also get the switch (Streamlight I think)that is mounted where your natural grip is on the fore end. It comes with double sided tape but I used Shoe Goo which worked better and can be removed. Consider this 9+ pellets in a pattern or a heavy slug you can precisely place. Over penetration is a consideration, but stopping power is much greater. I don't buy the increased hit argument with buckshot, as I was taught to use my sights. Best to just test a variety of loads on the range and make up your own mind. My 12 ga can consistently keep a 1 oz slug in a 6" group at 100yds. Just depends what your needs are. IE; In an apartment I'd choose buckshot. I'm in a rural area so I want to reach out further...accurately. Lets say my kids getting chewed on by a critter, unless your at point blank range buckshot is useless.
I think if there were 3 - 4 guys invading your home and you let loose with 6 rounds of 20ga buck, it's a REAL bad night for them. Any left standing after that would be out the door faster than Usain Bolt.I have a pump and a semi-auto 20 ga shotgun. (plus a couple of 9 pistols). The semi-auto shotgun brings comfort in the rapidity of shots but only can hold 5+1 when using 2.75" shells, it can also handle 3 inch). I have never had to use it in a panic situation but just being able to pull the trigger without having to coordinate though a hand pump seems to be worth its weight in gold.
I like a 20 ga for the more gentle kick and also the wife is confident using it.
I'm thinking in the event of a group home intrusion say with 3 or 4 guys that I would be regretting not having a semi-auto shotgun that can hold 9.
Do you think it's worth trading that 5+1 20 semi (Mossberg SA-20) in for something with more capacity, and if so, does anyone have a recommendation for a 20 ga higher capacity?
Why can't you get a tube extension for it? There are aftermarket ones available for most common shotgun makes/models, they are relatively cheap, and easy to install.
I shoot in local 3 gun matches, and it has solidly reinforced that I don't want to try to reload a tube fed shotgun under high stress situations. Even with shell carriers designed to orient the shells right every time, missing on a load is not uncommon to see. Something like a dual or quad load from a belt is quicker than a lot of other options, but especially quad loads take a fair amount of practice to get proficient at.
I shoot in local 3 gun matches, and it has solidly reinforced that I don't want to try to reload a tube fed shotgun under high stress situations. Even with shell carriers designed to orient the shells right every time, missing on a load is not uncommon to see. Something like a dual or quad load from a belt is quicker than a lot of other options, but especially quad loads take a fair amount of practice to get proficient at.
You cant extend the tube on most Mossbergs without replacing the barrel and replacing the entire mag tube, which would cost more than just buying a new gun.
Crap thought it was a Remington, wrong thread... Mossberg? Yep trade it for something else lol
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