Looking to build two home defense specific shotguns and can't decide...

[Texas Heat]

I know it's a horrible time to try to buy anything but I think normalcy will return and I can get back to business as usual. I really want to build something anyone in my family can pick up and use well. Because of the age and gender of members of my family, I feel like I will have to go 20 gauge or minishell 12 gauge. I have watched the YouTube videos but everyone seems to have an agenda and I was hoping for some feedback from owners here. It looks like my best bets are the 590 Shockwave with different buttstock and grip or Keltec KS7. Has anyone owned both or even fired both and can testify to one being better for home defense purpose?

 

[candcallen]

The k7s are new. 590 shockwaves are a hand full for some, I stot mine right around carple tunnel surgery. The birds head grip changes the recoil drastically to more of a down n back versus straight back so people should try it.
Full size 590s are heavy bastards.

500 20 gages might be the ticket for older folks or those sensitive to other issues although I would have a hard time not having thors hammer for a weapon. 12 gage with full mag buck n slugs is thors hammer by the way.

 

[zackmars]

I'd strongly reccomend an AR15.

Less recoil, less penetration through drywall with appropriate loads, ease of use with various body types and age ranges, and most importantly, easier to become proficient with.

Pump action guns are reliable, but require a lot of manipulation, and it's very easy for someone who doesn't put a lot of time into shooting to fumble a reload, or short stroke a pump.

Since shot doesn't spread like many people think, you still have to aim, and it's easy for a new shooter to miss, and if a follow up shot is required, a new, and even an experienced shooter will be able to get back on target faster with a modern semi auto carbine.

Plus things like red dots, weapon lights are easier to mount to an ar. Given you have multiple people in your home, a red dot and WML will not only make the gun easier to use, in can also mean you (or a family member) doesn't accidentally shoot a family member.

If you are dead set on a shotgun, get a more traditional one. Keltecs and mossberg shockwaves/remington tac 14's are not guns to "hand off" to people with little to no experience.

 

[Axxe55]

What's to build? Buy a couple of pump shotguns, (insert your favorite brand here!) in 12ga, with 18" to 20" barrels, 6 to 8 round magazine tubes, load them with #4 buckshot and call it done.

Why over complicate things that shouldn't be? Bless that's how you like to do things.

My philosophy for everything in life. KISS. Keep It Straightforward Simple.

 

[Texas Heat]

I probably said it wrong. I want to build up two shotguns. Making them useable for everybody allows me to buy more accessories. Calling them home defense shotguns allows me to make them slightly more tacticool without pretending I am "supreme operator". Can you guys input on this build?

 

[cvgunman]

IIRC Blackhawk makes/made a stock kit that had recoil reducing springs and they were adjustable. Might be something worth looking into. Also check out MESA Tactical. They have a lot of shotgun accessories.

 

[baboon]

A budget might help answer this better.

 

[Texas Heat]

A budget might help answer this better.

The Shockwaves can be had for near $300 but need a lot more put in to have buttstock and grip. The KS7 can be had around $400. The KSG (dual tube) is around $700 but holds twice the ammo. The AR style shot guns are always cheap and on the table if I want to go the semi auto way. I already have red dots I can throw on them and I always have flashlights around. Let's just say I don't want to spend $1k on each but I could depending on the outcome. That would be for the KSG. The other 2 should not get that high.

 

[CyberWolf]

I'd be real cautious about the idea of placing a "buttstock" on a shockwave. A "brace" maybe (would have to check, but possible even that may get you an AOW), but installing a stock without the right paperwork is likely to earn you a free vacation at Club Fed.

As a previous poster mentioned, IMHO - neither a Shockwave nor a KSG is appropriate for new shooters in any kind of high-stress situations (I have both, if that makes any difference).

Just my .02, but if you want a scattergun with a stock/pistol-grip and dead-nuts simple/reliable, just spend the money, buy some Benelli M4's with WMLs/slings and some low-recoil shells, and forget about all the extra crap.

 

[digger]

I put a 18.5" barrel on a Rem 1100 and left the rest alone. Works for my house

 

[Texas Heat]

I'd be real cautious about the idea of placing a "buttstock" on a shockwave. A "brace" maybe (would have to check, but possible even that may get you an AOW), but installing a stock without the right paperwork is likely to earn you a free vacation at Club Fed.

As a previous poster mentioned, IMHO - neither a Shockwave nor a KSG is appropriate for new shooters in any kind of high-stress situations (I have both, if that makes any difference).

Just my .02, but if you want a scattergun with a stock/pistol-grip and dead-nuts simple/reliable, just spend the money, buy some Benelli M4's with WMLs/slings and some low-recoil shells, and forget about all the extra crap.

Definitely a brace. I just have to remember to call it that. Something like this:

https://www.brownells.com/shotgun-parts/barrel-parts/barrels/590-shockwave-boom-kit-prod121032.aspx

 

[rotor]

What's to build? Buy a couple of pump shotguns, (insert your favorite brand here!) in 12ga, with 18" to 20" barrels, 6 to 8 round magazine tubes, load them with #4 buckshot and call it done.

Why over complicate things that shouldn't be? Bless that's how you like to do things.

My philosophy for everything in life. KISS. Keep It Straightforward Simple.

Yes, that's the best idea.
Right now at my Atwoods they have the Mossberg Maverisck on sale with 2 barrels, 18" and I believe 28" for $229. I have the Maverick with the 18" barrel. Good reliable easy to use gun packed with #4 buck for indoors. 00 for use outside the house and can shoot slugs. Cylinder bore, ready to go. If you get the 2 barrel set you can do clays as well. Comes with chokes, etc. Enjoy.

 

[candcallen]

You gotta watch your LOP on the brace. I've seen some guys pushing it. Everyone knows you're shouldering it but the length of pull has to be under 13.5 inches. That's from the trigger to the end of the brace at its maximum extension.

I've seen a couple guys alter the brace with a bolt that allows it to sit at the back of the tube. Like I said we know were skirting stupid arbitrary rules but let the other guy be the test case.

Anyone disagree with my numbers?

 

[Axxe55]

Yes, that's the best idea.
Right now at my Atwoods they have the Mossberg Maverisck on sale with 2 barrels, 18" and I believe 28" for $229. I have the Maverick with the 18" barrel. Good reliable easy to use gun packed with #4 buck for indoors. 00 for use outside the house and can shoot slugs. Cylinder bore, ready to go. If you get the 2 barrel set you can do clays as well. Comes with chokes, etc. Enjoy.

I have a Mossberg 500, a Maverick 88, and a Remington 870 for pump shotguns. All of them work well. Several years ago, added a Winchester SXP Defender, with a 20" barrel. Excellent shotgun. Paid $269 NIB for the Winchester.

KISS.

 

[Charlie]

A 20 ga. or even a 410 would be adequate with the correct ammunition inside a house for protection, IMO. Larger, more powerful guns are more dangerous to other folks in the house.

 

[Axxe55]

You gotta watch your LOP on the brace. I've seen some guys pushing it. Everyone knows you're shouldering it but the length of pull has to be under 13.5 inches. That's from the trigger to the end of the brace at its maximum extension.

I've seen a couple guys alter the brace with a bolt that allows it to sit at the back of the tube. Like I said we know were skirting stupid arbitrary rules but let the other guy be the test case.

Anyone disagree with my numbers?

Not for sure about the numbers, but that sure sounds like some good advice.

There are people who are now felons for shortening a barrel on a firearm, and being off by a quarter of an inch. BATF doesn't cut any slack for good intentions.

 

[Charlie]

Just cut the barrels 18 1/2 or 18 1/4.

 

[unicom]

Mossberg 500. Add a light to it and done. Maybe a side saddle for extra shells


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[unicom]

I actually use a mossberg 500 flex for my home defense shotgun because I like to party


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[Big Green]

Mossberg 500 in 20ga is the answer. Absolutely reliable, tons of tacticool parts, and a pretty soft shooter.

On my wife’s side of the bed is hers in that configuration. Safety off, tube loaded and has been “fired” so all you have to do is rack it and get to work. I put an adjustable stock on it to fit her small frame. Momma bear is ready and able to defend the cubs should the need arise.