Ammunition

[Kevin L]

ahh the old shotgun for home defense bit…. I dislike a shotgun for HD very much, but some love them. What Did you end up getting?

I got a 20 gauge pump shotgun.

It's a Maverick 88 pump shotgun. Inexpensive, holds 5 rounds in the tubular magazine, dual action bars like a Mossberg 500, and a ribbed barrel with a gold bead front sight.

I prefer a 20 gauge because I'm a little older, and I'm starting to develop arthritis. The milder recoil allows for faster follow-up shots . . . and a 20 gauge has about the muzzle energy of 2 hot .44 Magnum loads from a six inch barrel.

I keep mine loaded with 2 3/4 inch shells of #4 buckshot. I have a nylon sleeve that velcro closes over the stock, which holds 5 shells in loops. I have 2 rifled, hollow-point slugs and 3 #4 buckshot cartridges.

I also included a nylon webbing sling. A lot of people don't like a sling on a shotgun . . . but I have slings on all my long guns.

A sling is strong enough to use as a tourniqet or a pressure dressing.

A rifle sling can be used to fix a damaged backpack shoulder strap or lumbar belt.

Several slings tied into one long line coud be used for climbing. A flat nylon sling could be used to repair a damaged rappelling harness . . . although please keep in mind that I'm discussing such things in the context of after SHTF, and I most certainly do not advocate rappelling with damaged and/or improvised equipment.

I have a few paracord rifle slings, and I think they're worth having.

And so on.

 

[Kevin L]

I figured out how to use my camera phone, so here is my shotgun:

I bought it about 10 years ago for maybe $180.00 new.

The sling was $12.00 at Walmart, and the butt sleeve came from Amazon for about $16.00.

I keep it lubed with CLR, and I've stocked up on extra magazine springs (for the tubular magazine) from Brownell's.

The only other thing I want to do is have it Cerakoted, which I'll do when I have the money.

I also want to stock up on a few extra parts, like the plastic magazine follower.

P.S. The butt sleeve holds 6 extra rounds, not 5 like I mentioned earlier. I usually keep the front loop empty because it interferes with the angle of my wrist when I shoot . . . but I stuck an extra shell in there for the photo.

 

[Kevin L]

With the understanding that I'm not a "wanna-be" commando who needs a "tacticool" firearm for ego gratification, could you guys weigh in on the idea of mounting a light on the magazine tube?

Also, can you guys talk to me about the basics of different chokes?

I stocked up on rifled slugs, and #4 buck for home defense, but I also have an assortment of different types of bird shot (and other loads) so that I can use this thing for hunting if I have to.

I know that chokes determine how rapidly shotgun pellets spread out while the are in flight, but I am otherwise essentially clueless on the subject.

At close range home defense, does the choke make all that much of a difference?

P.S. I forgot to add that I tend to use 2 3/4 inch shells rather than the 3 inch magnums. My gun takes both kinds, but I believe that 2 3/4 inch shells will preserve the functionality of the gun and keep it from wearing out as quickly after SHTF. If my reasoning on this one point is wrong, then please clarify.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Mountain trapper]

With the understanding that I'm not a "wanna-be" commando who needs a "tacticool" firearm for ego gratification, could you guys weigh in on the idea of mounting a light on the magazine tube?

Also, can you guys talk to me about the basics of different chokes?

I stocked up on rifled slugs, and #4 buck for home defense, but I also have an assortment of different types of bird shot (and other loads) so that I can use this thing for hunting if I have to.

I know that chokes determine how rapidly shotgun pellets spread out while the are in flight, but I am otherwise essentially clueless on the subject.

At close range home defense, does the choke make all that much of a difference?

P.S. I forgot to add that I tend to use 2 3/4 inch shells rather than the 3 inch magnums. My gun takes both kinds, but I believe that 2 3/4 inch shells will preserve the functionality of the gun and keep it from wearing out as quickly after SHTF. If my reasoning on this one point is wrong, then please clarify.

Thank you in advance.

I have a Mossburg 500 with an 18" barrel. I keep it in the corner of our closet. I like the idea of mounting a light on it, and will have to look in to it. My wife has a laser and a light mounted on her XDM 9mm. Its highly unlikely that we'll ever be in a situation where we'll have a need for a self defense fire arm, but we do have bears, wolves and mountain lions around here.

 

[tmttactical]

With the understanding that I'm not a "wanna-be" commando who needs a "tacticool" firearm for ego gratification, could you guys weigh in on the idea of mounting a light on the magazine tube?

Also, can you guys talk to me about the basics of different chokes?

I stocked up on rifled slugs, and #4 buck for home defense, but I also have an assortment of different types of bird shot (and other loads) so that I can use this thing for hunting if I have to.

I know that chokes determine how rapidly shotgun pellets spread out while the are in flight, but I am otherwise essentially clueless on the subject.

At close range home defense, does the choke make all that much of a difference?

P.S. I forgot to add that I tend to use 2 3/4 inch shells rather than the 3 inch magnums. My gun takes both kinds, but I believe that 2 3/4 inch shells will preserve the functionality of the gun and keep it from wearing out as quickly after SHTF. If my reasoning on this one point is wrong, then please clarify.

Thank you in advance.

I am also looking forward to replies from more knowledgeable shotgun experts. I am under the impression that a choke is not needed for close range (inside home defense) but could be beneficial for longer range (15 yards plus) shooting. I also believe that the choke has to be removed to shoot slugs. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[DrHenley]

With the understanding that I'm not a "wanna-be" commando who needs a "tacticool" firearm for ego gratification, could you guys weigh in on the idea of mounting a light on the magazine tube?.

They make all sorts of clamps and mounts for that, anywhere from $35 to $350.
Just Google "Shotgun flashlight mount."

 

[Trihonda]

With the understanding that I'm not a "wanna-be" commando who needs a "tacticool" firearm for ego gratification, could you guys weigh in on the idea of mounting a light on the magazine tube?

Also, can you guys talk to me about the basics of different chokes?

I stocked up on rifled slugs, and #4 buck for home defense, but I also have an assortment of different types of bird shot (and other loads) so that I can use this thing for hunting if I have to.

I know that chokes determine how rapidly shotgun pellets spread out while the are in flight, but I am otherwise essentially clueless on the subject.

At close range home defense, does the choke make all that much of a difference?

P.S. I forgot to add that I tend to use 2 3/4 inch shells rather than the 3 inch magnums. My gun takes both kinds, but I believe that 2 3/4 inch shells will preserve the functionality of the gun and keep it from wearing out as quickly after SHTF. If my reasoning on this one point is wrong, then please clarify.

Thank you in advance.

A weapon mounted light is very important in home defense. I trained lighting techniques for many years without one, but never on long guns. Now weapon mounted lights are fairly standard. I use and train with a WML on an the AR/M4 platform, and that'd be my preference of defensive weapons. AR (pistol or SBR), Combat handgun, then long gun (AR -> Shotgun).

My advice, ditch the shotgun But that's just me. My advice probably doesn't seem all that helpful.

If you want a primer on home defense/ self defensive use of firearms, you gotta study up. I highly recommend Active Self Protection on youtube. The host showcases videos of various use of force and self defense. It's great to see how bad guys ACTUALLY launch attacks, then react when presented with an armed defender. Seems like nearly 100% of the bad guys say "oh crap" and fall all over themselves to run away.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsE_m2z1NrvF2ImeNWh84mw

 

[Kevin L]

Thank you all very much for the input.

I will do further research on chokes, and I'll see what's available for a weapon mount for a light.

I once bought a weapon light (a cheapo knockoff that was probably made in China) to mount on my Beretta 92.

I started shooting at the range, and it literally flew into pieces from the recoil after about 5 shots.

I'm wondering if I had to worry about similar issues with buying a clamp and light for my shotgun. It does seem to me that the recoil forces at the muzzle end of a shotgun would be more intense than the forces on a dustcover light on a 9mm handgun.

 

[EastenerWesterner]

I would Google “shotgun forearm light”. Flashlight built Into the forearm. Just replace the forearm. I keep one by the back door in case one of dogs gets into it with a critter.

I picked up one on clearance at TSC for about 30.

 

[Mountain trapper]

With the understanding that I'm not a "wanna-be" commando who needs a "tacticool" firearm for ego gratification, could you guys weigh in on the idea of mounting a light on the magazine tube?

Also, can you guys talk to me about the basics of different chokes?

I stocked up on rifled slugs, and #4 buck for home defense, but I also have an assortment of different types of bird shot (and other loads) so that I can use this thing for hunting if I have to.

I know that chokes determine how rapidly shotgun pellets spread out while the are in flight, but I am otherwise essentially clueless on the subject.

At close range home defense, does the choke make all that much of a difference?

P.S. I forgot to add that I tend to use 2 3/4 inch shells rather than the 3 inch magnums. My gun takes both kinds, but I believe that 2 3/4 inch shells will preserve the functionality of the gun and keep it from wearing out as quickly after SHTF. If my reasoning on this one point is wrong, then please clarify.

Thank you in advance.

For chokes there is; Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full Choke.

Cylinder: 40" spread at 25 yds.
Improved: 40" spread at 30 yds
Modified: 40" spread at 35 yds
Full: 40" spread at 40 yds

Steel shot generally holds a tighter pattern than lead shot.

The above gives a rough idea of the pattern for the different types of chokes available.

 

[Oddcaliber]

There's a wealth of information about shotgun chokes on the internet. Did some research looking for a turkey choke for one of my shotguns.

 

[Acdoctor]

I figured out how to use my camera phone, so here is my shotgun:View attachment 13243

I bought it about 10 years ago for maybe $180.00 new.

The sling was $12.00 at Walmart, and the butt sleeve came from Amazon for about $16.00.

I keep it lubed with CLR, and I've stocked up on extra magazine springs (for the tubular magazine) from Brownell's.

The only other thing I want to do is have it Cerakoted, which I'll do when I have the money.

I also want to stock up on a few extra parts, like the plastic magazine follower.

P.S. The butt sleeve holds 6 extra rounds, not 5 like I mentioned earlier. I usually keep the front loop empty because it interferes with the angle of my wrist when I shoot . . . but I stuck an extra shell in there for the photo.

Check out a product called dura coat, it’s durable , a lot cheaper and you can do it yourself.

 

[EastenerWesterner]

There's a wealth of information about shotgun chokes on the internet. Did some research looking for a turkey choke for one of my shotguns.

Turkey chokes are usually Super Full.

I made an accidental discovery. I accidentally had a rifled choke in to shoot flyers for retrievers. I didn’t miss that day with a short barrel.

 

[Kevin L]

For chokes there is; Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full Choke.

Cylinder: 40" spread at 25 yds.
Improved: 40" spread at 30 yds
Modified: 40" spread at 35 yds
Full: 40" spread at 40 yds

Steel shot generally holds a tighter pattern than lead shot.

The above gives a rough idea of the pattern for the different types of chokes available.

Thank you very much.

Now . . . I keep a few shotshells of rifled slugs in the buttstock nylon sleeve in case I have to shoot through a barrier.

Am I screwing up by doing this because slugs shouldn't be fired through a shotgun with a choke (as someone mentioned earlier in this thread)?

 

[Kevin L]

By the way, thank you all again for weighing in.

 

[DrHenley]

Now . . . I keep a few shotshells of rifled slugs in the buttstock nylon sleeve in case I have to shoot through a barrier.

Am I screwing up by doing this because slugs shouldn't be fired through a shotgun with a choke (as someone mentioned earlier in this thread)?

Yes you can but it is not optimal and will result in poor accuracy. For home defense range though, it doesn't make any difference. And if you do it too often you may bulge the choke.
https://aimingexpert.com/can-you-fire-a-slug-through-a-full-choke/

Yes, you can fire a slug through a full choke, and it’s relatively safe (ALWAYS read the ammunition advice). However, since a full choke is narrower, it may wear out quickly or fracture with repeated use. Some rifled slugs will tell you they can be fired through any choke but mention that improved cylinder chokes get the best performance usage. Rifled slugs can be designed to deform through the narrower choke, but will lose both power and accuracy relative to a cylinder or improved cylinder choke.

 

[Kevin L]

Yes you can but it is not optimal and will result in poor accuracy. For home defense range though, it doesn't make any difference. And if you do it too often you may bulge the choke.
https://aimingexpert.com/can-you-fire-a-slug-through-a-full-choke/

Thank you very much.

 

[Mountain trapper]

Thank you very much.

Now . . . I keep a few shotshells of rifled slugs in the buttstock nylon sleeve in case I have to shoot through a barrier.

Am I screwing up by doing this because slugs shouldn't be fired through a shotgun with a choke (as someone mentioned earlier in this thread)?

Does your shotgun have changeable or adjustable chokes? You can shoot slugs only through a Full choke. Never remove a choke to shoot a slug. You'll ruin the threads.

 

[Kevin L]

Does your shotgun have changeable or adjustable chokes? You can shoot slugs only through a Full choke. Never remove a choke to shoot a slug. You'll ruin the threads.

Thank you.

I have to check and see.

I may just put in a full choke (if it takes chokes) and leave it at that.

I have slugs, but I've generally only fired bird shot and buck shot through this thing.

In addition to barriers, I lay in slugs for deer, wild pigs, alligator, crocodiles, invasive black caimans, and black bear.

Also, there is an invasive species of monkey here in North Central Florida, as it seems that some idiot released them on his "jungle boat ride" tour to add an exotic touch to his tourist attraction . . . and they were fruitful and multiplied.

About 40% to 60% carry Simian Herpes B, which carries about a 75% mortality rate if a human contracts it . . . so I plan (after SHTF) to kill any and all wild monkeys on sight.

This will be very distressing . . . no doubt because they have human-like body language, and the mothers are known to compulsively hug and cuddle their offspring when they realize that they are going to die.

I have major issues with this (I am an animal lover, and have spent many years of my adult life as a vegetarian), but these things carry this horrible disease which can be quite contagious under certain circumstances.

So . . . possibly buckshot or slugs for large monkeys.

 

[Mountain trapper]

Thank you.

I have to check and see.

I may just put in a full choke (if it takes chokes) and leave it at that.

I have slugs, but I've generally only fired bird shot and buck shot through this thing.

In addition to barriers, I lay in slugs for deer, wild pigs, and black bear.

You might consider scrapping the slug idea and use 00 buckshot instead. 00 buck is plenty to take down any black bear around. Your shotgun may not have removable choke tubes. But it should say on the box what fixed choke the gun has.

 

[Kevin L]

You might consider scrapping the slug idea and use 00 buckshot instead. 00 buck is plenty to take down any black bear around. Your shotgun may not have removable choke tubes. But it should say on the box what fixed choke the gun has.

Thank you . . . but it is a 20 gauge, not a 12 gauge, so despite the smaller shell, are you still thinking 00 buck?

 

[Mountain trapper]

Thank you . . . but it is a 20 gauge, not a 12 gauge, so despite the smaller shell, are you still thinking 00 buck?

Thats right, I remember now that you bought a 20 gauge. I think a 20 ga is a great shotgun. My wife recently bought a 20 ga over and under.
First check to see what choke your gun has. 00 buck is pretty impressive. Take it out and shoot a few rounds of 00 buck in to an old door, cardboard box or sheet of plywood. That should give you a good idea of what the 20 ga is capable of.

 

[DrHenley]

#2 Buck is the largest you will find for 20 gauge, at least from the major ammo companies. The only other common option is #3 Buck. Neither are great for bear, but should be fine for monkeys.

 

[user 7000]

Thank you.

I have to check and see.

I may just put in a full choke (if it takes chokes) and leave it at that.

I have slugs, but I've generally only fired bird shot and buck shot through this thing.

In addition to barriers, I lay in slugs for deer, wild pigs, alligator, crocodiles, invasive black caimans, and black bear.

Also, there is an invasive species of monkey here in North Central Florida, as it seems that some idiot released them on his "jungle boat ride" tour to add an exotic touch to his tourist attraction . . . and they were fruitful and multiplied.

About 40% to 60% carry Simian Herpes B, which carries about a 75% mortality rate if a human contracts it . . . so I plan (after SHTF) to kill any and all wild monkeys on sight.

This will be very distressing . . . no doubt because they have human-like body language, and the mothers are known to compulsively hug and cuddle their offspring when they realize that they are going to die.

I have major issues with this (I am an animal lover, and have spent many years of my adult life as a vegetarian), but these things carry this horrible disease which can be quite contagious under certain circumstances.

So . . . possibly buckshot or slugs for large monkeys.

If your Mossberg is like mine, it doesn't have an interchangeable choke. It is a straight cylinder bore which allows you to actually mix rounds in the tube. Some guys alternate buck and slug. YMMV. As far as lights, spend decent money. Nothing cheaper than Streamlight. Also make sure it has an intermittent switch position, you want to be able to extinguish that light as quick as you turn it on, an intermittent switch allows this. If not, you're just a beacon for the bad guy.

 

[Kevin L]

If your Mossberg is like mine, it doesn't have an interchangeable choke. It is a straight cylinder bore which allows you to actually mix rounds in the tube. Some guys alternate buck and slug. YMMV. As far as lights, spend decent money. Nothing cheaper than Streamlight. Also make sure it has an intermittent switch position, you want to be able to extinguish that light as quick as you turn it on, an intermittent switch allows this. If not, you're just a beacon for the bad guy.

That is an excellent point that I hadn't considered.

Thank you.

 

[Kevin L]

#2 Buck is the largest you will find for 20 gauge, at least from the major ammo companies. The only other common option is #3 Buck. Neither are great for bear, but should be fine for monkeys.

Thank you.

Killing monkeys is not something that I look forward to.

 

[Oddcaliber]

If your shotgun has a fixed choke then look into getting a second barrel that has screw in chokes.

 

[Kevin L]

If your shotgun has a fixed choke then look into getting a second barrel that has screw in chokes.

Thank you very much. I was planning on buying another barrel, as I've switched from collecting guns to accumulating spare parts, extra springs, technical books, and specialty gunsmithing tools so that I can keep my guns up and running.

Getting a barrel that accepts chokes seems like an excellent idea.

 

[Proud Prepper]

I have a 1942 Winchester model 12, 12 gauge pump. It's the best shotgun I ever used, it's been used as a paddle, never rusted. Always cycles any shells, rusty or not. It's got an awesome bluing. The pump action is super smooth. I've been using it since I could hold it up.

 

[user 7000]

Thank you very much. I was planning on buying another barrel, as I've switched from collecting guns to accumulating spare parts, extra springs, technical books, and specialty gunsmithing tools so that I can keep my guns up and running.

Getting a barrel that accepts chokes seems like an excellent idea.

I have a 28" Mossberg barrel if your interested. I believe it has 2 or three chokes with it. Vent rib, bead site. IM me if interested. It's doing me no good as I changed it over to a home defense gun. I have other shotguns for hunting.