Need a shotgun for home defense and occasional trap/skeet

[twowheelsforever]

A buddy of mine is new to guns, and wants to get a shotgun for home defense and maybe occasional trap or skeet shooting.

I was going to recommend that he get something like the Mossberg 500 Field/Security combo (54169). It comes with a 28" barrel and an 18.5" barrel and runs about $350.

Unfortunately, his budget is only in the $250 range. I think he'd be best off getting either a Mossberg 500 or Remington 870. Should I have him look for one of those used in good condition, and then add the shorter barrel down the road?

I'm looking for any/all suggestions, especially if you know of any local gun shops that have good prices on new or used shotguns.

Thanks in advance.

 

[-Z/28-]

For dual use I'd definitely say go with the 870, it's been around forever and parts are everywhere. As for what he should buy right now, I'd have to ask what is his primary goal: a gun for defense or a gun for trap skeet?

If his main goal is defense, then look for an 18" 870. If he looks around, he may find police trade-ins at a good price.

If his main goal is a trap gun, then look for a used 870 wingmaster with at least a 26" barrel.

Whichever way he goes, he can buy the other length barrel for it.

 

[Semper Noctem]

For dual use I'd definitely say go with the 870, it's been around forever and parts are everywhere. As for what he should buy right now, I'd have to ask what is his primary goal: a gun for defense or a gun for trap skeet?

If his main goal is defense, then look for an 18" 870. If he looks around, he may find police trade-ins at a good price.

If his main goal is a trap gun, then look for a used 870 wingmaster with at least a 26" barrel.

Whichever way he goes, he can buy the other length barrel for it.

This.

 

[PJDiesel]

Unfortunately, with that price range it is very limited.

870 is a staple in shotgun history. Everyone should have at least one IMO. That being said, DUAL purpose (shotguns) anyway, are a bad idea. They are likely not good for both, or honestly, EITHER purpose.

 

[twowheelsforever]

What do you think a decent price is for a used 870 or 500? Replacement barrels seem to be in the $90 to $150 range minimum, so if a used shotgun is going to run in the $200 to $250 range anyway, it seems like he'd be better off buying new...

 

[PJDiesel]

What do you think a decent price is for a used 870 or 500? Replacement barrels seem to be in the $90 to $150 range minimum, so if a used shotgun is going to run in the $200 to $250 range anyway, it seems like he'd be better off buying new...

I think you can get an 870 at Dicks or Wally World for under $300 (think).

He should BUY a HD gun and BORROW a clays gun when he goes.

 

[Gaius Baltar]

H & R pump.... i believe they are going for about $200...

 

[blackthorne]

HD, Trap & Skeet with the same gun is really stretching things. Your buddy needs to decide what his priorety is and buy that gun. Later he can buy another bbl and make due. To start with I would suggest a 28" 870 Express and shoot Skeet, struggle with Trap and not worry too much about the HD stuff.

 

[fivepointstar]

try a pawn shop, find a used 870 with field barrel and a used security bbl or vice versa.

 

[hvymax]

God help the world!!! Noob's need to learn how to search!!!

 

[sficksr]

From what I hear mossberg maverik is a decent shotgun coming with a 20" barrel and I've seen them at my local Walmart for $180. Dicks sells barrels, I just bought my 18.5 for $80 though I'm sure its more for longer but didn't price them.

 

[DarthZed]

God help the world!!! Noob's need to learn how to search!!!

Now, now. Everyone was new once. Besides, I've come up zip using the search function myself. Its effectiveness is highly dependent on your search parameters; I can see how someone can get frustrated and give up.

 

[km04]

A buddy of mine is new to guns, and wants to get a shotgun for home defense and maybe occasional trap or skeet shooting.

I was going to recommend that he get something like the Mossberg 500 Field/Security combo (54169). It comes with a 28" barrel and an 18.5" barrel and runs about $350.

Unfortunately, his budget is only in the $250 range. I think he'd be best off getting either a Mossberg 500 or Remington 870. Should I have him look for one of those used in good condition, and then add the shorter barrel down the road?

I'm looking for any/all suggestions, especially if you know of any local gun shops that have good prices on new or used shotguns.

Thanks in advance.

Dick's has a decent Mossberg for $279 and Benelli for $400. Tell him to check them out. Also, try local gun shops and pawn shops, they sometimes have good deals on used guns.

 

[Mossberg Kid]

I got my Mossberg 500 at Walmart in Frederick for about $249. It's got the 28" barrel, which is great for target shooting, but I'd like to buy the 18" barrel to swap out and make that my default home defense configuration. A lot easier navigating through the house and hallways that way.

 

[Spoon]

If he likes the Mossberg he could always go with a Maverick, which is made by Mossberg and sold cheaper...