The Best Overall Home Defense Pump Shotgun?

[DaddyNick 414]

as already stated I prefer the safety location on the Mossberg 500. I grew up huntin rabbits & pheasant with a 500 so im quicker with that than I am with my 870. and If I were dedicate a shotgun for HOME defense it would be a 20 gauge. smaller framed gun, for me is quicker handling. #2 or #3 20ga buckshot is badazz on targets inside 50'. recoil would be less so that would be a plus as well. Nick

[tuktuk 16]

I have to agree with the gens ... the best shotgun is the one in ur hands after many many range sessions and practice runs, of course.

but if we have to talk names >>> Remi is in my closet

I'm hoping to save up for a Benelli semi one day ... one day. but for now "made in USA" pump action classic is more than enough.

[Underdog 1,593]

Great gun. I've never seen one with shorter than a 26 inch barrel though.

 

A gunsmith can fix that, as long as its within legal limits, both overall length and barrel length... Although I don't know if I could do it if it was mint...

 

I love that the ejection is on the bottom... does not cross your line of sight when ejecting, esp. if you are left-handed. Also, it allows you to reload a shell in it easily from the bottom, and the action as very smooth...

 

Or, you could get a new one, but they are a bit too pricy.... I'd rather have a couple of used Mossbergs, and I like the safety on the tang of the 500. But give me a deal on an Ithaca and I'll take it.

 

http://www.ithacagun.com/defense37s.html

[Parker 213]

Great gun. I've never seen one with shorter than a 26 inch barrel though.

 

The Ithaca M37 Deerslayer's in 12, 16 & 20 ga. came with 20" or 26" bbls. back in their smoothbore days. The police versions were 18.5" and 20". The short 20" bbl. coupled with Ithaca's shorter receiver makes for a handy package that's only 39.5" long. 

[jrfly3006 42]

Great gun. I've never seen one with shorter than a 26 inch barrel though.

ahhh..nice to see some Ithaca fans out there..while my Benneli Supernova Tac has assumed HD duty for me my Ithaca 37 will alway work faithfully if called upon