Let’s talk about shotguns and ammo. I’m hoping I can get some firearms people to give me opinions.
I specifically want a shotgun that a) has space for more than two rounds, so none of that double-barrel stuff, b) has a stock, and c) isn’t illegal to possess in the home (I’m aware state regs will vary). Money isn’t an issue but I’d prefer not to have my pants pulled down.
For ammo, I need opinions on flechettes. I don’t want slugs or shot, rather I specifically want maximum hamburger at say 15-30 feet without needing to aim much, and minimum risk of flythrough on wood or cinderblock. Again, I’d prefer it if the ammo had no lingering questions of legality.
Does anyone know about this stuff? I’d really appreciate the help.
Well, for Question #1 you really can’t go wrong with either a Remington 870 or a Mossberg 500/550 in 12 gauge. Pump-action, loose tolerances, and once you remove the hunting restrictor they hold 6 rounds, and a magazine extension is an easy after-market add-on.
#2 - AFAIK flechette rounds are strictly military. If anybody knows of a civilian source I’d like to get some myself. In any case, never use hand-loaded ammo for self-defense. It’s too easy for a lawyer to twist whatever you loaded into some mythical “super killer” round if you ever have to use them. A magnum BB round works just fine, as would #4 Buckshot.
Ditto what Silenus wrote for number 1. You can get either at Wally-world for about $300. I’d suggest looking into Hornady’s new TAP shotgun loads for home defense.
There used to be Internet sites that sold weird ammo, I remember seeing flechette rounds on a few of them. I bought my bean bag rounds through one that doesn’t seem to exist anymore.
#1) Gotta agree with silenus,an 870 or Mossberg 500 is a time tested and reliable weapon that won’t break the bank.
I do think that using flechette shells is possibly asking for legal trouble should you ever be forced to use this weapon for self defense. Any opportunity the other side has to make you look bloodthirsty is bad for your side.
20 gauge Mossberg 500 Persuader with the largest birdshot shot that you can find. Slap a Hogue short stock and excellent recoil pad on it. And your good to go.
The Mossberg 505 youth model looks nice is not tactical looking at all. Probably could stand a better recoil pad though. The 500 Super Bantam is another good option. And it has an adjustable stock length.
Check your friendly neighborhood firearms regulations, but you can apparently buy flechettes even as a civilian. Check out the Atlas Ammo Company. I miss their old name (The Blammo Ammo Company), but they’re still the same guys.
First, the military tried and discarded shotgun-sized flechette rounds back during the Vietnam war era. They were found to be less effective in every way than conventional shot rounds. Flechettes were found to be useful only when used in the numbers and velocities than flechette artillery rounds permit. The various “exotic” rounds sold by Atlas/Blammo fall squarely into the “jerking yourself off” category. You will not find a single military or police organization using them.
Secondly, consider one of the modern self-loading shotguns in preference to a pump action. Since you appear to want this gun for self-defense, the advantages offered by the self-loader are considerable.
I believe that was a limited offer for their Napoleonic Wars catalogue, back when the discerning Gentleman needed to outfit his Ship Of The Line with the very finest in Cannon and Shot, just in case the French got any ideas about ruining his Sunday excursions…
I know that the OP had said he wanted rounds that wouldn’t go though walls, and given that, the tangent I’m about to stray onto would not suit the OP’s needs.
Still, I’ve heard a lot about shotgun Sabot Slugs to suggest that they might have excellent stopping power against intruders. I guess my question is: Why don’t people use them more? Would a DA rip me to shreds if I was defending my home and I shot one of these rounds? I’ve lurked for a while, but I’ve never seen this question answered before.
Using a slug from a shotgun would not likely get you into any trouble in and of itself. If the shooting is otherwise justified, the type of ammo you use is unlikely to matter. As for why they are not as widely used for self-defense, I think it is because of two factors:
Slugs are quite likely to overpenetrate in a home defense scenario.
People often choose shotguns for home defense because they have greatly exagerrated ideas of how much the shot charge spreads; it’s a very common misconception that you don’t need to aim a shotgun. Using a slug would eliminate this (mis)perceived advantage.
I’m thinking about a Saiga 20. It’s a Russian-made shotgun cannibalizing the AK-47 design. It’s surprisingly cheap and, from what I’ve read, on par with the rifle in terms of reliability. IIRC, it sells for under $300. I’ve only been able to find a couple reviews, but they were quite positive.
