Canvassing preferences for a "defense" shotgun... some like the pump, some like the double. I am most familiar with the 12 ga Rem 870 pump but did shoot a 12 ga "coachgun" for a bit in Cowboy Action. Gotta admit the double has a "mystique" about it. But then again, there's nothing to get your attention more than the "rack" of a 12 ga pump...

Marcus.

They have been using doubles as self defense since they were chambered for shotshells instead of muzzleloading shotguns. I guess it would depend on which you can handle better and can load faster. You cant outperform the followup shot of a double except with a semi auto, but you didnt ask about a semi auto. I would choose double as long as there werent too many of em. While your at it you should add in a nice single action revolver into the mix. Then it would get interesting.

NH_Hunter

Sir North;

Don't know if you know this or not.  Wilson combat bought Scattergun Technologies not too long ago.  Get a current Wilson catalogue & learn to drool all over again. 

I went with the 870 Express extended mag home defense.  Worked on the action bars a little myself, but nothing major needs to be done.  One of these days, months, years, it may get to go to Arkansas.   http://www.wilsoncombat.com - www.wilsoncombat.com

900F

I would take my Rem 870 pump over a double any day of the week.  I don't know exactly how much difference in follow up shots there may be with 2 shots, but I guarantee I can empty 5 out a pump faster than they can...

I was just laughing at those guys who brought their $1500 over/unders and side by sides on the pheasant hunt last year.  They spent more time with those guns draped over their shoulders than they did shooting.  That's why I took 2 home and they took home none.

You're right, Marcus.  I think anybody that was breaking into a house would know the sound of that pump action.

I got my mom's Winchester 1300 Ranger compact as my self defense gun. I keep it on my gun rack. Lately, i have had my single shot shotty next to my bed near where i keep my ammo. Just in case! I have learned to pump that thing fast. I can also handle a 1903 springfield like it is a straight pull!

NH_Hunter

NH,

   Ain't much things on this earth than that are more hair raisin than hearing a pump cycle in the dark when you know you should be there! 

   Gives you the advantage in a couple of ways, if there a friend the get that extra second to ID themselves.  IF not they don't know your age, if your scared, or if your high or low in the room. 

Got a good friend who took the firing pin out of his and leaves it in the closet.  That's his first step for any strange bumps in the night.  Also safe cause it's in open air, and any wonderin kid could get at it (although the kid's know gun's in his household). 

Spot

Here is some food for thought.

What if, when you "rack" your pump, all the while enjoying that unique sound, your potential attacker:

1) Does not panic.  Some do.  Some don't.

2) Uses that sound to locate you.

3) Opens fire.  The potential attacker, who knows, may or may not be better armed than you.  And there may or may not be more than one of them coming for you.

Racking for effect, like turning on a flashlight at night, especially if you hold it in front of your torso, both come with pluses and minuses.  This is where you, I hope, take some time to think this sort of stuff through so that when crunch time comes you are at least making informed choices.

Key:  Being sure of who or what you are shooting at.  You do not, ever, want to open fire only to find out later that you have shot the wrong person, such as a friend or loved one trying, for all the right reasons, to surprise you, or a law enforcement officer who may already be quietly engaged in trying to apprehend your potential attacker or attackers.

CJ

PS - I choose, because of where and how I live, personally, to keep my self defense guns loaded and with a round in the chamber.  The first sound any of them are going to make, once I have identified my target, is:  Bang.

I keep my self defense ammo close at hand, but not in the chamber becuase i have friends that i dont trust. My handgun is in my nightstand in one drawer, and the ammo is in the drawer directly below it. It is probably one of the worst things for a kid to have a self defense weapon, they will say that i did it becuase i played to many video games.

NH_Hunter

CJ;

No, offense, but I've yet to hear mention of an LEO engaged in LEO work who can keep his mouth shut.   I think the 'may already be quietly engaged in trying to apprehend your potential attacker or attackers' is a bit far-fetched.  Particularly when all parties except yourselft would know for sure that they are not on 'home ground'.

If nothing else, you should smell the donuts.

900F

The potential scenario I described was prefaced with the word "may" for good reason.

Now, not being a law enforcement officer myself, but coming from a family that included both a Town Marshall and an Under Sheriff, I'll leave this discussion to those more qualified than I to comment on 900F's remarks.

CJ

CJ;

That's like saying; 'If I buy this ticket, I may win the lottery'.  That's a true enough statement, on either your post or mine.  But the odds are waaaay long. 900F

If you are looking for a discussion, I'm sorry but I simply don't understand what you are trying to discuss with me.

CJ 

Postscript.... looks like I'll be an 870 man. I sold off my coachgun pictured above and now just have my trusty ole Rem 870. Mine's an older one, 2 3/4" shells, passed down to me by a great uncle. I changed out the 30" barrel and installed a new "Express" 20" tube with rifle sites. Not going to put on an extended mag, just leave it the way it is. This'll be the "camper" gun for our summer trips in the trailer.

Marcus.

I stand corrected Kingpin . When i eventually get my hunting shotgun i might just get a short barrel for it so as when it is not going after bunnies and birds, it will be good medicine for burgalars

NH_Hunter