Search Results for: shotgun

Stevens Model 320 Security Shotgun, by Pat Cascio

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…Remington Model 870 shotgun or a Mossberg Model 500 shotgun for their patrol cars, and I don’t have a problem with that. To each his own; however, the Stevens line-up of shotguns shouldn’t be overlooked, especially if you are on a budget and are looking at a shotgun for home defense, or whatever your needs might be. Overview of the Stevens Model 320 Security Shotgun The Stevens Model 320 Security Shotgun comes in 12 GA, which is pretty much the standard chambering in a shotgun designed for security/law enforcement work. Additionally, there is a wide selection of 12 GA ammo out there that will fill your needs, from birdshot for target practice to 00 Buckshot for serious self defense, to a rifle slug for taking some of the biggest game around. Barrel, Dual Slide Bars The 320 comes with an 18.5-inch barrel, and it can chamber either 2¾-inch or 3-inch…


Remington TAC-14 Shotgun, by Pat Cascio

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By request, from our own Jim Rawles, we are taking a close look at the Remington TAC-14 shotgun. Unique in Barrel Length Something a little unique about the Remington TAC-14 shotgun is the barrel length of only 14 inches. Normally, this would be considered an NFA firearm and you’d have to jump through all the red tape and hoops in order to own one. However, Remington cleverly got around this in a number of ways. First of all, there is the overall length of 26.3-inches. Secondly, the very unique Raptor Pistol Grip gives the TAC-14 the much needed few more inches so this isn’t considered a “sawed-off shotgun” that we’ve all heard about. Shotgun For Home Defense I used to advocate a short barrel (18 inch) shotgun as the ultimate in home defense, and that is still true, in a few cases, but it’s not the best choice. When I…


Pat’s Product Review: Stevens Model 350 Shotgun

…  Many shotguns made today come with an aluminum receiver, and I own several like this. However, my favorite shotgun is my Stevens Model 350 for several reasons. First of all, it has an all-steel receiver – which means it’s heavier and can take a lot more abuse. Secondly, the 350 is very close to the famed Ithaca Model 37 shotgun, that has a bottom eject feature, unlike other shotguns, that eject from the side of the receiver. Nothing “wrong” with a side ejection shotgun, I just like the bottom ejection feature of the 350. Yes, this makes the 350 a bit heavier than some other shotguns – it weighs in around 8-pounds unloaded, this is good and bad. The good part is, it helps tame recoil, the bad is, well….the gun is heavier to carry. However, I don’t plan on an extended romp in the boonies with this shotgun –…


H&R Pardner Protector Shotgun, by Pat Cascio

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The first shotgun I ever owned was a Harrington & Richardson single shot shotgun in 16 gauge, and I’m here to tell you that thing really kicked because it was such a lightweight gun. I was a pretty skinny 16-year-old kid, too. I took it pheasant hunting a number of times, and it never let me down. I don’t recall whatever happened to that shotgun, whether I traded it, sold it, or what. There is a lot of controversy over what type of firearm a person should buy first for survival purposes. Of course, we have to define in our own minds what type of survival you are talking about. Many experts claim that the first firearm you purchase should be a shotgun of some type, because they are versatile. Some are, but some aren’t. I used to tell folks many years ago that they should purchase a “riot” shotgun…


No Ammo, No Primers, No Problem! – Part 4, by M.B.

…with a traditional firearm to let them get a feel for what our ancestors used. Choose what you like, and use what works for you! INLINE MUZZLELOADING SHOTGUNS “This…is my BOOMSTICK!” – Ash, Army of Darkness (1992 film) “The Gun That Won the West” is a title often associated with such famous firearms as the Winchester Model 1873, or the Colt Single Action Army. In terms of ubiquity in the Westward Migration, especially before the 1870s, one of the most common firearms was a single- or double-barreled, muzzleloading smoothbore. This might be a sporting shotgun, or it might be a repurposed smoothbore musket, but the truth is that a muzzleloading shotgun was inexpensive compared to some other firearms. Shotguns could be used to hunt anything from squirrels to deer or bear, depending on the ammunition used. Even today, a muzzleloading smoothbore is a useful tool. It’s also one of the…


I’m Unarmed — What Gun Do I Buy?, by Frog

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…results. The pattern will be much tighter even out of a riot barrel, typically what is a 18 inch ‘cylinder bore’ (no choke) barrel. Many departments use it, and for good reason. Ammo management, or reloading a shotgun is more difficult and requires much practice to perform flawlessly under stress, yet I do not need much ammo to get it done, and we would have a handgun in reserve as well. Transitioning to a handgun is faster than reloading any weapon, including a handgun. So plan on 5 rounds out of the shotgun, and then transitioning to a handgun. Or with lots of practice reloading a shotgun quickly, we can continue to use it. A side note, but an important one. A shotgun makes a much louder noise than a handgun. Anyone being shot at with it will instinctively know that they are outclassed, and desire to leave the area….


My Lessons Learned From a Recent Tactical Shotgun Class, by Greg C.

I recently took part in a Tactical Shotgun class with the US Training Center and learned a great deal. I am obviously not an operator and have not engaged dozens of insurgents, but I feel the training I received was logical and correct. I’ll skip all of the obvious safety and protection comments which were part of the training and very well covered. I’ll also not discuss the media hatchet job performed on their earlier incarnation “Blackwater”. Here are my lessons learned from the three day class: Tactical does not mean cool looking, adorned with a plethora of accessories or clad in black. Tactical means light weight, easy to manage and successful in your mission. Eight pounds of shotgun, ammo and a light on your shotgun is manageable. Twelve pounds is less so. Speed and accuracy wins every time. Light weight equals speed. Accuracy is up to you. Equipment should…


No Ammo, No Primers, No Problem! – Part 5, by M.B.

(Continued from Part 4. This concludes the article.) LOADING MUZZLELOADING MUSKETS & SHOTGUNS How Much Powder and Shot?sh Short Lane, the makers of black powder adapters for shotguns, recommend the following amounts. I have followed their recommendations in my 20 gauge single shot. 209 Adapter in .410 Pistol/Derringer 25-35 grains black powder or black powder substitute 40 grains lead shot 209 Adapter in .410 Shotgun 50-60 grains black powder or black powder substitute 50 grains lead shot 209 Adapter in 12 Ga., 16 Ga., & 20 Ga. Shotguns 75-85 grains black powder or black powder substitute 80 grains lead shot This sounds like a good starting point. Bear in mind that your best patterns may be with a lighter load of powder. In general, more powder and/or less shot will widen the pattern, while less powder and/or more shot should give a tighter pattern. Different waddings may also make a…


A Response to a Question on .45 LC in .410, by Tunnel Rabbit

…not soft enough to be swaged and reduced in diameter by the .410 shotgun barrel. And there might be other instances and ammunition that might also cause damage to a .410 shotgun barrel that was not engineered by the manufacturer to safety handle all possible .45 Long Colt ammunition to literally explode. Conclusion As a precaution, do not use any .45 Long Colt ammunition in a .410 shotgun unless the manufacturer has stamped the .45 Colt chambering on the barrel. Even so, I would not use handloaded .45 Long Colt in any .410 shotgun even if the manufacturer indicates that it is safe to do so. I would use the most conservative guidelines available and hereby retract any of my earlier and blanket comments or statements that may have recommended or implied that using any or all .45 Long Colt ammunition in all .410 shotguns can be done so safely….


Warne Shotgun Rib Reflex Mount, by Thomas Christianson

…as well. The reflex sight did an excellent job of centering the pattern in the right place. Conclusions The Warne Shotgun Rib Reflex Mount does an excellent job of attaching a reflex sight to the ventilated rib of most common shotguns. It is simple, durable, and effective. If you want a way to throw slugs more accurately or want the quicker acquisition afforded by a red dot, the Warne mount may be an excellent choice for you. Disclaimers Warne provided me with a sample of their Model 6108M Shotgun Rib Reflex Mount for testing and evaluation. Benelli loaned me a sample of their Nova Pump Shotgun in 20 Gauge. I tried not to let the kindness of these vendors interfere with my objectivity, and I believe that I have succeeded. I did not receive any other financial or other inducement to mention any vendor, product, or service in this article….


Benelli Nova Pump Shotgun in 20 Gauge, by Thomas Christianson

The Benelli Nova and Supernova series of pump shotguns utilize steel-reinforced polymer receivers. This makes the guns strong, durable, and weather-resistant. Polymer-framed handguns are as common as flags on the Fourth of July. Polymer-framed shotguns are much less common. After testing the Benelli Nova Pump Shotgun in 20 Gauge, I am surprised that this is the case. I was highly impressed with its balance, fit and finish, and silky smooth operation. I am surprised that the Nova has not carved out a commanding share of the shotgun market since its introduction in the mid-1990s in the way that Glock has established a commanding position in the handgun market. I am surprised that shotguns with polymer receivers have not become more or less the industry standard. Perhaps shooters are not as open to innovations in shotgun design as they are in handgun design. Perhaps pleasant memories of youthful hunting experiences have…


Consider a Shotgun as a Gift, by AJS

…shoot and advised I take it to the local lake about a mile away and throw it in. The shotgun was in good shape as shotguns do not wear out like rifles do. I already had mine so I gave it to a cousin who did not have one. There were always two issues with the shotgun: first the barrel was really long and second when firing it recoiled smartly. The bruise on my shoulder was a symbol of my ability to withstand pain. But it may have been unnecessary. I will get back to that. So, over all these years I have learned a few things that I wanted to share with you for what they are worth. Barrels probably don’t have to be as long as they are. The authorities specify a minimum legal length but it is plenty to ensure that all the powder burns. As far…


Cost Comparison: Factory Loads and Reloaded Ammunition, by Grandpappy

…Gauge 2.75-inch #7.5 Shot Shotgun Shell. -$0.170 = Additional Cost to Reload one Used 12 Gauge 2.75-inch #7.5 Shot Shotgun Shell. Shotgun Slug Summary: $0.631 = Total Cost of one New Factory-Loaded 12 Gauge 2.75-inch One-Ounce Shotgun Slug. $0.738 = Total Material Cost to Reload one Used 12 Gauge 2.75-inch One-Ounce Shotgun Slug. -$0.107 = Additional Cost to Reload one Used 12 Gauge 2.75-inch One-Ounce Shotgun Slug. A more detailed cost analysis that supports the above numbers appears at the bottom of this article. The above data is based on average costs as of June 2009.  I did not select the lowest possible cost nor the highest possible cost for each item.  Instead I used the average cost.  If a person wanted to prove a specific point then he or she could easily select a set of extreme cost data that would support his or her point of view.  For…


Kicked by a Mule – An Introduction to Tactical Shotguns by Shooter

We spent an evening back in June working on our tactical shotgun drills. Everyone brought their preferred shotgun, and the instructor ran us through the basics of Tactical Shotgunning. I was really impressed to learn that most everyone was carrying a Remington 870 in one configuration or another. It is a very popular shotgun. Sturdy and robust, and like a Jeep, very easy to modify and improve. I was the only one carrying in the “anti-aircraft howitzer” mode, which is to say that I brought my goose gun with 28″ of max choke power. Everyone else had shorter barrels sans choke with extended magazine tubes and Side Saddle carriers and slings. There were a couple of home defense Rambos in our group who sported the neat Sure-Fire pump action light on the fore grip. Nobody had folding stocks or pistol grips, everyone fired from the shoulder. This was a basic…


Mossberg Maverick 88 Smooth Bore Slug Gun, by Thomas Christianson

…extent of the cleaning that I would do with many of my shotguns. I found the internal parts to be extremely oily. I used kerosene as a solvent on each part, and then dried it with a clean patch. I then lightly lubricated each part with CLP, and reassembled the shotgun. After remounting the barrel, I performed a function test. The shotgun functioned flawlessly. The more extensive field stripping made me feel much more confident that I was able to adequately clean and lubricate important internal components of the shotgun. I am grateful to Mossburg for this excellent design and clear instructions. Conclusions The Maverick 88 Deer Pump in 12 gauge is a robust, versatile, and inexpensive shotgun. The smooth bore barrel obviously could not match the accuracy of a rifled barrel in throwing slugs, but with the right ammunition, it provides more than adequate accuracy at slug ranges for…