Short Barrel: What would you do?

[dbrowne1]

I didn't mean a NEW 870 and I'm not sure I said a "P" model either. But I see wingmasters in good shape "often" at the local gun shows.

I raised that point only because you were comparing the pricing of the factory 870P SBS.

A used Wingmaster (which has the same, or most of the same, features as the Police model in terms of parts and build quality) is a good platform, certainly. Keep in mind that you'll need to get it engraved if you do it yourself via a Form 1.

[Dan Goodwin]

Be advised Remington 870P Tactical (14-in.) models have been made with Modified choke barrels for quite some time now.

They pattern as tight or tighter than 18-in. Improved barrels on our patrol shotguns.

For home defense, is there any substantive difference in the amount of ear-damaging noise produced by an SBR 5.56 v. SBS 12 ga.?

I know my 6933 sounds louder than my 870P Tactical.

SBSes aren't as cutting edge as SBR 5.56es, but they've been dropping bad guys for two centuries or more in America.

[markm]

Ouch! A short 5.56 will definitely be a loud Muther... even outdoors. There's no question about it.

Still.. the pros far outweigh the cons when going with a carbine over a shotgun for home defense.

[geezerbutler]

Be advised Remington 870P Tactical (14-in.) models have been made with Modified choke barrels for quite some time now.

They pattern as tight or tighter than 18-in. Improved barrels on our patrol shotguns.

Now the dealer that originally got these 870's did convey to me the tight grouping out of the 14 inch barrel because of the choke.

Sweet.

[dbrowne1]

The 870P 14" with the mod choke does very well with the Federal LE133 (8 pellet OO buck flite control) load. I can also make one large hole at 25 yards with Brenneke slugs using the ghost rings that come with the USSS model.

It's a very good gun for what it is. Very different from a SBR though.

[canucklehead]

Build something like this:

Rem. 870P Magnum with 14" Mod choke
Wilson Combat sights
Wilson +1 Extension
Vang Comp oversized safety
TacStar sidesaddle
Blonde police wood



Total cost for me was less than $400 CDN. Of course, we don' t need a $200 tax stamp for barrels less than 16". It's my home defender...

[Dan Goodwin]

That is cute as a speckled pup. What sort of finish do you have on the wood?

I've got a set of Tru-Oiled police wood cut to 13-in. LOP by Ted Yost that I've been saving for my personal 870 when I actually send in the check and paperwork to SBS it.

I may go ahead and put it on my issued 14-in. after seeing yours. Like the way the 1-shot extension makes it look v. standard, too.

[Jon G23]

I've been told YES and NO on SBS's too many times here for MN.... so, I just got off the phone with NFA Branch of ATF and they say NO.... fug!!!!

I want one!

Ok... I'm going to just get another SBR or maybe more stuff/changes for my current SBR then.... Dang!

Thanks for all the posts guys... I wish I could join ya!

[canucklehead]

That is cute as a speckled pup. What sort of finish do you have on the wood?

I actually have no idea - I think the previous owner stripped and sanded some police wood and just used a wax of some sort. I keep it looking good with Johnsons Paste Wax.

I get positive comments on my wood all the time.

[citizensoldier16]

A shotgun (short barreled or otherwise) will do almost nothing better than the 5.56 carbine in the home defense role. If you select a shotgun round that's "safe" for wall penetration or whatever... you're also selecting a round that won't penetrate vitals and guarantee threat stop.

If you just take a simple pros/cons of shotgun, you'll see that the shotgun falls short of the 5.56 in:

Capacity
Recoil
Flash
Penetration
Modularity/accessories (lights)

Shotgun isn't the worst weapon to choose, but there's no way it's a better choice than the carbine.

That said, if you like blasting with the shotgun, go for it.

With all due respect to Demigod, I tend to disagree. Here's why:

1) Light birdshot will do plenty of damage at close range, and you don't risk shooting through the intruder, the wall behind him, and into your neighbor's house.

2) The sound of a shotgun's action is unmistakable, not to mention scary as s*** if you're lurking in somebody else's dark house at night with ill intent. It alone may be enough to deter the threat, or bring him into submission.

3) There are adequate lighting options, such as Surefire.

4) Unless the local terrorists are attacking your living room, 5 shots should be enough...if you need to shoot at all.

5) A pump-action shotgun can be operated easily by untrained family members should the need arise. In addition, it does not need to be "aimed", but rather "pointed" toward the threat.

I keep both a 12ga shotgun as well as a 5.56 in my home for defense, but my go-to gun is the shotgun, hands down.