Maverick 88 Security 8 shot

[jdavis]

I pondered over various home defense shotguns for some time before I selected the Rock Island Armory M5. It is a simple dual rail design, steel receiver, synthetic stock w/ fast feed stock, 20" barrel w/heat shield, available in parkerized as well as satin nickel marine finishes. My gun is the satin nickel version and it eats anything that I feed it. I keep it loaded with Winchester PDX-1 (slug with 3-00 buck). Best of all, it only costs about $200.

[MO_Soldier]

Again at work.
Just thought I would add that at the moment I have Remington Heavi-shot 3" magnums in it. #5 shot I think, give or take #1. It's a very tight round with tons of inertia and
My current barrel is a double extra full choke, but that will change when I get the new barrel

[mr surveyor]

I see very little, to no practical use for magnum shotgun loads in a self defense/home defense shotgun. It's not out of the realm of possibilities that a first shot may either completely miss, or not be totally on target, then follow up shot(s) will be much more difficult due to recovery from recoil (especially when fired from a fairly lightweight "shortie").

[MO_Soldier]

I'll keep that in mind. it helps to have you guys as a reality check. I've always been pretty good at recoil management and can't expect that out of the Mrs

[les strat]

I am a big fan of the Mossys. I looked at Mavericks, but since I always hunted with a 500, I went with an 18" Tactical Persuader 500 in 12 gauge when I bought mine. It had the AR stock, heat shield, etc etc. I have grown to like the AR stock. The only thing I added accessory-wise is a Mepro night sight bead.

A pistol grip with a Mossy can be difficult with the tang safety, but shoot it enough, and you develop a technique like all other weapons.

[Planedude]

Yeah, a 3in mag round is a bit much for "housework" if your asking me. I guess the best thing about a shotty for SD is how easy it can be tailored to the shooter and the job thru ammo selection.
Live in an apartment with too thin walls? Shoot lite skeet loads (1100fps or less) with #8 or #9 shot as they will likely stay in your place and not have a ton of punch thru. Live in a place in the country with a few acres between neighbors? Go to a modified or full choke and buckshot (and there maybe mag bird loads). That will give some reach before you go to slugs. Live in the burbs and need to make a good 45ft shot (we often find that here in TX)? tighten up the choke (mod or full) and go to the larger #5 shot often called a "rabbit load". That should help keep it on your property while having some attention getting knock down power.
And if your shooting breech loading guns (single shots or double guns) you can always shoot a cut load which will change your mild mannered skeeter shell into a 500grn glazer slug with the same skeet like recoil... and womp-butt at the reciving end.
Ammo selection with a Shotgun is the key to having "enough gun, without going over" available to you. They are also fun to build up and shoot.
If I have to get to my shotgun, an 1100 B grade Trap with a 30in fixed full choked BBL, well God help-um. At any possible shooting distance on my place the question isn't can I hit a BG. The question is right or left?

Eyeball... After 10K+ rounds thru it, I don't miss much with that gun. The Win AA super handicap 1 1/8oz load of #8 at 1350fps is serious birdshot. At 20ft I doubt the wads even opening... I have inkblotted many a clay with that combo, giving the bird as much as a 25yrd headstart.
Think about the where of your most likely SD situation and try a few loads and chokes combos on paper till it suits your SD needs.

[Alfonse]

Only upgrade I do...

The only upgrade I make on a home defense shotgun is this little sight to replace the bead. Very easy to see at night!

http://www.opticsplanet.net/meprolig...-shotguns.html

[MO_Soldier]

Ok guys....here's what I ended up with.
I stuck with my Mossberg 500A and added modifications for $190 to include:
Stock: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ItemD...u=2ADVA1101140
Barrel: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ItemD...x?sku=2MS90015
$30 worth of 3 boxes of #4 Lead Buckshot and 1 box of rifled slugs
Flashlight mount for current flashlight(no pressure switch): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o00_s00_i00

Hindsight fellas? I'll take before and after pics of the mods so you guys can see the differences and the patchwork look of my gun afterwards lol. It should be complete within the week and I'll take the Mrs. out to shoot the stuff and see what we want to load her up with.

Edited to upload shot size comparison FYI.

[Bawanna]

I like the looks of that stock. If you like it when you get it on I just might order one for myself.

Like the adjustability along with the grip.

The tang safety will have to work. I rarely keep mine out but when I do I keep the chamber empty so I can use the slide rack as a warning.

[Planedude]

Looks good! Photos later and a range report on the Mrs would be good too. If she is recoil skiddish try a box of Win AA lites one ounce loads to start.

With any luck, you'll see "the grin" after she is shooting smooth and hitting good. Remember that grin when she starts picking her own guns out and digging in your wallet for ammo money, remember that you started it...

Ask me how I know.
Wishing you and your family all the best and our prayers while your overseas. My Nephew is back in southern Japan this week after a three week leave. His return was less dramatic that his arrival last year. His flight landed in Toyko 18min after the giant earthquake. He likes the duty well enough...

[tv_racin_fan]

I think I am going to try this light mount.

http://www.elzetta.com/zsmFAQ.htm

[MO_Soldier]

That looks like a sweet stable rig, but consider this.
1) it's $40....
2) if u mount a light anywhere but at 6 O'clock, it can really screw up your vision when illuminating your target. It can also get blocked while using a barricade.

[MO_Soldier]

Bump.

I'll be posting before/after pictures of the gun along with a range report asap.

[MO_Soldier]

Before Picture

This is a picture of my shotgun before any modifications.
Tomorrow I should receive my stock and barrel. I'll get my flashlight mount at a time TBD! I'm sooo excited! Just can't wait to have more money to refinish it all black, or add nicer accessories!

I took a picture next to my gun case to show relative size for when I modify it.
I will be posting both pictures together.

[les strat]

That's a sweet looking rig as is.