Who uses an auto-loader for home defense?

[Cannon762]

I'm curious how many INGO users that have a designated home-defense shotgun use an auto-loader for the task? I've been wanting to build a dedicated HD shotgun but for some reason I'm leary of starting with an auto-loader. My SPAS has 0 failures under it's belt, as does my Saiga 12 (with buckshot loads) both are used and trusted in the hands of various law-enforcement agencies as well as military, and yet for some reason I feel restraint in using either one for bedside duty. Perhaps it's knowing how problematic they can be to clear?

If I did an auto-loader build it would probably be an 11-87, and I'd build off an 870 if I went with a pump.

What are your thoughts, INGO?

 

[devil07]

I planned on using my 1187 in the same type of roll. Thankfully I decided to run some of the home defense/tactical loads through it at the range one day....didn't cycle. Federal "low recoil" or tactical 00 buck (don't remember which anymore) wouldn't cycle the 1187. So while I was attempting to find rounds that would cycle it but weren't just straight hunting shell, I decided to just switch to one of my intermediate caliber rifles (evil black gun). If you go with an 1187, just make sure to run a few dozen shells through of whatever you plan to load it with.

 

[Cannon762]

I planned on using my 1187 in the same type of roll. Thankfully I decided to run some of the home defense/tactical loads through it at the range one day....didn't cycle. Federal "low recoil" or tactical 00 buck (don't remember which anymore) wouldn't cycle the 1187. So while I was attempting to find rounds that would cycle it but weren't just straight hunting shell, I decided to just switch to one of my intermediate caliber rifles (evil black gun). If you go with an 1187, just make sure to run a few dozen shells through of whatever you plan to load it with.

Appreciate the reply! If you have the information handy, do you remember what *would* cycle through your 1187?

 

[bmwguru]

My home defense shottie is a Benelli M4 auto loader. It's loaded with Hornady superformance 00 buckshot. It'll cycle those just fine. It holds 9 rounds with a full length titanium mag tube from Kip Carrier.

 

[nra4ever]

Saiga 12 all the way with 20 round drum. I would trust any of my converted saigas. They eat n spit high brass with no problem. After all that is what they are made to do. I would go with a veper but no drum available. If I cant get it done with that then its on to the Beowulf 50 or the tavor idf. I keep all 3 next to the bed loaded n ready to go.

 

[Cannon762]

Saiga 12 all the way with 20 round drum. I would trust any of my converted saigas. They eat n spit high brass with no problem. After all that is what they are made to do. I would go with a veper but no drum available. If I cant get it done with that then its on to the Beowulf 50 or the tavor idf. I keep all 3 next to the bed loaded n ready to go.

From a firepower standpoint that would be definitely brutal. Those drums (and even plastic mags) make me a little cautious. Aside from the weight, the tang on those are pretty fragile. I'd hate to hit one on a door frame and risk it cracking. I would probably have to use either the factory 8 round izzy mags, or maybe the metal ones CSS is planning on making. (below)

Right now I'm using a well-outfitted AR and G19 for nightstand duty but I feel like there's a niche that needs filled. It's like looking at the A-Team without Baracus.

 

[nra4ever]

For me the whole point on the saiga is the 20 round drums or If I'm back down to 8 rounds I may as we'll go with the veper, mossy 930 or remmy 1100. If you want a metal saiga drum get the 30 round model with even more firepower.

 

[.452browning]

No offense against auto loaders, but I'll stick to my 870 pump.

18.5" defense barrel, Mesa sidesaddle, blackhawk knoxx stock, no jam follower, mag extension, standard front bead, Streamlight TLR1 light. Filled with Winchester OO buck, sidesaddle with 3 OO buck and 3 slugs.

 

[RandallX]

i went with pumps for my HD shotguns. 18.5 mossberg 500 and a 20 mossberg 500. both have heat shields and side saddles. layout of my home i don't warrant an auto loader IMO.

 

[sb0]

I'd be more worried about short stroking under stress than a jam in a reliable autoloader. FWIW.

 

[venenoindy]

FN SLP.

 

[churchmouse]

WE have both. 870 pump and a 930 auto loader. Both are good at the task they were built to do.

 

[jve153]

I have two autoloaders up front in my cabinet 5 feet from my bed. First is a moss 930, second is moss sa-20 w/ reflex sight and extended mag tube. Its like his/hers autoloaders. We alao have a youth model 500 in 20ga in there as well as an ar ready to go, but the to are the two autoloaders. The 930 w/ remington express 00 buck, the sa-20 w/ remington express #3 buck. Both have been very reliable with their respective loads. Im lazy, Id rather just pull the trigger again than pump first.

 

[churchmouse]

Remington 1750 FPS steel magnums. $25 a box and hit like a cannon. Hardest hitting 3" shells I have ever fired.

 

[Cannon762]

I'd be more worried about short stroking under stress than a jam in a reliable autoloader. FWIW.

I've pondered this myself too, and to be honest is the main reason I *don't* use my SPAS as an HD gun. When I got it I thought "Oh I'll just put it in pump and then it will be just like having an 870". I have never had any failures whatsoever with that thing in semi-auto, but I would say 1/5 of my rounds will FTE properly when in pump. Which then rose the concern of short stroking.

Obviously both have their pros and cons, I appreciate the discussion here.

 

[Excalibur]

Since ATI just came out with it's new stock, tube, and forend, I plan to get a Benelli M4

 

[Vamptepes]

I used to use my 20g 1100 as hd gun but now I use my handgun or my ar instead. Now I use the 1100 for squirrel hunting again and target shooting. I could never bring myself to change the gun to be taticool or anything because I love that gun and the orignal stock and barrel.

 

[looney2ns]

My 11-87 with 18" barrel cycles Hornady Critical Defense 00 buck fine and dandy.

 

[ArmedProgrammer]

Of all of the guns I regretted selling I miss my S-12 the most. And I can assure you, I would have ZERO issues using it for defense.

 

[bigelowe]

Ive been eyeing the mossy 930spx. Thanks for fueling the fire ;-)