patrick.net

Patrick says

Apparently I need to do the CA Firearm Safety Certificate in the store

While I highly recommend supporting your local Big Five for purchases, I ended up going to the Sportsman's Warehouse (BIG, big box retailer) in Fairfield for my FSC as a lot of times Big Five does not have the manpower to administer the test. The equivalent for you might be the Bass Pro in San Jose. Then again, you are a man of leisure these days, so you could co-ordinate with your Big Five.

Booger says

I would want something belt fed.

We all would.

Robert Sproul says

Remington 870 are the old school binary choice. I am an 870 man for no good reason.

Same here. I have Remington 870 pump gun.

Robert Sproul says

Gun Broker.

I've been using gunbroker and it has been a pleasant experience.

See https://www.gunbroker.com/Pump-Action-Shotguns/search?Keywords=Remington%20870%20shotgun&PageSize=24&Sort=13&View=1&Ch-Gauge=12%20Gauge

MisdemeanorRebellionNoCoupForYou says

Looking like Grandpa's Duck Hunting Shotgun looks much better to ignoramouses (ignorami?) and/or radical judges than Tacticool when you live in a Leftist State

Exactly, look for one with wooden stock, not the cool black polymer or marine whatever shiny metal. @Patrick

And a chaser - buy a gun safe which is five times larger than one you need. After your first gun, the second, third, fourth, and fifth will follow...I am now limited by the fact that my gun safe is completely filled with assortment of long guns and pistols.

To rub it in for inhabitants of Peoples republic of California - after obtaining my Texas concealed carry license, I can pick up guns as soon as they arrive at my friendly FFL dealer, no need to wait for FBI check...

Doesn't look like anyone has brought up the classic shotgun shortfall, but depending on the size of your dwelling, it may not be that easy to maneuver, or fire without the criminal grabbing the barrel. Also, not very concealable if you feel the need to travel with it.

Consider a handgun as a possible option as well. Glock if you can find it. I settled for an MP9, seems very reliable, and even my 12 year old can pull the slide. That's actually the main reason I got it. Anyone old enough should be able to shoot your fire-arm, preferably without breaking their nose(revolver), or shoulder(shotgun). Once you've made your purchase consider Target Sports USA for Ammo. According to a friend who works for Immigration, they will deliver to your door in California, and don't require proof of a dealers license.

But bottom line, you should really have both, and an AR15. Seriously, each has a specific use when it comes to defense.

I had a really nice pleasant conversation with a guy at:

Imbert and Smithers
1144 El Camino Real
San Carlos, CA 94070
650-593-4207

His advice:

If I want a shotgun and have the money, he suggests the Beretta 1301, which costs about $1300 too, ironically. The short barrel makes it easier to maneuver indoors, but is probably not allowed at skeet ranges because the shorter barrel also means it's louder and would annoy the other shooters. It holds "five or six" shots, he wasn't sure.

A longer barrel would be good for skeet, keeping the shot closer together and the noise a little more removed, but I'm not interested in skeet per se, though I've done it and it's fun. I'm interested in not getting jabbed with the clot shot by government agents. And deterring the zombies if everything really turns to shit.

He suggested a 20 gauge Weatherby Youth for my wife, given her size.

He has no problem with buying at Big Five for much less, but he was shocked they have only 3 shotguns for sale.

12 guage shot ammo is between $1 and $2 per shot.

He says that you can practice on any national forest land, but be nice and pick up your spent shells.

Studying for the test now.

Bd6r says

buy a gun safe which is five times larger than one you need

@Bd6r Got a recommendation for a gun safe?

@Patrick,

Sign up for emails from this company and they will send you emails with specials on everything they sell. This includes ammo...
https://palmettostatearmory.com/

You can get 00 Buck for much less than $1 per shell...
https://palmettostatearmory.com/black-aces-tactical-premium-12-ga-slugs-2-3-4-200-rd-case-batgt9slug.html?utm_medium=patrick.net&utm_source=patrick.net&utm_campaign=patrick.net&utm_term=morning&utm_content=51655109139

If you want pump action ($500), this is a proven every day man's shotgun. Tried and true...
https://palmettostatearmory.com/mossberg-500-retrograde-12-gauge-pump-action-shotgun-walnut-50429.html?utm_medium=patrick.net&utm_source=patrick.net&utm_campaign=patrick.net&utm_term=afternoon&utm_content=770557

I would also say that if the shit really hits the fan, you'd be a fool to not have a conceal carry gun imo. These seem to be the 2 best
choices (you cannot go wrong with either one), imo of course...
1) Sig Sauer p365...https://www.sigsauer.com/p365x-romeozero.html
2) M&P 9mm Shield Plus...https://www.smith-wesson.com/shieldplus

Better to have a gun and not need it than to need a gun and not have it.

Thanks, the Mossberg 500 Retrograde is pretty, and much cheaper than $1300.

Patrick says

Bd6r says

buy a gun safe which is five times larger than one you need

@Bd6r Got a recommendation for a gun safe?

You'll love these...

https://beachpackagingdesign.com/boxvox/soda-machine-gun-safes

Patrick says

Thanks, the Mossberg 500 Retrograde is pretty, and much cheaper than $1300.

Sure, the expensive ones would be great but, Mossberg is a proven tool. Save $$ on the weapon so you can spend more on the ammo.

12 gauge 00 Buck for .68 per shell.

https://palmettostatearmory.com/black-aces-tactical-2-75-00-buckshot-12-gauge-shotgun-ammunition-250-rounds-bat-00-1425.html

WineHorror1 says

You'll love these...

https://beachpackagingdesign.com/boxvox/soda-machine-gun-safes

Lol, this is great.

I hope it says "out of order" or something so no one tries to use it to get a pop.

remington 870 police magnum

All ranges I've been to rent shotguns in CA.

I think you can get this mail order.

https://americanguncraft.com/product/diablo-break-open-12-gauge-pistol-black-grips/

Patrick, good timing on your question. I’m also looking for a shotgun, my first long gun.

I have my choices narrowed down to two:

Remington 870 - this is flagship shotgun, one of the most common shotguns out there. However, it’s a pump which not everyone is looking for.

Benelli M2 or M4 - this is a semi auto shotgun
Here is a link to the tactical version of this gun:

https://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/m2-tactical-shotguns

Can’t go wrong with either.

And always remember, if you are going to be a gun owner, make sure you do your research and shoot your gun periodically (at least a few times a year) to remain comfortable with it.

EDIT:
As I read this back, some additional tips came to mind.

- Los Altos Rod and Gun Club: I was just here last Friday and this is an awesome range! Great shooting options and breathtaking views. Interesting tidbit... this place has been here for decades but the home developments continue to move in. There’s been quite a fight between the range and homeowners in the area. But alas, the range was there first!

- Bass Pro Shops in San Jose is competitively priced. I purchased my Glock19 there and found it to be cheaper than anywhere else I could find.

RC2006 says

I think you can get this mail order.

https://americanguncraft.com/product/diablo-break-open-12-gauge-pistol-black-grips/

Yep. Same for Civil War era black powder revolvers: Colt Army Model 1860, Remington New Model Army 1858, etc.

Even Colt Walker - the most powerful military issue handgun of all times. :D

I'll second the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500, lots of aftermarket upgrades for customization. Go 12ga for versatility chambered in 3" or 3.5" as you can always shoot 2.5" shells if you want. If you can't find locally try Gunbroker.com and find a FFL near you to complete the transfer.

I bought a 12ga Winchester SXP last year and started duck hunting as well. After last season I wanted an auto loader so picked up a Franchi Affinity Elite. If it flies it dies!

https://www.franchiusa.com/semi-auto-shotguns/affinity-35-waterfowl-elite

RC2006 says

I think you can get this mail order.

https://americanguncraft.com/product/diablo-break-open-12-gauge-pistol-black-grips/

So this is legal


But my cane sword isn't?

Ridiculous!

BayArea says

There’s been quite a fight between the range and homeowners in the area. But alas, the range was there first!

Like when people move into an industrial zone and then complain about the early morning noise.

Lock n load.
It’s almost go time.

Bd6r says

buy a gun safe which is five times larger than one you need. After your first gun, the second, third, fourth, and fifth will follow

Haha, so true. I "need" 3 more myself.

Try before you buy. Pump action is tried and true, and 12 gauge recoil is stout. After a day at the range you might have a sore shoulder. Semi-auto takes a lot of the shoulder pain down about three notches, and will be much faster if you need to take follow up 2nd or third shots. So see if you are comfortable with 12 gauge recoil before you take the leap. You could also save your shoulder with a slip on recoil pad, or Knox stock that also reduces recoil. I believe they make those recoil reducing stocks for both mossberg 500 and Remington 870. But my preference would be semiautomatic, and bennelli/beretta are excellent. If you want something really short and made in Israel, check out the Tavor 12.

RC2006 says

remington 870 police magnum

All ranges I've been to rent shotguns in CA.

Another great choice. Better choice than Benelli imo. You could get a good Mossberg shotgun + 3,000 shells for less.

Patrick says

Got a recommendation for a gun safe?

@Patrick, I don't like the relatively small one I have (6 guns), so I can't recommend. Buy fireproof and you can store passports etc in it as well.

WineHorror1 says

Haha, so true. I "need" 3 more myself.

aint this the truth. Guns for men are like shoes for womyn, never enough, you always find something interesting.

Mossberg 500. MIl Spec and most popular Shotgun in America.

Perhaps we should not scare @Patrick by predicting future, which is that a few months after his first gun (and wife being comfortable with guns(s) at home, and enjoying a few hours every few weeks at a range), he will buy second, then third...and so on, until limit of safe capacity will be reached.

An additional benefit is that we have a situation of assured mutual destruction in arguments with my wife, with her shoe and my gun purchases.

BTW my wife has really started liking shooting semi-auto pistol we have, and is much better than I am at this.

Patrick says

12 guage shot ammo is between $1 and $2 per shot.

@Patrick, see https://ammoseek.com/ammo/12-gauge

Bd6r says

BTW my wife has really started liking shooting semi-auto pistol we have, and is much better than I am at this.

Sounds like a pretty good wife. :)

i bought one of these in the 80's...scary looking weapon,,,great deterrent. Mossberg Mdl 500A Riot Gun 12 ga SN:L033660, Short barreled pump action shotgun with pistol grip

It can become an addicting and very expensive hobby

Most recently I paid $0.56/rd for 9mm range ammo. We must be living in a pandemic or something sheesh,

If you factor in range entry, targets, and firing off 300-400 rounds over the course of a day, it adds up quickly

. komputodo says

Mossberg Mdl 500A Riot Gun 12 ga SN:L033660, Short barreled pump action shotgun with pistol grip

mildly inconvenient to shoot, I believe

Patrick, for full disclosure

I never like to hear about someone buying a gun for home defense that hasn’t been to the range and shot that gun over the course of several visits.

Point is, minimize the potential of an accident by gaining some experience first, if you haven’t already.

Common sounds good. I'll read about the Mossberg 500.

BayArea says

I never like to hear about someone buying a gun for home defense that hasn’t been to the range and shot that gun over the course of several visits.

I'm planning to visit http://www.losaltosrodandgunclub.com with the wife ASAP.

We've been skeet shooting together, but that was a long time ago.

Bd6r says

mildly inconvenient to shoot, I believe

Its scary enough to have one pointed at you I doubt you would have to pull the trigger.

I got my introduction to shotguns when one of the quarterly group activities at work when to Coyote Valley Sporting Clays. They will rent you a shotgun and sell #8 birdshot shells (for the sporting clays). You can hire an instructor, which works out to be not too expensive shared with a small group of first-timers. I'd call Coyote and ask.

Ah... the debate about defense load.

If your goal is "home" defense and you don't live on a large farm, you'll want stopping power at 10 yards. 25 yards absolute max. If your target isn't armored, you might really not want the penetrating power of 00-buck, which will go through your stucco wall, across the street, and through your neighbor's stucco wall still with some gusto. I'd suggest 28 pellets of #4 buck (which are just about 22 caliber, by the way).

3-inch and larger shells? Hardly. I'd go with the standard 2.75 and try to find "low recoil" versions, which sport slightly lower velocities but also lower recoil. At 10 yards a single well-placed shot is going to do the trick, so better to be more comfortable and able to quickly recover and fire again in case of a miss or a second target.

Pump and semi-auto shotguns allow you to add rounds to the magazine at any time the magazine isn't full. Whatever shell you added last is the next shell to go into the firing chamber, so if you shoot someone with #4-buck and then all of a sudden decide you need 00-buck, there's at least the option of adding one on-the-fly.