6
0

Patrick buying a shotgun


 invite response                
2021 Aug 23, 2:49pm   1,736 views  136 comments

by Patrick   ➕follow (55)   💰tip   ignore  

After today's mandate, and yesterday's news that a healthy 43 year old woman we know had a heart attack after the jab, in addition to my wife's dead co-worker, my wife is not objecting to buying a gun.

The best home defense gun seems to be a shotgun.

Someone said "Try before you buy." How do you do that?

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

https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/firearms/forms/hscman.pdf

I have to have selected my gun before doing the FSC. Then I have to wait 10 days before picking it up.

Recommendations for shotgun models?

Big 5 Sporting Goods carries these:

Citadel ATA12 12-Gauge Semi-Auto Sh...
(4)
4.3 out of 5 stars. 4 reviews
Citadel ATA12 12-Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun
$329.99
Dickinson Arms 12-Ga. Defense Pump ...
(8)
3.9 out of 5 stars. 8 reviews
Dickinson Arms 12-Ga. Defense Pump Shotgun
$259.99
Dickinson Arms Marine 12-Gauge Tact...
(15)
4.4 out of 5 stars. 15 reviews
Dickinson Arms Marine 12-Gauge Tactical Shotgun
$369.99


I assume that's the low end and not very good.

Do shooting ranges allow shotguns? Maybe you go to a skeet place for practice.

https://www.big5sportinggoods.com/store/browse/fishing-and-hunting/hunting/_/N-1z13zm3Zae6


Comments 1 - 40 of 136       Last »     Search these comments

1   Booger   2021 Aug 23, 2:57pm  

Is a Gatling gun available?
How about a Polish AK-47?
2   WookieMan   2021 Aug 23, 2:58pm  

I don't know CA. All ranges here in IL that I know of allow shotguns. I know nothing about guns, but I'm a premium buyer on most stuff and those prices seem low. You want the thing to work if you need it. I was looking at handguns for a while and searched reviews extensively. As with anything, you pay for what you get for is what it sounded like from my research. Zero point in having a gun if it doesn't fire because of cheap construction. Reliability has a cost. Shotguns are pretty simple though as well. Smarter gun minds can give feedback.
3   Booger   2021 Aug 23, 2:59pm  

Seriously, that might be an OK defensive weapon, but the best defensive is a good offense.
4   GNL   2021 Aug 23, 3:00pm  

Mossberg 930 tactical or Black Aces semi auto.
5   clambo   2021 Aug 23, 3:00pm  

I went to Markleys in Watsonville for my first gun and the little written test.

I don’t prefer a shotgun for indoor defense, it’s hard to swing around in confined spaces.

Los Altos rod and gun club range is fun, they have skeet shooting which is a lot of fun.
http://www.losaltosrodandgunclub.com/
Addendum
I like CZ guns, and Tristar clones are less expensive. They both make shotguns.
6   Robert Sproul   2021 Aug 23, 3:07pm  

Pump is preferred by most for home defense, Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 are the old school binary choice. I am an 870 man for no good reason. I would never buy whatever those Big 5 options are. Look on Guns America or Gun Broker. You have to find a local FFL dealer to have it shipped too.
All due respect to other opinions, if I had to shoot someone in Cali I would rather do it with something that looked like a bird gun than something that looked at all tactical.
7   Onvacation   2021 Aug 23, 3:07pm  

Patrick says
4.4 out of 5 stars. 15 reviews
Dickinson Arms Marine 12-Gauge Tactical Shotgun
$369.99

Looks like a decent weapon. Made in Turkey which is better than China and cheaper than American made. I would buy this one if I were in the market. The hard case is a nice addition for taking it to the skeet range, though the pistol grip might have some serious hunters looking at you a bit sideways.

I went through the "hunter safety course" 45 years ago and it was mostly common sense but did emphasize some important safety rules. Sooner you start jumping through those hoops, the sooner you will be armed.
8   Eric Holder   2021 Aug 23, 3:11pm  

Patrick says
Do shooting ranges allow shotguns?


Outdoor ranges - yes. In your neck of the woods I recommend Los Altos Rod and Gun club on Skyline Blvd (a.k.a. 35).
9   Onvacation   2021 Aug 23, 3:16pm  

WookieMan says
As with anything, you pay for what you get

True, you get what you pay for. And what you are paying for is a gun in your hands. The technology is not high tech and I assume you won't be putting tens of thousands of rounds through it. It should serve your second amendment needs better than a flintlock musket or a cap and ball carbine.
10   Onvacation   2021 Aug 23, 3:18pm  

Robert Sproul says
All due respect to other opinions, if I had to shoot someone in Cali I would rather do it with something that looked like a bird gun than something that looked at all tactical.

Great point! But I figure if you ever need to use it, it is better to be "tried by twelve than carried by six".
11   AmericanKulak   2021 Aug 23, 4:16pm  

Consider 20 gauge or even 410. That way your wife can use it. At short distances, like across a room, there is little spread.



Robert Sproul says


All due respect to other opinions, if I had to shoot someone in Cali I would rather do it with something that looked like a bird gun than something that looked at all tactical.


My thinking also. 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.

@Patrick, almost anything by this guy is great. Home Defense Firearms:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4FESGjiH3s
12   Booger   2021 Aug 23, 4:22pm  

I would want something belt fed.
13   EBGuy   2021 Aug 23, 4:24pm  

Hickok45 and the Zombie Apocalypse (pump vs. semi-auto)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_1-E6qFuXk
14   EBGuy   2021 Aug 23, 4:34pm  

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.
15   Onvacation   2021 Aug 23, 4:52pm  

Booger says
I would want something belt fed.

We all would.
16   Bd6r   2021 Aug 23, 5:04pm  

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
17   Bd6r   2021 Aug 23, 5:07pm  

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...
18   NuttBoxer   2021 Aug 23, 5:13pm  

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.
19   Patrick   2021 Aug 23, 5:21pm  

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.
20   Patrick   2021 Aug 23, 5:26pm  

Bd6r says
buy a gun safe which is five times larger than one you need


@Bd6r Got a recommendation for a gun safe?
21   GNL   2021 Aug 23, 5:43pm  

@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
22   Onvacation   2021 Aug 23, 5:45pm  

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


23   Patrick   2021 Aug 23, 5:45pm  

Thanks, the Mossberg 500 Retrograde is pretty, and much cheaper than $1300.
24   GNL   2021 Aug 23, 5:50pm  

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
25   GNL   2021 Aug 23, 5:52pm  

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.
27   Patrick   2021 Aug 23, 5:58pm  

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.
28   RC2006   2021 Aug 23, 7:10pm  

remington 870 police magnum

All ranges I've been to rent shotguns in CA.
31   BayArea   2021 Aug 23, 7:24pm  

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.
32   RWSGFY   2021 Aug 23, 7:26pm  

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
33   rigidmember   2021 Aug 23, 7:53pm  

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
34   Onvacation   2021 Aug 23, 8:00pm  

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!
35   Onvacation   2021 Aug 23, 8:01pm  

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.
36   Shaman   2021 Aug 23, 8:07pm  

Lock n load.
It’s almost go time.
37   GNL   2021 Aug 23, 8:11pm  

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.
38   PeopleUnited   2021 Aug 23, 8:14pm  

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.
39   GNL   2021 Aug 23, 8:18pm  

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.
40   Bd6r   2021 Aug 23, 8:30pm  

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.

Comments 1 - 40 of 136       Last »     Search these comments

Please register to comment:

api   best comments   contact   latest images   memes   one year ago   random   suggestions