If you have ever read one issue of GUNS before, you and the planet are aware I like large-bore handguns and rifles. A little known fact might be, I also like shotguns and have for a very long time. In the interest of “fair play” I thought I’d show you what kind of shotguns I have and what I think of them and how I would use them … all based on the fact I’d rather not shoot anyone, unless they have it coming.

Types

Like much of the gun industry equipment, shotguns have evolved towards the speed mode, hence so many semiautomatic shotguns in the marketplace. For the record, I don’t know if shooting the shotgun — or any gun — fast is the answer to the potential problems of personal defense. As an old guy, I still am going to opt for hitting the target — as quickly as I can first — then check on the timer after it’s done.

I personally choose pump action guns, but in all candor do not necessarily recommend them for everyone. A subtle tactical nuance may be based on your physical size, stature and experience. In reality, a side-by-side shotgun may be a better answer for you, and this gun selection is about you, not the experts! These choices, of course, you’ll have to decide. About now a hue and cry will rise, “Well that’s not a high ammo capacity firearm and blah blah.” Correct. Trust me, a full Bren gun in the hallway will be better than any shotgun, but we covered the ground of choosing wisely based on myriad things already.

In pump guns, (no brainer for me) the Remington 870 has always been my choice and I kind of keep them simple. Of late I have been trying a new forearm on my 870 made by Ryan Wilson of Wilson Combat. The forearm is made of aluminum and has rails on it to mount stuff I can take or leave for the most part, but this does in fact solve a major shotgun problem, which is the solid mating of a light to a shotgun, especially a pump gun because of action movement. A lot of the current illumination stuff is big and heavy and reciprocation of the pump action often fouls the sling if one is mounted.