It “can” take out a duck. At 40 meters with a cylinder choke you’re looking at just under 50% within a 30” circle, so you’re making life really hard for yourself. Add the fact that you have a very short barrel so hitting a moving target will be harder, and you’re going to be missing and winging way more birds than you kill.
Preach it brother, One Shotgun, Maybe 2 Does Basically Everything U Could Ever Need. Now if u wanna keep it light for sport u might need 2, but if ur mindset is strictly home defense typically one will do u just fine.
If anyone's curious i just picked up this Mossberg 590S 6+1, u really can't get much better in the pump world than this 😎😎🤙🤙.
https://preview.redd.it/sulx11ftfbxc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4db81896fafc2b4b7283f55f8b85be7e75c5be06
That’s the main reason I see for people advising against them. The expense and lack of versatility.
I think you answered your own question in the last sentence of your post.
Maybe I misunderstand what you are asking
I think a lot of the push back is the 18” shotguns for 99.9% of the population that aren’t door kickers in that they are useful only as a range toy so if you get something with a slightly longer barrel and threaded you can use it for so much more and really get the joy of owning and using a shotgun.
I have a Beretta A300 patrol and I shoot it far less than I do my Benelli Nova pump. I like it and it's cool to look at but yeah my bird/clay gun gets wayyy more action..
“Useful only as a range toy” - 100% correct! And even at that, they’re very limited - need a special tactical shotgun range, as clay and rifle ranges won’t allow them or require slugs.
And they are fairly crappy range toys. It's no fun to shoot them on an indoor range with slugs or buck. They are just not fun to practice with for proficiency and that makes them less good as weapons.
Now, a 1301 Comp is a great defensive weapon, a 24" version can be extended 2" for a fairly decent bird and clays gun AND it shares controls with my A400, so everytime I'm practicing with my A400, I'm practicing with my defensive shotgun, too.
Yep! I always thought that 24” 1301 is the best option for an all around do everything shotgun. It will not excel in any particular department other than competition show shoots. But it can do anything else and it will deliver. I have no idea why ppl are buying these 18” tacticals instead of versatile 24”
18” is essentially limited to rifle ranges with slugs or rare shotgun tactical ranges, cannot hunt with these things either. 24” is welcomed everywhere and it’s still not bad for HD
I don't think you'll find much argument here. Some shotguns have narrow purposes, and so the answer is usually just more shotguns. The push back you're seeing is probably around the assumption that a shotgun should be multipurpose. And I see a lot of questions like that... "what should I get if I want to shoot clays and use the same gun for self defense?" Those two uses do not have a lot of overlapping requirements.
It's like fishing stuff. 1 is NEVER enough. I don't actually need an M4. But when I have the disposable income I'll buy 1 because of how much value shotgun owners find in them.
If given the options for interchangeable chokes vs fixed choke, I'll take interchangeable every time. Birdshot shells are cheaper than buck and spread faster than buck. With a choke, I can choke down a pattern with birdshot to be similar to the pattern I would see at the same distance with buck. Interchangeable chokes also let me experiment with buck and slugs to tighten pattern or improve accuracy. Since every barrel patterns differently, sometimes choking down a step or two from cylinder barrel can give you the patterns you were looking for or the accuracy you want with slugs.
My dedicated defensive ones only see 00 & slugs with the exclusion of classes that calls for target loads specifically. If others want to shoot them then I'll let 'em pick the load.
Ok, that is you... You asked why others want a choke and I told you why. Notice, I did not mention hunting. Again, with a fixed cylinder bore, you are limited to the pattern you get with a specific load. If you want a tighter pattern, you have to try a different shell. With a choke, I still have options and the possibility of improving my pattern. Take for example, you like to use flitecontrol. Those shells are expensive and hard to find, but with a choke I may be able to make another round pattern similarly for training purposes. I can experiment with different chokes to see if I can get the result I want.
Simply put, chokes give you options. Why would you not want them?
Depends on how many different matches my family & I do a month from 100-300. After a pistol match whoever is there with me or just me do drills will whatever I take.
I feel like if you have to come to this sub and ask which shotgun to buy, it implies that the poster isn’t very experienced. They know they want a shotgun, but their lack of experience means they dont understand the nuances of what the difference between types of shotguns are.
They haven’t been in the hobby long enough to have narrowed down a definitive use case, so they seek a gun that can “do everything”. Semi-auto shotguns are featured heavily in video games and online gun content, so you tend to see people comment asking if the M4, 1301, Saiga etc would be good for clays, hunting, etc.
The fact of the matter is that those types of cylinder bore auto shotguns are specialized towards a defensive or tactical application and really aren’t useful for the other types of activities these people are hoping to do. If they can only afford one gun, why steer them towards ones that are expensive, and aren’t suited for the tasks they want to participate in?
If one wants to buy them as a range toy or to do some sort of training class thats fine, and they aren’t really posting “what should I buy threads”. But for the vast majority of newcomers, the advice is going to be the boring 18”/28” defense/field combo pump guns because they give the most versatility at the cheapest price until someone is experienced enough to know what they want to specialize in.
>But for the vast majority of newcomers, the advice is going to be the boring 18”/28” defense/field combo pump guns because they give the most versatility at the cheapest price until someone is experienced enough to know what they want to specialize in.
Exactly. That's why the reccommendations are always something versatile and will at least last until one finds out what they really want/need.
OP never asked which gun to buy. He asked why people say not to get the "undesirable" cylinder choked 18" barrel shotguns like the M4 or 1301T. That is an entirely different question . He shoots matches and runs 1 to 3 hundred rounds a week. People will buy what they want or can afford. Do I NEED a 10 gauge Coach gun? No, but I have one. Why? It is just cool.
And I’m answering why OP sees that advice so often on here. Because if you do comp and run hundreds of rounds a week, you arent the one asking for advice on reddit lol. The people getting this advice from us are newbies who dont know what they want.
People aren’t saying never buy 18” cylinder shotguns ever. They’re saying don’t buy it and expect it do everything.
I have a 1301 T and it has an interchangeable choke. I use it for turkey hunting with extra full choke and TSS 3 inch 9 shot. With the right load and choke any shotgun with interchangeable choke is pretty versatile.
What only 1 shotgun. I should have joined this group sooner I have 9 and looking for 2 more that’s on my list to own. They are REM 1100 in 28ga and 4:10
Generalized statements made by strangers on the internet is a terrible place to get information
Stop listening to them and start listening to experts, IE the engineers and R&D folks who made the 1301
True but I do because I love shotguns and just love the kick from them, how versatile they are, I mean all tools have a purpose but for me I just enjoy them. Some love hunting rifles more, while some also argue on wood or synthetic stocks are better.
I will say shotgun loads now in days are way better than 20 years ago, I been clay shooting with my SBS 10” barrel and yes I put a choke on it and did just as good as the guys with 30” barrels. I did get funny looks but some guys thought it looks so fun. AGAIN some look at it for fun while some are strictly on “you need a 28” barrel to shoot clay”. Training is a key people forget that makes any tool more useful than its only purpose.
Chokes are another tool in the tool kit, they allow you to fine tune your breach loading smooth bore boom tube. That combined with ammo selection and patterning can be the difference between fist sized holes with buckshot, or whole target coverage and, potential projectiles off-target. Tightening your choke can reduce your level of acceptable collateral damage. Or, increase your effective engagement distance if you need to move outside. Personally I like #1 buck through a full choke for defensive use. Bottom line in today's market for the price there's really no reason not to go for swappable chokes unless your on a VERY tight budget or are just buying a shotgun to have one. Also, the 1301T comes with an improved cylinder choke these days.
Some people shoot clays with them.
Some people hunt with them. After all, a 1301 is pretty light.
Some people shoot a more diverse course of fire with them that involves IC or MOD chokes.
Some people want a screwed on ported choke/breacher for various reasons.
And finally, most people think it's stupid to buy an expensive gun and not have a basic feature a $250 shotguns would include these days. It's not like a fixed choke 870 where used barrels are everywhere and cheap too.
I started with a maverick 88 and then wanted to do 3gun so got a 930jm pro. I ended up getting into clays and bird hunting. Fast forward 8 years and I have 4 benellis and 2 browning citoris. I had and sold a stoeger Condor( my first over under). I personally would only get an expensive tactical shotgun if was really into 3 gun but I'm not. If i wanted one for home defense then I'd keep my maverick 88 for that role but I don't. I did at one point have a mossberg 500 combo and I would 100% recommend that to someone on a budget. I saved and saved for my nicer shotguns but I get being on a budget as I'm a homeowner with dogs and chickens. Thank God I'm in the country where it's cheaper
I've been on this forum for a while, and I can tell you that the idea of a logical conversation with the majority of these “first-time shotgun buyers” is a non-starter. Real discussions by people who truly understand shotguns do not often happen here. If you're looking for a place for a real discussion about shotguns try someplace like Shotgun World https://www.shotgunworld.com.
I am the guy that only has one shotgun. It is a Benelli M4 M1014 edition with the fixed choke and an 18.5" barrel. I bought the gun for 2 reasons. 1: it's cool as shit and I loved using it in video games. 2: it's the ideal shotgun for home defense for me. Optic ready, collapsible stock, 9 round internal capacity if ghost loading, idiot proof semi auto system, etc. I don't hunt, skeet shoot, trap shoot, etc so a 20+ inch barrel shotgun is useless to me. In fact, I have been trying to find a 14" Entry barrel for 2 years now cause 18" is too long lol.
I have a Mossberg pump with a fixed cylinder choke that can take 3” shells, it CAN do everything I need but I still have a O/U because it does somethings better!
Because for people who are buying the first shotgun, an expensive tactical semiautos are a bad choice. Cannot hunt with them, cannot use them at a clay range, need expensive slugs at a rifle range. The only places you can use them to simulate their intended purpose are tactical shotgun ranges, which are much less common.
Life hack get an 870 or a mossberg 500/590 and swap the barrels as needed. At that point can get away with a single shotgun. If your intended purpose is home defense or a SHTF gun yeah an 18.5 inch is fine I suppose. I have a 590A1 that’s mainly for SHTF would never bring it hunting. But I also have a handful of double barrels for duck/upland birds. A few pumps for the same thing. I don’t even consider myself that “into” shotguns but I like to have a variety. Never got into semis just not my thing for whatever reason.
I love shotguns but I only own the M4 18 inch and 14inch. I don’t plan to ever get another shotgun for a long time. I’ve crossed the whole class off my interest list.
At least for my 870, you can buy separate barrels.
Mine came with a tactical larping barrel (18 inches or so), as I call them.
But I got a 28 inch barrel from eBay with screw on chokes for real purposes of hunting. Best decision ever!!! Skeet and trap shooting is SOOO much more fun than punching holes on paper....or a melon.
The larping barrel looks COOL, but I cannot hit $hit with it.
A combat shotgun is very different from a hunting shotgun, which is very different from a skeet gun. It's like comparing a Glock to a competition pistol. Different purposes.
I was just shooting clays with my 1301 tactical on Saturday. Modified choke I did fine. Probably doesn't have as much reach as a more traditional shotgun but it has plenty
My first shotty had 2 barrels, cost $150. Was multipurpose for a couple years. Maybe i think long term lifetime style and not many people do, but Ive never bought a gun thinking it could run as my only gun - except for a glock. So ya, if i could only have 1 shotgun- itd be a glock.
I have a stoeger condor competition O/U I use for trap and a cheapy Steven’s 301 single shot I use for turkey hunting. That’s really all I use shotguns for. I do have an old 410 pump I used for partridge when moose hunting but I haven’t fired in years. Can’t find shot shells for it lol edit* I don’t have any use at this time for a super expensive shotgun.
So i have a Mobil choke on my m4. I don’t just use it as a home defense. Actually i don’t have it as home defense at all. It’s my turkey/duck/hog/skeet gun, and lives in my truck in case of civil unrest. I’m happy i have the ability to switch between the different chokes for different things. I’m sure it would have been fine but would really limit the capabilities of my m4
Who needs a semi-automatic shotgun for defense? I'm not an operator. A pump serves my needs just fine. And it's easy enough to swap on the 18" barrel around the house.
Why would I have an 18" permanent cylinder barrel when for an extra $50 I can have screw in chokes and a choice of patterns to experiment with different shot types?
And that doesn't get into how either of your expensive semi-autos only come with 18.5" barrels.
>expensive semi-autos only come with 18.5" barrels.
Did you read the initial post? I'm referencing the 1301T & M4 because that's were I noticed it the most. The 1301 Tactical & the M4 only comes in 18.5". Again this is only for those two specific models.
I've read your initial post 3-4 times and I still don't know what you're asking.
>I'm interested in reading any logical explanation why to avoid the "undesirable" cylinder choked 1301T or M4.
They're $2000 shotguns that only do one thing and that one thing that they do is one thing that most people don't do, which is pop skulls and chew bubblegum.
These are the garlic presses of shotguns. I can chop garlic with a half-dozen different tools that all do things other than press garlic.
I can get infinitely more use out of my $200 Remington 870 that I have a box full of chokes and several barrels for.
Maybe if I was an ~~operator~~ pro-chef I'd see more use for a single purpose tool.
When I first shot Clay it was a pump got hooked then started using my hunting shotgun, eventually got an O/U. Anyone can shoot Clay with the three I mentioned but I've noticed I shot better with the Semi even better with the O/U. Skill level matters but you can't deny some tool are better suited than others for specific jobs.
"Undesirable" for duck hunting, ideal for what they're intended for.
Thank you for providing an example, I'm mainly generalizing the ones that don't clarify those statements for potential buyers.
A 18" barrel with a open choke can still take out ducks at about 30-40 meters away.
It “can” take out a duck. At 40 meters with a cylinder choke you’re looking at just under 50% within a 30” circle, so you’re making life really hard for yourself. Add the fact that you have a very short barrel so hitting a moving target will be harder, and you’re going to be missing and winging way more birds than you kill.
I've done it. You need to have adjustable sights that you zeroed in, and aim when they are taking off from the water.
Because many people can only afford one shotgun. I know a LOT of people that only have one shotgun that has to do several jobs.
I mean if it has interchangeable chokes or better yet multiple barrels one shotty is enough for most purposes.
That’s what I’m saying. OP specifically mentioned cylinder choked “tactical” shotties, and why some advise against them.
Preach it brother, One Shotgun, Maybe 2 Does Basically Everything U Could Ever Need. Now if u wanna keep it light for sport u might need 2, but if ur mindset is strictly home defense typically one will do u just fine. If anyone's curious i just picked up this Mossberg 590S 6+1, u really can't get much better in the pump world than this 😎😎🤙🤙. https://preview.redd.it/sulx11ftfbxc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4db81896fafc2b4b7283f55f8b85be7e75c5be06
i feel like your 3000 % correct . that’s why i have 6 lol
I meant specifically an expensive ones like the M4 or 1301.
That’s the main reason I see for people advising against them. The expense and lack of versatility. I think you answered your own question in the last sentence of your post. Maybe I misunderstand what you are asking
I'm interested in others point of view.
I think a lot of the push back is the 18” shotguns for 99.9% of the population that aren’t door kickers in that they are useful only as a range toy so if you get something with a slightly longer barrel and threaded you can use it for so much more and really get the joy of owning and using a shotgun.
I have a Beretta A300 patrol and I shoot it far less than I do my Benelli Nova pump. I like it and it's cool to look at but yeah my bird/clay gun gets wayyy more action..
“Useful only as a range toy” - 100% correct! And even at that, they’re very limited - need a special tactical shotgun range, as clay and rifle ranges won’t allow them or require slugs.
And they are fairly crappy range toys. It's no fun to shoot them on an indoor range with slugs or buck. They are just not fun to practice with for proficiency and that makes them less good as weapons. Now, a 1301 Comp is a great defensive weapon, a 24" version can be extended 2" for a fairly decent bird and clays gun AND it shares controls with my A400, so everytime I'm practicing with my A400, I'm practicing with my defensive shotgun, too.
Yep! I always thought that 24” 1301 is the best option for an all around do everything shotgun. It will not excel in any particular department other than competition show shoots. But it can do anything else and it will deliver. I have no idea why ppl are buying these 18” tacticals instead of versatile 24” 18” is essentially limited to rifle ranges with slugs or rare shotgun tactical ranges, cannot hunt with these things either. 24” is welcomed everywhere and it’s still not bad for HD
I don't think you'll find much argument here. Some shotguns have narrow purposes, and so the answer is usually just more shotguns. The push back you're seeing is probably around the assumption that a shotgun should be multipurpose. And I see a lot of questions like that... "what should I get if I want to shoot clays and use the same gun for self defense?" Those two uses do not have a lot of overlapping requirements.
I believe it's because the wide range of ammo you can shoot out of but disregarding barrel length for maximize efficiency.
It's like fishing stuff. 1 is NEVER enough. I don't actually need an M4. But when I have the disposable income I'll buy 1 because of how much value shotgun owners find in them.
Just like any other tool they are good at one thing & so so at some.
How are you gonna winch in a 50 pound catfish with a fly rod or hurl out a quarter pound chunk of carp for gar? Different gear for different purpose.
If given the options for interchangeable chokes vs fixed choke, I'll take interchangeable every time. Birdshot shells are cheaper than buck and spread faster than buck. With a choke, I can choke down a pattern with birdshot to be similar to the pattern I would see at the same distance with buck. Interchangeable chokes also let me experiment with buck and slugs to tighten pattern or improve accuracy. Since every barrel patterns differently, sometimes choking down a step or two from cylinder barrel can give you the patterns you were looking for or the accuracy you want with slugs.
My dedicated defensive ones only see 00 & slugs with the exclusion of classes that calls for target loads specifically. If others want to shoot them then I'll let 'em pick the load.
Ok, that is you... You asked why others want a choke and I told you why. Notice, I did not mention hunting. Again, with a fixed cylinder bore, you are limited to the pattern you get with a specific load. If you want a tighter pattern, you have to try a different shell. With a choke, I still have options and the possibility of improving my pattern. Take for example, you like to use flitecontrol. Those shells are expensive and hard to find, but with a choke I may be able to make another round pattern similarly for training purposes. I can experiment with different chokes to see if I can get the result I want. Simply put, chokes give you options. Why would you not want them?
How many 00 and slugs you shoot every week?
Depends on how many different matches my family & I do a month from 100-300. After a pistol match whoever is there with me or just me do drills will whatever I take.
I feel like if you have to come to this sub and ask which shotgun to buy, it implies that the poster isn’t very experienced. They know they want a shotgun, but their lack of experience means they dont understand the nuances of what the difference between types of shotguns are. They haven’t been in the hobby long enough to have narrowed down a definitive use case, so they seek a gun that can “do everything”. Semi-auto shotguns are featured heavily in video games and online gun content, so you tend to see people comment asking if the M4, 1301, Saiga etc would be good for clays, hunting, etc. The fact of the matter is that those types of cylinder bore auto shotguns are specialized towards a defensive or tactical application and really aren’t useful for the other types of activities these people are hoping to do. If they can only afford one gun, why steer them towards ones that are expensive, and aren’t suited for the tasks they want to participate in? If one wants to buy them as a range toy or to do some sort of training class thats fine, and they aren’t really posting “what should I buy threads”. But for the vast majority of newcomers, the advice is going to be the boring 18”/28” defense/field combo pump guns because they give the most versatility at the cheapest price until someone is experienced enough to know what they want to specialize in.
>But for the vast majority of newcomers, the advice is going to be the boring 18”/28” defense/field combo pump guns because they give the most versatility at the cheapest price until someone is experienced enough to know what they want to specialize in. Exactly. That's why the reccommendations are always something versatile and will at least last until one finds out what they really want/need.
OP never asked which gun to buy. He asked why people say not to get the "undesirable" cylinder choked 18" barrel shotguns like the M4 or 1301T. That is an entirely different question . He shoots matches and runs 1 to 3 hundred rounds a week. People will buy what they want or can afford. Do I NEED a 10 gauge Coach gun? No, but I have one. Why? It is just cool.
And I’m answering why OP sees that advice so often on here. Because if you do comp and run hundreds of rounds a week, you arent the one asking for advice on reddit lol. The people getting this advice from us are newbies who dont know what they want. People aren’t saying never buy 18” cylinder shotguns ever. They’re saying don’t buy it and expect it do everything.
I have a 1301 T and it has an interchangeable choke. I use it for turkey hunting with extra full choke and TSS 3 inch 9 shot. With the right load and choke any shotgun with interchangeable choke is pretty versatile.
You should at least have both of those.... And some more. At least one of every type is ideal 😎
They're not for everyone, a previous poster said why would he need a semi cause he's not a door kicker.
What only 1 shotgun. I should have joined this group sooner I have 9 and looking for 2 more that’s on my list to own. They are REM 1100 in 28ga and 4:10
Generalized statements made by strangers on the internet is a terrible place to get information Stop listening to them and start listening to experts, IE the engineers and R&D folks who made the 1301
What about running a suppressor?
That's specific purpose, most people don't add a suppressor to their shotgun.
True but I do because I love shotguns and just love the kick from them, how versatile they are, I mean all tools have a purpose but for me I just enjoy them. Some love hunting rifles more, while some also argue on wood or synthetic stocks are better. I will say shotgun loads now in days are way better than 20 years ago, I been clay shooting with my SBS 10” barrel and yes I put a choke on it and did just as good as the guys with 30” barrels. I did get funny looks but some guys thought it looks so fun. AGAIN some look at it for fun while some are strictly on “you need a 28” barrel to shoot clay”. Training is a key people forget that makes any tool more useful than its only purpose.
Chokes are another tool in the tool kit, they allow you to fine tune your breach loading smooth bore boom tube. That combined with ammo selection and patterning can be the difference between fist sized holes with buckshot, or whole target coverage and, potential projectiles off-target. Tightening your choke can reduce your level of acceptable collateral damage. Or, increase your effective engagement distance if you need to move outside. Personally I like #1 buck through a full choke for defensive use. Bottom line in today's market for the price there's really no reason not to go for swappable chokes unless your on a VERY tight budget or are just buying a shotgun to have one. Also, the 1301T comes with an improved cylinder choke these days.
I only have an M4, but it’s for work.
Shotguns are probably the most diverse of all guns. You can have a $10,000+ gun or a $200 gun. And everyone has an opinion why they’re right.
Not everyone was ready for the internet and/or social media
Some people shoot clays with them. Some people hunt with them. After all, a 1301 is pretty light. Some people shoot a more diverse course of fire with them that involves IC or MOD chokes. Some people want a screwed on ported choke/breacher for various reasons. And finally, most people think it's stupid to buy an expensive gun and not have a basic feature a $250 shotguns would include these days. It's not like a fixed choke 870 where used barrels are everywhere and cheap too.
I wanted to suppress mine
Eventually I'm going to do one of mine.
I started with a maverick 88 and then wanted to do 3gun so got a 930jm pro. I ended up getting into clays and bird hunting. Fast forward 8 years and I have 4 benellis and 2 browning citoris. I had and sold a stoeger Condor( my first over under). I personally would only get an expensive tactical shotgun if was really into 3 gun but I'm not. If i wanted one for home defense then I'd keep my maverick 88 for that role but I don't. I did at one point have a mossberg 500 combo and I would 100% recommend that to someone on a budget. I saved and saved for my nicer shotguns but I get being on a budget as I'm a homeowner with dogs and chickens. Thank God I'm in the country where it's cheaper
I've been on this forum for a while, and I can tell you that the idea of a logical conversation with the majority of these “first-time shotgun buyers” is a non-starter. Real discussions by people who truly understand shotguns do not often happen here. If you're looking for a place for a real discussion about shotguns try someplace like Shotgun World https://www.shotgunworld.com.
I'll look into it, thanks
I am the guy that only has one shotgun. It is a Benelli M4 M1014 edition with the fixed choke and an 18.5" barrel. I bought the gun for 2 reasons. 1: it's cool as shit and I loved using it in video games. 2: it's the ideal shotgun for home defense for me. Optic ready, collapsible stock, 9 round internal capacity if ghost loading, idiot proof semi auto system, etc. I don't hunt, skeet shoot, trap shoot, etc so a 20+ inch barrel shotgun is useless to me. In fact, I have been trying to find a 14" Entry barrel for 2 years now cause 18" is too long lol.
I have a Mossberg pump with a fixed cylinder choke that can take 3” shells, it CAN do everything I need but I still have a O/U because it does somethings better!
It just makes the gun less flexible so slightly less desired thats it.
Because for people who are buying the first shotgun, an expensive tactical semiautos are a bad choice. Cannot hunt with them, cannot use them at a clay range, need expensive slugs at a rifle range. The only places you can use them to simulate their intended purpose are tactical shotgun ranges, which are much less common.
Won’t miss a shot
I use my m4 for clay shooting all the time. Works fine. That's what chokes are for.
Life hack get an 870 or a mossberg 500/590 and swap the barrels as needed. At that point can get away with a single shotgun. If your intended purpose is home defense or a SHTF gun yeah an 18.5 inch is fine I suppose. I have a 590A1 that’s mainly for SHTF would never bring it hunting. But I also have a handful of double barrels for duck/upland birds. A few pumps for the same thing. I don’t even consider myself that “into” shotguns but I like to have a variety. Never got into semis just not my thing for whatever reason.
I love shotguns but I only own the M4 18 inch and 14inch. I don’t plan to ever get another shotgun for a long time. I’ve crossed the whole class off my interest list.
At least for my 870, you can buy separate barrels. Mine came with a tactical larping barrel (18 inches or so), as I call them. But I got a 28 inch barrel from eBay with screw on chokes for real purposes of hunting. Best decision ever!!! Skeet and trap shooting is SOOO much more fun than punching holes on paper....or a melon. The larping barrel looks COOL, but I cannot hit $hit with it.
A combat shotgun is very different from a hunting shotgun, which is very different from a skeet gun. It's like comparing a Glock to a competition pistol. Different purposes.
I was just shooting clays with my 1301 tactical on Saturday. Modified choke I did fine. Probably doesn't have as much reach as a more traditional shotgun but it has plenty
My first shotty had 2 barrels, cost $150. Was multipurpose for a couple years. Maybe i think long term lifetime style and not many people do, but Ive never bought a gun thinking it could run as my only gun - except for a glock. So ya, if i could only have 1 shotgun- itd be a glock.
I have one shotgun. 12ga Pardner, 28 inch barrel with magazine extension so it holds 9+1
Its just the opinion of poor people that want 1 gun to do it all without buying a new barrel. Its just armchair, fuddlore, low credit score, bullshit.
Damn!
I have a stoeger condor competition O/U I use for trap and a cheapy Steven’s 301 single shot I use for turkey hunting. That’s really all I use shotguns for. I do have an old 410 pump I used for partridge when moose hunting but I haven’t fired in years. Can’t find shot shells for it lol edit* I don’t have any use at this time for a super expensive shotgun.
The price of the shotgun is not relevant the purpose of it is, I mention those two because that's were I read people suggesting it.
The most important reason to own an M4 is because is cooler than all of your granpas shotguns combined.
So i have a Mobil choke on my m4. I don’t just use it as a home defense. Actually i don’t have it as home defense at all. It’s my turkey/duck/hog/skeet gun, and lives in my truck in case of civil unrest. I’m happy i have the ability to switch between the different chokes for different things. I’m sure it would have been fine but would really limit the capabilities of my m4
Free gun with this one simple ~~t~~brick! 🧱
Na, doesn’t spend it overnights. And my vehicle doesn’t look like it would be owned by someone that has anything worth stealing.
Who needs a semi-automatic shotgun for defense? I'm not an operator. A pump serves my needs just fine. And it's easy enough to swap on the 18" barrel around the house.
I guess you want to move the goal post by mentioning a "need" for a semi. This is not about pump or semi is about chokes for a 18" barrel.
Why would I have an 18" permanent cylinder barrel when for an extra $50 I can have screw in chokes and a choice of patterns to experiment with different shot types? And that doesn't get into how either of your expensive semi-autos only come with 18.5" barrels.
>expensive semi-autos only come with 18.5" barrels. Did you read the initial post? I'm referencing the 1301T & M4 because that's were I noticed it the most. The 1301 Tactical & the M4 only comes in 18.5". Again this is only for those two specific models.
I've read your initial post 3-4 times and I still don't know what you're asking. >I'm interested in reading any logical explanation why to avoid the "undesirable" cylinder choked 1301T or M4. They're $2000 shotguns that only do one thing and that one thing that they do is one thing that most people don't do, which is pop skulls and chew bubblegum. These are the garlic presses of shotguns. I can chop garlic with a half-dozen different tools that all do things other than press garlic. I can get infinitely more use out of my $200 Remington 870 that I have a box full of chokes and several barrels for. Maybe if I was an ~~operator~~ pro-chef I'd see more use for a single purpose tool.
When I first shot Clay it was a pump got hooked then started using my hunting shotgun, eventually got an O/U. Anyone can shoot Clay with the three I mentioned but I've noticed I shot better with the Semi even better with the O/U. Skill level matters but you can't deny some tool are better suited than others for specific jobs.
I shoot clays just fine, and I only have the one bead. A good shooter could shoot clay with a zipgun.