moved to country...looking for shotgun / rifle

[prduke]

Currently I only have hand guns, but now that we live out in the country, I am thinking we should get a rifle or shotgun. As someone that only shoots my buddies' guns, I don't know what I should look for, get, etc.
Like to have some direction before going to a gun shop.
Any help would be great.
Thanks!

 

[BiscuitNaBasket]

What do you think you'll be using the rifle or shotgun for?

 

[prduke]

mainly for home defense...will still target shoot for "fun"...but this would be a home defense type of purchase

 

[BiscuitNaBasket]

Are you looking for pump action or auto loader in a shotgun? You'll have a lot of fun with this as there are so many options to choose from but the two biggest question you need to know are "what for?" and "what price?" You already answered the first question so about how much money are you willing to put down on a rifle and how much on a shotgun?

For starters you could look at 12ga or 20ga shotguns and .223/5.56 centerfire for a rifle. I'm just throwing options out there, but those are all very readily available popular calibers.

 

[Mark-DuCo]

get a shotgun.. you won't need pistol or automated rifle to defense your home and family..

I prefer a pistol when going from room to room over my shotgun. I wish I could have an automated rifle [STRIKE]defensing[/STRIKE] defending my family, that way I could just stay in bed while burglars get shot by my automated rifle.

 

[iChokePeople]

get a shotgun.. you won't need pistol or automated rifle to defense your home and family..

-- Joe Biden

 

[SteveM4A1]

-- Joe Biden

And shoot them through the door! DUH!

 

[gunworks321]

See this post and jump on it. You will not be sorry.
https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...-shotguns/360866-mossberg-500-12ga-combo.html
You will need the dreaded 50 quality posts, or just becaome a site supporter.

 

[GaDawg]

See this post and jump on it. You will not be sorry.
https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...-shotguns/360866-mossberg-500-12ga-combo.html
You will need the dreaded 50 quality posts, or just becaome a site supporter.

just looked at at that post and I'd say pass. Not a great deal. However I have a mossberg combo in synthetic furniture and the rifled barrel was cantilever with a scope for 289 brand new. Love this combo I'd check the shops before buying that gun in The post honestly.

 

[sharpetop]

I'm kind of an old fart so my opinions don't always coincide with some of the young bucks.

From your post you sound like you're young and/or possibly new to firearms. My suggestion would be a decent 20ga. or 12ga. pump shotgun and a decent rimfire [.22LR, .22mag., .17HMR]. You would have handguns to carry or home defense, shotgun for home defense or hunting and a fairly cheap to shoot fun gun or small game gun.

 

[croy]

after watching some videos recently on the 17hmr I'd go with one of those, it is fast enough to blow tannerite and there is even a few videos of it killing hogs.

 

[DeadeyeChrista'sdad]

I'd go with Sharpetop or Biscuit ' s advice. A 12 Guage pump is a VERY versatile firearm, especially in a combo configuration. The .22 and .223 rifles both have significant advantages. The fun part is you get to decide which models you like best. Good luck!

 

[04FXSTS]

I bought a Remmington 870 Express (12 ga. pump) a few years ago then got a Mossburg 18 1/2 inch barrel for it. Takes about one minute to change from home defense to hunter. The Barrel run about $120 a couple years ago. This and my Romanian AK-47 will take care of pretty much everything I can think of. Jim.

 

[Expat]

I think there is a requirement to own a .22 LR if you live in the country.

 

[dirtfarmerz]

Dog(s) first and then a couple of high capacity handguns placed strategically throughout the house. A shotgun or AR, plus one of the handguns, in case you have to run outside. I have lived in the country for a long time and bad guys in rural areas are often high. Most folks probably remember the guy in Lapel that cut the throat of a mother and daughter. A friend of mine lost his mom, dad, aunt, uncle, and grandparents by a guy that walked up to the farm house, killed the grandparents and shot the other family members as they arrived for dinner. My friend was holding his mother's hand when the guy blew her head off. I know people that have had people come to the door and ask to use the phone because their car is broke down, but one friend of mine saw the car pull up, one guy got out of the passenger side, ducked down and went around the side of the house. My friend (She) did not let the guy enter the home.

Bad guys hate dogs and lit up property. Be prepared. I always remind my family they won't be happy if they are outside without a weapon when the bad guy shows up. All that firepower in the house, a few steps away, but there's a bad guy between you and it. (Shhhh, I know there should be gun(s) in the barns)

 

[Huzrjim]

I think there is a requirement to own a .22 LR if you live in the country.

Yes, I'm sure I read it in the Indiana firearms code! I think a .22 is a necessity for living in the country. I have many different handguns, rifles, and shotguns, but as stated above, if I had to choose two long guns, they would be my 870 12ga pump and my Winchester model 74 .22 rifle.

 

[Huzrjim]

See this post and jump on it. You will not be sorry.
https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...-shotguns/360866-mossberg-500-12ga-combo.html
You will need the dreaded 50 quality posts, or just becaome a site supporter.

My son-in-law just bought this Mossberg 500A combo new at a sale price of $325 in Terre Haute. Not sure of the store, but list was $379, so I think the price for that posting is fair for a used Mossberg with two barrels.

 

[THE BIG SITT]

If you plan on beating it up, get something cheap. I'd recommend this: GunBuyer.com - Maverick 88 20" 8-Shot Pump Action 12ga Shotgun

 

[prduke]

new to rifles...not to handguns...so, yes...this would be new for me. =-)

 

[45fan]

The advice on a rimfire is sound, everyone should own one. Unfortunately 22 ammo isnt the easiest to come by recently. For your intended use, a shotgun or centerfire rifle would be the most effective against 2 legged varmints.

Easiest on the pocket would probably be a pump shotgun, stuff it with buck shot, and take it out and get familiar with it. If you are not comfortable with heavy recoil, look for the low recoil ammo. It will make a huge difference in your marksmanship abilities. Low recoil does not mean powder puff, they will still plant a lot of lead in target with enough authority to get their hearts, and likely change their minds.