Post by goomba on Dec 12, 2010 16:57:07 GMT -5
www.thetacticalwire.com/features/223758
The Tactical Wire
Editors notebook: Basic Shotgun
by Rich Grassi
Why a shotgun for defense? It may be hard for you to own a pistol due to legislative incompetence. A rifle could be too much for your venue - a friend on the local police department had to put an injured deer - victim of an auto collision - down in a neighborhood. The blast from his 16" Colt in 5.56mm - using, I believe, Hornady TAP Urban - was majestic in the wee hours of the night.
It's not just noise abatement. While most .223 loads available to consumers is light enough that a wall or two pretty much puts them asunder, the same can't be said for the .30 WCF, 7.62x39mm, .270 or .30-06. In fact, much of the handgun ammo available will out-penetrate .223 on sheetrock and studs.
Besides, there are certain people who see the Black Rifle as evil incarnate and, based just on your rifle, will conclude that you are evil. Some (not all) of the same folks look at the elegant name "Wingmaster" on the side of your 870 and sigh. Nice gun.
So, if you select a shotgun, what do you need? Well, make sure it's sound and it works. Make sure it fits everyone who may have to use it and that everyone knows how to use it. If it's an all around utility piece, particularly if you live in rural America, we can fix it up just a little.
For starts, let's get the Vang Comp replacement safety - it's in the form of a big dome, easily struck, for the 870 or the oversize paddle for the Mossberg. (www.vangcomp.com/) If you have a Remington shotgun from the locking safety days - you need a green tab to unlock the safety - get the safety replaced before you rely on the gun.
This shotgun has the XS Sights Express Sights set-up on the barrel.
For farm/ranch/rural use I prefer XS Express Sights. With 870 that has Remington rifle sights, the shallow 'v' rear fits in the space for rifle sights. A Big Dot with tritium is up front. Plenty enough precision for 100 yards, the XS Express Sights is faster than anything but a reflex sight. Look at the sighting arrangement used by those who hunt dangerous game - a big ball up front with a shallow "V" aft. I can clear a plate rack faster with the Express Sight than ghost rings. (For more info, see http://www.xssights.com)
The barrel mustn't be any shorter than 18" unless you want some ATF entanglements.
I prefer a receiver mounted spare ammo holder. A butt cuff is okay if you will never fire the piece from the other side around cover - and who can bank on that? If you are rural with considerable distance to other habitation, you may elect to have a few slugs. Know where they are and when you can employ them.
More at: www.thetacticalwire.com/features/223758
.........................................
I would add that a sling is as essential to a shotgun, or rifle, as a holster is essential for a shotgun.
The Tactical Wire
Editors notebook: Basic Shotgun
by Rich Grassi
Why a shotgun for defense? It may be hard for you to own a pistol due to legislative incompetence. A rifle could be too much for your venue - a friend on the local police department had to put an injured deer - victim of an auto collision - down in a neighborhood. The blast from his 16" Colt in 5.56mm - using, I believe, Hornady TAP Urban - was majestic in the wee hours of the night.
It's not just noise abatement. While most .223 loads available to consumers is light enough that a wall or two pretty much puts them asunder, the same can't be said for the .30 WCF, 7.62x39mm, .270 or .30-06. In fact, much of the handgun ammo available will out-penetrate .223 on sheetrock and studs.
Besides, there are certain people who see the Black Rifle as evil incarnate and, based just on your rifle, will conclude that you are evil. Some (not all) of the same folks look at the elegant name "Wingmaster" on the side of your 870 and sigh. Nice gun.
So, if you select a shotgun, what do you need? Well, make sure it's sound and it works. Make sure it fits everyone who may have to use it and that everyone knows how to use it. If it's an all around utility piece, particularly if you live in rural America, we can fix it up just a little.
For starts, let's get the Vang Comp replacement safety - it's in the form of a big dome, easily struck, for the 870 or the oversize paddle for the Mossberg. (www.vangcomp.com/) If you have a Remington shotgun from the locking safety days - you need a green tab to unlock the safety - get the safety replaced before you rely on the gun.
This shotgun has the XS Sights Express Sights set-up on the barrel.
For farm/ranch/rural use I prefer XS Express Sights. With 870 that has Remington rifle sights, the shallow 'v' rear fits in the space for rifle sights. A Big Dot with tritium is up front. Plenty enough precision for 100 yards, the XS Express Sights is faster than anything but a reflex sight. Look at the sighting arrangement used by those who hunt dangerous game - a big ball up front with a shallow "V" aft. I can clear a plate rack faster with the Express Sight than ghost rings. (For more info, see http://www.xssights.com)
The barrel mustn't be any shorter than 18" unless you want some ATF entanglements.
I prefer a receiver mounted spare ammo holder. A butt cuff is okay if you will never fire the piece from the other side around cover - and who can bank on that? If you are rural with considerable distance to other habitation, you may elect to have a few slugs. Know where they are and when you can employ them.
More at: www.thetacticalwire.com/features/223758
.........................................
I would add that a sling is as essential to a shotgun, or rifle, as a holster is essential for a shotgun.