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rmak
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# Posted: 12 Oct 2014 02:41pm
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I am thinking I'd like a small shotgun out at my cabin. The cabin is on our property and I've had run-ins with rabid and mangy creatures from time to time who needed mercy killing. I don't want to be caught out there without the tools I need, and I think a small gun might be one of them.
I could hang it from an inconspicuous place or lock it up. I have accumulated a few firearms over the years but they are locked up safe at home. All of them are way too much firepower for what I imagine I'd ever need.
I'm a Vietnam infantry vet, so I know my way around small arms, but I've never been a hunter and don't know the brand names or what's available.
My first thought was to get a vintage 410 bore double barrel. That would look cool on the cabin wall, but I imagine antique guns bring problems with them.
Any suggestions for a small shotgun? A single shot would be fine. No rifles. We have neighbors so I don't want any bullets flying around. Brand name and any specifics might help so I don't sound like a dummy when I go shopping.
Oh, and I don't want to spend a lot of money...
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Malamute
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# Posted: 12 Oct 2014 03:00pm
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I think you'll have better results overall with a 20 ga than a 410.
Not much in side by side 410's that I know of.
A single barrel 20 can be cut shorter for handiness, shells are relatively easy to get and relatively cheaper than 410's, and in a variety of types. A charge of buckshot is more effective than a 410, and it holds much more birdshot. If slugs became necessary for any reason, the 20 so far outclasses a 410 there isn't much comparison. Brenneke makes about the best slugs for serious use on larger animals, the common American slugs don't penetrate well in comparison.
Some decent deals can be had for 20 ga pump guns, there may be some side by sides around also. The single barrel is likely to be cheapest and easiest to find unless shopping online, then you'll have shipping fees, local FFL fees, etc to add to the cost.
I wouldn't be afraid of a 12 ga, there are reduced recoil loads available, and a wider variety of shells. I'd consider a true quality pad on any light shotgun, like a Pachmayr decelerator or similar. Many pads are simply junk, far to hard to do much good.
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Steve961
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# Posted: 12 Oct 2014 03:05pm
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One of the simplest and cheapest options would be a Harrington and Richardson Pardner. It's a single shot and is available in .410, 20, and 12 gauge. Buds Guns sells them for $169 shipped.
H&R .410 Pardner
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LoonWhisperer
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# Posted: 12 Oct 2014 03:47pm
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.410 has it's place but I agree with Malamute that 20 gauge is a better option if you are only going to have one around.
I keep a Remington 870 with me. A reliable 12 gauge with 18.5" barrel which makes it easy to carry and hang on the wall. I also use the reduced recoil slugs. Very manageable.
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rmak
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# Posted: 12 Oct 2014 04:03pm
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The Pardner sounds good. I appreciate the recommendation about a 20 gage. I have an older 12 gage double barrel. Since I have arthritis in my hands and shoulders, shooting it is painful, plus the overall weight is a burden now. I was hoping for as little recoil as possible.
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Sarg68
Member
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# Posted: 13 Oct 2014 06:50am
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I carry a Stoger coach gun, its a 12 gauge side by side. Perfect gun.
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old243
Member
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# Posted: 13 Oct 2014 08:25am
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There are over and under 410 - 22 long rifle available as well. Think they might be savage but not sure. old243
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PA_Bound
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# Posted: 13 Oct 2014 09:33am
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I'm going to +1 on the H&R Pardner, but I would get it in 20 gauge. 20 gauge shells are readily available and offer many options. The H&R Pardner is mechanically very simple so there are few moving parts to create problems. A little oil now and then and it will be good for your lifetime. The firearm is also (relatively) inexpensive and has no collector and small resale value, so is no specific theft target- unlike just about every other option.
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SE Ohio
Member
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# Posted: 13 Oct 2014 09:45am
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I like the "breakable" single shot guns in that it provides an extra level of safety when "broken open" (my apologies if these aren't the technical terms). One can see if it is loaded, can easily check for barrel obstructions, etc. I usually walk around with mine open until time to shoot. Closing it up with shell loaded sends a special "click" message to a problematic human, much like pumping a shotgun. 
A used 20 gauge single can usually be had for under $100 USD, possibly as low as $50 in some areas, so minimal heartbreak if stolen.
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Salty Craig
Member
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# Posted: 13 Oct 2014 07:10pm
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I have an old single shot New England 12 gauge on my cabin wall that my Dad gave me for Christmas one year when I was a kid. It will nearly relocate my shoulder when fired, but I love it. It seems a lot like the above mentioned H&R. A trusty single shot is safe and reliable. Also not worth much to a thief. I think it was around $79 back in the day, but still very affordable today. The most important thing is be responsible with all guns.
Salty Craig
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yankeesouth
Member
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# Posted: 14 Oct 2014 04:00pm
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I really like a 410....that's a fun little gun. But for the sake of keeping at a cabin for whatever comes a knocking....I would go with a 20 gauge at minimum. Cheap ammo and you can get it anywhere. Not that a 410 is a tiny bore but a slug coming out of a 20 or 12 gauge can do a lot more!
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turkeyhunter
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# Posted: 14 Oct 2014 07:38pm
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I use a NEF 410 survivor at my camp..its a rattle killer/armadillo killer...and small varmints control as well...
and place a 410 slug or a 410 buck shot...and kill a deer for supper of needed...
but a 20 gauge is a good camp gun as well.
for protection get a 20 gauge rem 870 pump (used one) for camp with 00 buck.
I keep a 12 gauge at camp as well...an a AR15
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1300_stainless
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# Posted: 15 Oct 2014 10:17am - Edited by: 1300_stainless
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I pack a Winchester 12 gauge "camp defender" model. I'm not making that up, it's actually the model name. It has a larger magazine tube, 21" barrel with rifle sights and is threaded for chokes. They were only made a short time.
Something similar to that in 20 gauge is what I'd recommend for you. Turkey models usually have a barrel that is shorter than a duck gun and threaded for chokes. Makes it easier in the bush but a bit better at long range than a short "tactical" barrel.
Not sure if you can get them in 20 gauge but I always load a "bear banger" in last (so it's the first round to get chambered). You fire it in the air and it makes a terribly loud bang. Idea is that perhaps you can scare an animal away before it becomes a problem and you need a lethal round.
There is always the option of a 12 gauge with the addition of a quality recoil pad and reduced recoil loads as well.
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spoofer
Member
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# Posted: 15 Oct 2014 11:09pm
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Remington model 870 20 gauge. $249 at Dicks a few weeks ago. It's the only gun you will ever need.
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Malamute
Member
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# Posted: 16 Oct 2014 05:34pm
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From what I understand, the newer economy 870's aren't the same gun as the older ones or the top of the line guns. They have some internal parts that are cheaper (stamped and plastic, burrs on parts) and have caused problems for some people.
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rmak
Member
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# Posted: 17 Oct 2014 05:52pm
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I wound up buying an H & R 20 gage at an on sale price. Thanks everyone for the good advice and lively conversation. I got a big pile of zucchini out back left over from our garden. The boys and I might just have to have a zucchini massacre.
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Fanman
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# Posted: 11 Nov 2014 07:44pm
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Good choice. I bought a H&R 20ga with slug barrel for my daughter for her 12th birthday (same year she got her junior hunting license). With the right slugs it's a tack driver! She had fun telling her classmates about it...
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TheWildMan
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# Posted: 13 Nov 2014 09:57am
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ok, a couple of things to consider, an antique will probably be fine, old guns are well made and a 410 is very low power, so you shouldn't have trouble with a single shot or double barrel. but cheap is the issue, an antique in working condition is probably not cheap. i have seen old 410 double barrel guns go for over $400 when someone is actually selling one.
a 22 rimfire would be better for a cheap gun, a new mossberg 702 plinkster goes for about 100 bucks. more than enough to put down a coyote or a raccoon.
leaving it at the cabin would be the issue, cabins and camps are often broken into by people looking to steal guns left by hunters, etc.
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nimrod
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# Posted: 16 Nov 2014 04:01pm
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I disagree about wasting your money on Brenneke slugs and there penetration compared to other slugs on the market. Buy federal 12 ga rifled slugs ( for a smooth bore shot gun )Just as good and less expensive. IMO
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redlandfd
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# Posted: 16 Nov 2014 09:41pm
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I keep a Mossberg 20 gauge, 3 shot pump. Good for varmits, snakes, but also good for bird, rabbit, and deer (with a slug) hunting. About 100 bucks used. 12 gauges are good too and have more punch, but with neighbors, Id go with a 20.
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