A-Jay I have a Mossberg pump with an 18" barrel and a choice of a couple of handguns for home defense, depending on the situation. My first choice is a 9mm semiauto. I have trained with both, and I am more comfortable in tight quarters with a handgun. I was shocked at how small of a pattern you get with a 12 ga loaded with buckshot at SD distances, and how easy is it to miss when moving and shooting in a hurry. It is a formidable weapon though, and if I am hunkered down waiting for help to arrive it will be the gun in my hands. I like the 870 a little better than the Mossberg, but I got a good deal on the Mossberg. I also hope you never have to use it for its intended purpose, and if you do that it serve you well.

 

Thank you for your response.

 

It was a close call for us on the either the Remington or the Mossberg both have off the charts reliability.

Agreed, up close and personal a 00 buck pattern is tight. 

But it's a little wider than a single round of anything else.

My wife & I both have many hours with both a 9mm & the 12 ga. (both retired USCG)

The gun laws here changed here as of 1 Jan making ownership less of a PIA.

Accordingly local supplies are low.  We went with what we cold get and feel good about it.

 

I just got a call from the "Gun Gorilla - the Bait Monkey's Big Brother" and a 9 is in the works.

 

A-Jay

A-Jay I am only too familiar with the Gun Gorilla. At current prices he has less influence on me than he has had in the past. Still, like fishing gear, I have a very long wish list! And like fishing gear, I really don't need anything...