WTB Wanted: Inexpensive pump shotgun for a lady

[HEX]

So, there's a story here.

My girlfriend has a permit and all, but has expressed interest in having a home defense shotgun; as she doesn't feel comfortable at home alone during the week (when she isn't here) alone and in the middle of nowhere. The problem though is that she has what I consider to be an unrealistic expectation of price. Although it's also true that I don't have much (at all) to spend, she has made it clear that even as a gift (though she would still technically be the purchaser legally) she doesn't want something like a NIB Maverick from a shop, based on cost to either of us. Unrealisic or no, I'm not really willing to make much of an argument about it. She's definitely open to (and prefers really) the idea of something used. Some kind of youth model might even be optimal because she's a very small lady. Any gauge is fine, but maybe even a 20 or 410 might be better.

So, I'm wondering if someone local(ish) has an old 500 , or Maverick, or a less expensive turkish made gun, or whatever, that can be acquired a little cheaper and will maybe meet her standards of price and make her happy and get her better armed at home.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

B.E.L. Custom Firearms | Rock Island Armory, Meriva, Pump Action, 12GA, 18.5" Barrel, 5+1 Round, Black Synthetic Stock
$153.67

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Here's a 20ga if 12 is too much. $186.02 B.E.L. Custom Firearms | H&R Pardner Pump 20 ga 21" 3" Black Synthetic Black Finish

 

[HEX]

B.E.L. Custom Firearms | Rock Island Armory, Meriva, Pump Action, 12GA, 18.5" Barrel, 5+1 Round, Black Synthetic Stock
$153.67

Something like that is probably a good idea I think and I've certainly thought about it. I was just hoping to get something done quickly and locally, but more than likely it'll be a matter of going with something like that.
Thanks for pointing it out. Any deals like that are definitely welcome here.

 

[Podmonkey]

What about a 9mm carbine? That would also be a great self defense tool.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Something like that is probably a good idea I think and I've certainly thought about it. I was just hoping to get something done quickly and locally, but more than likely it'll be a matter of going with something like that.

Honestly, you probably won't do better. I new gun at that price? I mean, even if you do find someone local who has a good condition shotgun, you'd still have to arrange a time you can both meet at an ffl and the gun may not be in the right condition or they may want too much for it. If you have a dealer you like that will order for you, it should only take a few days assuming they can get these models.

 

[HEX]

What about a 9mm carbine? That would also be a great self defense tool.

I'd probably agree with you, but she's fairly set on a pump gun I think. It may actually be the better choice with her level of experience with firearms (not very much) anyway. Also, it would be much harder I think to find a decent carbine within her craz..er.. I mean.. frugal.. price expectations than it would a simple 'ol pump gun.

 

[GOYABEAN]

Chiappa CF930156 Honcho 14 For Sale - ClassicFirearms.com

Hatfield USH20BYW SNG Shot For Sale - ClassicFirearms.com

Dickinson XX3BS282 Commando 28" For Sale - ClassicFirearms.com

Dickinson XX3B-M-2 Marine Pump Action 12 Gauge 18.5

Dickinson Commando XX3B-2, Pump Action, 12 Gauge, 18.5

Dickinson XX3D-2 Tactical 12 Ga 18.5

Rock Island Armory TK103 Traditional Single Shot 12 Ga 20

 

[Twogunwilly]

I'd sell you a mossberg 600ct 20 gauge for $100. if you weren't 3 hours south. Just need to bob off 10" of barrel and most the stock for a sexy HD gun.

 

[HEX]

@GOYABEAN Some good options in there, thanks. I don't know anything about those Dickinsons or their quality , but seem to fit the bill nicely. Mind you, I expect this will be a gun that rarely, if ever, gets touched beyond maybe a test fire. She's not a shooter, it's just for her peace of mind really that it's there. She's definitely not into a single shot though. That was specifically mentioned as a requirement in our conversation.

I'd sell you a mossberg 600ct 20 gauge for $100. if you weren't 3 hours south. Just need to bob off 10" of barrel and most the stock for a sexy HD gun.

Ah man, that would be absolutely perfect. That's pretty much exactly why I posted this here, for something just like that. That 3/6 hours though, yeah that's an issue..heh

 

[PA Guns & Ammo]

Hex, where is "local"?

 

[ArmedCorgi]

I'd sell you a mossberg 600ct 20 gauge for $100. if you weren't 3 hours south. Just need to bob off 10" of barrel and most the stock for a sexy HD gun.

Pics?

 

[Vapor]

H&R Pump 20GA Shotgun For Sale 72282 - ClassicFirearms.com

H&R 1871 INC Pardner NP1P18 For Sale - Classic Firearms


Chinese 870 made better than a real 870. I have had one for years. Made like a tank.

 

[HEX]

Hex, where is "local"?

I'm in the Highland/New Paltz area in Ulster County NY

 

[Eddie Gunks]

@GOYABEAN .


Ah man, that would be absolutely perfect. That's pretty much exactly why I posted this here, for something just like that. That 3/6 hours though, yeah that's an issue..heh

Ship it. Post office will be $10. Transfer $20-30.

Easy as pie

 

[Sixbennetts]

My wife loves my braced Shockwave. Length of pull is under 13½", and a 14" barrel makes a very snug little package. I also use the Opsol mini-clip 2.0, and Challenger minishells, which gives me 10 rounds in the tube.

Bet you could find a used Shockwave cheap.

 

[HEX]

My wife loves my braced Shockwave. Length of pull is under 13½", and a 14" barrel makes a very snug little package. I also use the Opsol mini-clip 2.0, and Challenger minishells, which gives me 10 rounds in the tube.
Bet you could find a used Shockwave cheap.]

I did recently just miss a deal on some site that had 20g shockwave for $240 or something like that. Somewhat over 'budget' but would have absolutely been worth it for something that fit her size and without a ton of weight and all. They're back up over $350 now. Even if I had the money for a gift (which I really don't) , she simply refuses any option that's over that somewhere around $150 mark. I'd have to convince her even into that I think, and I don't expect easily so. This is a woman (whom I love very much and would not say anything bad about) who puts a lot of work every day into playing 'payout' phone games as much as possible to earn pennies a day, in addition to working a full time government job. She's better off financially than I am for sure (I'm in a very bad spot with health problems and their costs and such), but despises the idea of either of us spending anything on this, even though it would surely bring her significant peace of mind.

I guess I shouldn't really complain that my lady wants me to spend LESS on her in all instances.
In a weird way though her very frugal nature, while honestly admirable, does occasionally make things (like this thing) possibly more difficult than it needs to be. This also covers why I sometimes need to eat food from Aldi's against my will (mentioned in another thread..hehe)

 

[tirwin1]

You may want to consider some low recoil ammo as well. I have used these and there is definitely a difference.

Fiocchi Exacta 12 ga 00 BUCK LOW RECOIL 12LE00BK 10 rnd/box [E-12LE00BK-10] - $4.80 : Ammo Supply Warehouse

 

[HEX]

You may want to consider some low recoil ammo as well. I have used these and there is definitely a difference.
Fiocchi Exacta 12 ga 00 BUCK LOW RECOIL 12LE00BK 10 rnd/box [E-12LE00BK-10] - $4.80 : Ammo Supply Warehouse

Yeah, I planned to hook her up with some low-recoil stuff from my own stash probably. If I could, I'd just give her one of my own guns, but the only shotgun I currently own (I'm just not a shotgun guy) is a Mossy 590 with all the bells and whistles (too much really), and it's a bit much for her in terms of weight and all..and of course would leave me shotgun-less. If it were the right gun for her at all I'd probably do it anyway and just replace my own with something eventually, thus leaving us both with better quality guns in the long run, but it really isn't.

 

[Vapor]

Interesting she wants a shotgun. 20 ga is still plenty of wallop.


Mine much prefers a PCC because its just like her .22 manual of arms wise. She is well practiced with her .22, and doesn't care for shotgun recoil.

 

[Podmonkey]

@GOYABEAN Some good options in there, thanks. I don't know anything about those Dickinsons or their quality , but seem to fit the bill nicely. Mind you, I expect this will be a gun that rarely, if ever, gets touched beyond maybe a test fire. She's not a shooter, it's just for her peace of mind really that it's there. She's definitely not into a single shot though. That was specifically mentioned as a requirement in our conversation.


Ah man, that would be absolutely perfect. That's pretty much exactly why I posted this here, for something just like that. That 3/6 hours though, yeah that's an issue..heh

If she is not willing to practice with it on the regular a firearm will be a liability for her.
It is not realistic, nor wise, to just buy some cheap thing and stick it in the closet or under the bed for years and then expect it to be of any use in an emergency. For her own sake you need to explain to her that keeping a firearm for self defense is a grave responsibility. One that requires an investment of time, money, and mindset. If she is not willing to make these investments I honestly don't think she should get a gun. Maybe a taser, or pepper spray, a suitable canine or self defense training would be better options for her.

Ask her to consider this, very, very carefully:
If she needs to use that gun in self defense but finds herself unable to make that shot, either mentally or because her lack of training renders her unable to, that attacker will disarm her. Then that attacker has that gun and is a deadly threat not only to herself but to all her neighbors and to anyone that attacker may choose to assault in the future.

When we keep a gun for self defense we are not fucking around.

 

[HEX]

Interesting she wants a shotgun. 20 ga is still plenty of wallop.
Mine much prefers a PCC because its just like her .22 manual of arms wise. She is well practiced with her .22, and doesn't care for shotgun recoil.

Well, I think that in her train of thought 'plenty of wallop' is very much the point. She's not a precision or well practiced shooter by any means, but she's 'country raised' and is familiar enough with method of operation of a pump gun. I think she's just looking for a serious stopper that she has some familiarity with already. I don't think she's wrong in that, though it might not be my personal preference. She might have interest in a PCC if she had some experience with it, but I don't even own one myself anymore post-SAFE. She's expressed interest in really learning a lot more about guns in general, which is very cool and something I can do for her to some degree, but particularly because my own health issues have so much impact on me the ability to get out and really shoot is very limited..if not nil. So, I can provide her with knowledge, and experience of far more training in the past than most people really, but not so much in actual real world application. Given all this, I think maybe she's right to go with a very basic pump gun.

 

[Podmonkey]

Well, I think that in her train of thought 'plenty of wallop' is very much the point. She's not a precision or well practiced shooter by any means, but she's 'country raised' and is familiar enough with method of operation of a pump gun. I think she's just looking for a serious stopper that she has some familiarity with already. I don't think she's wrong in that, though it might not be my personal preference. She might have interest in a PCC if she had some experience with it, but I don't even own one myself anymore post-SAFE. She's expressed interest in really learning a lot more about guns in general, which is very cool and something I can do for her to some degree, but particularly because my own health issues have so much impact on me the ability to get out and really shoot is very limited..if not nil. So, I can provide her with knowledge, and experience of far more training in the past than most people really, but not so much in actual real world application. Given all this, I think maybe she's right to go with a very basic pump gun.

Given all that then, yes a pump gun would be a good choice. I really think she should, if able, increase her budget to the point where she can purchase a Mossberg 500. Those aren't exactly expensive and its something I would trust my life to.

 

[HEX]

If she is not willing to practice with it on the regular a firearm will be a liability for her.
It is not realistic, nor wise, to just buy some cheap thing and stick it in the closet or under the bed for years and then expect it to be of any use in an emergency. For her own sake you need to explain to her that keeping a firearm for self defense is a grave responsibility. One that requires an investment of time, money, and mindset. If she is not willing to make these investments I honestly don't think she should get a gun. Maybe a taser, or pepper spray, a suitable canine or self defense training would be better options for her.

Ask her to consider this, very, very carefully:
If she needs to use that gun in self defense but finds herself unable to make that shot, either mentally or because her lack of training renders her unable to, that attacker will disarm her. Then that attacker has that gun and is a deadly threat not only to herself but to all her neighbors and to anyone that attacker may choose to assault in the future.

When we keep a gun for self defense we are not fucking around.

Yes, of course I get it. I won't go into too much detail for OPSEC purposes, but I'm only implying that she isn't as experienced as many of us.. bare in mind that while I never do or ever will explain some things on here, for various reasons my standards are high in terms of what 'trained' means. Could she use more training ? Sure, but who couldn't really ? She is not entirely inexperienced, and she is not only already armed but also very much of a correct mindset in terms of the appropriate level of hesitancy (or lack thereof) in self-defense. It isn't a concern.
She is very kind and sweet, but a bleeding heart for criminals or anyone intending to do her any harm whatsoever she is most certainly not...heh

 

[Podmonkey]

Yes, of course I get it. I won't go into too much detail for OPSEC purposes, but I'm only implying that she isn't as experienced as many of us.. bare in mind that while I never do or will explain some things on here, for various reasons my standards are high in terms of what 'trained' means. Could she use more training ? Sure, but who couldn't really ? She is not entirely inexperienced, and she is not only already armed but also very much of a correct mindset in terms of the appropriate level of hesitancy (or lack thereof) in self-defense. It isn't a concern.
She is very kind and sweet, but a bleeding heart for criminals or anyone intending to do her any harm whatsoever she is most certainly not...heh

Unwillingness to spend a few hundred bucks on a trustworthy self defense tool just sets alarm bells of for me is all.

 

[BDinPutnam]

@HEX if I get it correctly she has a pistol permit (potentially a pistol as well) but wants a long gun for peace of mind, and simplicity of manual of arms, for reasons not needing explaining?

I am going to second the Mossberg 500, in 20 gauge if I got it right here. And I do have it right here because its my wife's bedside for similar reasons.

 

[Podmonkey]

@HEX if I get it correctly she has a pistol permit (potentially a pistol as well) but wants a long gun for peace of mind, and simplicity of manual of arms, for reasons not needing explaining?

I am going to second the Mossberg 500, in 20 gauge if I got it right here. And I do have it right here because its my wife's bedside for similar reasons.

If she is a country girl with experience on pump guns I bet she could handle a 12 gauge just fine.
With reduced recoil loads a 12 isn't bad at all.
And such loads don't even give up anything in terms of terminal effect. I use reduced recoil loads myself for faster follow ups.

 

[HEX]

Unwillingness to spend a few hundred bucks on a trustworthy self defense tool just sets alarm bells of for me is all.

I completely understand why. I do. Obviously over a text based medium, and without really seeing into people's lives, some things are just hard to explain or know. All I can really say is that from my perspective her unwillingness to spend money on self-defense(or for me to spend money), and her views and/or abilities toward self-defense are two entirely disconnected things. I perfectly understand why that doesn't seem entirely logical... because it isn't, it just is what it is.

 

[Vapor]

I would hit up a mossberg or a Pardner.

I have owned about 4 examples of each.

Ironically, the American made 500 persuader 20" I had was the only one that had to be sent back for head spacing issues. Mossberg fixed it....but the Chinese pardners never had a hiccup...

 

[whauburger]

just figured I'd toss this at ya, was just in Walmart in Middletown and saw this in the case and thought of you.