If you’re going off the grid and you’re looking for a firearm that can really pack a punch, a shotgun is right up your alley. Shotguns can serve as both hunting and self-defense weapons, making them a perfect choice for the prepper.
Follow along as we take a look at some top shotguns that fit the bill for protection.
1. BENELLI
Product: M4 H2O Telescoping Stock
MSRP: $2,300
SPECS:
Available Calibers: 12-gauge
Barrel Length: 18.5 in.
Overall Length: 40 in.
Weight Empty: 7.8 lbs
Capacity: 7 rounds
Defining Features:
This shotgun has a simple, easy-to-maintain recoil operating system, a ghost ring sight and textured areas molded into the stock and forearm for a better grip.
Manufacturer’s Comment:
“An extended magazine turns the tables on trouble!”
2. BENELLI
Product: M2 Tactical
MSRP: $1,469
SPECS:
Available Calibers: 12-gauge
Barrel Length: 18.5 in.
Overall Length: 39.75 in.
Weight Empty: 6.7 lbs
Capacity: 5 rounds
Defining Features:
This shotgun has a simple, easy-to-maintain recoil operating system, a ghost ring sight and textured areas molded into the stock and forearm for a better grip.
Manufacturer’s Comment:
“The ConforTech stock reduces felt recoil by nearly 50 percent!”
3. EUROPEAN AMERICAN ARMORY CORP.
Products: SARPA
MSRP: $369
SPECS:
Available Calibers: 12-gauge
Barrel Length: 18.5 in.
Overall Length: 38.9 in.
Weight Empty: 5.7 lbs
Capacity: 5 rounds
Defining Features:
Imported from Turkey, the SAR features a Polymer stock with a comfortable pistol grip, ghost ring sights and a picatinny receiver rail. It has a dual, smooth, reliable action bar. Other features include a traditional machined thread on barrel extension and cross trigger block. Made from aircraft-quality, machined (not cast aluminum) receiver. The stock and forend are produced from the highest-quality polymers, with the proper thickness of polymer throughout the part.
Manufacturer’s Comment:
“Now you can buy the SARSA direct from the original manufacturer and by-pass the name game price mark-ups.”
4. FNH USA
Product: SLP Tactical
MSRP: Starting at $1,171
SPECS:
Available Calibers: 12-gauge
Barrel Length: 18 in.
Overall Length: 39 in.
Weight Empty: 7.4 lbs
Capacity: 6 rounds
Defining Features:
Active valve gas operating system, hard-chromed bore and three-inch chamber, interchangeable recoil in cheekpiece pads for a custom fit, ghost-ring sights, MIL-STD-1913 receiver rail and accessory rail on extended magazine.
Manufacturer’s Comment:
“The most versatile self-loading shotgun ever made—period.”
5. O.F. MOSSBERG & SONS
Product: 930 SPX Pistol Grip
MSRP: $848
SPECS:
Available Calibers: 12-gauge
Barrel Length: 18.5 in.
Overall Length: 38 in.
Weight Empty: 7.75 lbs
Capacity: 7 rounds
Defining Features:
The 940 SPX features an extended magazine tube, ghost-ring aperture rear sight, winged fiber optic front sight, and picatinny rail on the receiver. In addition, it has a full-length synthetic stock with a pistol grip for comfort.
Manufacturer’s Comment:
“Comes fully factory assembled with free gun lock and two-year limited warranty.”
6. O.F. MOSSBERG & SONS
Product: 500 Tactical
MSRP: $705
SPECS:
Available Calibers: 12-gauge
Barrel Length: 18.5 in.
Overall Length: 38.5 in.
Weight Empty: 6.75 lbs
Capacity: 5 rounds
Defining Features:
A Marinecote finish fights corrosion, making the 500 Tactical an all-weather peace keeper. Other features include an adjustable tactical stock, sling swivels and hang-in loop on the forend.
Manufacturer’s Comment:
“A perfect weapon for home defense that features the standard high-quality level of Mossberg products.”
7. REMINGTON
Product: Remington Model 870 Express Tactical Blackhawk Spec Ops II
MSRP: $638
SPECS:
Available Calibers: 12-gauge
Barrel Length: 18 in.
Overall Length: Adjustable
Weight Empty: 7 lbs
Capacity: 6 rounds
Defining Features:
The Model 870 offers six rounds of threat-stopping power waiting in its extended magazine. A recoil reduction system and seven-position LOP adjustable tactical buttstock are other standard features.
Manufacturer’s Comment:
“The 870’s reliable weapon system adapts to the individual operator for optimum effectiveness.”
8. SERBU ARMS, INC.
Product: Super-Shorty
MSRP: $775-975
SPECS:
Available Calibers: 12-gauge
Barrel Length: 6.5 in., 9 in., 12 in.
Overall Length: 26.1 in.
Weight Empty: 4.5-6 lbs
Capacity: 2, 3, 4 rounds
Defining Features:
The Super-Shorty is individually created from Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 “host guns.” Its features include a fold-down front grip that spreads recoil over both hands and flips up for discreet carry. Note: this shotgun is classified as an AOW (Any Other Weapon) and is not available to all individuals or in every state.
Manufacturer’s Comment:
“A great gun for home defense that’s used by law enforcement agencies, military personnel, and in countless action movies!”
9. ITHACA
Product: Model 37 Defense
MSRP: $685
SPECS:
Available Calibers: 12-gauge
Barrel Length: 18.5 in.
Overall Length: 38 in.
Weight Empty: 7 lbs
Capacity: 5 rounds
Defining Features:
- Lightweight and maneuverable, the Model 27 offers a crisp, rifle-like trigger pull.
- Choice of walnut wood or black synthetic stock.
Manufacturer’s Comment:
“The Model 37 Defense offers great kick-reducing properties thanks to a Pachmayr decelerator recoil pad.”
10. STOEGER INDUSTRIES
Product: P-350 Defense—Pistol Grip
MSRP: $379
SPECS:
Available Calibers: 12-gauge
Barrel Length: 18.5 in.
Overall Length: 39.75 in.
Weight Empty: 6.4 lbs
Capacity: 4 rounds
Defining Features:
Chambered for up to 3½-inch shells, this gun’s familiar pump action cycles quickly. A contoured pistol grip and blade front sight round out the features.
Manufacturer’s Comment:
“The P-350 comes with a red-bar front sight that provides fast and consistent target acquisition.”
Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared in the April 2013 print issue of American Survival Guide.