Brought to you by Heartland Outdoors 330-5774

     Mike Sanders of the KTOK News Department pulled me aside the other day and asked my advice for a good shotgun for self-defense; especially for his wife.  I couldn’t answer.  I grew up around guns, but not a lot of hunting.  I know shotguns, but have never owned nor shot one regularly.  I did what I always do when I don’t know-ask someone who does.

     David Elderton, who runs a lot of the shooting matches at Heartland Outdoors, also has a
business coaching marksmanship and making custom holsters and shooting gear.  He suggested the old fashioned Coach Gun.  This particular model is a Stoeger 12 gage. 

     Namesake of “Riding Shotgun” this side by side short barreled shotgun was chosen by the
guys who usually rode next to the driver on a stage coach.  As you can see it has grisly power at both short and longer ranges making it great for self-defense.  Compact and maneuverable this particular model has two triggers, the first for the right barrel, the second for the
left.  Each barrel has a separate choke so the shooter can determine which is best for their particular situation.  It also breaks down quickly for discreet transport.  Modern day
cowboys like to use it for matches.  It will run you $200.00 used to around $500.00 new.

     Want more than two shots? Consider the Benelli M-1 Super 90. 

     This is a shotgun specifically designed for combat and shooting matches.   This model has been modified with a Nordic Component magazine that holds 9 rounds, but smaller magazines are available for hunting.   This is a 12 gage wonder gun almost impossible to miss whether your shooting steel plates at 7 yds, flying clay pigeons at 20, buckshot at 35, slugs on steel at 100 yds, all without reloading.  This model runs around $700.00 but the modifications add up quickly.

12 Gage Shotgun
Positives:

-there are compact, maneuverable, and semi-automatic models
available.

-power and ease of accuracy, just point and shoot.

-affordable.

Negatives:

-lots more boom and kick for the buck, so be ready.

-it requires both hands. 

-although compact, maneuverable models are available they
are not as compact and maneuverable as a hand gun.

  David is available for private lessons,