PDA

View Full Version : Scattergun Thoughts


VegasGeorge
10-02-2007, 11:01 AM
I have a new toy, a Mossberg 930SPX. It's a 12 gauge auto loading riot gun. What they're calling these days, a "tactical shotgun." I'm having a lot of fun with it.

My previous experience with a shotgun was limited to shooting my father's 12 gauge Remington 1100 when I was a kid. I had it out rabbit hunting and plinking (can you "plink" with a shotgun?) many times. But, before buying my SPX, I hadn't handled a shotgun since I was senior in high school.

I've just started exploring the ammo available for it. From what I've read, different ammo will result in different patterns of shot placement. And, the same ammo will change patterns at different distances. So, a tactical shotgunner has to match his ammo to his gun's barrel, and know its patterning characteristics at different distances. Apart from that little complication, the velocity and penetration of the different loads and shot sizes needs to be considered. And, as if that weren't enough, rifled slug ammo needs to be chosen for longer range engagements. I foresee many happy hours at the range figuring all this out. :lol:

The SPX comes with a ghost ring rear sight, and an M16 style front sight. It already has an extended magazine. I put a Limbsaver butt pad on it yesterday. So, all I really need to add is a sling. Some shooters have dressed up their tactical shotguns with a shell caddy, light, and even a bayonet. But, I think that is a bit over the top.

Bill of Rights
10-02-2007, 11:48 AM
Congrats on your new toy, George!

I'd not discount the shell caddy, even with the extended mag. (Can you ever REALLY have "too much ammo"???) The light, I think I agree, though, as you have the advantage in your home in the dark. The bayonet, while possibly useful and looking really intimidating pales in comparison to the intimidation of racking that bad boy.

Also, re: your comment on different ammo making different patterns, have you ever tried flechette shells? I've not, but I'd sure be interested in seeing what they'd do to a target and comparing that to what could be expected to happen to a BG. (of course, if I was engaging outside my home, I might consider flamethrower rounds, but that's just from having looked over the ammo pages at gunbroker.com a few times too many.) May you enjoy and never need your SPX for other than target work.

Blessings,
M

BikerRN
02-12-2008, 02:08 AM
Given the choice of a handgun or a shotgun, and I've had to use both IRL, I will take the shotgun any day of the week.

My HD Shotgun has a sling and ammo caddy, as well as a front sight "enhancement" to help my middle aged eyes see the bead better. I'm not a big fan of lights on guns as I think they are "Bullet Magnets" but on a Home Defense shotty it may not be a bad idea. I have a MagLight duct tape to my forearm stock. What can I say, I'm cheap and it works. :)

Stay safe, enjoy your shotty and have fun.

Biker