[cwells]

I've read that a youth model 20 gauge makes for a good home defense weapon due to it's ease of handling and typical short length. Anyone currently using one for this purpose? Or even a 20 gauge with 18.5" barrel?

 

[Thunder71]

I have a Winchester Ranger Youth set up for my wife, just in case... I really like it, but it was my first gun 30 years ago or so.

 

[Bob R]

I have a 20g youth model, I personally don't use it for HD. But, the next time I visit my daughter, I will be giving it to her for that purpose.I think it will be just the ticket, rather than a HD 12 gauge. I think the smaller size and reduced recoil will both be a bonus for her.

bob

 

[DirtyMike]

why not, shorter barrel less recoil......go for it, dont think the bad dude is going to care what gauge he got shot with while intruding in your house

 

[rice paddy daddy]

My wife had a Remington 870 Youth Model 20 ga that fit her perfectly, and was good for me too, and I'm 6'3" 225 lbs. For an unforseen financial emergency it had to be sold, but now her shotgun is a Winchester 1300 Youth Model 20 ga. It also fits me fine. Loaded with #3 buckshot it will get the job done.

 

[BedroomHowitzer]

"During a home invasion, any gun you do have is better than a gun you don't have."

 

[MOONDAWG]

Since I personally don't know of anyone willing to stand in front of a load of 20 ga. buck shot I'd say it'll do OK for self defense, home or otherwise.

I have a 20" barreled semiauto youth model 20 ga. 3" magnum Hatsan "Escort" that's a delight to field on fast shooting high volume opening day dove shoots.

It's short and handy enough to wheel around house hold hallways too.

 

[Rcope822]

The only reason I have an 870 12ga. next to the bed instead of a 20 is simply because I have no room in my ammo locker to keep a proper inventory.

 

[rice paddy daddy]

The only reason I have an 870 12ga. next to the bed instead of a 20 is simply because I have no room in my ammo locker to keep a proper inventory.

When my wife discovered how much ammo I had in the house, she made me move it out to the barn.
I use an old, inoperative, refrigerator plus GI ammo cans to store it.
At present I'm stocking 20 different calibers and gauges, some of my milsurp stuff numbers in the thousands of rounds.
If you know how much ammo you have on hand without doing a physical inventory, you don't have enough.

 

[olhippy]

When my wife discovered how much ammo I had in the house, she made me move it out to the barn.
I use an old, inoperative, refrigerator plus GI ammo cans to store it.
At present I'm stocking 20 different calibers and gauges, some of my milsurp stuff numbers in the thousands of rounds.
If you know how much ammo you have on hand without doing a physical inventory, you don't have enough.

When I transferred from Tx. to here, I left my original safe and guns with my 29 year old son. Did not want to lug that beast around. Brought one handgun with me for protection. I bought a 10 gun safe here about 3-4 months ago and only have room for two more long guns and I`m sticking handguns wherever I find a slot in it. LOL, ammo shelf is full, and so far 3 ammo cans and a dresser drawer is almost full. Life is good . Anyway, I`m looking into a couple of 20 ga. I agree with who said," I don`t think the intruder is going to like getting hit with 20 or a 12." Shot is shot.

 

[Rcope822]

When my wife discovered how much ammo I had in the house, she made me move it out to the barn.
I use an old, inoperative, refrigerator plus GI ammo cans to store it.
At present I'm stocking 20 different calibers and gauges, some of my milsurp stuff numbers in the thousands of rounds.
If you know how much ammo you have on hand without doing a physical inventory, you don't have enough.

Daddy , when I said ammo locker , I meant spare bedroom.

 

[unknown]

12 ga or 20 ga, I don't think at close range there is not a lot of difference. Coroners report will just list it as a fatal shotgun wound.
Kinda like being stabbed, Grandma's paring knife or a $500 benchmade folder, your still stabbed and bleeding.

 

[rice paddy daddy]

A number of years ago, before I was able to completely fence our property, the wife and I came back from town one evening right at dusk to find a pack of feral dogs running the property. Fearing for our chickens, I ran inside and grabbed her Remington 870 20 ga, which just happened to be loaded with #6 birdshot.
I did a sweep around the house and chicken area, and finding nothing, returned to the house. My wife, standing on the back steps, yelled a warning. A rather large dog (turned out to be a pit bull) was charging me at close range, mouth open ready to tear me up.
I instinctively shouldered and fired in a blink of the eye (thank you, US Army training). I can tell you, at a range of five feet, that birdshot put the dog down instantly. (I gave him the other three in the magazine just in case).
However, that scenario could have gone the other way. If he had not dropped instantly, he would have been on me. That was too close for comfort. Now, my wife's 20 ga (Winchester 1300 now) stays loaded with 2 3/4" #3 buck, and I have a 12 ga loaded with OO buck.

 

[unknown]

Good advice, RPD.
I learned years ago to unload range/hunting ammo and load 00 or JHP in the pistol as soon as I get home.
Feral dogs out here is a real concern, a threat is a threat and a 20ga is a very adequate tool to use against any of them.

 

[Svgheartland]

I set up a Youth model 870 20 gauge for my wife and she loves it. I put an AR style stock on it so its not really functional as a field gun; you can't sight the thing now. A better stock would fix that. But meanwhile she has it by the toaster in the pantry and I feel better. For what it's worth, I didn't own anything but a 20 until I was in my 30's and everything from geese to gobblers we're brought in with it.

 

[olhippy]

I`m looking at a H&R Pardner Protector 20 ga. Synthetic stock. Looks perfect for home defense and 870 accessories fit it. I have an 12 870 but I manage apts. and live onsite. Walls are not the thickest and I would hate to take out my neighbor at the same time as an intruder. I believe a 20 with # 3 or 4 buck would be fine. Also have a double barrel 12 with rabbit ears.

 

[rjacobs]

The only difference between youth models and regular ones is generally the stock and the barrels are generally shorter. You can buy the shorter stocks from a ton of places and if you start with a shorter barrel already youre half way there.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

A number of years ago, before I was able to completely fence our property, the wife and I came back from town one evening right at dusk to find a pack of feral dogs running the property. Fearing for our chickens, I ran inside and grabbed her Remington 870 20 ga, which just happened to be loaded with #6 birdshot.
I did a sweep around the house and chicken area, and finding nothing, returned to the house. My wife, standing on the back steps, yelled a warning. A rather large dog (turned out to be a pit bull) was charging me at close range, mouth open ready to tear me up.
I instinctively shouldered and fired in a blink of the eye (thank you, US Army training). I can tell you, at a range of five feet, that birdshot put the dog down instantly. (I gave him the other three in the magazine just in case).
However, that scenario could have gone the other way. If he had not dropped instantly, he would have been on me. That was too close for comfort. Now, my wife's 20 ga (Winchester 1300 now) stays loaded with 2 3/4" #3 buck, and I have a 12 ga loaded with OO buck.

Buck is great insurance