I just bought a new Mossberg 590A1 pretty much option loaded. 12ga, 20" barrel, 8+1 capacity, 4 extra in stock, ghost ring sights, 41.5" overall length, parkerized finish and weighs in at 7lbs (empty lol). I had the cash and I wanted something that'll do damn near anything I need it to and last forever. Cost was 449.00 which was a deal. I also lucked into a Mossberg JIC setup with only 1 box of 25 shells through it for 125.00.. this was 3 days after i bought the 590A1.. go figure.
Really though.. for a home defense shotgun don't even think of spending 500.00! Your simply paying for unneeded specs. Think 300.00 range. If you want to spend more buy a 2nd one for the wife!
Use the rest for a recoil reducing stock and practice ammo. Check out these 2 Mossberg 500 models which will work just as well as anything else.
- 50411 (6+1, 18.5" barrel, 39.5" length) Cost: $323.00
- 50577 (7+1, 20" barrel, 41" length) Cost: $310.00
The 50411 has an included pistol grip but comes with the standard synthetic shotgun stock. Toss or sell the pistol grip on ebay. Highly recommend purchasing a
CompStock Shotgun Stock for the reduced felt recoil. I think I bought mine off Amazon for about 90.00. Well worth the money! Don't get caught up with all the "tactical" stocks and crap, you don't need them.
Since you have family and I'm guessing kids stick with 4 to 6 Shot. Slugs and double 00 buck WILL blow through your interior walls and often more then just one wall! They can both even go through the tile or sheetrock ceiling and the 5/8 or 3/4 sub flooring on the 2nd floor. Its just not safe to use if there are kids in the house.. especially if you feel the need to clear the house on your own before the police arrive (which I don't think is wise btw).
You should think of where the kids rooms are, as well as your master bedroom, access to them and line of sight. Are all the bedrooms on the same floor? Is there a bedroom in line of sight out your bedroom door or are they down hallways? Can you protect the kids from your bedroom position without having to leave the room?
Remember this is for defense! The BEST defense if you hear someone in the house is to simply defend your safe area.. the bedrooms at night. If you know the kids are safe and the intruders have to pass by you then that's where you stay, defend, call 911 and remain on the line.. don't hang up the phone.
Now the kids are safe, the police are on their way and you have a defensive position to stay safe. At this point you can yell out that you are armed and that the police have been called. Most intruders WILL leave at this point.
If you can defend and keep everyone safe until the police arrive then why leave the room and put yourself and family in unneeded danger? All it takes is for you to either not see the intruder(s) or to hesitate for even 1 second and then what.. they shoot you? Get close and fight over the gun? If it has 00 buck and goes off it could harm the kids.
So many people go on about whats needed and talk about walking through the house clearing it looking for the intruders. The absolute last thing you want to do as a parent is go looking for them unless you have no other choice. The legal costs in firing a weapon at an intruder can cost you 10s of 1000s of $$$ and even temporary jail time.
As stated here already I think was to take a defensive shotgun course. If there is a local gunshop in the area check out their store costs on the above shotguns and ask if they provide a course. While the gun cost will be higher most will discount a safety course if you buy from them.
Also.. know your local laws! They change from state to state and even your local city or township can have different bylaws. Some places allow you to protect with deadly force your family, home and property other areas only permit yourself, family and inside your home. Shooting someone on your doorstep or deck could land you in jail!
Sorry about the long post.. I just recently had a father argue with me over the importance of catching and detaining an intruder instead of allowing them to get away. Its also late! Take from it what you want, ignore the rest. Just remember.. home defense is MUCH more then just purchasing a gun!
Take care