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Posted: 1/15/2002 11:00:58 AM EDT
OK here is my question my mothers in her late 60's and a 12 ga is a lil too heavy for her. For home defense would a .410 do? I'm thinking if I load it with '00' or '000' Buck this should be good enough? Getting hit with 3 or 4 .30 cal balls at one time sounds good for defense, but will there be enough power behind it? What's opinions do we have out here? hinking.gif
Link Posted: 1/15/2002 11:06:39 AM EDT
[#1]
I'd personally get her a Youth Model 12 Gauge from Remington, Beretta or the like.  And load it with reduced recoil, reduced noise tactical loads.  Probably with #6's.
Link Posted: 1/15/2002 11:10:38 AM EDT
[#2]
Get her a light load like a bb. or  #8 for inside.

A 12ga would be fine with a 2 3/4 upland game load and a better spred.
Link Posted: 1/15/2002 12:13:33 PM EDT
[#3]
A .410 with 000 buck would be fine for defense.  Is it a single shot?  Double barrel?  Pump?  Auto?

I would hesitate to use any single shot gun for self defense.  1 miss and you could be hosed.  Double barrel?  Make sure it has a positive ejection, and practice thumbing shells.
Link Posted: 1/15/2002 12:19:16 PM EDT
[#4]
I forgot all about the youth models in 12 ga (no kids). If I go with .410 it will be a pump, but now the youth model may be a winner! Thanks folks.
hinking.gif
Link Posted: 1/15/2002 12:23:50 PM EDT
[#5]
The 12 ga youth would kick pretty hard, but if that is not an issue, go for it!
Link Posted: 1/15/2002 12:26:46 PM EDT
[#6]
Why not a 20 Ga. for both of you?  

I rather like the 20, the only real downside being the vast array of loads for the 12 ga. If you don't need flare loads, slugs with tracer, and #2 and three-eighths shot or something goofy like that, then go for a 20.

Link Posted: 1/15/2002 1:32:35 PM EDT
[#7]
Ive got about twenty extra 5 packs of 00 buck if you are looking for some
You also might consider an M1Carbine..20 rd mags...fairly same ballistics as .357 mag... fmj ammo soft nose readily available and cheap... minimal recoil
she might have fun blasting at the range...
Link Posted: 1/15/2002 7:43:52 PM EDT
[#8]
A Ruger Police Carbine in .40 S&W might also be worth looking at.
Link Posted: 1/15/2002 8:01:04 PM EDT
[#9]
A lot depends on how much strength she has. She might just be better off with a revolver. Does she have the necessary hand strength to load the weapon and rack the slide by herself? The Ruger Police Carbine is a neat idea, but can she load the magazines? How about clearing a malfunction in an auto or correcting a "shortstroking" problem in a shotgun? Every time I have to go to qualifications I see several people having problems because of shortstroking the shotgun.

So don't rule out a good reliable revolver. Something you know she can shoot and load/unload herself.

Good Shooting
RED
Link Posted: 1/15/2002 8:15:18 PM EDT
[#10]
I would think it would be plenty.  

And if you wanted your Mom to be the coolest Mom on the block, you could get her this .410 -



Winchester Model 9410
Link Posted: 1/16/2002 8:45:04 AM EDT
[#11]

Quoted:
OK here is my question my mothers in her late 60's and a 12 ga is a lil too heavy for her. For home defense would a .410 do? I'm thinking if I load it with '00' or '000' Buck this should be good enough? Getting hit with 3 or 4 .30 cal balls at one time sounds good for defense, but will there be enough power behind it? What's opinions do we have out here?



Yes the .410 has plenty of velocity. As a general rule shotgun shells are loaded to a constant velocity regardless of guage. So  .410 shotguns shoot pellets just as fast as your 3" magnum 12 guage, the only difference is how many pellets each round contains.

The reason for loading shotshells to a constant velocity is so that when shooting the various guages you can use the same leads.
Link Posted: 1/16/2002 9:13:46 AM EDT
[#12]
Even using a 3in shell .410 is minimal for home defense. By that I'm saying it's better than no gun at all. Get a .20 gauge if she needs something on the light side. Mossberg/Maverick make a pistol grip .20 gauge that she should be able to handle just fine.
Link Posted: 1/16/2002 9:48:26 AM EDT
[#13]
I will take her to the local shop to see what she can hold as far as weight, and then we will decide on action type for her. She doen't want a revolver or any type of pistol at all.
Thanks folks
Link Posted: 1/16/2002 10:10:06 AM EDT
[#14]
Mossberg HS410 Home Security

.410, pump action, 6 shot capacity (5+1), and a "spreader" choke.

Suggested retail is $335 , you can probably find it for less.

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