Best combat shotgun

[BigBear]

Are you going to argue that the best combat shotgun is a side by side?

Only if it's a 4-bore! HAHAHAHAHA!

[Graves]

3-gun is not "Combat." It is a game. The targets dont shoot back. That is why this thread makes me laugh.

If you want to know what shotgun can hold up for lots of fast shooting like in 3-gun or skeet/trap/SC, I can chime in.

I know of only a handful of people on this site that have spent time in a war zone. And maybe one or two of them might have carried a shotgun. Every time I have been deployed, all I had was a simple M9 and I didnt get to shoot it, not even once. And that is fine with me.

This.
A shotgun has it's place, so if you can nail your target with one chances are a follow up shot won't be too critical. If there are waves of em comin your way even the most "combat" ready shotty won't save your ass so kiss it goodbye.

[275RLTW]

This.
A shotgun has it's place, so if you can nail your target with one chances are a follow up shot won't be too critical. If there are waves of em comin your way even the most "combat" ready shotty won't save your ass so kiss it goodbye.

The combat shotgun is not for "waves of 'em." It's a multi purpose CQB tool. It is used to breaching, deploying chemical/less lethal munitions, and for close target engagement. Anyone using a shotgun for holding back the hordes, is either intentionally dying a glorious death or out of other reasonable options. Some of the critera suggested for a "combat" shotgun are misguided and unrealistic. As an instructor and more importantly, someone who has used a shotgun in combat, let me suggest more appropriate critera and why:

1) Reliability: the firearm must not only work everytime, but for everyone, and with various types of ammunition. If the gun won't run, it's useless and extra weight. Pumps are preferred as there is less moving parts to get dirt in, less things that can potentially break (less parts for the armorer to stock), and less weight. Anyone should be able to pick it up and utilize it effectively, to include reloading. Transitioning from breaching rounds to lethal rounds (although targets can be neutralized with breaching rounds!) without tubes or magazines is often the simplest method for MOST shooters, especially under duress.

2) Durability: It has to be able to get to the fight to be an effiective tool. If it cannot handle being tossed around a vehicle, dropped in dirt/mud/snow/blood, strapped to your kit while running/jumping/climbing, exposure to small blasts from NFDD's/grenades/IED, and just getting beat around in general...then it is a waste of space and effort. I've seen the charging handles of auto shotguns broken off, stocks shattered, and barrels bent. IT SHOULD STILL WORK! (I didn't say be a tackdriver, but function) If not, get rid of it.

3) Availability: if you don't have it ready, it's not a tool, it's a paperweight. As mentioned before, a combat shotgun is a multi purpose tool. If you have to wait for the guy to get into position with a 28" barrel...too late. If it costs too much and your commander is not willing or able to spend that much for them, it's useless. If you have to figure out how to work it because you did not get sufficient time and recources to train with it (not just the shooter, the entire team/unit), it's useless. Tools only work when there is need and oppertunity. If the oppertunity passes by, it's not an effective tool.

I specifically left out some of the critera mentioned before and here is why. Benefits like accuracy, recoil management, and "faster follow on shots" are more functions of the operator, and less of the equipment. I consider them benefits because they are things that are better improved upon by training, not gear. Having a peice of equipment that makes them easier are benefits, not necessities. Training is a necessity. Training with less beneficial equipment make the use of the cool stuff that much easier. I'm not suggesting that we need to work with single shot rifles for practice, however training with a racegun setup for concealed carry, or combat for that matter, can be counter productive.

"In the end, it is not about the hardware, it's about the "software". Amateurs talk about hardware (equipment), professionals talk about software (training and mental readiness)" Lt. Col. Dave Grossman. On Combat



As mentioned before, this thread is about a combat shotgun. While there are as many options as there are members here, this is a very specific use. There are much better choices for 3 gun, home defense, clays, etc... When looking for a combat shotguh, I suggest using the critera above before anything else.


Stay safe...

[Irving]

I appreciate the realism that Hoser and Coloccw bring to this thread. I've personally never experienced combat, and very likely never will. With that point made several times now, what is the best shotgun for a first date? I think people are more likely to be put into that position.

[275RLTW]

what is the best shotgun for a first date?

this one

[BigBear]

this one

Winner! HAHA.

[Irving]

Winner indeed. I got all the info I needed. Thanks guys!

[Hoopty]

You need to practice it more. It isnt hard or slow.

Hard no, slow yes. I've been shooting 870's for a long damn time, and you're right, its not difficult at all.

If you can reload 10 rounds in under a second, I give you mad props.

[Hoser]

If you can reload 10 rounds in under a second, I give you mad props.

Right back at you.

If you can reload a Siaga in 1.0 seconds or less I will give you mad props.

[DeusExMachina]

What's the best shotgun for a bris?