Is The Remington 870 Shotgun The Ultimate For Home Defense? 

For anyone watching this. Ingore everything this man said and go watch Paul Harrell's videos on shotguns. Period.

Many store their pump shotguns next to their nightstand in cruiser ready. Chamber empty. Safety on. Most if not all pump guns are not drop safe which means they could discharge if they fall. The hammer may drop regardless of whether the safety is on or off. If your shotgun is secured in a way to eliminate the possibility of falling, the question now becomes whether you want to be a round down. Most who carry a handgun do so with one in the pipe because if they need it, they need it right now. A loaded weapon means one in the chamber. Safety on. As to the sound of a pump being racked, that's your call. The only time anyone will hear my 870 getting racked is after the first round has gone down the pipe. There are those who do believe the sound of a shotgun being racked will scare the shit out of a bad guy. It might and it might not. Depends on the individual you are dealing with. What chemical additives they might be operating with. I can tell you I have seen it happen. I have also seen it have no effect whatsoever as the intruder was a fired up meth head. The reality is IF you have been there, you never want to have it happen again and if racking the pump gives the intruder one last chance, that is a choice you need to make for you. If given the choice between discharging the weapon and being raped and/or killed, at least one 12 gauge OO buckshot round is going on tour with the cure.

Everyone’s talking about the sound not working but i can confirm I’ve used it during a situation about 5 years ago and needless to say everyone dispersed immediately

I would love to know where this gets his knowledge and information from!!! Every shotgun myth know to man was exhibited by this guy!!! And the magpul stock is not made to help u hold the gun down! And the sound of a shotgun does not make criminals die of fright or run for their lives! The individual breaking into your home should never hear anything but a shotgun blast!!!!! That is it!

DON'T LISTEN TO THIS GUY

I have just retired after 33yrs as a police officer in a large city in Colorado. I have been a POST (Police Officer Standardized Training)certified since 1997. This is the state certification to train Officers. I am also NRA Police Officer certified and I was certified for pistol and shot gun. I would agree that the Remington shot gun is the quintessential Police shotgun. It is extremely reliable and any malfunction is easy to clear. For many people the 870 is great for home defense. But if you don't train with it turns into a large metal club very quickly. You described your shot gun and the number of rounds it will hold. you should also have a side saddle on it. gets heavy very quickly, many women and some men will have hard time moving this gun around and holding it at aim point. There is also the problem with short cycling the slide. I have watched many young officers have this problem under stress. Training will cure this but you have to train. Many people want the latest and greatest semi auto pistol but haven't really trained with it This is also a problem. The tend to limp wrist it and have a stove pipe or failure to feed. Another thing you need to consider is the spread of your pellets. Most short barrels spread at about 1 " a yard it doesn't take long before your loosing pellets on target. I always recommend a revolver to those who are new to guns and really aren't going to spend much time training. You point and pull the trigger. There is nothing to screw up as long as you keep it clean. No matter what you decide on you have to train. Have a plan for intruders. Know where the other members of your household are walls don't stop bullets very well.

The sound is not to be depended on.

"She had to retire it sadly. It broke her collar bone." LMFAO this video feels like a fail on many different levels

Don’t agree with everything he said but I WILL SAY THE SOUND DOES MAKE EM RUN. Had an alarm trigger in my house I got out of bed racked a round in the old 870, the sound echoed down my stairwell and the dude broke my glass storm door trying to get out he cut himself and left with nothing he got out before I even made it down the first four or five steps so for all the trigger happy idiots trying to discredit that infamous sound you’re flat out WRONG.

She was 79, it did break her collar bone...but I still recommend it... ARE YOU SERIOUS?

So, I do have 20 yrs. in law enforcement but that really doesn't matter much for what I'd like to say. Folks new to shotguns for home defense (especially older folks and many woman) imo should very strongly consider 20 gauge. No, let me rephrase..... FORGET 12 GAUGE. Chosen rounds can be a secondary considerations but there is no need in a confined 10 to 30 ft. (I said foot, not yard) range to beat yourself up with a 12 gauge shotgun period! I have 12 gauges as well, not my first choice in this application however. My round of choice in my small cape cod style home is 20 gauge TTTshot. Also imo because it's not practical to think you will have time to shoulder and aim your shotgun, especially with a barrel longer than 20", my specific shotgun is a Remington 20 gauge tac 14. This is my opinion, but I believe new to shotgun folks need to know this. Trust me on this.... from15 feet, one shot= end of fight.

4+1=5 add 2=7 not 8

That 870 looks great. I’m going to copy this. Thanks !

I believe that "racking your shotgun" should only be done in very specific circumstances. For example, I sleep with a loaded pistol on the nightstand with a round in the chamber. Next to my bed, I keep my 870 with 5 in the magazine tube, but I leave the chamber empty. The pistol is for a scenario where someone has already broken in, and I need quick access to a firearm. However, the shotgun is used if someone is trying to get in through a window or door, and I have the jump on him or them. This second scenario has actually happened to me. About a year ago, I was awaken by my dogs barking nervously at my bedroom window. Someone was attempting to pry the window open with a screwdriver! Startled, I leaped out of bed and grabbed the trusty boom-stick, and yelled, "Get out, I have a gun," from a covered position. Yet the prying continued. It was then when I loudly worked the action, and took aim at the window. That racking sound lead to the perp saying, "Go! Go!" to his accomplice, and they finally ran off, knocking over my trash cans.

Lots of negative critique regarding "warning" intruders. The point is to NOT harm somebody! Everybody would agree that it is better to NOT kill somebody.

Thanks for sharing, but I would caution to people taking this I advice. I respectfully disagree. An AR15, with a 16” barrel, is going to be the most common platform available, more simple to operate, have a generously increased magazine capacity, and not weigh as much compared to a shotgun. You also shave off 2” in barrel length compared to the minimum 18” needed for a shotgun, thus allowing you to maneuver a bit better. 8p, reduced recoil, 00buck also kicks more than your average 55gr .223, or even the heavier 77gr 5.56 pills. The fixed position stock on a shotgun is also inferior to the AR15’s adjustable length of pull on 99% of aftermarket/OEM buttstocks. If someone else in the household needed to use the same HD weapon, it may not best be suited for them. Furthermore, .223 or 5.56 within such a close distance will also defeat level 3a body armor, where as any round in shotgun, including slugs, will not. The only downsides I can honestly think of using an AR would be legality/court issues in such a situation occurring in a non-gun friendly state, and the higher decibel rating from a rifle. (Although, permanent hearing damage will 100% occur regardless of which firearm/caliber is used, without hearing pro) I personally love my 870 marine magnum, and am ready to go to town if shit hits the fan. But I would argue that the AR15 is much more suitable and tame for the average person. By the way, racking your shotgun to “scare off” an intruder seems cool but in reality is a retarded idea. You give away your position and if the person is on drugs, they won’t tell the difference. Let your blasts do all the talking.

right next to me is my Ruger sr40c but for things that go bump in the night and u go to check it out can't beat a 12 gauge close range

I think your math is a little off... You're correct that 4 in the tube plus 1 in the chamber equals 5 but then you added a plus 2 extension tube to make it 7 in the tube and 1 in the chamber for a total of 8? On planet earth and America in particular a plus 2 extension only actually adds 2. Taking you to a total of 6 in the tube and 1 in the chamber which equals 7... For your sake I hope you buy all of your ammunition instead of reloading it. With your math skills or lack thereof an explosion is likely in your future...

never give your position away!!!!

It's got a good spreeeeaaad!

IMHO, the 'racking sound of a shotgun' just tells the opposition that you were not ready to dance. It also tells him what ya got, and where you are. You just blew your cover, and are now at a disadvantage. You also lose one round in the fight and increase the chance of a jam/malfunction. If a bad guy is in my house, I'm not dancing. I'm gonna send him to hell.

Why are you telling people to rack the slide? Most people don't know the sound anymore. Most shotguns I've racked don't make the traditional sound. In fact, my 870 sounds like my 1911 when I pull on the slide. The shotgun racking trick comes from law enforcement. Where they do it in front of an assailant to deter them. It is mainly them seeing the gun be put into action that stops the fight. Not so much the sound. Most home engagements happen during the night. A pump is more reliable than an autoloader. But the issue is if you're not a shotguner, then you're more likely to shortstroke the action then an autoloader to fail.

The biggest reason by far for using a shotgun as the preferred home defense choice is power vs penetration. A shotgun will get the job done and not put neighbors at risk should you miss. My neighborhood recently had an incident where a 12ga was accidentally discharged packing buckshot. It did penetrate the walls of the home but barely penetrated the aluminum siding on the next house over. It was absolutely a potentially deadly shot in the room but would have caused minimal injury to an innocent bystander that could have been just on the other side of the wall. Most people are not trained to be aware of their backdrop and that is why I think shotguns are best for most folks to protect their homes. It gets the job done and keeps people from potentially hurting others that did not intend to.

Great video Chris. Thank you

ugh .... One of those guys who likes using the pump sound as a deterrent. lame.

I know this is old but an intruder will never hear my shotgun.

Another example of well-meaning but misguided information on the internet. Do your homework and realize that racking the slide as a scare tactic is absolutely harmful advice.

Racking the slide is not going to scare off 90% of criminals. This is a myth. While I agree that the 870 is a very good choice for home defense. If you buy a gun for self-defense, you need to be prepared to use it, and you need to be mentally prepared to witness, and, after the cops come and go, you'll be the one cleaning up the mess.

Is that actually a super magnum? The little metal piece in the front of the receiver sure makes it look like one. I have an 870 express super magnum synthetic that is my favorite gun. It came with a 26” vent rib bbl, and I added a 20” IC bbl with rifle sights and a 2 round magazine tube extender. I used to use it to hunt ducks and geese, but have taken to using it as a slug gun for deer and my main home defense gun. Truly a versatile gun.

Folks,...this guy is a fool perpetuating the same shotgun myth all the others do. If you think the "sound" of a shotgun chambering a round is going to scare anyone, then you have been watching way too many Hollywood movies. If the person has the foolishness or guts to break into your house in the first place.....then "sounds" are not going to bother them whatsoever. Please have discernment.

I love the 870 for home defense. You don't have to use 00 buck up close. Just use a game load like a number 4 shot and it will do the job. I had an acquaintance who shot someone up close with bird shot from a 12 gauge and it made a nasty head wound that the perpetrator didn't walk away from. If they don't go down or die from the blasting after you shoot them then you can always jab the end of the barrel in the throat, solar plexus, or eye socket, and/or follow up with a butt stroke with the butt of the shotgun.

HOW ABOUT A LOUD FART ?WILL THAT SCARE AN INTRUDER??

Don't forget training folks. I agree with him too about the choice of firearm. That can only be true though if you are very comfortable with using it. If you short shuck the slide like I see more times than I care to believe the range. You will hear exceptionally well when the hammer drops on an empty chamber with a deafening 'CLICK'. For this reason I have to tell people that they might also consider an automatic shotgun. Yes the pump is reputed to be reliable... but the person operating it might not be. Add stress to the equation and some folks would not be able to go through the process.

When people catch people in their home, they're are not generally overcome with fear, they are overcome with rage.

2:27. That is vary true my moms friend has a shot gun and she had no shells but she did that and they ran

That math part threw me completely off. How the hell from 4+1 we got to 7+1 with only 2 additional rounds via magazine tube extender?! In any 3 dimensional world that should be 6+1. I don't think you should be touching a firearm at all yet alone teaching someone on how to use it.

I'm really considering doing that setup with my 870. Can you recommend a good way to keep extra shells on the shotgun with the Magpul stock?

lol a shotgun isnt meant to hold forwards or down. Are you kidding me. Why do you think they are made for deer hunting. I just wasted time out of my life by watching this.

Great video thanks for sharing. Question is it legal to cut the barrel short as you did here?

Nice video

2:26 "Wrong house buster"

Most people that are familiar with guns are not intimidated with rack. AR 15 is good but think about it. One trigger pull one round. Is it on target? One shot double 00 is 9 PELLETS is better odds. SHOT GUN IS BETTER CHOICE. BETTER ODDS

A sound recorder I m assuming a small one that recorded the sound of a racking shotgun with enough fidelity to scare somebody..🤔

Hi- I liked your information but see a couple of opportunities for training for the homeowner. My first concern is shouldn't the weapon already be "racked" and ready for action. Just clicking the "safe button" (remington and mossberg) should be the next step not racking a shell. So, the sound shouldn't matter. I agree that the "racking" sound is instantly recognizable but the home defense weapon should loaded and ready to fire (minus clicking the safety). Training should done so the heat of the moment is minimized. The real concern should be if there is any children in the house that may have access to the weapon and then a trigger guard must be added. Then we have an added step of taking off the trigger guard to make the weapon ready...that usually takes too much time and there must be a commitment from a homeowner to train on their weapon. You can see where I going with this. It's probably better to advise them to get a home security system or sell them a concealed carry training/permit class to start them on the home and personal defense mindset and training path. The decision to bring a weapon into the home is one that should also bring about a defensive/security mindset. There may be a chance to sell them safety training classes. Safety must be a lifestyle change and involve the entire family. Plus the NRA has some wonderful classes for the whole family. Check out the "refuse to be a victim" series. Keep up the good work.

I like Mossberg 500/590.

2 to 3 pellets? What size is that? and shot can have way more than 30. u can get 5 or 6 hundred

What model 870 is this? What do you recommend for defense? All of the defense models are sold out at the moment...also have question if you can cut down any barrel or does it have to be a certain model.

Racking a shotgun is highly unlikely to scare off any intruders. Nor is racking the slide on a 1911 .45 ACP. Doing so announces two things: (1) You're aware of their presence in your home, and (2) Your general location. The element of surprise is completely lost. I would not want an intruder who has broken into my home to know either of those two things. The first sound I want him to hear, which may very well be the last sound he ever hears, is the shotgun blast. If he lives, he lives. If not, then he doesn't. He's the one to blame for the consequences of his decision to invade someone's home. If there are accomplices with him, at that point I pretty much guarantee all but the most hardened, evil, and determined accomplices will depart as quickly as they can, through the first exit they can find and will abandon anyone who's dead or wounded if they cannot keep up with them.

That sounds to career criminal means the armed person is "in that direction" new fire arm owner like to make their present known which is a give away. I don't want confrontation but harden criminals will not be detoured by sound only. Have a home invasion plan like a fire plan know your gear and practice practice

Hmm while I do not agree with everything this guy says I do like a shotgun for home defense purposes, that being said if you are going to have a gun have the one you are comfortable using and one that you are ready to use to take a life. No shooting in the air, no racking the gun for noise, you need a weapon that goes boom when you pull the trigger and that in theory dispatches the threat with one shot if that is what is required. If you can't take a stand to take a life do not have a weapon like this cause it will probably be used on you. Get a less lethal option that gets you out of the area and go to a safe place, home defense is a complex amount of things to deal with for your situation that you need to decide on, don't just let RU-vid tell you what to do Educate yourself

You lost me at using the sound of the “racking” as an intimidation tool. Calling a shotgun shell a bullet. Portraying the “blast” coming out as a pattern the size of god knows what by the time it reaches the target. Have you ever patterned a shotgun load at a defensive distance, say the length of a room or hallway? You hit on all the standard misinformation. Do you also recommend wasp spray?

Shotgun "racking sound" is Hollywood tactical not real world practical. Racking means you have one less round and you gave away your position. Who the heck needs a rib on a home defense shotgun? The rib isn't to add barrel protection or stability, it's to provide an even sight plain and to disperse heat.

I don’t know about ultimate, but it’s a very good option.

But if there on bath salts or something then they won't be scared of the racking sound

What you said about shotgun patterning is misleading. For in a home defense scenario you'll most likely be firing within 10 yards. In that short distance, most shot loads will not spread more than a few inches. And even if they did fan out to a foot or more, you wouldn't want that load for a defensive situation because of the potential for collateral damage to innocent people. Remember, you are legally responsible for every projectile you fire.

Racking the slide may or may not someone breaking in. Still I don’t want a round in the pipe. The only way I’d store a shotgun is in Cruiser ready so no round in the pipe. Why? Because no shotgun is drop safe. If I pull it out then I’ll put a round in the pipe.

If you have to rack a round into the chamber you are doing it wrong, so while I agree a shotgun is a good home defense tool, the sound of the slide racking should not be a factor. Pump actions are very reliable, however if anything is going to go wrong it is while you are loading it. Whatever gun you use you should have a round in the chamber.

Racking the slide? Doesn’t that just telegraph your location?

Attention "Gun Carrier" (name of whoever posted this video).... don't know IF your the one who made this video or not.... but, I have a piece of advice for you.... "Do NOT" tell people... especially for the sake of those who have Never been in a life threatening situation, like ie: a home break in, with (probably) armed thugs..... to "Rack" their shotgun, because it's the most recognizable sound to a thief or whoever is uninvited in their home... THAT, can be poor and potentially, fatal "advice" for the home owner, or whoever is on the "victim" side of the equation. If the home is in darkness (most likely) and "they" don't know where "you" are, or even "if" you are.... "they" certainly Will, when they hear the racking of the slide..... and "if" they happen to be in the same room, or very close at all, and armed.... that "recognizable sound" could easily be "your" death... before you even get a chance to get your finger on the trigger.... especially, if you've never been faced with that kind of situation and "your" fumbling around because of "your" lack (highly probable) of experience and... or, extensive training. Keep it loaded, shell... chambered and safety ON...... also, a rail with a high intensity LED (at least, 500 lumens) or a laser (won't matter if "they" have resulting eye problems or not, as they probably won't be needing them, anyway).... so, that all you need to do is, quietly release the safety and "surprise" them. The element of surprise CAN, put the potential victim... "in the drivers seat"...... but, "racking the slide" of a pump shot gun will definitely eliminate that potential in Most cases, and... as I said above, could even get "you" killed, as a result..... especially, if "your" dealing with a thief, or thieves who are "experienced" and armed..... and this doesn't even consider the possibility of a thief or thieves, that are hopped up on Meth, or whatever and needing something to "fence" (hock, sell, etc) for more drug money.... which can escalate the situation Really fast for the "victim" to a shootout. DO NOT RACK THE SLIDE..... KEEP it Chambered, Safety ON until needed.... and of course, keep it "locked away" and chamber... cleared, when not at home or "IF" there are children around during the day... keeping it handy at night, after all... what "good" is a "self defense" weapon.... Of ANY Type or kind, to you... if it's not immediately accessible at the moment of need !??! Of course, if able to afford it..... "Preventative self defense devices" are always good to have for 1st line anti - thievery..... such as, a High Quality Alarm system.... one with some "sack" to it, that will wake up the whole neighborhood... would be great, after all... it's really better, if they Do NOT gain access into your home or apt, etc... in the First place. : )

Love the Magpul forend , but could not justify the stock. At 100+

This vid is full of misinformation. I agree a shotgun is the best choice for home defense but saying that just racking the slide is going to scare 99% of intruders away is the stuff of movies and has no basis in fact. The statement about the big group? Well if you live in a mansion with 40-50ft wide rooms maybe. At 10-20ft there isn't going to be any spread to your group. You need to aim. The boloney about shotguns only being designed to shoot up is crap. A whole lotta rabbits get shot every season with shotguns. Last time I checked rabbits don't fly. On a positive note I do like the way they set up the gun in the vid. I also agree the 870 is an excellent and inexpensive all around shotgun

well if i was just gonna rely on the sound or look of the gun i'd get an airsoft gun. i don't wanna bank on that, i was always told if you pull that weapon out you better be ready to use it. i want it to be effective in defense of my home and loved ones, not effective in intimidation.

'Rambo Grandma'

I still prefer the Mossberg 500

Stopped watching at 2:30

I don’t base my safety or my family’s safety on a damn sound.

the best in depth informational/educational shotgun video so far. I had no idea about the design of some of those butt stocks. It just blew my mind! Thank you, now I know to keep one for hunting and one for tactical home defense!

Cooool... Rambo Grandma....

Why do you call shotgun ammo bullets so often? You should know better than that.

A lot of people including cops avoid shotguns because of recoil. Truth is there are tons of recoil pads that make the recoil seem like a push which means zero pain. Full power 12 gauge ammo is a one hitter quitter.

Yes its legal to do in most states as long as you have a federal class 3 tax stamp. This is my belief take it for what it is. I believe all self defense weapons should be loaded with a round in the chamber ready to go. If you dont intend for the weapon to be carried or bed stand gun it should kept in safe unloaded. Most officers will tell you when presented with an immediate threat you dont have the time to un holster your weapon aim and fire. And thet have the weapon unconcealed ready to fire. Anyone that tells you otherwise is full of you know what. Also as with any tool you need to learn how it works otherwise you will hurt yourself or someone else. Racking the slide is what they do in movies. Just keep it simple keep it chambered and you will be ready. No nonsense.

For me the shotgun is best

An AR is going to send a round through the bad guy and through three of your neighbors if you live in the city.

I have the 3 of them !, AR is good , I would use shotgun and pistol as back up, knife comes handy for skinning purposes!!haha....

It’s a great home defense gun if you live alone... if your using this with loved ones around and the person breaking in has them. Your not going to be able to shoot them without peppering your loved one

This guy is selling guns? Scary.

Yeah... I’m not gonna rely on on sound my dude. If your breaking into my house, you won’t know I’m there until the shot hits you center mass

a sound won't save your life, action and mental state may. I object to some of this content. I wish you were right, but reason with someone that is under the influence or in a mental state that can't process what that sound means. you may not get their attention until they cant fight back. if we can make someone leave with a scary sound guns are not needed. respect, I am not trying to crap on your parade.

lol the only sound anyone is going to hear coming from my shotgun is boom!!!! i keep it loaded. also a 12 gauge is too much gun for a woman a 20 gauge would be a better option

My Benelli sleeps between me and my wife. It replaced my youngest child.

Ugh... Don't rack the round. It should already be in there. You wouldn't want to give your position. And bird shot has a few more bb's then 25.

Remington 870 quality went to hell before they went bankrupt. Get a Mossberg - preferably a 590 A1. Tactical stocks? Every stock is tactical to those who cut their teeth on them growing up. Racking the slide scares intruders? Perhaps - but I’m not giving my position away. I agree with keeping it simple. Keep it reliable, as well.

That sound is also gonna give away your position and you better hope they don’t have a firearm

This guy dont know shotgun. The shot dont spread. He need to watch the Magpul vids it tell u all about this.

YEP A FOOL

Great vid! Keep it up. Subbed

that is not what a vent rib is for.

Well said... Great video!

Is this a joke?

Mossberg

I get that this video was meant as a joke, but it's still irresponsible. A lot of people will likely watch this and think you're serious. And of course taking this advice seriously could get someone killed. I enjoy a good joke as much as the next guy, but this really should be clarified in this video. Not everyone is going to get your sense of humor. Just something to think about.

A little voice recorder huh? "Hold on sir put your ear up too this for a second" that's right run away

Another arm chair commando comment, good video ignore Robby boy

I guess I just live in California because after being enthralled to buy one, allegedly there's nothing I can add to it i.e flashlight, sling, ammo saddle (of course there is)... but the maverick I bought has many options pertaining, and holds 3 more and is purportedly corrosion resistant. The remmy action accommodates smaller person's grip and feels far more durable like a potential bludgeon. I should have paid attention before buying. Not one gun store here knows what I'm talking about. There's a sling, saddle, and light all in one accoutrement out there and even Max Headroom the master king pin behind all of google won't stop hiding it from only me like a truman show movie conspiracy 🤦🏻‍♂️ Anybody wanna buy a 700 buck (not shot) never b4 shot remmy for 300 in cali, holla @ yo boi cuh ✝️ ⚡🇺🇸

I don't believe in racking. One in the chamber off safe.

your math is off man 4 plus2 with 1in the chamber is 7 total dude😉😜.

Looks to me like a lot of commenters on here need to learn some shotgun. 870/500/bla bla bla. Jebus, give me a break.

if u shot some1 with size8 (bird shot) not any doctor gonna save him.............that means this guy is right

Wrong!

doh!