I'm thinking about getting a new shotgun...would like a double barrel shotgun. I'd carry it for deer occassionally, but the primary use would be home defense. Are double barrels any good for home defense, or should I get something else?

Thanks, ths78

Hell yea they are good for self defense. Two bbls flinging buckshot at a bad guy in a matter of a second. You can find some nice cheap stagecoach doubles.I think Stoeger and several other companies make compact double side by sides.I thinkshotguns make a great home defense weapon. Put a shotgun shell holder on the stock for extra shells and you can take on awhole gang of intruders. Nice thing about them too is that they don't jam.HCH

My only concern would be only having 2 shots. Granted, the chances of needing more are slim to none, it is still something to consider. I would also opt for a model with 18" barrels. Probably not ideal for deer hunting, but definitely a plus in HD. Good luck

Doublebarrels have thier uses in the field for birds, but I see absolutely no value of it as a self defense weapon. Thats just my opinion. Its forposers whowatch too muchTV. Get yaa cheap 870 for 200 dollars. And now you have a home defense gun. You can add some do dads for 7 shot capacity, change out barrels to a nice short model, and still put your long barrel for hunting. And for alot less money.

Shotguns are great for the house.
The shorter, the better, and you're not going to find shorter than a Side by side. Very light too. I personally would feel nervous picking a fight with only 2 shots, but if that doesn't bother you, it'd make a fine indoor gun.

I'd rather have an 870 pump.

If my worry was drug gangs or military use, I would get a pump. However, if mowing down human waves is not a worry, there are few things more portable and destructive than a stage-coach double. I was looking at a new short barrel Remington with external hammers this weekend. Not real fancy, but i would never want to be on the receiving end. Anyway, if you get one, tell us how it does for you!

i was at gander mountain today and ordered me a double 12ga side-x-side. I will be having my lasik on either the 14th or the 20th and its gonna be my "I CAN SEE" gift for myself..... i will take any excuse to buy a new firearm =) doubles just look EVIL and if someone sees it they will go the other way.

Any decent short barreled pump would do great, especially fitted with an extended magazine tube [for plenty of ammo] and a good super -bright mounted light [to nearly blind and allow for positive target identification].

Two shots from a double barrel might not be the best medicine for 2 or 3 perps.

And we all know that just THE SOUND of a pump action being worked puts fear into criminals. If you can scare them off, hold them at gun point til LEOs arrive or just basically don't HAVE TO actually shoot anyone or discharge the weapon, you'll be much happier in the long run - beleive me. Lawyers cost money and you will wind up needing one if someone gets shot.

Or it just gives away your position and negates any tactical advantage you had.

Acoach gun would be a great gun, short, handy, cheap. Its very unlikley that you'd even need more than 2 shots in a home defense situation, If you do it means that you are badly outnumbered and probably wouldn't have enough time to fire a 3rd shot with a pump anyhow.