Best tactical shotguns for Illinois home defense
- Thread starter solbuilds
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FelixD
Active member
Keeping within current Illinois law my suggestion is to consider a Beretta A300 Patrol. It is 5+1 tubular magazine, semi-auto, with 19 inch barrel. I have a field version of this gun and can attest to its reliability and lower recoil, even when dirty. But, it is expensive. In the 1K range.
And alternative, though not a semi auto, is the Maverick 88. It’s built by Mossberg and is a very reliable 5+1 pump. They are in the $225 range. But, it will add some recoil. Good luck with your choice.
I'd go with an 18"-20" barrel for better maneuverability, especially if you're in tight spaces. Plus, it might be worth checking out a collapsible stock or one with a shorter length of pull. And don't forget to use low-recoil buckshot or frangible rounds to help minimize the risk of overpenetrating.
How comfortable are you with shotguns? Your experience might really help decide if a semi-auto or a pump-action would work better for you.
King Medallion
Member
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2025
- Messages
- 6
Not the answer your looking for but I use my dbl brl sxs coach gun. Probably not going to have time for more than 2 shots anyway. Light and handy.
morganmorales_
Member
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2025
- Messages
- 5
Are you thinking about going optics-ready, or do you want to stick with the iron sights for now?
Brad_in_IL
Member
There's a video floating around of a 500 round torture test of the Maverick 88. 505 rounds of birdshot, buckshot, slugs, standard and magnum loads .. all discharged in the span of 77 minutes. That's one round about every 9 seconds. The accessories (flashlight, etc.) fell of the gun, but at the end of the test, the 88 stood up and asked, "hey bitch, is that all ya got??"
