HD weapon Advice needed

[jon'76]

OK so I intend to get my parents a HD weapon for christmas. I need advice as this needs to meet a couple "odd" requirements.

1.) It needs to be able to function after sitting for significant periods and accumulating dust.

2.) It has to function as simply as possible.

3.) It has to be easy to achieve hits with as practice will be rare.

My parents are NOT gun people if you couldn't tell by the requirements. I have ~$300 to spend.


Here are the candidates:

1.) Mossberg 500/590
2.) Norinco Coach SG
3.) Stoeger Coach SG
4.) Mini-14


1.) Functionally fairly simple and both parents have shot pump shotties as kids

2.) Safe if kept loaded with hammers down, but engaging hammers may be trouble in a HD situation

3.) Same as above with no hammers to consider

4.) Intuitive safety, light, maneuverable, little recoil, 11 rounds, box magazine; but it is more difficult to hit with.


Opinions please.

[lildobe]

Go for the Mossberg 500a. It's simple, will fire no matter HOW much dust collects in it, and in the 18" unchoked bbl configuration, decently usable in a house, and has an 8" spread at 10 feet with 3" 00-buck shells.

[knighthawk06699]

The answer is very Simple Mossberg 500.

[themonk]

x3 on the Mossberg. Other shotguns have limited capacity, probably not a worry but then again... Mini is a great rifle but again is much harder to hit what they're trying to aim for. Much greater chance for over penetration and collateral damage.

[gf45acp]

I am a big Mossy guy, have 4.
The two doubles are OK for 2 shots, but reloading one on the run takes pratice. The Mini is a good bit over your price, even used, and if they live in an area with neighbors those .223 rounds will keep going.
For the Mossy, try for an 8 shot, should be able to stay in you range.
BTW, no handguns? A shotty is great but if you have to move indoors you will need to pratice. Great if you can stay put in a defensive position.
A .38 snub and some pratice may do well. Simple and reliable.
And if you find a good price used you can have 500 rds. for practice and stay in your price.
If it's of any help, my mother, who is not what I woould call a gun person but did grow up hunting with her father, prefers her .38 snub, and for a second thought stole my Taurus PT22.
She also has a .410 double shotty (and access to my collection). She is 74.

[Pa. Patriot]

Why not a revolver?

Much more practical (IMO) for the novice, especially indoors.

[normanvin]

If I had to pick from your list I would choose the mossberg. If I were to add to your list I would say a revolver.

[ithinkimamedic]

Why not a revolver?

Much more practical (IMO) for the novice, especially indoors.

My thoughts exactly! It is also well with in your price range

[duane1]

Go with the Mossberg 500 as simple and durable as they get.

[gold cup abuser]

I would vote Mossber 500 but...

1. get a slip on recoil reducer type buttpad:

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/sto...20RECOIL%20PAD

2. stick with either #4 buck or #8 or #9 birdshot as your main issues in HD are recoil and over penetration. 00 buck can and will rip through dry wall and plaster type walls.

3. get them both some trigger time so that they are not going to be suprised by the recoil and muzzle flash.

btw conrats on bringing your folks over to the 'darkside' rofl