Shot gun defense

Let me express a different point of view. The answer depends on your intended use.

If you think you may need to regularly use the shotgun for precision shooting at ranges in excess of 15 yards or if you plan to walk around with the shotgun slung over your shoulder all the time, then the folding stock may not be the hottest thing since sliced bread. These are the conditions that exist at most schools which is why you don't see folding stocks there.

If you only plan to use the shotgun in your home or if you need to transport the shotgun discreetly, say, in a tennis racket case in the trunk of your car, then the folding stock has some merit.

True, many folding stocks give you less of a cheekweld and are less sturdy than a fixed stock. However, the cheekweld you get is still better than the underarm assault position with a fixed stock, which is what is often recommended for fixed stock usage indoors. Fixed stocks are quite clumsy indoors.

The folder is hands down better if you have to transport the shotgun, other than from the school armory to the range on the school property. Personally, I don't like having my neighbors see me putting long gun cases in the trunk of my car, but I don't mind them see me putting a tennis racket case in the trunk.

For work at 10 yards or less, the difference in shootability between a decent folding stock, such as the Choate, and a fixed stock is negligible.

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Claude
Shooterscoach.com

My combat shotguns run about three feet long, with full stocks, and are pretty handy.

In school, you spend a fair amount of time shooting at quick reaction targets at close range, and still use the stock. Realistic targets are often small, for a number of reasons, and a careful shot must be quickly deliverable.

Searching is done with the gun already on the shoulder in low ready or, in tight places, "indoor low ready", which is more depressed but still mounted.

Properly set up, the guns are accurate with Brenneke slugs out beyond 75 yards. But for outdoor use, including a car gun, a rifle is more flexible. An good choice is the 30-30 lever action in the short carbine version, though I prefer a short .308 bolt rifle.

I think the shotgun better suited to indoor use, but do travel with one for motel room defense. A Winchester model 12 takedown, which breaks into a 19" package, is perfect, and will fit in a small suitcase or sports bag.

There are occasions where a "smaller" shotgun is desirable. Usually, these are cases where concealment is paramount. Shortening is most often accomplished by reducing the barrel and sometimes the stock, too. These occasions are highly mission specific and the shorty shotgun is not normally considered fit for general duty. A standard 12 gauge with 18" barrel and 12-13" length of pull suffices for a wide array of intended uses. I don't know of any professional who uses or recommends a folding stock for a shotgun. The shotgun is my preferred primary weapon and I have trained countless hours with it. The shotgun is an awesome weapon, but launching nine .30 cal pellets downrange is also an awesome responsibility. Get your shotgun, by all means, but also get some training. Suarez's book is excellent and dispels a lot of the common misconceptions about shotguns, but the bottom line is go out and get some quality training from a school like Gunsite or OPS. You'll then be better able to make an informed decision about what you need.

As the folder is not exceptionally expensive (about $35 should you go with a Choate or similar device) why not try one and determine if it works for you and your intended purposes?

I have two 870 Remingtons equipped with factory folders and can say they have worked out quite nicely for me. As previously mentioned, a folder makes the firearm more compact and easier to deploy from a vehicle. Additionally, the pistol grip offers better retention and control.

I find it interesting how some folks say "no" to folders, yet go right on to profess that is exactly what they mount in their travels or choose to describe NFA regulated weapons. Also of note, many of the shotguns described in the previous posts are surely law enforcement specific as the folded lengths indicate (under the 26" folded legal minimum). I believe you were inquiring about a 500 Mossberg.

Folding stocks will test your abilities (and sensibilities). The Remington factory folders will test your ability to absorb recoil since the buttplate area is less than a traditional stock. I do not recommend such a device for those sensitive to recoil. I have used the Choate folders on shotguns and they do a better job at recoil absorption than do my Remington folders.

The wonderful thing about shotguns is their versatility via the multitude of available loadings. I prefer 01 buck - 12 pellet overall when it comes to buckshot for most anticipated situations. #4 or #6 birdshot will work in close quarters if overpenetration is a concern. Slugs are a must if ranges exceed your or the firearm/shotshell's effective range. For most 'civilian' home defense situations, slug use is seldom a requirement. Ultimately, you have to be the judge as to what your requirements are.



[This message has been edited by Jager (edited 10-27-2001).]

My apologies for the $35 quote. That is an Advanced Technologies side folder.

You can purchase a Choate top folder for the Mossberg 500 series at:
http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/swat/choate_top_folding_shotgun_stock.asp

Cost is $94.50 (at time of posting).

Or try:
http://www.uws.com/choate-stocks.html

Price was $87.00 for top folder and $94.00 for the side folder (at the time of posting).