Today, there are options when it comes to defensive shotguns. They’re available any and all features you desire. But it wasn’t always this way. When upgrading an older shotgun for defensive use the first item on the list is the front sight. Small brass beads are fine for bird hunting in daylight. For defensive use you need a sight that’s quick to acquire, under all conditions, especially low-light situations.
Your shotgun will dictate what style sight is needed, and any modifications required. This project belongs to Ben, who works with me in the shop. It’s a single barrel, Harrington & Richardson Arms Co. with a 28-inch barrel -- which is too long for this application. Chopping the barrel requires a new front sight. We use XS Sight’s tritium shotgun sights on revolvers -- so that’s what we mounted.
If your shotgun already has a bead that’s .125 - .140-inch diameter there’s nothing required. If the bead is too large, but has 3-56 or 6-48 threads you can remove it and install a #6 bead or #26 bead. The shortened barrel required drilling and tapping new threads. The difficult part of this is ensuring the new sight is at true top - dead center of the barrel, and in alignment. For the final installation I use a little bit of JB Weld on the bead’s threads to lock it in place. After letting it fully cure, I inspect the barrel, trimming the bead if it’s protruding into the bore. Epoxy the XS sight onto the stud, let it cure for a couple days and you’re good to go.
“But why,” you ask, “a single-shot gun?” Break action shotguns, both single and double barrel, are short, lightweight and uber-reliable – all desirable features in a defensive weapon. These “simple” shotguns will “eat” any type round you feed them. One/two loads of buckshot are effective in slowing down the threat, forcing them to leave and/or physically stopping them. The “shorty” rounds are good for recoil sensitive shooters, and still deliver a healthy payload at defensive distances. I think of them as “transition” weapons, creating time for you to shift to another weapon. They’re great “truck-guns” (if you use such a thing, ensure it’s secured in the vehicle when unattended) and they sit well by the bed or your favorite chair. Separate barrel from receiver and it can be carried in a backpack or small bag, ready for an emergency, or to harvest game for the table. And, shotguns are legal in more locations than other types of firearms. They’re also affordable, and require few modifications for defensive applications.
Like all long guns you’ll need to check fit, especially length-of-pull, possibly hone the chambers for easy extraction and add a sling. Even though it might be a transition weapon, a cuff for extra rounds is recommended. While these shotguns are simple, time behind the trigger(s) is still required to become proficient.
Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy. He is the author of The Book of Two Guns, AR-15 Skills and Drills, has a regular column in American Handgunner and makes some cool knives and custom revolvers. Visit Shootrite’s Facebook page for other details.
