tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244999628674918029.post4282960098702974078..comments2024-03-29T04:54:50.435-05:00Comments on Bayou Renaissance Man: A follow-up post about shotguns and idiot instructorsPeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10595089829300831372noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244999628674918029.post-8969773269061053612009-04-16T12:07:00.000-05:002009-04-16T12:07:00.000-05:00Peter, I have several problems with trusting a sem...Peter, I have several problems with trusting a semi-auto for defensive use.<br /><br />1. They usually can't handle lower-power ammo, which is the cheapest, and is usually what people practice with. This means that those who use them often forgo frequent practice - and that can get you killed. Provided the owner is willing to invest in the higher-power birdshot necessary for practice, this won't be a problem.<br /><br />2. They can be affected by any anomaly in ammo. A swollen case, a bulging primer, etc. can disable them, and clearing them and loading another round is time-consuming. A pump can normally whack the defective round out without a problem, and feed another one quickly. Also, semi-auto shotguns typically are finicky things, needing to be cleaned and oiled regularly. Failure to do this might cause malfunctions. A pump, on the other hand, can operate when dirty and bone-dry if necessary.<br /><br />3. The 11/87 in particular has had reliability issues. Not all of them are a problem, but I've heard too many reports of it for my peace of mind. I actually prefer the older Remington 1100 LT-20 as a defensive semi-auto, as it's proved supremely reliable over the years.<br /><br />4. Remember that if you shorten the barrel of a semi-auto for defensive use, you may have to modify the gas port in the barrel to enable it to function reliably. The gas ports are sized for the original length of that particular barrel (usually 26" or 28"). Knock that down to 18-20" and you may have to enlarge the gas port. This is a gunsmith's job, and very few gunsmiths do that sort of work on a routine basis. Of course, given that the 11/87 Youth model has a 21" barrel already, it's probably not worth shortening it.<br /><br />5. Short-stroking a pump is something that can be trained around. I teach shooters to really slam the slide back and forward, not just pussy-foot with it. It won't hurt the gun, and once it's an instinctive action, the danger of short-stroking is much less.<br /><br />All that said, if you already have an 11/87 Youth model, it looks as if it'll do. I'd want to test it thoroughly, keep it clean and oiled, and use quality ammo. Given those requirements, it should do.Peterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10595089829300831372noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244999628674918029.post-76395475975498390452009-04-16T11:58:00.000-05:002009-04-16T11:58:00.000-05:00What's your opinion on the 11-87 Youth (20ga, 21" ...What's your opinion on the 11-87 Youth (20ga, 21" barrel, 13" LOP) for a small person's home defense shotgun? I know you said you prefer the simplicity of the pump, but I've read a lot about the tendency to short-stroke a pump under stress, and was wondering how you see that tradeoff.Peternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244999628674918029.post-10744688164776498622009-04-11T14:35:00.000-05:002009-04-11T14:35:00.000-05:00I was married in June of 1978, and sometime around...I was married in June of 1978, and sometime around the end of July, I pulled my shotgun out of its case to clean it and check it out for the West Texas dove season (Sep 1). My lovely bride asked me what I was doing, and when I told her she said "You aren't going without me, are you?". <BR/><BR/>This led to a trip to the local toy store and the purchase of a Remington 870 in 20 ga. After a couple of trips to the range shooting clay birds she was ready for the season.<BR/><BR/>I got 2 birds on opening day, and she shot her limit. I still haven't lived it down after all these years, which makes me wonder why i am still amrried to her!Jerryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10596065269535476259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244999628674918029.post-46348494644402790352009-04-11T07:44:00.000-05:002009-04-11T07:44:00.000-05:00Good pair of articles Peter. All too often women e...Good pair of articles Peter. All too often women end up with incompetant instructors because their husbands/boyfriends talk smack but know nothing. I have seen similar situations often with handguns as well. Husband/boyfriend hands "little lady" his magnum revolver or .45 auto that he can't hit the broad side of a barn with and giggles when it hurts her. I guess it makes these morons feel all manly or something.<BR/>The other thing that I was glad to see you address was fit. Shotgun stocks generally are too long for anyone but trap shooters. Youth models are often available in the used rack and are a good option if you find one.tooldieguyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06876588241514291518noreply@blogger.com