[e9999]

all my best wishes

cheapest shotgun will likely be a 12 ga. You can get light recoil loads as for cowboy shooting that should not be too bad. Walmart has them.

If $$ is not too much higher a 20 gauge maybe, if you're really worried about recoil. I would go with 12 ga myself.

A short barrel (18"?) is much handier around the house. Less "sporty" if you ever have to face a Jury, though, but not a major issue to consider given the circumstances. I would go short myself.

Pump is cheaper, very effective, not that difficult to use, and the noise will scare people away. Mossbergs are inexpensive and reliable. A short barreled 12 ga Mossberg 500 should be something like $300 at Walmart or similar. Well worth it. Don't get a pistol grip if the wife is not that strong.

For ammo, light recoil #7 or something like that (not 3" or more) for her, buckshot for you. You can load 1 or 2 fine shot to use before the buckshot.

If the wife can't handle the pump, there are also inexpensive side by sides with external hammers for cowboy shooting that are inexpensive and easier to handle.

good luck!


give thanks to the troopers, they look like standup guys!

oh, and take a leave from work for a few days, your wife will need your around, if only for support!

electronic earmuffs will not only protect you from losing part of your hearing if you have to shoot but will also help to locate bad guys with their amazing sound amplification. Not cheap,though, $150 or so.

hopefully, you're not in a State with a waiting period. If so, borrow a gun from a friend if legal where you are.

have a quick look at defensive shooting rules for your state on the web (as in don't shoot outside the house etc)


I'm sure you realize this, sorry, but be very careful to not let your emotions get the best of you. Reality check: No jury will look favorably on killing somebody over a goat, especially if you ran around yelling threats. And of course, even less so, if the guy is a kid with some mental issues. You must be in fear for your life to have the high ground, there.