Mark D

Dear Gang, I have another stupid question for the group: -I am going to get a Zeiss Z-Point reflex sight that I can interchange between guns. It can be had in a "picatinny" or a "weaver" compatible base. Is there a way to mount this on a SBE II or M2 without marring the gun? If I were going to mount it on a M4, would I simply need to get the "picatinny" mount? TIA, Mark

Wingbone, Thank you so much for taking the time write your thoughts on a fairly morbid, but important, subject. And, please do continue with your "take" on the subject of home defense as I am going to continue reading this thread (and re-reading it), and I'm going to direct some of my friends to this thread (remember, my buddies have all recently contemplated this topic owing to some of the home break-ins that have occurred around here). What I don't particularly need, but thought I'd probably get by posing my original question in a Benelli forum, is a gun nut's pontification on the arsenal that I need to protect myself. Obviously, I had a specific gun-related question, but fortunately after having my question answered, I've received a very even-handed assessment that actually hasn't emphasized guns so much as other things I can do to protect my family. I'm a product of the South so I grew up around guns and I have good guns that I enjoy using for hunting. However, I've never gone overboard with my gun collection as guns simply don't blow my skirt up in that way. Yet, I have many friends who have incredible gun collections and I have no problems what so ever with that. Heck, with some of the stuff that's happening worldwide, I'm gradually becoming a little paranoid about things and it's not inconceivable that I could become more of a gun collector. But, I didn't really want that "take" (otherwise I would have posed the question to one of my buddies with a home arsenal). Wingbone and everyone else; thank you again for taking the time to write here, and I look forward to your future postings. Mark P.S. I didn't mean to dissuade those of you who would like to pontificate on various gun models that you like for home defense. I had my original question answered and I've obviously enjoyed the subsequent postings so please fire away if you have thoughts on the subject (even particular advice about types of guns) as I'm sure that there are others that would like to hear this info.

Whamo, In my opinion, from what you've shared about your intended quary, I don't think you need a gun capable of shooting 3.5" shells (i.e. the SBE II might be overkill for you). I have both the SBE II and the M2. Both are beautiful in an auster sort of way (both of mine are black), however, I find myself using the M2 much more as it shoulders easier for me and it's lighter. I've also found that for ducks the 3" shells are plenty (I use the heavier tungsten loads). About the only game I'd use 3.5" on are turkey. I think for geese I'd probably still use the 3" with tungsten. Both of mine have the longer barrels, but I'm not knowledgable enough about the pros of long versus short - hopefully someone else will comment for you. Likewise, I have black guns and I'm not sure of the advantages of the camo. I've hunted with people who have the Benelli camo shotguns and the paint may very well provide better protection against rust than the black, but, again, someone else could probably better comment. Mark

Wingbone, Thank you for taking the time to reply and for doing so in such a thorough way. What would you say is the preferable home defense weapon, a pistol or a shotgun? I've actually done quite a bit of pistol shooting in the past, but usually with revolvers (.357) and I've never been impressed with my ability to snap on a target quickly and consistantly. In fact, for reasons I can't quite explain, expert pistol shooting (much like golf) still aluded me despite lots of practice. As my wife would be using this gun, too, I also figured that a shotgun would be preferable and easier to learn from her perspective. However, your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Mark

Dear Gang, We've had a spate of home break-ins over the last few weeks in my formerly sleepy little hometown. This has led to a run on pistols at our local gun shop by home owners. As I'm a crummy shot with a pistol and because I too now feel the need to get some home protection, I've decided to get a shotgun specifically for home defense. However, I need some advice and I thought ya'll might be able to help. I hunt with Benelli shotguns and I've come to really like the Inertia system. I thought I'd purchase a shorter barrelled Inertia driven Benelli that I could teach my wife to use. I've also contemplated putting a laser sight on it for her. But, after reviewing Benelli's website, I realize that there are many choices to chose from (including a gas operated gun). Assuming a shorter barrelled gun that is light enough for my wife, here are my questions for the group: -tactical M2 versus M4? -pistol grip? -folding stock? -does the Inertia system consistantly work if gun isn't shouldered? -do people mount laser sights on shotguns? Any thoughts on these questions or any other advice about home defense would be greatly appreciated. TIA, Mark