That sounds familiar :-)

Nice choice, Mikey :-)

enjoy and stay safe

Nice pickup Mikey! :-)

hey Mikey, don't forget the low recoil rounds.

I picked up some 7 1/2 heavy doveshot, but I think I might change that up for home use. Low recoil would certainly be a plus, but I don't want to sacrifice any stopping power - suggestions? Also since it's an apartment, I don't want something that might go through five walls.

May I also suggest a collapsible stock as an immediate option for different sized people to comfortably and safely operate a shotgun?

Things to consider down the road for a home defense shotgun:

Accessory rail to hold a light.
high intensity light. The Surefire L4 immediately comes to mind.
Ghost Ring sights.
Receiver mounted shell carrier
Breacher barrel
With a 21" barrel, I'd highly suggest a high capacity tube extension. You could probably extend the shot capacity to 8.

If you want, I'd be more than happy to send you links for any of these.

I wish you the best of luck doing any sort of instruction with your wife. Most instructors recommend against spouses instructing each other. But, you 2 may be an exeception! The most important thing is to HAVE FUN! :-)

Check out #4 Buck. :-)

Thanks for all the great advice - I think the collapsible stock is a great idea. The L4 would be great, but it's sure hard for me to justify putting a $175 light on a $270 gun. The tube extension is another definite; as it is I can have one loaded and four in the magazine (2 3/4", not 3"), but 8 would be great.

I would definitely get the tube extension and light :-)

I am seriously considering purchasing a Glock G27. Does anyone have any recommendations for a quality concealed carry holster? Thanks

I've carried my G27 almost daily for the last 3 years in 'The Answer' from Tucker Gunleather using the velcrow clips, and couldn't be happier. Even taking 7hr drives to see the inlaws, it stays perfectly comfortable.

That's exactly how I felt putting the Crimson Trace 405 grips on my 38 special, but now would get rid of the gun before I got rid of the laser grips. They cost me $300 and the J frame snubbie was not much more.

I thought about putting a light on my Mossberg 500, but figure it will broadcast where I am at in the unfortunate event it comes off the rack in the middle of the night, overriding the benefit of target ID.

If you're wantig to stay more budget, I highly recommend the light I personally carry, the Surefire G2 LED. You can get the from the gunshows for $45.

I only mentioned the L4 because I personally want one.

I personally use Thunderwear for when I wear soft clothes ( jogging pants ) and SERPA for anything with a belt.

Uhhmmm you could check out my site :-)
http://www.mountainhomeleather.com
I also do a snap on model which isn't on the site yet

The serpa....do you have a problem consealing the firearm with this style of holster? Any close calls? Thanks

In the last month I picked my first guns in over 25 years. AR-15, 16" barrel, A-4 lightweight build. And a Ruger 10/22 as I need something I can actually shoot while I search endlessly for .223 ammo at a decent price. :-)

Speaking of ammo at decent prices, where is a good source of bulk components? I mean, where does anybody have stock? "Out of Stock, Backorder OK?" Sheez!

I'm 6'2" @ 300lbs. I can conceal an Abrahms tank. When used with belt securement, it does tend to stick out a little more laterally from the body than an IWB holster. I counter that by wearing a photographer's vest. There is no threat of printing with that. It's when I wear my rayon summer shirts that are just like silk I have to be very cognizant of printing. In many cases, I will go to the Thunderwear when that could be an issue.

Go to walmart and get a mini maglite or any bright LED flashlight, strap it/duct tape it to the gun and be done with it for about $20. All you need is something to see with and you can easily flip a switch or push a button as you grab the gun to turn the light on, I don't know why they sell $300 flashlights to anyone besides members of SWAT.

Tube extention is great for the range definitely but in my house if I need more than 5 slugs I'd better call for backup. :-)