(GunReports.com) — At a reader’s request, the Gun Tests San Antonio test team obtained several new models of self-defense shotguns that carry low to moderate price tags and compared them in the October 2013 issue to see how they would perform. The 12-gauge pumpguns in the test included the Benelli Super Nova Tactical No. 29155 pump-action 12 Gauge, $559; the recently introduced Stevens Model 320 Home Defense No. 19495, $270; the CZ Model 612 Home Defense No. 06520, $290; and the CZ Model 612 HC-P No. 06510, $349.
Contributing Editor Ralph Winingham said, “All of the short-barreled pump-action shotguns are designed for a specific need and purpose — self defense — and do not easily lend themselves to other uses, such as hunting in the field or busting clay targets. Most of these shotguns will not have a box of shells fired through them in a year and a lot won’t have more than a half-dozen boxes shot in them during a lifetime.”
He added, “These self-defense firearms are designed to be fired more like a rifle than a scattergun, so it would be unfair to judge them on the qualities found in high-dollar, better-balanced firearms that have a place in the field and on clay-target ranges.”
Gun Tests Editor Todd Woodard said, “It should be noted that all of the ammunition fired in the short-barreled shotguns produced quite a punch on both ends. These are not the type of firearms designed for extensive time on the firing range unless the shooter is immune from recoil. For the sake of our shoulders, a few rounds fired with each variety of ammunition were all that we deemed necessary for our evaluation.”
The Benelli Super Nova Tactical No. 29155 Pump-Action 12 Gauge, $559, was the heaviest of the test shotguns, weighing 7 pounds unloaded, and the shooters particularly liked the feel of the grooved polymer forearm and pistol grip. The shotgun was very easy to control during rapid-fire testing.
The Stevens Model 320 Home Defense No. 19495 Pump-Action 12 Gauge, $270, was the bottom-dollar model in the test group, a factor whose importance was quickly reduced in significance when shooters took the shotgun out on the range. Sporting the same length barrel (18.5 inches) and Ghost Ring sights of both the Benelli and CZ 612 HC-P, testers were pleased to find the visibility of the chartreuse light-bar front sight through the Ghost Ring was exceptional. Getting on target and staying on target was quicker and easier with the Stevens than with any of the other test firearms, testers said.
The CZ Model 612 Home Defense No. 06520 Pump-Action 12 Gauge, $290, was the lightweight model among the test shotguns and the shoulder shock from recoil was pretty much what shooters expected. Unless you are a 300-pound former football linebacker, expect a little punishment when touching off a shot with the 612. This self-defense firearm could be transformed into a field shotgun with the simple replacement of its 18.5-inch barrel with a 26- to 30-inch version better suited for wingshooting. If being able to put the shotgun into double duty fits your needs, this is the model for you.
The CZ Model 612 HC-P No. 06510 Pump-Action 12 Gauge, $349, had a 20-inch barrel threaded for choke tubes that made this shotgun stand out from the crowd. A little longer sighting plane and the ability to change chokes — the model is shipped with one cylinder choke — are two pretty good selling factors. Like the Stevens model, this CZ HC-P features the lightly grooved full length pistol grip and larger forearm instead of standard checkering. Shooters encountered no problems with handling and maintaining good target holds when firing this shotgun at the targets.
Gun Tests subscribers should receive their printed magazines around September 27. Subscribers with electronic access can also check Gun-Tests.com to read about this matchup, Publisher Tim Cole said.
