So I've decided that I'd like to purchase a shotgun for home defense and after doing some research online and in store I've narrowed my choices down to two models and would like any feedback, positive and negative, regarding them. Currently, I'm leaning towards the Mossberg 930 SPX, but also heavily considering the Remington 870 Express Tactical. Now I know they're two totally different beasts, one being pump action and the other semi-auto which leads me to my first concern. Pump actions, from what I've gathered, are far more reliable in regards to jamming whereas semi-autos can jam more easily. Also, there is something quite foreboding in the sound a pump action shotgun makes when you chamber a round and that in itself could make a burglar run. On the other hand, I like having the ability to squeeze off as many rounds as my finger can squeeze off. The price difference between the two isn't so drastic as to dissuade me from purchasing the 930 so cost isn't an issue. So, I put it out to you the forum. What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance for your responses.
Firearms Rookie Looking to Buy a Shotgun...
- Thread starter Qbert
- Start date
Deerhunter
New member
I have been hearing issues with the 870. I own the 870 express Mag and I love it. Never had any issues with mine.
I am in the pump action camp but couldn't buy into the sound being a startling thing to a BG...
I also feel that in a home situation, the pump will put as many rounds in the same time frame on target as any semi auto ever made... This ain't the clay games or dove shooting... This is a situation where every round must count and reliability trumps less hand/arm motions...
But I like the Mossberg 500 series for the safety and action release locations...
Brent
I also feel that in a home situation, the pump will put as many rounds in the same time frame on target as any semi auto ever made... This ain't the clay games or dove shooting... This is a situation where every round must count and reliability trumps less hand/arm motions...
But I like the Mossberg 500 series for the safety and action release locations...
Brent
SigP6Carry
New member
While I won't tell you a pump a more viable piece of SD than a Semi-auto (as I believe someone well practiced with a semi-auto will be able to put more rounds into a target in less time than the aforementioned pump) the cost differences make up for the "speed" in my mind.
I prefer the Mossbergs myself for the reasons listed in the following:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB30FUKwS3o
I prefer the Mossbergs myself for the reasons listed in the following:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB30FUKwS3o
insolentshrew
New member
I am sort of in the same boat/market as you. My house was recently broken into (in the middle of the day while at work) and in addition to a new pistol since my old one was stolen, I will probably be getting a shotgun as well, been looking at the mossberg 500s. This won't just be for home defense, I enjoy shooting clays as well but I don't shoot clays as frequently as I go to the rifle/pistol ranges. Any thoughts on the 500 tactical persuader specifically?
Smitty in CT
New member
Instead of the 930SPX, I would recommend the 930 Security / Field model....
It comes with TWO barrels, you get the reliability of the 930 and you get the ability to use the shotgun form more than just a defensive role....
It comes with TWO barrels, you get the reliability of the 930 and you get the ability to use the shotgun form more than just a defensive role....
The 930 is a great deal. The "Police" grade 870s are nice as well and are not as problematice as the entry leve Express models. Either way you would have a fantastic HD firearm. I'm looking at the basic blued 930
18.5" 5 shot with bead sight but may step up to a black finished model with more capacity. None of the guns mentioned are "cheap" as that word is defined but are both fine guns with great reputations for reliability. some3 of us need to save some $$$ - nothing wrong with that especially considering the guns in questions. Now I know what you think of my$200.00 Pardner
"870" Protector but, for a fac,t ts is as reliable as a shotgun can get.
18.5" 5 shot with bead sight but may step up to a black finished model with more capacity. None of the guns mentioned are "cheap" as that word is defined but are both fine guns with great reputations for reliability. some3 of us need to save some $$$ - nothing wrong with that especially considering the guns in questions. Now I know what you think of my$200.00 Pardner
"870" Protector but, for a fac,t ts is as reliable as a shotgun can get.
stargazer65
New member
What do you define as cheap?
Is some $5000 fancy Italian model going to do any better for protection than a basic Mossberg?
I'm not attacking you, I just want to know what you mean.Mossberg 500's have gone on un-changed (for the most part) since 1961...
Just because they have always made affordable guns doesn't mean they make junk. Heck, my first center fire gun was an old mossberg .410 bolt action which was my father's first centerfire gun. After untold numbers of rounds, it still had a tighter bolt action than LITERALLY ANY bolt action in walmart and several bolt action rifles costing well over a grand at my local gun store felt literally sloppy wore out compared to that old mossberg.
Remington is another story altogether... the express was "de-Blinged" heavily to try to compete with the 500 wearing nice wood and polished blued barrels... And they are still quite a bit more $$$
And Mossberg is a privately held firm (IIRC) and still has Mossbergs and Daughters of Mossbergs still working in the company. American made too...
Brent
Just because they have always made affordable guns doesn't mean they make junk. Heck, my first center fire gun was an old mossberg .410 bolt action which was my father's first centerfire gun. After untold numbers of rounds, it still had a tighter bolt action than LITERALLY ANY bolt action in walmart and several bolt action rifles costing well over a grand at my local gun store felt literally sloppy wore out compared to that old mossberg.
Remington is another story altogether... the express was "de-Blinged" heavily to try to compete with the 500 wearing nice wood and polished blued barrels... And they are still quite a bit more $$$
And Mossberg is a privately held firm (IIRC) and still has Mossbergs and Daughters of Mossbergs still working in the company. American made too...
Brent
Greetings Qbert and welcome aboard.
As JNewell's graphic indicates, anyone who asks for advice selecting between a Mossberg and Remington for a HD gun is opening a huge can of worms at this forum. I don't have pump gun, so I don't have a dog in the fight; but, my choice would probably be a Remington product. Why? Because I don't trust gun safeties and my training stresses safe gun handling without the use of a safety switch. Because of this, I'd find the prominent location of the Mossberg's safety a distraction.
A big plus-one to Smitty in CT.
Qbert, if you select an auto or pump, the idea of a combo set makes a lot of sense. Unless you have access to a LE-style tactical shotgun range, you'll probably find yourself training at a conventional clay sports club. A longer vent rib barrel will make you training more pleasurable. And, some gun clubs have restrictions on short barreled guns.
As JNewell's graphic indicates, anyone who asks for advice selecting between a Mossberg and Remington for a HD gun is opening a huge can of worms at this forum. I don't have pump gun, so I don't have a dog in the fight; but, my choice would probably be a Remington product. Why? Because I don't trust gun safeties and my training stresses safe gun handling without the use of a safety switch. Because of this, I'd find the prominent location of the Mossberg's safety a distraction.
A big plus-one to Smitty in CT.
Qbert, if you select an auto or pump, the idea of a combo set makes a lot of sense. Unless you have access to a LE-style tactical shotgun range, you'll probably find yourself training at a conventional clay sports club. A longer vent rib barrel will make you training more pleasurable. And, some gun clubs have restrictions on short barreled guns.
Deerhunter
New member
Like I said before I have an 870 Express Mag. I also have a Mossberg 500. Nice thing about that (Ibelieve HogDogs said it) is the safety location. Very easy to use. When I got mine 21 years ago (man how did I get this old) it came with 2 smooth bore barrels, a 18.5 inch and a 28 inch.
RimfireChris
New member
I'd go for the Mossberg, especially a 500. My first shotgun was a 12 year old 500 I got from a coworker. He'd aken it shooting out in the AZ desert all the time, it had about 65% finish left and looked utterly xxxx-kicked but still worked great.
I'm actually in a similar position. I'm a long-time gun enthusiast, but have limited my shooting to pistols and rifles. I'm only recently getting interested in shotguns, and looking to purchase one of my very own here in a week or two.
From what I can tell, there are a number of "entry level" shotguns that each have their own (fiercly loyal) following. The three I narrowed my search down to are:
Mossberg 500
Remington 870
Benelli Nova
I've shot all three, and personally I really like the Remington and the Benelli. In the end, I have chosen the Benelli Nova pump, 12ga with a 28" barrel in matte black. It is under $400 and accepts multiple cartridge sizes up to 3-1/2", can be fitted with a smoothbore or a rifled slug barrel, and there's five different choke profiles provided by Benelli to get you exactly the pattern you desire. There are also a variety of affordable accessories available, including a +2 tube extension, recoil pads, and rifle-esque ghost ring rear, blade front sight.
The Remington is a fine gun, but the Benelli just handles better for me, just like the Remington 700 handles better for me than most .30-06 rifles. Check 'em out and see what works for you.
From what I've read guys who shoot autoloaders generally prefer 24"-26" barrels, as they have a longer receiver. But you should handle multiple barrel lengths to see which you are able to swing better.
To stir the pot, however, over/under (O/U) shotguns are a lot of fun!
From what I can tell, there are a number of "entry level" shotguns that each have their own (fiercly loyal) following. The three I narrowed my search down to are:
Mossberg 500
Remington 870
Benelli Nova
I've shot all three, and personally I really like the Remington and the Benelli. In the end, I have chosen the Benelli Nova pump, 12ga with a 28" barrel in matte black. It is under $400 and accepts multiple cartridge sizes up to 3-1/2", can be fitted with a smoothbore or a rifled slug barrel, and there's five different choke profiles provided by Benelli to get you exactly the pattern you desire. There are also a variety of affordable accessories available, including a +2 tube extension, recoil pads, and rifle-esque ghost ring rear, blade front sight.
The Remington is a fine gun, but the Benelli just handles better for me, just like the Remington 700 handles better for me than most .30-06 rifles. Check 'em out and see what works for you.
From what I've read guys who shoot autoloaders generally prefer 24"-26" barrels, as they have a longer receiver. But you should handle multiple barrel lengths to see which you are able to swing better.
To stir the pot, however, over/under (O/U) shotguns are a lot of fun!
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While the pump actions are favored for HD and tactical use, if you get into sport shotgunning you may well find there's an O/U in your future. I think you'll find, most of us who compete with hinge guns started out with pumps. It isn't a question of O/Us being "fun" guns to shoot; but, because they help the shooter minimize his losses.booker t said: