Help me pick a shotgun

R

radioflyer

New member
Until now i've been into pistols, but i feel the need to widen my collection. I'm not a shotgun expert by any means however i feel confident i can shoot them (shot skeet several times with my uncle)

I'm looking for a 12ga for home defense with the following:
- Short length for easy manuvering in confined space
- prefer synthetic/ stainless hardware. I don't care for wood on this gun.

Any reccomendations?
 
I bought a Mossberg 500 Mariner with a 5-shot tube last month, with almost the same criteria in mind (I wanted something fairly short for easy maneuver, and with synthetic furniture). I also bought a pistol grip for it just two days ago.

You can also buy a regular Mossberg 500 without the stainless finish, unless you like the Mariner finish a lot (as I did).
 
Im no shotgun expert but from browsing around the web I found the Mossberg 590A1 w/ an 18" barrel in 12 gauge to best fit your needs.
Mossberg has always had a pretty good rep for their shotguns and this one has no wood and looks perfect for home defense.
 
I like the 870. Something like this may fit the bill.

870PoliceMagnum.jpg
 
First avoid the pistol grip only setups. They are uncomfortable to shoot and a real bear to aim. And although you don't need sights shotguns still have to be aimed just like a rifle at self defense distances. A conventional stock is the way to go.

Personally I keep a Benelli M1 but the newer M2 is probably outside your budget. Assuming that's the case these are what I recommend.

For under $300 it's hard to beat the Mossberg 500 Combo with both an 18.5" home defense barrel and a 28" barrel for hunting or shooting trap.

For $360-420 either a Mossberg 590 (also available with sights) or a Remington 870 (with sights)will serve you well.

Although I haven't used one yet I'd also consider a Mossberg 930 autoloader (with sights).
 
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The 870s are so common and parts so readily available and interchangeable. Local shop has several used in $250 to $400 range I would not be ashamed to own ... and stocks, barrells, etc. I have gotten lots of parts on on-line auction.
 
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Read one of the 4 million threads on this topic and it should put you in the right direction.

Mossy, Remington, Beretta, Winchester, and even Ithaca or Charles Daly are all good for HD.
 
Might want to look into a T/C Encore. And you can use it for other rounds also.

I have a 20ga turkey barrel and a Muzzle loader for mine.
My pistol has a 410/45lc barrel. .223, 22-250, 17hmr.

Doug
 
I have a Mossy 500. Strictly for HD. I don't hunt or skeet shoot. Currently it is pistol grip only but I have a folding stock coming. It's a blast (no pun intended) to shoot from the hip Rambo style, but I am looking forward to the stock for a little more accuracy. I do believe that if I had to face a BG in my livingroom I could take him out shooting from the hip. Hope I never have to find out.:(
 
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