A couple things....
With 5 870s here, there's a range of options.
Mission specific "Serious" shotguns are the two with short barrels, mag extensions, peep sights and wear marks up the wazoo. They are kept ready with 00.
A wingshooting tool is the one made in 1955 with the newer 30" Remchoked LC barrel and the extended stock. It may fit me as well as any shotgun ever has and has a good record on flying stuff.
T'other two can go either way.
Frankenstein has the 21" barrel on,is currently stuffed with 4 buck, and is stashed nearby, just in case.
The 20 gauge has a 21" barrel also, and handles like the quail gun it is, but there's some 2 buck loads here in case I need them.
And a 20" RS barrel that likes Rottweil Brenekkes, though kick is emphatic even by my standards.
However, these mainly get used as hunting tools. With a longer barrel on, Frank redefines the term "Goose Gun".
SO, out of my five I have only two that are dedicated defensive arms, and two more that can go that way at need.
And that's one big reason to get an 870 or 500. You can set it up as you want it, but it's as versatile as a SAK.
In fact, the "Turkey" Express models with 21-23" barrel is a very versatile tool and a lot of gun for the money.
So's the equivalent 500 version.
And while I'm on the subject.....
IMO, the 500 will not hold up to heavy use nearly as long as the 870.
But, in all these years of shotgunning, I've yet to see a worn out 500.
I doubt they'll wear down past usefulness inside 50K rounds, and possibly not within 75K.
I care not a whit which one you shoot, just whether you're shooting......
With 5 870s here, there's a range of options.
Mission specific "Serious" shotguns are the two with short barrels, mag extensions, peep sights and wear marks up the wazoo. They are kept ready with 00.
A wingshooting tool is the one made in 1955 with the newer 30" Remchoked LC barrel and the extended stock. It may fit me as well as any shotgun ever has and has a good record on flying stuff.
T'other two can go either way.
Frankenstein has the 21" barrel on,is currently stuffed with 4 buck, and is stashed nearby, just in case.
The 20 gauge has a 21" barrel also, and handles like the quail gun it is, but there's some 2 buck loads here in case I need them.
And a 20" RS barrel that likes Rottweil Brenekkes, though kick is emphatic even by my standards.
However, these mainly get used as hunting tools. With a longer barrel on, Frank redefines the term "Goose Gun".
SO, out of my five I have only two that are dedicated defensive arms, and two more that can go that way at need.
And that's one big reason to get an 870 or 500. You can set it up as you want it, but it's as versatile as a SAK.
In fact, the "Turkey" Express models with 21-23" barrel is a very versatile tool and a lot of gun for the money.
So's the equivalent 500 version.
And while I'm on the subject.....
IMO, the 500 will not hold up to heavy use nearly as long as the 870.
But, in all these years of shotgunning, I've yet to see a worn out 500.
I doubt they'll wear down past usefulness inside 50K rounds, and possibly not within 75K.
I care not a whit which one you shoot, just whether you're shooting......