Shotguns

Looking for recommendations on a 12-gauge. Winchester, Remington, and Mossberg all have guns that fall in the $600-700 price range, which is what I'm after. I don't hunt or shoot skeet; just want simple, reliable, and suitable for home defense.

Anyone have a clear preference? This strikes me as a perfect question for the estimable Mr. Higgins.

[rfuerst911sc]

In order of reliably going bang when you pull the trigger .

1.Single shot/double barrel/over under
2.Pump action
3.Semi-auto

For home defense a shorter barrel will be easier to maneuver if you REALLY think you may have to fire indoors . Keep in mind after the first round you and anyone else inside will be deaf from the explosion . 00 buckshot would be my preferred ammo . If you have any local gun shows go there to touch/feel how they feel in your hands . You may also come across a much cheaper used gun and save some $$$ .

[sc_rufctr]

What shotgun does your police force use? For home defence that's what I would look at.

[pwd72s]

This one ought to do. Every one you mention has it's fans and detractors. I prefer pump over semi auto, but that's just me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkVEWJJ33gk

[HardDrive]

I had a Benelli Nova 12g, great gun at that price point. I only sold it because I have inherited so many shotguns, I had to make room in the safe.

Definitely go to a store and lay hands on the guns to check the 'fit'.

Full size:

https://www.benelliusa.com/nova-pump-field-shotgun

Tactical version:

https://www.benelliusa.com/nova-tactical-shotgun

[JavaBrewer]

Your price point buys you a top of the line Remington/Mossberg pump 12 gauge or a low er end semi-auto. Everyone has an opinion on this discussion so really you just need to see the options first hand. It's hard to go wrong either way.

I started with a Remington 870 Express Talo and it was awesome. Never an issue shooting all flavors of 12 gauge ammo. I inherited a Mossberg 500 Mariner and thought I didn't need the 870 anymore - selling it was a mistake - even though I got a great price as it was during the gun frenzy of the Obama election. I started having issues with the 500, the pump tends to jam on the extract process. I will need a gun smith to investigate but I have lost confidence in it as a HD tool.

I recently picked up the Mossberg 590a1 you see below (walnut stock is beautiful) and it is awesome. You should be able to find one for ~ $600 brand new. The one I bought came with a bayonet - for zombies of course.

[DavidI]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

What shotgun does your police force use? For home defence that's what I would look at.

870 Remington which is an outstanding and durable choice.

[brainz01]

Originally Posted by JavaBrewer

Your price point buys you a top of the line Remington/Mossberg pump 12 gauge or a low er end semi-auto. Everyone has an opinion on this discussion so really you just need to see the options first hand. It's hard to go wrong either way.



I started with a Remington 870 Express Talo and it was awesome. Never an issue shooting all flavors of 12 gauge ammo. I inherited a Mossberg 500 Mariner and thought I didn't need the 870 anymore - selling it was a mistake - even though I got a great price as it was during the gun frenzy of the Obama election. I started having issues with the 500, the pump tends to jam on the extract process. I will need a gun smith to investigate but I have lost confidence in it as a HD tool.



I recently picked up the Mossberg 590a1 and it is awesome. You should be able to find one for ~ $600 brand new. The one I bought came with a bayonet - for zombies of course.

This is spot on.

If home defense is your sole objective, I'd buy the12 ga Mossberg 590 as above. That's a police/military grade shotgun and is very functional and reliable for the money.

If you want the gun to do double duty as a part time skeet/trap/sporting clays rig, then consider the Mossberg 930. It's semi auto and will make you faster in follow up shots. I'n my experience, however, it does require periodic (every couple hundred rounds) cleaning of the gas system in order to maintain perfect cycling reliability. Otherwise its a great value semiauto with good aftermarket support.

For any gun, black plastic stocks are likely slightly more durable (especially in the wet), but for shotguns I find them less "sociable", particularly on the sporting clays course - - all the fancy guys will have Berettas and Brownings and other guns with real wood. Just a consideration as most shotguns can be had with wood or plastic furniture.

Full disclosure, I prefer Mossberg to Remington mostly because I prefer the thumb safety on top. Others may prefer the crossbolt safety in the trigger guard that Remington uses. Both make fine shotguns in your price point.

[The Synergizer]

Well, you don't want an expensive gun because they're going to break in and steal it from you anyway.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by The Synergizer

Well, you don't want an expensive gun because they're going to break in and steal it from you anyway.

Pretty darn funny right there !

[Jim Bremner]

I have a Remington 870P from the 2010 Or so last run of blued steel and walnut. It's gorgeous it's now sitting in the safe with a broken ejector

I have a Remington model 11 made in 1919 with a factory riot barrel!
Guess which gun I trust? The 870 loads a little easier. the 11 has a 3 round extended magazine so 8 in the tube 1 in the chamber and will empty quicker than you can say wtf!

A bud has a $2000 Benelli that loads a bit quicker than a A5/Model 11 But if I run out of OO buck i'm going to glock 19 with a 19 round magazine and 9 other loaded magazines

Anyone want the 870p? it needs $150 in work

[expatriot98]

S&W Governor or Taurus Judge for home defense.

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by expatriot98

S&W Governor or Taurus Judge for home defense.

Because sawed off shotguns are illegal

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Racerbvd

Because sawed off shotguns are illegal

I have an old Belgium Browning 16ga. I would not want to swing that around inside the house.

[Synchro Joe]

Mossberg 930SPX is excellent, and can be had for right @ $600. Love mine and it is not a sporty looking item, strictly business.

https://www.shootingillustrated.com/articles/2017/4/27/review-mossberg-930-spx-12-gauge-shotgun/

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by DavidI

870 Remington which is an outstanding and durable choice.

Except stay the hell away from anything not half as old as you are...the new stuff .

Picked up one a couple of decades old....19" bbl....$375 a couple of years ago. Fiocchi 00 defensive load buckshot...tame recoil....threat stipping effectiveness....like 4 45 acps at once....within a football at say 25'....

Thread over?

[id10t]

Mossberg 590

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by id10t

Mossberg 590

That or an 870.....but an old one .

When looking a few years ago...I visited a few stores to handle a few (both)..nope, not even if they were free. I'm a lefty, adapt to anything I pick up though....I still prefer the Remington 870...and an older one is better...even older, even better

Ford/Chevy vs classic Ford/classic Chevy....

But Fiocchi 00 Defensive Load buckshot is what I'd use....in whatever you get.

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

I have an old Belgium Browning 16ga. I would not want to swing that around inside the house.

I have the 12 gauge version of that, an 86.
Understand the feeling, course I use to also own a Street Sweeper.

Thanks all! I had a feeling you guys would have some good info.