Entry level tactical

[KaceCoyote]

Well I'm looking to get my first tactical shotgun shortly here, and its primary usage will be to defend the homestead. That said how much do I have to spend to get a Parkerized 12guage that holds atleast six rounds? I see the 870 is quite well loved, and the Mossbergs aswell. Which really does best at my price point, which is to say..which 3-400 dollar shotgun works better. I'm not interested Shooting trap or skeet, and if I get interested in that I'll likely just buy a dedicated scattergun.


So How much cash do I have to spend to get a shotgun I can trust with my life? Forgive my ignorance, but I figure I'd like to do this right.

[Darkmossy]

:) just get urself a nice mossberg 500a with a black synthetic stock with an extended mag......maybe a sidesaddle shell holder too. that would make a fine Home defense shotgun. 7 in the mag and one in the chamber is the way to go.:)

ps. i've got one FS if u would like a nice used shotgun :p

[BozemanMT]

On a budget, just about anything works.
a 870 express with a 18/20" barrel will do fine.
Where you live (and how humid it might) will tell you how much protection you need.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy either a Mossy or a 870 used and then use soem of my saved money to put on a magazine extension, etc
I don't think you can wrong with either.

[Lou629]

You really can't go wrong with either the remington 870 or the mossy 500.
Either one will "do the job" if necessary, and both will last you a lifetime, with reasonable care and maintenance. I've had an 870 for literally decades, and a 500 for many years, and i would trust either one to work for me in an HD situation. The mossy is slightly less expensive, around $249 locally, while the 870HD version is going for right around $300. Good choice whichever way you go.

[ArmedBear]

None of the guns mentioned is Parkerized.

The Mossberg hunter special (I think it's called) is Parkerized. Otherwise, you'll have to go higher end to get Parkerizing.

New Remington tactical models are coated, though, which should work fine for HD as an anti-rust measure.

I'd be inclined to get the 870 Marine Magnum if I were looking for a single-purpose shotgun.

[byf43]

I recently found a 1980 vintage Remington 870 Wingmaster 'Police' scattergun that appears to have only been fired twice (maybe) at a gunshow for $210 out the door!!! (This little gem is gorgeous!!!!!):cool:

Granted, it is blued and chambered for 2-3/4" shells only (which doesn't bother me in the least) but, if you shop around, you can find the 870P (Police) guns that were traded in and are parkerized for not a whole-lot-of money.

Between the 870 and the Mossberg 500 series, I'd take the Remington.

There seems to be more 'bells and whistles' available for the Remington, too.

That's my 2¢.
Thanks for reading.

Keith

[hgray14]

I would lean towards the Mossy for many reasons but one of them being that you can get (or at least I was able to a couple of years ago) a combo barrel even for the 8 shot Mossy 500 so you can take it hunting or trap/skeet shooting...until you get some money together for a dedicated gun.

Although people look at me strangely (not that unusual) when I shoot my Mossy pistol grip speedfeed stock with my 28" vented conversion barrel at the trap range it shoots just like my regular field Mossy and has brought me a perfect 25 out of 25. Of course, I usually like to shoot with my short barrel 8 shot Mossy 500 or one of my 590s just to stay in form...I think staying in shape tactically is more important than staying in good hunting shape. (Being in tactical shape could save my life but unfortunitely saves the lives of a lot of my prey.) Although people think you can't hit clay pigeons with an 18.5" barrel they are wrong. It actually patterns quite well as long as you aren't shooting any of the handicapped distances. It should be noted that you have to hit the birds just about instantly as they come out of the house to do well but with some practice even some of the fliers can be gotten. I enjoy working on my reaction time.

I am not a great trap shooter by any means but the day that I shot 25 out of 25 with my pistol grip stock Mossy 500 Persuader left quite a lasting impression on the members of my club who said I couldn't shoot trap with a shorty barrel.

Houston

[MLH]

The Maverick 88 by Mossberg. I think you'll like it. You can get it in 7 +1. Pretty good gun for the money!:cool:

[KaceCoyote]

I havent bought yet, I tend to do alot've homework with this stuff. This 12guage is likely to spend a good deal of time in the field, probably behind the bench in my truck whilst I'm doing farming such things. I had a .30-30 Marlin there for awhile but the blued finish just isnt holding up to the abuse. Thus a parkerized shotgun, or a marinecote.

[The-Fly]

i have a 870 express that came with the +2 extension from sportsman warehouse for $280. I picked up a 28" barrel for doing trap, but keep the 18" barrel on for uninvited guests :evil:

Its a great gun, simple, reliable, easy to clean and lube.

[kansas45]

I want to get a tactical shot gun to use in three gun competiton. Has anyone tried a Winchester Model 1300 NRA Practical Defender? I've only seen one in their catalogue. What about the Benelli?

[BozemanMT]

A lot of people in 3gun shoot the big benelli. reliable with teh right ammo and well made. But if you are just getting started in 3 gun, let me tell you don't even worry about the gun. I probably would have shot as well using my SxS (with extractors, not ejectors), doesn't have much to do with the gun i can tell for quite a while.
Now, having said that, having cool toys is always a plus and I have way nicer toys than my ability should attest to. :p The benelli is a real nice 3 gun piece.

[CZguy]

I use a used Remington 870P for a truck gun. I bought it used for $250.00 with a 18 1/2 inch barrel, and a speed feed stock. A two shot magazine extension could be added easily.

The new matt finish Remington express shotguns, do not prevent rust as well as Parkerizing. There is a price difference, but not if you buy a used Police gun.

[KaceCoyote]

Ok I played with a friend's 590 and I'm sold, I'll splurge and get a parkerized model with everything save the ghostrings. One problem however, He has an older model, and the foregrip has a nylon "leash" around it that holds onto the hand. I sorta like this setup, but I was informed its been discontinued. Where can I buy one of these things on the aftermarket?

[ArmedBear]

The new matt finish Remington express shotguns, do not prevent rust as well as Parkerizing.

Understatement of the year.:D

I do like my Express shotgun, but the rough Express finish doesn't prevent rust as well as smoother blueing, to say nothing of Parkerizing. Of course, a used Express and a Lauer Duracoat kit will probably do the trick for cheap.

WRT the 590, there's one thing... AFAIK they're a PITA to strip and clean compared to the 870, which is really easy.