[daroccot]

The shotgun's primary role is predator (grizzly/black bear, mountain lion, angry moose, etc.) defense in remote back country. Loads will be slugs or buckshot. The shooter is small frame 5'2" 115lbs. Length of pull will need to be 13 to 13 1/2 inches. Other possible models are REM11-87 Police, FN SLP. Which model do you all recommend and why.

[zinj]

I'd go for either the 11-87 or SLP, they are gas guns and will moderate recoil. I'd get bear spray before a gun, however. It is statistically more effective and much less prone to user error.

If you are really concerned about predators get this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Bear-Attacks-Causes-Avoidance-revised/dp/158574557X/sr=8-1/qid=1169847322/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-2404865-4891822?ie=UTF8&s=books

It is written by the preeminent researcher on bear attacks. It is all based on scientific observation and testing, not just anecdotes and "Well, I were in that situation..."

Easy to read and VERY eye opening.

EDIT: I see you are from the Yukon. Whatever you get, make sure to test it extensively in cold weather. I know my Auto-5 doesn't function well below freezing. You don't want to find this out when your neck is on the line!

Buckshot is out if you are concerned about bear, it simply does not have enough energy to reliable penetrate to the vital areas of an advancing bear. Slugs are the only real viable solution for a shotgun, and even then most foster types are not reccommended as they are designed to come apart in a whitetail, again not penetrating enough in the much heavier built bear.

Also consider getting a rifle. A shotgun slug and a caliber such as .35 Whelen, .300 Winchester Magnum, or (at the high end) .338 Winchester Magnum have similar amounts of recoil. The rifle will penetrate deeper and its higher velocity can initiate hydro-static shock.

[daroccot]

We have tons of training, and have been working in the bush for over 10 years. The first step to suriving a predator attack is to avoid it... Pepper spray is carried, as well as Super Redwawks. I don't really favor the gas operated design over the inerta system I just include it for completeness. Recoil isn't my largest concern as is't not like we are out there hunting. Previous models we have carried in the field are Rem 870 Police w/top fold stock, Mosberg 500, and Win Defender. Time for a new shotgun. Budget allows for a Benelli so why not?

Thanks for your reply.

[zinj]

You'll have to excuse me, it seems like 90% of the people asking about bear defense haven't been within 200 miles of a wild bear.

Anyway, its a hard choice. I'd like the semi for follow up shots, but I know that they can be adversely affected by climatic conditions. I'd stay with a pump action. Personally I'd go for a Remington 870, they are quite affordable and have wide parts availability. I don't really see anything that the Benelli offers over the Remington.

[ArmedBear]

I'd say an 870 Marine Magnum. The anti-rust finish should allow you to ignore the gun most of the time.

If you REALLY want a semiauto, Benellis are supposed to be the least susceptible to sub-freezing weather. There's no pressing reason to get a Benelli pump gun, that I can see. 870 parts and accessories are infinitely easier to come by, and I'll take steel over plastic.

Another thought...

The Marlin Guide Gun is a nice little hand-cannon. Available in stainless. If you're going to shoot slugs anyway, the .45-70 might be a good choice.

[daroccot]

I've already ruled the Marlin out as a possibilty. But thanks for the tip. Other possibilities rulled out were, but not limited to, S&W 460v, S&W460XVR, S&W500, Ruger Redhawk .44, bolt action .375 H&H, auto loading browning rifle, and a big stick...

I know the 870MM or the Mossberg Mariner have corosion resistance coatings however so do the Benelli Tactical models.

The feature the Benelli SuperNova has over an 870 or 500 is the forestock is closer to the triger assembly thus reducing the reach to the forestock for smaller shooters.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/170/370243759_f12549941a_o.jpg

[zinj]

Well, you can grip the 870's stock further back than you indicated with the red area. Also, since the Supernova is a 3.5in gun the receiver will be longer, so that foreend is not as far back as it appears. I'd have to look at both in person, but I have a feeling that the reach for the 870 and Supernova is pretty close.

EDIT: I also have not heard of anyone having problems with a standard 870 foreend. The complaints seem to mostly focus on the Browning BPS and Ithaca 37, both of which have attenuated foreends so as not to block the bottom ejection.

It seems that you really want the Supernova, so just get it. As long as it works for you there is no reason to try to justify its purpose. Just be aware that if you are going to be hauling it that the Supernova is a fairly heavy gun, and I don't think there are folding stocks for it if storage space is an issue.

[sonyman74]

Well, I have used a Rem., Moss., and I like my Super Nova way more than the others. As far as a pump, it is in my opinion so much smoother to pump than the others I had and as far as weight I don't see any differance. Me personally don,t see where a few oz. or even a pound makes much of a difference. I also have a Nova for hunting and have carried it all day in the woods with no problem. My Super Nova is more for HD b/c I live near a prison and a few months ago they had 3 get out and a week later a man the law was after came into town b/c his family lives here and he was hiding in my shed. So that's why I got my SNT. http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r286/sonyman74/CIMG0157Medium.jpghttp://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r286/sonyman74/CIMG0150Smalldfa.jpg

[The Deer Hunter]

I like the look of those shells:D

[sonyman74]

I take good advice and use it. :D

[daroccot]

sonyman74, did you find the collapsible stock for your SNT? When are the ones on the benelli site going to be for sale? or are they already. This would address the length of pull criteria most effectively, also gives the option for a thicker gelpad recoil pad, yes?

A thought occured to me regarding the autoloaders, if you have a misfire with an autoloader you have to remove your hand from the reciever and cycle the action other wise reach over with your left hand and cycle, regardless it's not part of a normal cycle operation. However with the pump, if you experience a misfire, your hand doesn't move from the trigger and you simply cycle the action, as you would anyway. In a stressfull situation familiar is always better.

Thanks for your input.

[sonyman74]

I called and talked with Benelli CS and they are still trying to get it approved by ATF to bring them into the U.S. I think it is crazy that someone in the states can make something and sale it but you can't import it. Hopefully someone will make an after market one soon.

[daroccot]

Sony, Icalled benelli Canada (SToeger) and they said they had never ordered on of the collapsible stocks but they could... might be an option.

It's all for not though, seems there is no stock on SNT's in Canada and delivery is uncertain especially by Mar 31st... My deadline. So it looks like I'll be going with a 870 probably a Police or Marine Magnum with a Knoxx SpecOps stock. Not a bad firearm by any stretch. what's even more painfull is that the Fabarm martial's are out of stock too... though I do have my name on a waiting list... Check this....

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid172/pd5331e249e442f4799dbb237cfeabf11/f3c4ca77.jpg

original can be found here...

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=40059&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=30