[cbmyers2007]

under $500, 12 gauge

[Ethereal]

Best buy is the Remington 870 express for $300. Endless options to customize to your liking or just keep it as is. Reliable pump action and a great foundation to any home defense arsenal.

[LeonCarr]

You can find used Remington 870 Wingmasters (IMO better quality than the newer 870 Express) used for under 200 bucks if you look around. Spend the other 300 bucks on ammo and training.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

[RevolvingCylinder]

Get something American with an 18-20" bbl and actual stock. My preferred are Ithaca, Remington, and Mossberg in that order.

[cbmyers2007]

doesn't have to be used, but if I can get more for my money, I guess it'd be ok

[SniperStraz]

Remington 870 or Mossberg 500
Nuff said

[cbmyers2007]

Remington 870 or Mossberg 500
Nuff said

I knew these would be the 2 reccomended, but which variant of these models would be the best for home defense?

[SniperStraz]

Quote:
Remington 870 or Mossberg 500
Nuff said

I knew these would be the 2 reccomended, but which variant of these models would be the best for home defense?
That depends on preference. My only suggestion would be not to get a pistol grip. (and on the mossberg I strongly urge you not to get the forward grip strap)

[Matt King]

Remington 870
Mossberg 500/590
Winchester 1300

Any will serve you well. Mine the Archives for info regarding each.
Hope that helps.

[cbmyers2007]

why no pistol grip?

and texas, what archives are you talking about?

[KINGMAX]

REMINGTON 870 EXPRESS as short a barrel - 22 - 24 inches - shooting 3 inch # 4 buck shot - :fire: 'Rack the slide, and they will hide':fire:

[kcmarine]

If that's the only thing you're using it for, get a Winchester 1300 Defender. 18 inch barrel, 8 shot capacity. Available from around $350. The only problem is finding one, the model died along with the Connecticut plant.

[19-3Ben]

Quote:
Remington 870 or Mossberg 500
Nuff said
I knew these would be the 2 reccomended, but which variant of these models would be the best for home defense?

I have what they call the 870HD. It's the 870 express with 18.5" bbl, and extended magazine.

Not spekaing from experience, but something so pervasive that it seems to be a general truth-->The reason not to get a pistol grip is that they are not as quick or easy to aim, and will not tame recoil as well, making follow-up shots much harder.

[cbmyers2007]

What about a mossberg 590, like this one:
http://mossberg.com/images/products/SA/50665.jpg

9 shot, 20 in barrel

[alucard0822]

remington makes a couple simple nice tactical 870s for around 400 new

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=55507&stc=1&d=1174955809

[Matt King]

and texas, what archives are you talking about?

At the top of you screen there is a Search tab. Click it and enter what you want to find out. It will list old threads that discussed what you searched for. Using the Search feature to do research is called mining the archives. Hope that helps.

[6_gunner]

About anything from a reputable company sporting a short barrel will to the job nicely.
One of my favorites is the old Winchester 97. It's extremely tough, extremely reliable, and uber scary when you rack it up.

Plus, you can hold the trigger and slam-fire it if the Germans are overrunning your trench. :evil:

The only downside is that they're pretty expensive compared with newer models, due to their collector's value.

[FXWG]

Add me to the list of folks that recommend the
Rem 870, Moss 500.
I have a Moss 500 persuader.
20" barrel, came with the pistol grip
as well as the full stock.
IMO... you can't go wrong with either.:cool:

[66912]

I will stand behind either a Remington 870 or a good Ithaca 37 police special. Used or new, it really does not matter. Both are as timeless as they are reliable.

[tdultima]

Comparitive Study: Remington 870 vs Mosberg 590

http://www.tacticalshotgun.ca/content_nonsub/shotguns/compare_870_590.html

[ReadyontheRight]

$500? Remington 870 Marine Magnum.

http://www.remington.com/images/products/firearms/shotgun/870marinemag[1a].jpg

One classy shotgun.

[cbmyers2007]

I'm going to read that article tomorrow. I just started to read it now, but then I realized how long it was. Too tired to read something that long:D After I read it, I think I can make a better decision.

[jad0110]

One of my favorites is the old Winchester 97. It's extremely tough, extremely reliable, and uber scary when you rack it up.

Just curious, what does one sell for these days?

[Redneck with a 40]

I bought my Mossberg 500 back in '05 for $210 with 2 barrels, a 28 inch and an 18 inch. I have no interest in hunting, so the 28 inch barrel sits in the closet, first thing I did was mount the 18" barrel.:D I was looking for a no frills, reliable shotgun, for the price, I don't think you can beat the Mossberg. It'll serve its purpose just fine, home defense.

[daysleeprx]

I got a brand new Winchester 1300 Defender with the Fiber Optic sight for $225...I thought it was a steal!

[Roadwild17]

I'll offer a different option, the F&N Police Pump. Brand new for ~$350. Has rifle sights, 18.5" barrel, 7+1 capacity. I LOVE MINE.

[MassMark]

I'm going one step further. I own a Remington 870 and I love it. I own a Mossberg 500 and love it....I own a Benelli Super 90 and really, really love it...I'm just full of love aren't I? :neener:

You want a scattergun for under 500 smackers? Look into a Benelli Nova Tactical Pump Shotgun. It has all the features of the Super90 in a pump, plus you have a recoil reduction option as well. i have fired one of these shotguns and was very impressed.... I just saw one for $300.00 and change....

[cbmyers2007]

Just read the article and I'm still not sure which I'm going to get. I'm going to go to a pawn shop and look at both, then I'll make my decision.

[Fred Fuller]

Find relatives and friends who have shotguns. Get them to take you out with their shotguns and let you shoot them. YOU buy the ammo, keep it to light loads. Shoot every different make and model you can get hands on. Note what you like about particular ones, and what doesn''t work for you as well.

THEN make up your mind what you want to buy. Don't discover you made a mistake after you bought the gun based on someone's advice on the internet.





'Course, if you buy an 870, you won't make a mistake... 8^).

lpl/nc

[Stump Water]

Not spekaing from experience, but something so pervasive that it seems to be a general truth-->The reason not to get a pistol grip is that they are not as quick or easy to aim, and will not tame recoil as well, making follow-up shots much harder.

Are you referring to a pistol grip only... or a full stock w/integrated pistol grip?

[glockman19]

+1 for the Remington 870. You just can't go wrong on reiability or price.

[cbmyers2007]

I would do that lee, but I don't know anybody that has any kind of 12 gauge. I have a friend that has some kind of 20 gauge, but thats a lot different

[sm]

I have a friend that has some kind of 20 gauge, but thats a lot different

Respectfully disagree.
Best kept secret is a 1100 20 gauge.
Bone stock, fixed choked Skeet or IC barrels.


Lee's point is the same one I and others have repeated umpteen bazillion times:

Try before you buy.

One has to actually shoot a variety of shotguns to see what fits them, how they do with the various platforms, controls and everything.

Get someone that knows about eye dominance, gun fit, and a seasoned shooter to assist with various guns to try [actually shoot] and to assist with picking a gun.

Get a bone stock gun [plain simple with full stock]and then get training with again a seasoned shooter/ trainer/ instructor.
These folks will then "read" your personal situation and if..."IF" you need curb feelers and fuzzy dice hanging off it , they will suggest so.

20 gauge.

MY serious situation shotgun is a Youth 20 ga single shot shotgun.
I prefer slugs .

I have, I know Lee has, I know others have and ARE using 20 gauge Shotguns for serious use.

Lady Friend uses a 870 pump shotgun in 20 gauge. She shot ~500 rds in 4 days, including low light , and 100 rds of buckshot, and 200 slugs.
She can take that bone stock 870 in 20 gauge and shooting a slug take the shot with a BG holding a knife to a hostage

One of our friends uses $85 JC Higgens 12 gauge pump and $95 JC Higgens 20 gauge pump - found at the Pawn Shop.

He has some nice guns - real nice. Still he just likes using these less than a $100 Pawn Shop finds - for everything.

hehehe...we was putting "cloverleafs" onto a empty Marlboro Red Cigarette box with slugs with both his pump guns.

There are shotgunners - and there are those that happen to have a shotgun Mentors

[cbmyers2007]

Well, the friend that has a 20 gauge is currently living 4 hours away, so it still doesn't do me much good:(

[GunNut]

New or Used Remington 870 or 11-87 Police model or the Mossberg 590A1.

I'm not really crazy about the HD Remington 870's or the gussied up Tactical's.

Steve

[Matt King]

I'm not really crazy about the HD Remington 870's or the gussied up Tactical's.

Have these models experienced problems?

[GunNut]

No, I just prefer the metal trigger guards and better finish on the Police Models.

Steve

[nemoaz]

Remington 870 ...
Mossberg 500 ...
Benelli Nova Tactical Pump Shotgun....
F&N Police Pump...
Winchester 1300 Defender...
Ithaca

It's all good. I have a Mossy and prefer the lighter weight and the safety. Carry a Remmy at work occasionally and it's fine, but heavy.

You really can't go wrong. Go play with a few, hit the controls a few times, and shoot a few if you can.

Also, nothing wrong with a used shotgun. Very few get shot enough to wear anything out.

I wouldn't feel poorly armed with any of the above or any current 12g pump on the market.

[ProjectMayhem]

I bought a Mossberg 500 in the home defense variant for not much over $200 if I remember correctly. It has an 18 1/2 inch barrel along with the 8 shell capacity (or 9? I haven't been home to see it for awhile :( )

It also came with the pistol grip, which makes it very short and very 'pointable'. This handyness also seems to translate into quite a lot of recoil, especially when shooting the 3 inch 00 buckshot I bought along with it. I'm not that big of a guy though and I was still able to manage without that much discomfort...it's just not something I'd want to go off in my hands if I wasn't ready.


For the price, it also came with a head shield...and I've been thinking seriously about putting on the Knox folding, recoil reducing stock (the COPstock I think).

I would endorse the Mossberg given my experience, but for $500 you can likely find something with a traditional stock that's a little more upscale (a nice 870 or a 590, perhaps).

[Fred Fuller]

cbm,

Sorry you don't have anyone to sponge off of in order to get hands on some scatterguns. You're hanging around with/related to the wrong kind of people, it seems... 8^).

Failing relatives and friends, then, I suggest you look around your area/region for gun clubs or even ranges that rent guns. A good gun club would be your best bet, many offer introductory lessons to new shotgunners as well as a variety of rental guns to try out.

And failing that, make sure you at least handle and shoulder the full gamut of major American makes/models before you make a decision. Getting the 'feel' of a gun is better done in live fire, but one does what one can.

It wouldn't hurt to note your general location either, as there might be a fellow THR member close enough to help out some...

lpl/SE NC

[TX_Shooter]

No one mention about the Saiga shotgun. Are they not good?

[GunNut]

The Saiga 12 gauge shotguns are great guns, they are just not very traditional looking so it scares some away from them.

The downsides for me are the extended magazine and pistol grip that can more easily get caught on things, plus the magazines are fairly spendy.

But it is on my short list of purchases just to piss off the democrats and anti-gunners.:evil:

Steve

[cbmyers2007]

I live in the south metro atlanta area(henry county)

[toivo]

The Saiga 12 gauge shotguns are great guns, they are just not very traditional looking so it scares some away from them.

The downsides for me are the extended magazine and pistol grip that can more easily get caught on things, plus the magazines are fairly spendy.

But it is on my short list of purchases just to piss off the democrats and anti-gunners.
The stock Saiga 12-gauges don't have a pistol grip, although a lot of people modify them to add one and make the gun even more AK-looking. Saiga does make a low-profile 2-round mag for it, but they're pretty hard to locate.

I'm a registered Democrat and I have a Saiga rifle in .223. I was pretty pissed off at myself when I bought it. In fact, I almost stopped talking to myself. But now, hey, I've decided to cut myself some slack.

[gunny1022]

Double barrel 12g coach gun with hammers. Handy, very intemidating, no safety to worry about, and costs about $200.00. Ask Doc Holliday.

[Nematocyst]

870P (http://www.remingtonle.com/shotguns/870synthetic.htm)

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=53581&d=1171861065"]http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=53581&d=1171861065

[JShirley]

Any reputable maker (including Ithaca, Winchester, Benelli, Mossberg, Remington and Browning, to name a few).

I would personally go for an 18-21" barrel with ghost ring or rifle sights. The main reason the shotgun is known for close range defense, is because it has been pressed into such duty by those who owned one for other purposes. Better sights will allow more careful shots if you have time, and also allow long shots on turkey (if you get a shotgun with a choke) or deer (with slugs).

Of course, I personally believe reduced recoil slugs are the way to go for home defense. I saw a test of a (Federal?) RR slug three days ago, that penetrated less than 15" of gel. Ballistic gelatin allows deeper penetration that tissue, so the whole point is that RR slugs will not tend to overpenetrate, despite what some claim.

John

[Mark8252]

I use a rem 870 20ga youth shotgun.
The shorter stock and barrel work very well in the home.
Many gun dealers will tell you they sell youth shotguns more for home defense than for youths.
The shotgun has more uses such as hunting and trap shooting than combat shotguns have.

:) :) :) :)

[jeepman77cj5]

BPS High Capacity. Local GS has it for $420. 7+1 20" barrel. It's next on my list after the SP-101 tomorrow. :D

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/images/012244m.jpg

[Dave McCracken]

Any US made pump will do well, The weak link is us. Shoot your shotgun of choice until it's a body part. Forgo the addons for now,

And follow my sig line...

[Bob Lindell]

Remington 870HD Express 20 ga. - 18" barrel with extended magazine. Bought one last week for $339. Not being a career shotgunner, I find its recoil quite managable - nothing to fear as I get older or for the wife to use with some training. It's accurate and definitely lethal.

I'm very happy with my choice and would recommend it.

[MrAcheson]

I got a brand new Winchester 1300 Defender with the Fiber Optic sight for $225...I thought it was a steal!Nah, it's an aluminum. :D I'll offer a different option, the F&N Police Pump. Brand new for ~$350. Has rifle sights, 18.5" barrel, 7+1 capacity. I LOVE MINE.The last time I checked, the FN police was the same gun as a Winchester 1300. But that was before the winchester plant closed so they may have changed models now.

Not that there is anything wrong with the 1300. The biggest problem I had with the 1300 was that nobody in my area sold them. I ended up buying a mossberg 590 for $350 instead. It's a good gun and I have no complaints.

If you want to spend $ on a HD shotgun, the 870 marine magnum is a really nice gun. So is the BPS. If you want to save money, I've recommended the Maverick 88 to a few people on tight budgets. Maverick is mossberg's bargain brand. You save a fair bit of cash, but you trade mossberg's tang safety for a cross-bolt.

[JaxNovice]

For under $500 this is 100% the best deal in the world.

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=69236342

[countryrebel]

Mossberg 590,9 shot,6 shot side saddle,tac light,and next to our bed.:)

[DomMega]

A resounding referral to the Remington 870, that really says something. I love mine. I put a stock with a pistol grip on it and then I shortened the pump. There's only one thing I dislike about the 870.

1. I don't like where the action release is ergonomically, the Mossberg's feels waaaaaaaaaay better, but whatever you only gotta push it once for six rounds of kick.

There's a reason its America's favorite shotgun and for home defense it can't be beat. If you want something for clay target shooting, get a 20 gauge Mossberg with replaceable barrels. My 20 gauge has both an 18 and 24" barrel that came with it and take less than a minute to swap out.

Good luck.

[full metal]

is $500 all your life worth?.screw that me and my family are priceless.i would not recomend you a shotgun i dont own for my familys protection.get a benneli super90 m1 semi auto with a flashlight handguard the fastest 7 shots i have ever fired out of any shotgun the kind of shotgun you'd take to hell and back.
just my opinion good luck

[KINGMAX]

Get a REMINGTON 870 Express for about $239.00 and up. If you can find one, get a Stainless Steel in a synthetic stock w/ the extended magazine. Load that hummer up w/ 3 inch magnums w/ # 4 Buckshot. Can you say 'Crowd Pleaser'

:fire: 'Rack the slide, watch 'em hide !!!! ' :fire:

[GunNut]

'Rack the slide, watch 'em hide !!!! '
From what I have read this is terrible advice. If someone is in your home intent on doing harm to you or your family, you do not want them to know where you are and that you are armed. It looks and sounds good in movies, but in real life you are there to protect yourself.

Steve

[ouchman7]

yup, moss 500 ,rem 870 ,rem 870 mm ,have all 3, plus an 1100 tact2 and a ben supernova.the first 3 all have pistol grips . and there all under 20 ". the 870 marine magnum has a knoxx breachers pistol grip and all 3 pistol grips i can control well.i practice at the range alot.and if you can hit a target with a slug like i can.just about anyone can hit what theypoint at with 00buck 9 or 12 pellet,any average sized man/strong lady.pistol grips are ok in my book,ESPECIALYthe KNOXX BREACHERS GRIP. its really in a class by itself.im going to replace the other 2 p grips soon.$93.00 a shot,but worth it.if you come in my house unwanted/criminally,ill kill you with my breachers grip 870 marine magnum. thats the one i keep close.excellent set up.once you go knoxx,you never go back.you take 50% of the felt recoil off a low recoil slug or low recoil 00buck and its very controlable.(you practice with slugs,you cant miss with 00 9 or 12 pellet buck shot. plus when you shoot slugs all the time you get good with slugs all the time.but depending on you living arrangement,slugs or buck shot is the serious choice you have to make. good shootin and be safe everyone... by the way i agree with full metal's post about 2 back 100%,on both points he made.benelli m2 or m3 is next.if i can get it past the wife.no more kids at home ,son's a cop and daughter's a banker.we have the house to ourselves...soon full metal,soon.

[sm]

'Rack the slide, watch 'em hide !!!! '

I was not raised, nor have I ever received any lessons suggesting this.

-I personally do not want to give away my position.
-Many shotguns I have used , including serious use, did not have a safety,
We removed them on purpose for serious competition, and same guns were used for everything, including serious uses.
-Slug in chamber, stock mag tube filled with more, and the most "faint" snick would be heard if shotgun had to come into play.

Then again I am not going to pull back the hammer on a revolver to shoot single action...
I am not going to rack the slide on a semi-auto handgun either.
1911s for instance are going to be "faint" sounding when "snicked down".

Concealed means concealed in more than one context ...

[MassMark]

If you can find a dealer that's fairly deep in home defense shotguns, have him lay an 870, 500 and Nova Tactical on the counter. Pick each one up. Shoulder them. Get a feel for them. My bet is you'll walk out with a Benelli. The price point is there, the reliability is there, the tactical look and feel is built in.

Don't get me wrong, the Remington 870, Mossberg 500, Winchester 1200 are all venerable classic defensive shotguns. It's just that there are better options out there and for nearly the same dough. A bone stock 870 is of course a better deal financially and is great if you plan on leaving it bone stock. Add grips, sights and stocks and you've eclipsed the Nova. The Nova is tactical-ready out of the box, has a smoother action, less felt recoil and lighter weight. All for about 300-smackers and change. If you have the dough and can find a deal on a Super90, you'll be in cream of the crop territory.

Rarely, (if ever) will you fire a smoother, faster 12ga. Assuming however you want to stay in the 300 ballpark, don't overlook the Nova...Good luck.

[fiVe]

I'm totally new to the HD shotgun scene and cbmeyers has more money to spend than I did, but I'm very happy with my Maverick Security 88.

[Doggieman]

any current-production gun on the US market will serve you fine. Spend the extra money on ammo & learning how to shoot.

:)

[762X39]

I agree 100% with the last guy. Learn to shoot!
I have been in harms way enough times (I was scared every time, anyone that say's they weren't is just plain stupid) that it was only my training, confidance and bravado that saved my day. I use an 870 Police model with a 14 inch barrel but the truth is my wife's Winchester 1300 20 gauge (which has an aluminium receiver which has nothing to do with anything) would work just fine.
A good friend of mine purchased an old Steven's (or whatever) 12 gauge at the Rochester gun show for $20 and it works just fine for home defense should it come to that. For all you armchair defenders, racking the slide or whatever will not ruin your day. Missing or not correctly identifying your target will.
When my buddy with the $20 shotgun finished at Quantico, a Secret Service Agent ended up with a tattoo of a gun on his chest. It will probably heal after a while. Buddy graduated in the top 10% of his class. I trust him with my life no matter what weapon he chooses to wield!

[Otony]

I am going to suggest a Mossberg as well, but this time it is not a 500 or a 590! Rather, it is the new 930 HD, the home defense version of thier remarkably good auto-loader.

I bought the 930 Turkey which is essentially the same gun with a somewhat longer barrel & vent rib, otherwise identical. I absolutely love it, although it has not had a complete workout as yet. Once it has digested a few more cases of shells I will give it total confidence, but for now it is still very, very impressive.

If you decide to buy it, or any synthetic stock Mossberg for that matter, deep six their useless chunk of hard rubber recoil pad and go with a Limbsaver, you will be glad you did. That, and a metal safety are all the thing needs to bring it up to snuff, IMNSHO. You can purchase extended magazine tubes from Brownells/Choate meant for the older 9200 that work perfectly, BTW.

These 930's are getting a real workout in the dove fields of Argentina with glowing reports, and believe you me, if it can stand that kind of shooting, it is a tough gun.

[camacho]

Mossberg 590. Read the article below:

http://www.gunsandammomag.com/long_guns/mossir_033007/

[Nematocyst]

-I personally do not want to give away my position.Listen to SM's advice.

'Rack the slide, watch 'em hide !!!! '

Translation 1: If they hear you rack, they hide;
then you have less advantage.

Translation 2: Tell your enemy where you are,
and enjoy their fear as they draw their weapons
against you from a less vulnerable position,
and they know your direction.

Where's the wisdom in that? :scrutiny:

I keep one up the pipe with the safety on.

Slide rack says, "shuck shuck".

Safety says, "click".
(Even less sound {=0 dB} if you do it quietly.)

Your choice.

[jkingrph]

I have one of the Marlin lever action .410's in the corner, loaded with 000 buckshot. Not a lot but at least in a built up area, and the houses here are on large (1 acre + lots), I will not get too much penetration and range. I used to keep a 45-70 handy but decidided I did not want to shoot through more than one house.

[the lone gunman]

The best thing about a Mossburg shotgun is that the safety is on top of the receiver, very easy to use.

[SniperStraz]

The best thing about a Mossburg shotgun is that the safety is on top of the receiver, very easy to use.
In addition the Mossberg's safety doesn't use left-right mation it uses forward-backward so its easy to remember in a high stress situation. The safety has to move forward toward the target. Very easy.

[oletymer]

Yeah, run around shucking your gun and be sure to turn on the lights on your gun. The bad guy will not know where you are. Duhhh!

[Waywatcher]

Remington 870 with lots of ammo.

[CZ52GUY]

Shotty's take some work to use skillfully.

Dave has it right. Get something reliable, then Buy Ammo, Use Up, Repeat.

COMMAND of a shotgun will take some time. Some take to them right away, for some it takes a little more effort.

There are WAY TOO MANY "uber-tactical" models out there. Marketing focus does not success guarantee. Nor does it nullify usefulness either.

I'm a Mossberg fan. They fit me. I have short arms so I put a 12" Length of Pull Hogue Stock on mine. You can't optimally operate a shotgun that fits you poorly any more than you can win a footrace with shoes that are way too big or way too small.

I'm a big fan of Good sights or an Optic on a shotgun...I prefer Ghost Rings, but I've used the EOTech/Bushnell sights also with good success.

Some ranges will rent a shotgun to you. Might not be a bad play to get a sense of what you like and don't like.

The shotty should be comfortable to handle...when in doubt, go with something a little lighter. Over time, you'll be able to handle something a little bigger. This isn't about machismo, it's just being practical with this platform.

A good condition used shotgun (no disagreement with Remington/Mossberg as candidates) may be a good way to get started.

Again, as Dave mentioned, it's about developing a shotgunner (decent reliable shotty assumed) more than buying the ultimate shotgun.

Unlike some firearms for defensive use, you don't have to spend a bundle. Even for those of modest incomes, the value of getting into something reliable (even if replaced later) may outweigh the benefit of deferring experience by buying "the best" shotgun out there. Reliability, initiative to practice, discipline in staying with it, curiosity to ask the right questions and seek out instruction. These will help you become a capable shotgunner that can defend hearth and home. The Shotty is merely the reliable tool in your hands.

Good luck, and Keep Safe,

CZ52'

[MassMark]

CZ52 - excellent post... Cudos to Dave/Nem etal. There's a lot of mythology about shotguns and their use in a defensive situation - (ie: rack the slide and watch em hide)....Too much TV.....I think many fail to realize the impact, (in more ways than one) a shotgun can have - both negatively and positively as a tool for defense. Discharging a firearm in a 15-foot room at 2:44 in the morning will rattle your skull - so proficiency, practice and first shot placement is key. Many believe a "scattergun" will just automatically find it's target and eliminate it. Of course not true, however, it is an effective and potentially deadly defensive tool.

If the OP can surround himself with a variety of choices to make his decision - all the better. Don't buy a Benelli, 870 or 500 based solely on what you read as it can lead to disappointment.

[CZ52GUY]

...I'd also add, that some assertions about feature sets at time of acquisition notwithstanding, take good care of your shotty, and it will take good care of you.

Keep Safe,

CZ52'

[ZeSpectre]

Bought a (Mossberg) Maverick 88 just recently (Field "all purpose" model). Ran it damn hard to see if it would screw up. Works like a dream and patterns very nicely. $160 (second hand but unfired) from a local pawn shop.

26" barrel though, not exactly nimble for home defense.

[cbmyers2007]

Well, I just went to the pawn shop to see what all they had. No remingtons, but plenty of mossbergs. They had one 500, pistol grip, ar15 stock, 18" barrel. Felt really good and light. But forgot how much it was because the guy that was showing it to me kinda sold me away from it. I'm thinking it was in the high 300's. He said that he didn't really trust that kind of stock on something with so much power. He also told me that with a regular stock, it would be a lot easier to give someone a nice butt to the head because you wouldn't have to take your hand off the pistol grip and move it to the stock. The one he had me wanting was a 590A1. Brand new, 20" barrel, speed feed stock(4 extra rounds in the stock), 8 round tube + 1 in the chamber. He said it would be $440 before taxes and $480 after(I think). He also told me about a couple of ranges around here that rent shotguns. But he didn't know what kinds they have.

[XavierBreath]

I strongly recommend limiting your budget on the shotgun to under $200, and buying a good used shotgun. The standard recommendations are the Remington 870, the Mossberg 500 or the Winchester 1200/1300. All can be found used and in great condition for under $200. I put together my thoughts on home defense shotguns here (http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2005/09/home-defense-shotguns.html), so I would not have to constantly repeat them. Just visit the link, and the other links contained within it for more if you want my opinion.

Take the extra $300 or so, and sign up for a good class on home defense using a shotgun. Use what's left over to buy ammo. This is a case where the type of gun does not matter so much as the techniques employed.

[SniperStraz]

He said that he didn't really trust that kind of stock on something with so much power.
I think that a lot of SWAT teams around the country would beg to differ.

[tinygnat219]

Was at Gander Mountain in Fredericksburg today, looking at prices on a good hunting shotgun that has adjustable chokes. My Winchester 1200 doesn't, and when hunting Gobblers, a nice, tight shot pattern is ideal.

Saw 2 Mossberg Maverick 88s for 159.00, a Remmy 870 for 250, and a Mossy 500 for 250. All were used. Ze, you got a good price.

[jdmb03]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=269755

[innerwrath]

what sucks here in canada,you are suppossed to keep your gun and ammo separately and locked.which of course kind of delays your reaction time just a bit if you need your gun for a home defence situation....:confused: and oh goodness if you ever shoot a crook...you better got tons of money for your friendly neighborhood lawyer....oh and by the way..any of you fellows know if its true that you cant put a pistol grip on a semi-auto shotgun? or may be a rubber barrel so i can shoot around corners in narrow hallways.......:D jk.any advice on pistol grips would be greatly apprecciated!thank you all.

[cbmyers2007]

Can you put a pistol grip on a semi? yea.... Is it legal in your area? no clue

[ratster147]

i have a mossberg 1000 and would like to know how well it shoots slugs ..also does any other models of barrels fit this gun

[Shark32]

http://www.tromix.com/Welcome.htm

pick one. nothing beats a 10 rd mag for home defense.

[kellyj00]

doesn't really matter which you choose.
The extractor on the remington 870 is harder to replace, but I've only seen one break. The mossberg has a double extractor, one for each side of the shell and it's easier to replace with just a slot head screwdriver and a $5-10 part (if you can find them, get a few...it's just worth it...sell them off to your buddies when they break theirs) The mossberg 500 seems prone to extractor failures...and don't buy a mossberg maverick...they're very cheaply made.

you're not going to be disappointed no matter which you pick. You could buy a benelli nova, they have a rotating bolt that looks really cool... as well as an 'extract only' cocking mechanism button that only extracts but does not reload a new shell, also allows a mercury recoil reducer. It also handles 3.5" shells.... nice, but a bit more pricey...and much more rare. Tom Knapp broke the record for number of clays shot before they hit the ground with a benelli nova... 8 self-thrown clays, 8 pump-action shots, a million pieces of clay fall to the earth. If you find the video, it's really neat...he hit the last clay about 4 feet off the ground!

[possum]

+1 for the 870, i have one and i love it. i have customized it to no end, but recently removed all the "high-speed" stuff and kept it simple. the only thing that is on there now that wasn't originally is the extended magazine tube. it shoots great and there has never had a single issue.

mosberg also makes good stuff, but the only true advantage i can see that they have is the tang mounted safety whih is good for lefties, but that is the one and only thing.