Okay, shotgun experts, an ordinary question

[Trisha]

First off, my favorite shotgun for defensive purposes is the Fabarms FP-6. It's barrel performs superbly with any round chambered for it, and is supposed to be suited for non-lethal rounds too. Take-down is a breeze, and the construction seems outstanding as far as workmanship. It's been 100% reliable.

Here's the question: Of all the manufacturere and models available, is there another that is the equivalent? I'm completely bereft of knowledge when it comes to shotguns!

The desired make/model must handle both buckshot as well as Brenneke slug loads, and it's sole function will be defensive/tactical and be comfortable enough for extended sessions of 100 rounds and up. Pump is preferrable. The suitability of a holosight would be a big plus.

And it must cost less than $550 out the door, in basic format.

Icing on the cake would be if said shotgun was also available in 16, or 20ga with the same capabilities.

Anyone?

Trisha

(Drat! Mods, please move this to Shotguns, and correct the Title typo?)

[sm]

Not an expert, I did drive by a Holiday Inn once...

PM sent.

[Avenger29]

A Remington 870, perhaps? (Disclaimer: I have never handled a Fabarms FP-6, so I can only give advice in regards to the major manufactorers). I did just look it up, and it looks like a typical pump shotgun.

Add one of the Knoxx Compensating stocks to cut down on the recoil, Get it drilled/tapped for a mount, or add a saddle mount or use a cantelievered barrel mount (I don't know how those perform, though). I don't use optics on SGs (or well, anything)

You could basically do the same thing with any of the major SGs (Winchester or Mossberg), but parts and accessories are available in the widest variety for the 870.

I know twenty guage 870's are available, maybe even 16, but I only use 12 gauge. I don't think the stocks meant for the 12 gauge will fit the 20 gauge reciever, due to it being a smaller reciever.

I can't give any advice as to the Benelli or Beretta SG's, but I do hear good things about the Novas. Don't know about the cost.

I own and shoot a Winchester 1300, A Mossberg/Mavrick 88, and a Remington 870, so that is where my experience comes from. The Remington 870 may not be as refined as the Fabarms, but it is still a very solid and reliable SG.

Undoubtably, those with more knowledge will chime in.

[sm]

http://www.fabarm.com/catalogue.htm


I have just downloaded the 43 page catalog [PDF], using dial-up ISP , to see what all we have here.

Take a look at what Trisha is referencing please, I am.

[The Deer Hunter]

Yes. I have never heard of the Fabarms gun before, but that also means I haven't heard anything bad about it. Pretty much the Remington 870 or the Mossberg 500 are generally considered very reliable.

I have also heard good things about the Benelli pumps. My dad has a Winchester pump, and he knows enough not to take a gun that wouldnt function into the woods.

[Quintin Likely]

I don't think there's a lot of things you can't do with an 870, nor is there any lack of ways to outfit one to your heart's content.

[zinj]

The desired make/model must handle both buckshot as well as Brenneke slug loads,

Any smoothbore barrel can handle buckshot and rifled or Brenneke slugs.

Pump is preferrable.

Try a quality automatic, you may like it. May I suggest a Remington 1100?

http://www.remington.com/tactical/tactical_shotguns.asp

And as stated above, the 870 is pretty much the standard by which other pumps are judged. Both the 1100 and 870 can be fitted with a saddle mount for an optic (about $40 last time I checked), which still allows the use of irons.

[Trisha]

Perhaps I should clarify.

We've owned the FP-6 for a few years and aren't in need of another, nor does the current one require replacement. The need is for a member of the extended family, for whom the ergonomics of the FP-6 are less than ideal, and the defensive purpose caliber best suited would be a smaller gauge.

Aftermarket stocks on the FP-6 are unknown.

Other manufacturers make back-bored heavy-barrel pumps with access to the aftermarket for accessorizing at some later date - but this must be, from day one of ownership, a perfect fit and meet the requisite stipulations. The environment will be 10,400ft, all possible weather. The threat is confirmed, but the area is rural to say the least.

Many thanks for the replies to date.

[Trisha]

(((sigh)))

I suppose if I can find a stocking dealer that has the new Fabarms SDASS Pro Forces on the shelves and she's able to come out of the high country, that would be the simplest way to go.

The FP-6 is PG 76 of the aforementioned catalogue - and it's good to see they expanded on an outstanding defensive shotgun into an entire line (can a girl really hope for some of those options availale as accessories???)!

As long as it's less than a used full-house Tactical Solutions/Wilson Combat it just might survive in the marketplace. . .

I digress.

[Avenger29]

You have a requirement for immediate defenisive arms that fit a smaller person and prefer a 20 gauge? Then you should skeddadle on down to the nearest place that has youth 20 gauge SGs of your choice and get one and hack off the field length barrel. Maybe even install a factory short bbl.

10000 ft and inclement weather don't mean a thing to good pumps like the 870. Don't waste time on finding perfect, but get something that fits okay and works now. At least a pump has a simple manual of arms. I wouldn't go with an auto.

And get some immediate practice and make sure your weapon is good to go.

You said the threat was confirmed, and that you needed something that was ready at the store. I assume you do not have time for special ordering guns or accessories...

Oh, and Wilson Combat is nothing more than an 870 Express with a bunch of doodads stuck on it for an outragous price. You could do the same thing to an 870 for a lot less cost.

[NJnative]

The Mod 37 Deerslayer has a smooth bore chocked to IMP CYL, which will put most of a buck shot loads in a 30' target at 25 yrds, it groups slugs in a 8" circle at 100 yards. If you look hard enough you can still find a 12 ga., 8 shot, D.S. Police Special or you can still find regular Deerslayers in 12,16 & 20 gage.
Don't buy any of the Storm mod. 37's these have rifled barrel.
You can also still find the regular Deerslayer replacement barrels.
Another bonus of having a Mod 37 in good shape, is that it can be slam fired.
(No trigger interupter)
I DO NO RECOMMEND DOING THIS WITH A WELL USED ITHACA AND/OR A GUN THAT YOU HAVE NOT CHECKED THE TIMING ON.

[John Peddie]

BPS

If you want a 20 ga. pump gun for a smaller framed shooter, have a look at a BPS Micro. 22" barrel, bottom ejection, top tang safety and well made, if a bit heavy for its size.

Downside is lack of aftermarket accessories.

[Lee Lapin]

Trisha,

Take a look at the Remington 870 Express youth gun- they come in both 16 ga. and 20 ga. CDNN (1-800-588-9500) currently lists the 16 ga. version (23" light contour vent rib barrel w/RemChoke tube, 13" LOP synthetic stock) for $249.99.

The 20 ga. version has a 21" VR RemChoke barrel with the same shorter stock, though all I have seen had wood furniture.

hth,

lpl/nc

[Smitty in CT]

Mossberg 500C - 20 GA Available in standard, bantam, and super bantam...

Receiver is already drilled and tapped to accept a picatinny rail for the holosight.
The 870 will either have to be "gunsmithed" or you'll have to add one of the B-Square "Saddle" mounts.

Just about any pump that you will find is going to be reliable, shoulder the guns and get the one that fits the best, in the end THAT is more important than what brand is on the side of the receiver...

[foghornl]

Trisha:

I'm a "Mossberg Guy", so that is my prefernce. The Mossys have the safety selector on the tang of the receiver, so that works better for a lot of people. The Mavericks made by Mossberg have the trigger guard mounted safety.

Mossberg's "Bantam" line has shorter length stocks, again, works well for younger/smaller folks.

Reliability??

I have owned & operated my Maverick 88 since 1990 without ANY problems, and I have restored my late Father-in-laws OLD (Maybe 1963/64 vintage) Mossy 500. Both go BOOM! on request, every time.

My Maverick wears the 18-1/2" 'Cylinder' bored barrel...no choke. Works well w/buckshot or slugs, but has its own preferences. PMC brand slugs & #4 Buck work best in MY barrel...Your Mileage Will Vary. The Brenneke "K.O." slugs are second best in MY gun, but only by a fraction. The Remington "Sluggers", Winchester in the silver box and Federal classics are darn near useless in MY gun.

Also note that if the user is somewhat recoil sensitive, the "Reduced Recoil" loads are almost non-existant in anything but 12-Ga.

[Trisha]

Many thanks - some pm's sent.

[carpettbaggerr]

Take a look at what Trisha is referencing please, I am.Gonna be 2 hrs for my dialup :(

But for a confirmed threat in a rural area, I'd suggest a rifle. Especially if recoil is an issue.

.223 gives better terminal performance (except at very close ranges), and is much more forgiving to the shoulder. And you'll have 20-30 rounds instead of just 5-9.

[Trisha]

Thank you - lots of hours and scenario previsualizing brought me to asking for shotgun experts.

If you have the opportunity to examine a pump Fabarms 18" or 20" tactical/defensive shotgun, the differences may become evident quickly. The strength of the action, and the tri-bore barrel design work well.

Trisha