[chetrogers]

I'm in the market for a shotgun to keep under my bed for HD.I have thought of the Remington 870 and Mossberg and just want to ask what you guys think i should get even if its a different model.I would like a pistol grip with stock and also am thinking of a forend pistol grip too..Also would a light of some sort be good? Thanks for any suggestions.Tried to find some pics that caught my eye but really haven't seen something that i want ..I did the search on the forum and read tons of shotgun posts..just haven't seen something i want to copy/get..Thanks

[JShirley]

Do you have any training?
Have you used any shotguns in the past?

For me, for instance, I used a Mossberg 500 for years, growing up, hunting small game. Even though a Rem 870 is thought to be better in some ways, a 500 makes sense for me because I'm so familiar with it.

There are lots of shotguns that will work just fine, if they work for you. That may sound redundant, but there may be great shotguns that you just don't mesh with.

If you haven't used a shotgun in the past, you may be most satisfied with something like an M1 Carbine. It's light and handy, ammo is cheap, it's plenty accurate at close range, and recoil is very low. These combine to make it a pretty good HD tool, when loaded with decent ammo.

John

[chetrogers]

I own a double barrle shotgun "12 guage" SxS ..I shoot it alot and i love it..i have shot tons of the double barrel but pumps i have just shot a couple.."Under 50 shells total"

[grimlock]

The 870 or a Mossberg 500/590 should be great for you. I'm about to pick up an 870 Express Model 5077, with synthetic stock, 18" cylinder bore barrel and 2-round factory mag extension. I chose the 870 because it's what I'm used to, and for its ease of takedown.

I would recommend not getting a pistol grip for the forend. A pistol grip out there means you are pretty much locked into one hand position, and that position may not fit you.

Also, since I grew up hunting with shotguns, a pistol grip with the stock just doesn't feel right to me. I prefer a normal stock. If you've got more experience with a pistol grip stock, by all means go that route.

A weapon-mounted light is a good idea, but make sure it has a momentary on switch in addition to on/off. It's not usually the best idea to come downstairs to check out a noise with the light blazing.

[SapperLeader]

I would really avoid pistol grip onlystocks, and the pistol grip on the pump is up to you. If you really want a pistol grip, get one with a full stock attached. For a hd gun, I highly recommond a weapons light, their great for identifying whats a stray animal or confused family member rather than a drugged up burgular.

[Dave McCracken]

The Archives are loaded with pertinent material, chet. And GOOD HD shotguns are neither expensive nor rare.

Any of the Big Four pumps will give yeoman service. Shun the addons until one achieves competence with the stock weapon. Spend the money on ammo, range fees and even a lesson or two.

HTH...

[ReadyontheRight]

Pick up and handle Mossberg 500/590, Winchester 1300, Remington 870, Benelli Nova, Browning BPS and Ithaca 37 pumps. Operate the safety and the action release and see which makes the most natural sense to you. See which goes to your shoulder and points most naturally.

My .02 (I'm not sure if it's even worth that).

Mossberg -- inexpensive, but some cheap plastic parts (I've noticed inoperative safeties on a few used ones, but an easy fix) -- which can be easily replaced. Tons of after market accessories and no "bumps" on the magazine tube to file down for mag extensions. Tang safety.

Winchester -- same with the replaceable plastic parts -- although I've only read about issues with plastic parts on 1300s. Rotating action can be pumped immediately after firing. Trigger guard safety.

Remington -- The classic with tons of accessories. Unless you get the police or marine magnum model, there are "bumps" on the magazine as mentioned above. Trigger guard safety. The easiest to find parts and experienced gunsmiths.

Benelli -- Funky new design. Stock is integrated into the receiver. The shotgun itself is inexpensive so you get Benelli quality at a low price. Accessories may be expensive and hard to find. Trigger guard safety.

Browning BPS -- Slightly more expensive, but probably worth it. More difficult to find parts for mag extensions, light rail, stocks, etc. Bottom ejecting, so it works for lefties. Tang Safety.

Ithaca -- Also bottom ejecting. Classic pump gun. Ithaca's been in and out of business, but seems OK now.

The Remington and Mossberg will be the easiest to replace parts and get aftermarket accessories.

Agreed to avoid a pistol grip only. Your shoulder is a much better stabilizer and shock absorber than your wrists.

All are good and will serve you well if you shoot a lot and get to know the mechanics as second nature.

I've got a few of the above, but if I personally had only one HD shotgun, I'd get the Remington 870 Marine Magnum.

http://www.remington.com/images/firearms/870marinemag.jpg

Nickel and plastic for corrosion avoidance. Already set up with 18" barrel and mag extension. Parts are swappable with the 6 million other 870s out there. And darn cool-looking.:cool:

[foghornl]

The Rem 870 is probably the most popular of the pumps. I happen to be a Mossberg fan. Nothing wrong with Ithicas or Winnys, either. Never fired a Browning BPS, or any of the Benelli's.

Here is my Maverick 88 by Mossberg as set up for Serious Socializing Work....

Field & Woods barrel [28" plain modified choke] included in the pic. Ammo in the butt cuffs is Rem 3" Mag #4 Buck.

[YammyMonkey]

From what I've seen the Mossberg 590's and REm. 870's would be the way to go. I shoot lefty and have a BPS, but it's not what I would call a defensive shotgun, nor would I want to try and convert it to one. One thing to consider is the tang vs. trigger guard safety (mossy vs rem). Since I shoot lefty the tang is much more my speed, especially since my BPS and Citori (yes, I do have a thing for Brownings) both have the tang safety. I'd say that fit and feel are more important than which brand you buy (within reason) since you'll be more likely to practice with and be more comfortable with a gun that fits you well.

ps Benelli makes good guns, but I just don't see them being so much better that it justifies the price.

[ruger357]

870.

[JNewell]

Save enough $ to make sure that you pattern the gun at 5, 7, 10, 15, 25 yards with your chosen ammo so you know where it hits, and how dense the patterns are. You may be surprised.

Training is highly recommended.

[Devilen]

You can't go wrong with a remington 870.

I also own a Mavrick 88 as well,this is the weapon that is under my bed.
It's only around $250 to $300 and it's a good weapon for the house.
It's loaded with some #4's

It's a short weapon, it comes around pretty quick. You just can't beat it for the money. It is going to lay under your bed after all. I wouldn't spend a whole lot of money on something that could get banged up some how. My dog has thrown up right next to it. But luckly it wasn't on it. ewwww...I thought,"man I'm glad that wasn't the 870.
Just my .02

Dev...

[Smoke]

GO handle them both and pick the one that feels right. Both are good guns.

My $.02 is: try a gun with a pistol grip (next to the trigger) and avoid one on the front. Pistol grip only rear stocks are worthless.

Let us know how it goes.

Smoke

[Black Majik]

Pistol Gripped rearstocks hurts! Ow! :eek:

If this is your first shotgun, I'd suggest picking up a HD model shotgun of some sort w/ a standard buttstock. Practice first with that and buy a aftermarket pistol grip. Try that out and see if the PG works for you. Otherwise, keep the standard stock and sell that PG.

In the end, I would also suggest the 870 marine magnum. Beauty and subtlety with no BS, this gun would be my primary choice for home defense. If you dont wanna go for the extra cash, I would also recommend the Remington 870 HD model, w/ a 18.5" barrel and a extended magazine tube. Add a surefire foreend and you're ready to go!

Oh yeah there's also the Mossbergs, Winchesters and all the other stuff... :o

[Sparky]

would not recommend a pistol grip. Regular stock is much easier to control. If you hunt with shotgun it's negates the need to program yourself to the pistol grip. A light is a good idea. If there are ladies who may be forced into a home defense situation, consider a 20 bore. Much easier on the shoulder and at home defense distances just as effective IMHO

[grimlock]

Just wanted to let you know that I got that new 870 #5077 the other day. My only problem so far was that the magazine extension nut was installed so tightly at the factory that I ended up taking a tiny bit of the finish off of it using pliers over cloth. Unfortunately, it wasn't coming off any other way.

The good news is that, unlike most other Express models, the 5077 doesn't have the dimples inside the magazine tube. The barrel has the old-fashioned ball detent to hold the mag cap on instead. Also, even the bolt is treated with the rugged black finish.

Ok, so I lied about that being the only problem. The section where the magazine tube mates to the receiver has a lip above and below that, if you're not careful when loading, catches the rim of the shell and won't let it feed when the action is cycled. I'm going to have to have someone look at that. There's no way I'm gambling on whether or not I get a follow-up shot.

Ross N.

[RepublicanMan]

FWIW I'm a lefty and so went with the Mossy 590 primarily due to the tang safety....I've found that even though it's not a bottom ejector, spent shells tend to bounce off my forearm, definitely not painful nor really even annoying, especially if you're rapid firing slugs at paper......seems for some strange reason your left shoulder hurts a little more than your right forearm....I'll try and get back to the range in a day or two for some more research. :D

[RightIsRight]

Rem. 870 w. 6 shot tube, 18" barrel and M3 light in front of forearm.

I put bunch of rounds through it a few weeks ago. The only complaint, albiet minor, is that the switch from the light wrapped my left-hand index finger a bunch of times and busted it open.

I am 6'2" and I have long arms. So gripping the forearm toward the front end is comfortable for me. The cut finger is hardly a worry in a HD situtation.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=758481

[chetrogers]

Just curious if anyone has any info on how many second shots people have used in a HD situation.I want to get a pistol grip to toy around with and then get a pistol grip "With stock" for home defense .But if its controllable i will just keep the stock off.But i have never shot one without a stock so i cant really say if i will like it.I have help my shotgun without the stock against me and have had no problems firring it..And its really short...Thanks guys

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's,

I will be glad to share with you what shotgun I use for
home D', although some folks may not agree. I use a
12 gague Remington 870 Marine Magnum; alternating
#4 buckshot with #00. Proves to be a formiable foe
against any type intrusion.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Bullshooter]

I have several shotguns but for "cost effectiveness" the Mossberg 590 is hard to beat.

[combat effective]

I prefer the 870 over anything else, but I would feel very well armed with either of the Mossbergs with the 590 being my preference. I don't like pistol grips or folding stocks.

A light is a good idea on long gun due to there not really being a good way to hold the light and the long gun.

[Moparmike]

You will probably have never heard of this shotgun before, but its a good one IMHO.


The Legacy Escort. I picked one up for $160 out the door, and have had nothing but good experiences with it except those that were my fault.:)

The model I have is a 18in barrel w/ 7shot tube. Good gun.

[Dave McCracken]

Chet, many gun shops have buckets of slightly used PGs for good prices. There's a lesson there. Search the Archives and see what those who know think of PG only shotguns for defending one's life with.

[flip180]

I paid like 289.00 OTD.
http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data//500/26998Picture_134-med.jpg

Robert.

[chetrogers]

Does anyone know if either the Remington 870 or the Mossberg 500 have a stock that will fit them that short..I really want a very short gun..I dont have long arms and would like the whole gun to be short for where i want to keep it..Thanks as always guys.

[Badger Arms]

Choate makes a PG stock called the Mark 5 that has spacers that you can remove for a 13" length of pull. 14" is standard. Hogue sells a conventional stock with a 12" length of pull. Speedfeed sells a PG stock that has a 13" LOP but you can put a short pad on it for a 12" LOP.

Were it me, I'd go for the Choate.

[GB]

The last option in the Choate product menu, on their web page (http://riflestock.com), lists Youth/Body Armor shotgun stocks that have a length of pull of 11 3/4 inches. I assume/hope these will also take spacers to vary LOP but I cannot confirmed this from the information given. I think Remington also sells youth stocks.

GB