Cheap shotgun?

Rural King has the RIA Mervia for $150 plus a $50 rebate. Really tempted to get it myself

I have 2 EAA 10mm Witnesses. I would take the EAA over the other one.

Find a decent Rem 870 or Mossy 500 in a pawn shop/from an Uncle/friend/ LGS/etc. Buy the least expensive, high quality shotgun you can find. Parts are widely available, replace anything that looks "worn" or abused. Respect the quality of the initial build and aftermarket surplus.

My opinion, good luck in your search.

Strange seeing this... I just picked up a Mossberg Maverick 88 Security model (7+1) just yesterday. I did replace the foregrip and stock with those from Hogue which I love.
Going this round made it necessary to purchase a Mossberg 500 action bar and nut, but I still ended up with a great inexpensive shotgun which is much lighter than my Mossberg 590.
I also have the 18.5" version that I purchased around 20 years ago that works wonderfully. I did replace the buttstock with a pistol grip and installed an OPSol insert which allows me to keep it loaded with 9 shells of Aguila's mini buck. It also has an inexpensive laser/light combo and has proven to be a light weight, compact yet higher-capacity shotgun.

Currently keeping a Winchester Defender pump I bought for $299 loaded and ready.

Good evening OP,

I've seen a lot of great suggestions up top, and I figured I'd weigh in as well.

First off, looking for used Remington 870's, and Mossberg 500's really isn't as easy as it used to be. A lot of posts about that have me wondering whether some people have been to their local gun shops lately. If you can find one at a reasonable price, go for it, both models are solid, and have great parts/aftermarket support.

Now that we have that out of the way, let's talk Turkish imports. I like to try to shoot and review cheap guns from time to time and see how they can stand up to... Rigorous use. I actually haven't reviewed a single Turkish pump, and here's why; The issues I see with the Turkish import shotguns (not all Turkish imports but mainly just the cheap shotguns) are pretty big downsides. Turkish shotguns suffer from spotty reliability, lack of parts support, and decently long warranty wait times. A lot of the pumps are just 870 clones that have been made as cheaply as possible with little concern of end user reliability. I would rather spend a little more, and have my HD shotgun handy instead of being worried while a lemon was out for warranty work.

Now what I do recommend would be as previously stated, a Maverick 88. I have extensive experience with both maverick 88's (having owned and operated 12 of them so far) and Mossberg 500's(only have a couple of these). They work very well, have solid aftermarket support (Mossberg parts work other than forends and trigger groups), and have a US based company for support if it was ever needed. I would say for the price, you're getting a solid shotgun for just a little more.

YMMV but for HD, I wouldn't settle for the cheapest thing, but something cost effective that actually works.

P.S. I know I have a problem, but Maverick 88's are just so fun to build with and shoot.

~Leo

SOAB said:

First off, looking for used Remington 870's, and Mossberg 500's really isn't as easy as it used to be.

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Where I live, finding decent used guns of ANY make or model isn't easy, and hasn't been for years.

Pawn shop? What's that? I can't tell you where one is here, or even if they sell guns. They're just not a "thing" around here. Besides, my experience of them in the Ft. Knox area in the '80s was anything but positive. They were the "Nigerian princes" of the day, sans internet.

I intercepted a pawn shop reject Mossberg 500 that was on its way to the dumpster and paid the owner $20 for the shortened and pistol-gripped non-functional mess.
I found that the pistol grip's attachment bolt was too long and tied up the action.
I tossed the grip and blew another $20 for a standard stock, then installed a Mini-wedge so that I can use mini-shell slugs in it.
I added a heat shield and front sight, mainly because I liked the look.
So I wound up with a $60 shotgun that holds 9 rounds and works reliably... .

I grabbed a pair of those Emperor Arms 12 gauge pumps last year. I wanted a riot gun without chopping my old Hi Standard and one for my daughter and son in law. I’ve got to say their fit and function is right up there with the 870 s police agencies and the army provided me with. It even has a Chrome lined barrel for those who don’t keep up on the maintenance. I stuck a $7 stock mounted shell holder on it and a cheap sling for a few bucks and it’s lol set. These guns, made in Turkey by an old established company and sell under a few different names.
My one gripe is it’s 4 shot tube due to import restrictions. The plastic stock is well plastic which ain’t pretty but who cares. It breaks down easily and works just fine . It even takes 3” magnums for 3 more 00 Buck in the usual standard buckshot pattern. It’s also got a wide open cylinder choke while I’d prefer an improved cylinder but at least a duffer isn’t going to miss if the chips are down.

SOAB

Now what I do recommend would be as previously stated, a Maverick 88. I have extensive experience with both maverick 88's (having owned and operated 12 of them so far) and Mossberg 500's(only have a couple of these). They work very well, have solid aftermarket support (Mossberg parts work other than forends and trigger groups), and have a US based company for support if it was ever needed. I would say for the price, you're getting a solid shotgun for just a little more.

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That's the same way I felt when looking for an HD shotgun for the house. The Maverick 88 was one of the least expensive but was still well built, of all the lower end shotguns I looked at. There's also comfort in having Mossberg available in case I ever needed parts or service. It has held up very well over the years, with a few things I added to it being a shell holder and a Limbsaver Slip On Recoil Pad.

bannockburn said:

SOAB

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Nice! That looks like a great setup, straight and to the point.

I've had my Original Maverick 88 for about 9 years old now. It's actually got the lowest round count out of any of my old Mavericks at 910 rounds, but that's because it sits at the ready most of the time.

As you can see, it's been updated a bit:

The Tacstar side saddle has been on there since the beginning, but still holds shells well, even under recoil.

I love that Magpul stock by the way, that adjustable LOP makes fitting the gun to anyone so much easier. Especially since my GF has a much short LOP than me.




Definitely love the platform!

OP,

I realize that your original question was about the opinion we had on cheaper shotguns, and not asking about a recommendation.

When It comes to shotguns under 300$ I had to start buying the major contenders and trying them out for myself.

I never really liked the H&R pumps, as I've had a ton of issues in the past with important parts coming out, and then having to wait for warranty work... Quite a few trips back and forth there.

I've been slowly doing a review on the Stevens 320 platform, I was in the middle of my first review just before I fell off the map here(IRL decided it needed to be front and center for awhile)

What I can say with Some certainty is so long as you disassemble the gun, clean, and loctite important internals(also check tightness up EVERY screw on the gun).
You shouldn't have too much of an issue, though my review models have been kind of picky with ammo, and the ejection port could be another quarter of an inch wider.

I mentioned in my first comment why I haven't checked out any of the Turkish 870 clones.

And well, we know how I feel about maverick 88's. So far there hasn't been something in its price point that can equate.

So when it comes to cheap shotguns, keep in mind that there are some decent choices out there, but you really have to do your homework to find something that's worthwhile, and that will last. Even a couple of range trips a year adds up over time, and it's best to consider longevity of your investment.

I picked up a couple Emperor Arms MPX 12 pumps last year, one for me one for my daughters place. Heck I find the fit and finish to be as good as anything else I’ve used. Far better than some of those old beat 870s Uncle had me lugging around in the past. It’s even got a chrome lined barrel . Just hang a stock shell holder on there and good nuff. This rig falls pretty and back together so nicely too. I have a 1960s Hi Standard Flight King that takes a half hour and YouTube tutorial if I take it fully down to get it back together.
My single gripe is it’s only 4 +1 ( import restrictions) and I’m having to figure out where I can get a tube extension to fit another gun to match up Yea weird no one makes a direct fit tube extension that I can find. That’s my only real gripe with the thing not even Nordic Comp..

I posted earlier about the Maverick 88 that I recently purchased. However, this is another option that's inexpensive. It's a Rock Island Armory AGM5 that's currently selling for $179 from Recoil Gun Works. I bought one for no particular reason other than I like the looks (my first nickel shotgun). I'll receive it on Monday.

I don't expect them to remain in stock long at this price.

https://www.recoilgunworks.com/shop/rock-island-nickel-agm5-12ga-3-pump-shotgun-40288

FL-NC said:

I have 1 of those H&R made in china clones of the 870 riot gun in each of my vehicles. Wal mart was selling them for about $140 a few years back. I also got a free 500 recently that has seen better days. It needed a new stock and stock bolt and all new safety components. It still looks terrible, but it runs fine.

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My boys like mine. I have a Protector (And other stuff too).

mindbent said:

Just curious how many of you have a sub $300 shotgun for home defense. Was looking at my LGS web page and they have a few different makes of 12g pumps with 18.5 inch barrel. Dickinson and EAA Churchill for example. I want to get one for home defense only so it needs to be reliable. Probably just take it out 2-3 times a year. This is not a what should I get thread. I'm asking what people's experience is with cheap shotguns, call it research. Hope you're all having a good day.

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My youngest son just purchased a derya mervia from a local RK. $165 or so out the door. It's a 12g pump and fairly basic. Marketed by RIA.

By my experience It's a bit clunky but it does have twin action rails and I expect the function to smooth out with some break in.

It's considered a hd firearm but is a part of a layered regimen of available options. It will more likely be a varmint tool to protect the animals we keep.

As a comparison I purchased a H&R pardner pump 20g a few years ago. I have zero complaints regarding this less than $150 shotgun, as it has functioned flawlessly beyond 500 rounds and handles very well for me. While we have more emphatic options I would have no hesitation utilizing that shotgun for hd if needed.

I recently purchased an SDS Imports AR T-02 semiauto 12ga.

After some initial feeding issues with a magazine extension and a sheered Picatinny rail screw, it's 100% reliable, at least with the OEM spring, magazine tube cap and third party follower. I'll be trying it with the OEM spring and extension next week. I replaced the now free floating rail with a Leapers rail that's secured in seven places. I doubt it's going anywhere. I'll eventually be buying another 2,000 lumen Olight for it.

I'm pretty sure that I can do a lot worse than a $255, reliable, soft shooting gun that's got better fit and finish than anything coming out of Remington these days.

Kept a H&R single for home defense when I first moved out. Have something better now. But wouldn’t hesitate to use a single if that’s what I had. Learn to load fast! Also that thing kicked harder then a mule. Think I still have a bruise from that thing 20 years later.

If we're discussing sub $300 guns I have to mention my HD Mossberg bolt action 20-gauge. It's reliable and the wife likes it.

I lucked out and found a new 20" Maverick 88 at Academy last fall. Its been totally reliable so far and fun to shoot

I bought a Dickinson tactical 12 gauge pump and haven't had any problems with it. It is the silver and black color with ghost ring...extra 5 shell carrier built into the stock...heat shield over the barrel...breacher type choke with flash suppressor...pic rail on top of receiver and on the fore end. I mounted a cheap light/laser combo on it. I've put several of 00,slugs and birdshot through it. It breaks down easily for cleaning. I am very satisfied with my purchase.

Imo the Maverick 88 is the best inexpensive shotgun period.

For 300 you should be easily able to find a used 870 or 500, even in these troubled times, pawnshops and classfieds are your friend, it has been my experience that shotguns are the least shot guns (pun intended) you can get a practically new shotgun for a good price, I have bought hunting mossbeeg 500s from pawnshops for less than 200 that might be a stretch now but still at 300 there is no need to get the Turkish or Chinese brands unless you really want to. IF my budget was 200 then I'd still be all over a maverick 88

Barry the Bear said:

For 300 you should be easily able to find a used 870 or 500, even in these troubled times, pawnshops and classfieds are your friend, it has been my experience that shotguns are the least shot guns (pun intended) you can get a practically new shotgun for a good price, I have bought hunting mossbeeg 500s from pawnshops for less than 200 that might be a stretch now but still at 300 there is no need to get the Turkish or Chinese brands unless you really want to. IF my budget was 200 then I'd still be all over a maverick 88

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Don't make assumptions about the state of the used gun market in some place where you don't live or you don't know.

My area is miserable for good used guns at decent prices. Pawn shops simply aren't a thing here. I don't even know where one is.

Of course my experience of pawn shops in the Ft. Knox area in the '80s puts them about on a par with "Nigerian princes" on the internet.

Barry the Bepool pp bvar said:

even

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ha