Which home defense pump shotgun?

Which security/tactical/home defense pump shotgun do you choose? Pick only one.

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cluttonfred

cluttonfred

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I am sure there is already a thread or twelve about this somewhere, but I didn't find it in a search, so here goes.

What are the pros and cons of the most common models of pump-action 12 gauge security/tactical/home defense shotguns? I am talking about traditonal, basic, 18" or 18 1/2" barrels and six shot magazines. Which do you choose and why?

I have listed a few off the top of my head, and deliberately excluded the Chinese models because of my own preferences, but feel free to offer other suggestions. Let's narrow it down to low-priced models still available new to compare apples with apples, so to speak.

Thanks!
 
Maverick 88...

Bought in 1990 (or so) w/28" Mod choke plain barrel, later swapped on the 18-1/2" cylinder bore barrel.

Goes BOOM! on request, every time, and puts the lead where I point. Only add-on is a 5-round butt cuff w/slugs, #4Buck in the magazine.
 
Last edited:
18.5 870 Police. No mag extension, bead sights, no whistles, no bells.

Good enough for the California Highway Patrol.... Good enough for me.
Click to expand...
Mine came used with a rough but serviceable stock for $150. 2 3/4" only but who needs 3" 00B. No bells, no whistles, just a solid pump for HD.
 
Sigh....

870 for me, but any of these will do. The software is much more crucial than the name on the receiver....
 
Old pattern Ithaca 37 Featherlight in 12 ga. It has no disconnect, and it will fire when racked if the trigger is held. I have one, and it will fire faster than my Benelli Montefeltro with some practice.
 
I use 2 model 12 Winchesters.. one from early 40s one from early 50s....I think they are classy firearms..
 
I just picked up a Mossberg Maverick 88 last week. I already have a Maverick field model and like it alot, so I figured "why not?". Mavs are hard to beat for the money.

My home defense Maverick, I added the heatshied and shell holder:
MaverickSecurity.gif

My hunting Maverick, with Mossberg 500 wood stocks:

Mossberg88.gif
 
Sigh....

870 for me, but any of these will do. The software is much more crucial than the name on the receiver....
Click to expand...


exactly, besides other then some minor cosmedic( I know some one is going to disagree with me on that) they are all pretty much the same.
 
The only shotgun I own now is an older 16 ga 870 that had been sawed of and then a Poly choke added, but any of those listed would do just fine Don't have to be "tactical" or gussied up with extra cap mag or all of the other newest things. Just a plain hunting gun will do the trick. Actually when growing up I remember of a few instances where an old off brand single barrel shotgun got the job done right well.:p

870pc2.jpg
 
mossberg 590a1
its a really solid gun doesnt have any plastic parts, it also has a heavy barrel that is thicker then the 870 express and the other mossbergs

here is my 14"er
DSC_0449.jpg

and heres another view
DSC_0466.jpg

and a picture of the tax stamp (its an AOW with a $5 stamp)
DSC_0452.jpg
 
Mavericks are nice, but from what I've seen, you can throw down an extra 50 bucks and get a nicer parts aftermarket and better finish from a Mossberg, and just a little more for a Remington.

I voted Mossberg, since I have one :)
 
I don't currently have a HD 870, but I used to. I still have the old 870 Wingmaster 20ga, and it is the shotgun I started using back in the mid 60's. Currently using 1100 and M1Super90 Tactical as HD shotguns. The Mossburg/Maverick impress me a bunch too. I can't comment on the others.
 
Much to my surprise, because I have always heard, "they are good, but..." about the Remington 870, it is leading the poll 2 to 1 over the Mossberg.

Absolutely no votes for the Turkish guns, though in other threads people have said good things about the Charles Daly Tactical model.

Sounds like we're back to Chevrolet/Ford/Dodge with shotguns, with the Dodge having dropped out (Winchester) leaving just the Chevy and Ford (Remington and Mossberg) to battle it out. You pays your money and....
 
I have always been a big fan of the 870. Very upgradeable so you can customize it to exactly how you like it.

Looks like the majority agrees with me
 
On a side note, do any of the inexpensive pump shotguns come in with a barrel appropriate for home defense and a WOOD stock for the Luddites like me that prefer wood to plastic?

The closest I can find is a Remington 870 Express Deer with a 20" IC smoothbore barrel and rifle sights.

That's not a bad choice at all for general purpose use, just wondering if there are any other options with wood stocks that won't break the bank, and I would have preferred a bead sight and straight stock.
 
Whatever works for you, works. I have an older Ithaca 37 w/18.5 barrel, wood furniture, and worn blue finish.

But as the man said (and said, and said again), it's the indian, not the arrow.
 
I no longer own a shotgun.

Traded in the 870P for a .357 mag carbine.
Lighter, shorter, less recoil (facilitates training),
more rnds, same rnds as my mod 65
(an advantage for camp use),
stops intruders (and deer) well.

My next shotgun will likely be a 20 ga SxS for birds.

However, if I were to buy another HD shotgun,
it'd be an 870.
 
The Remington's and Mossberg's are the best for HD, with the 870P model being the best. It has many improvements over the other 870 models, with a all metal trigger group and flexi-tab being the most notable.
 
I just bought a Charles Daly Tactical mostly because a local store had it on sale for under $200. Haven't even fired it yet, but the action seems ok and shells cycle fine. I hope to get an 870 and/or a Mossberg one day when the budget allows.

Ron
 
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