6 vs 8 shots Maverick security shotgun

For moving around, you really wont notice the extra 1.5" of the 20"

But if the six shot feels better, use the 6.

8 shots makes more holes.

6 should be plenty unless you plan on missing a lot.

The extended mags are muzzle heavy and slow down gun handling IMO:

They do kick less due to the added weight though.

rc

Another thing to consider is "extra" barrels...

The 6-shot will accept all of the standard 12GA Mossberg 500 barrels, for the 8-shot, the only barrel choices are the 20" that it comes with and a 28"...That's it.

Hopefully 1 shot would be enough.
For hd i would get the 6

I have the 6 shot and like it. Sometimes I think I'd like to have the 8 instead but I feel it would not be as manuverable around the house, Especially if you plan on using a pistol grip.

I used to be obsessed with capacity, but IMHO a 4+1 or 5+1 shottie is the best between firepower and maneuverability. If you're in an extended firefight, yea extra capacity would be nice, but you're still gonna have to reload. I just believe the extra 2-3 pounds you would have with an 8/9 shot shotgun would not be worth the capacity. I bought a Choate ext for my 870, but when I got it on and loaded 'er up, I couldn't believe how much extra weight it added between the ext and the shells. So I boxed it up and sent it back. You'd be suprised how much handling ability you lose with the extra weight on the front. Go with the 6-shot, I think you'll be happier with it in the long run.

Another thing to consider is "extra" barrels...

The 6-shot will accept all of the standard 12GA Mossberg 500 barrels, for the 8-shot, the only barrel choices are the 20" that it comes with and a 28"...That's it.

Click to expand...

I have the 8 shot and the limited barrel choice is a real issue...but its also just another "reason" for me to go out and buy ANOTHER shotty for trap

To quote noted fighting shotgun instructor Louis Awerbuck, "No magazine is ever big enough." If the situation is bad enough, you will run out of the ammo in the gun- unless you practice loading the gun on the fly, and have extra ammo readily available on your person or on the gun. Often called 'shoot one, load one,' it's a vital skill if you use a tubular magazine shotgun and ever get into a protracted gunfight with it.

The good news is, very few armed citizens ever get into protracted gunfights with anything at all, much less shotguns. The bad news is, if it happens to you, then it's not too likely that one or two more rounds in the original magazine load will make much difference either way.

Learn to run the gun, if you're serious about your question. Software trumps hardware...

JMHO, YMMV, FWIW...

lpl

+1 Lee.

Personally, I would pick the six and carry extra shells.

Smitty and WNYCollector....head to Numrich or Brownell's and pick up a five shot magazine tube to go with your sevens. With both the five shot and seven shot mag tubes, you can use literally every 500 series barrel made. Takes all of two minutes to switch mag tubes and barrels when you want to change. You can go from a 28" ribbed duck barrel to an eight shot HD setup to a blackpowder muzzleloader all on the same gun.

When you remove your original tube the first time, use vicegrips or pliers ONLY on the very end of the tube where the take down screw screws in. It's the only place on the tube that's solid. Anywhere else and you'll bend your tube. Pad the pliers with some leather to avoid scratching the tube. When you replace the tube, screw it in tight hand tight only. Use no tools. NO Locktite!

I always suggest buying the eight or nine shot guns to new users that come into the shop here. The price diff isn't much compared to the six and you can *always* find six shot barrels by the truck load on the market if you want to switch. If you buy the six shot and want to trade up to the longer ones, however, the longer ones run much higher on the secondary market.

If you switch from a shorter to a longer gun or think it's muzzle heavy (it is), counterbalance it in the rear. Add a stock shell holder or add weight to the inside of the synthetic stock and it'll shoulder and point a lot easier. A LOT of oldtimers used to drill holes under the buttpad or plate and add stacks of dimes or buckshot pellets for balance.

Peace.

richard

My HD shotgun is a 870 20ga special field (3"mag- 21" barrel) it is 3 shots. My backup is an XD-45 13+1 rounds. If 17 shots don't end it, I'll call 911

Tactikel, is that three shots with or without a mag plug dowel? Never seen an honest to goodness three shot 870 before.

richard

I recently settled on a 9-shot 590. I don't have it yet (shipping, waiting period, etc). I went back and forth between 9 and 6 shot versions. Here is my reasoning on going with the 9-shot.

The extra 1.5" doesn't make much difference as it's already a long gun and maneuvering it in tight spots in the house means it will be pointed at the floor whether it's an 18.5" or 20" barrel. The extra weight of that 1.5" isn't much (1/2 lb according to the website, about a 7% increase). The extra weight of 3 more shells can be negated by just not loading them.

That said, the real reason I went with the 20" is I'm a handgunner and I can't fathom being able to count capacity on one hand. It's irrational, but I don't see a huge downside to the longer gun.

go with the 8 shot its a inch and a half difference in length hardly noticeable

RandKL,

"NOTE: All Model 870’s have a magazine capacity of (4) shells with two (2) exceptions. The Model 870 Special Field 12 & 20 gauge and the Model 870 .410 bore have a magazine capacity of 3 shells." -- http://www.remingtonle.com/support/prtsvc/870_om.html , under "How To Load And Unload"

If you've ever seen an 870 Special Field- a spiffy little 21" barrelled pumpgun with a straight or English style stock- then there you go. If not, see http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=136524890 for a picture.

You might recall relatively constant warnings here about 870 Special Field barrels not interchanging with other 870s- that's because the barrel ring is in a different place since the magazine tubes are shorter.

hth,

lpl

RandKL thanks for the tip about the mag tube replacement!

If you've ever seen an 870 Special Field-

Click to expand...

Wow! I sure haven't! That's an entirely new gun to me! So it goes with three in the mag or two mag and one chamber?

I've replaced a lot of extractors and ejectors (Express guns mostly) and cut a few barrels for folks, but never really been a Remington expert. I have a single Wingmaster in my basement safe that hasn't been fired in about twenty years. I tend to skip right over the topics that don't really pertain to me so nopers, I missed those discussions on the barrels.

That's not a bad looking gun, though! I love that straight stock!

Peace.

richard

Either one will get the job done. Personally, I like my magazine tube to be flush with the barrel if possible. But that's just me.

I would get the 6 if it is for HD only, or the 8 if it is also for 3 gun. Steve Fisher uses a 6 shot 870, because he says you need to learn to reload as you go.