Best HD Semi-Auto Shotgun - Upgradeable Parts

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WinThePennant

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I'm interested in finding a semi-automatic shotgun that is capable of upgrades and improvements. Meaning, I'd like to switch out stocks, add lights, etc.

I've got a couple ideas, but I want to hear from the THR crowd.

Thanks!
 
The problem I have with the 1100 series is the shortest models I see on Remington's site (which could be wrong) are 22".
I just got the Mossberg 930 SPX. It came with a top rail, I got a light attachment designed for a Remington and put a neoprene side saddle on it. About $640 for the base shotgun (with the ghost rings and top rail), and there are a lot of things out there for mossberg.
 
Rem 11-87 20 ga Compact/Youth 21" barrel.

I bought this last month off the 'net through Gander Mtn for $599.99 used. This was made 2009, the first year of production. Remington only made the Compact for two years because of low demand. Most parents don't want to shell out $800 on a kids 1st gun. These were made blk syn, pink camo and mossy oak which can be found but difficult. I was veerrrry lucky to land this one, especially for what I paid. Most are listing for over $700.

IMG_1243.gif

I have added the extended mag tube and a *Shooters Friend* recoil pad.
 
Given that a shotgun's role in home defense inside the dwelling is as a defensive weapon that should be used from a barricade position such as the far side of the bed away from the door, barrel length really doesn't matter. The Remington 1100 beside my bed has a 26 inch barrel and holds 11 rounds (10+1).

The 1100 probably has more aftermarket support than any other semi-auto shotgun. Everything from simple stocks up to a 22 round magazine are available. Surefire makes a forend with light for the (expensive) and there are many less expensive mounting solution available as well. I use a SpeedFeed buttstock on my 1100 which hold 4 slugs...just in case.
 
Skribs said:
The problem I have with the 1100 series is the shortest models I see on Remington's site (which could be wrong) are 22".
I just got the Mossberg 930 SPX. It came with a top rail, I got a light attachment designed for a Remington and put a neoprene side saddle on it. About $640 for the base shotgun (with the ghost rings and top rail), and there are a lot of things out there for mossberg.
Click to expand...
I am leaning towards the Mossberg 930.

Are you able to attach after-market recoil absorbing stocks? And, I'm not talking about the butt-pad that people usually put on. I'm thinking something that uses AR-15 buffer tube technology (I've seen these around the Internet).
 
IMHO the 930 SPX is a soft shooting gun and doesn't really need any fancy recoil reducing stock. One will be limited in what one can do with the stock because of the action of the 930. The long and short of it is that it has vital parts that sit back in the stock. A light and side saddle are easily added. One could put an enhanced safety lever on it. Honestly beyond a light and side saddle I don't think the gun really needs much if anything.

View attachment 616959

Do you want a viable HD gun or a project to work on. Nothing wrong with either IMHO, but my personal approach to each is different and I might make different suggestions for each, even if the end product of either would be a serviceable HD gun.
 
Why in heaven's name do people feel the need to put a *tacticool* stocks on in place of the original one? They don't add to the performance one iota. IMO .. you want a FUNCTIONAL and simple running gun to do the job.
 
Why in heaven's name do people feel the need to put a *tacticool* stocks on in place of the original one? They don't add to the performance one iota. IMO .. you want a FUNCTIONAL and simple running gun to do the job.
Click to expand...

Recoil reduction
Comfort
Commonality with their rifle platform
Allows you to hold it with one hand free, i.e. for a phone or doorknob
Side saddle allows additional rounds to be placed conveniently (if you have more than you need, you don't have less than you need)

That's just off the top of my head.
 
I'm digging the Mossberg Flex System these days. It's probably the most versitile system going now the only question I have is the immediate avail. of the gadgetry that makes up this system. But for an old standby the 930 ain't bad. I'm sure the Rem's are good too but all I own are Mossys, Winchesters and Brownings so I can't say about the Rems.
 
Same problem we already mentioned.

The Flex System can't work on a semi-auto because of the action spring tube sticking out of the back of the receiver.

Pumps don't have action springs.

rc
 
kris7047th said:
Why in heaven's name do people feel the need to put a *tacticool* stocks on in place of the original one? They don't add to the performance one iota. IMO .. you want a FUNCTIONAL and simple running gun to do the job.
Click to expand...
Reduced recoil adds all kinds of capabilities to a defensive shotgun. The Beretta Extrema2 is quite remarkable. I've only seen Internet videos of it, but all accounts suggest that there is very little muzzle flip. From a 12 gauge, that's pretty incredible.

I prefer the semi-auto because I want to take the problem of short-cycling out of the equation.
 
Heck .. I am a 125 lb lady diagnosed with severe osteoporosis several years ago and with the shotguns I have, all 20 gauges, I use the *Shooters Friend* recoil pad, a slip on pad. I don't FEEL A THING with this pad. It only costs $19.99 Three weeks ago I attended a shotgun match of which I shot 150 rnds through my semi auto. I was not sore the next day.

A similar discussion on a different forum ... This was stated by a nationally known firearm trainer, screen name RSF (trainer for Magpul) ..

Quote:
Originally Posted by andywmu
too much conflicting information for me to even get it straight.
I'm just going to the shop to look at my options."]
.....................

RSF ...

the simple answer is this youth 12 inch stock is the best bet for 98% of the shooters in the world

remmmys youth stock is 13"
mossberg has a 12 inch and an adjustable
speedfeed has 11-12-13 inch as well
houge has a 12-13 lop as well

I have long arms i run a 12 inch

pistol grips dont roll as smooth in the hand for loading as do sport style

BTW .. RSF is 6'5" so yes, he has loonng arms.
 
Last edited:
kris7047th said:
Heck .. I am a 125 lb lady diagnosed with severe osteoporosis several years ago and with the shotguns I have, all 20 gauges, I use the *Shooters Friend* recoil pad, a slip on pad. I don't FEEL A THING with this pad. It only costs $19.99 Three weeks ago I attended a shotgun match of which I shot 150 rnds through my semi auto. I was not sore the next day.

A similar discussion on a different forum ... This was stated by a nationally known firearm trainer (Magpul) ..

Quote:
Originally Posted by andywmu
too much conflicting information for me to even get it straight.
I'm just going to the shop to look at my options."]
.....................

RSF ...

the simple answer is this youth 12 inch stock is the best bet for 98% of the shooters in the world

remmmys youth stock is 13"
mossberg has a 12 inch and an adjustable
speedfeed has 11-12-13 inch as well
houge has a 12-13 lop as well

I have long arms i run a 12 inch

pistol grips dont roll as smooth in tle hand for loading as do sport style

BTW .. RSF is 6'5" so yes, he has loonng arms.
Click to expand...
It isn't a matter of feeling sore the next day. It's all about muzzle flip. Reducing recoil allows you to keep your gun "on target" shot after shot.

I'm a decent sized guy (6 feet, 200 lbs), and I can't keep a 12 gauge "on target" shot after shot. The recoil always pushes that barrel up.
 
That's why some trainers say to use 20 gauges instead of 12with more than 40% less recoil, easier to keep on target for consecutive shot placement. Did you watch the video I posted?
 
The most upgradeable/improvable part on almost ANY shotgun is the nut what holds the butt. The shooter, in other words. Spend the money on ammo and a good basic defensive shotgun class first...
 
WinThePennant said:
It isn't a matter of feeling sore the next day. It's all about muzzle flip. Reducing recoil allows you to keep your gun "on target" shot after shot.

I'm a decent sized guy (6 feet, 200 lbs), and I can't keep a 12 gauge "on target" shot after shot. The recoil always pushes that barrel up.
Click to expand...


That's true about muzzle flip. However...I have screws holding my right shoulder together now, so as far as shotguns go...."pain" is a factor for me too these days.....lol
:D
 
Kris, those slip-on recoil pads usually increase the LOP by adding a lot of rubber at the back. I used to have one, but took it off. For a field gun, you might want the longer LOP, because you want that good fit that you don't even need a rear sight for. For a HD gun, you want something a bit smaller and easier to manipulate, especially if you have something like a light on the front of it.
 
If the gun fits, recoil isn't an issue, ever!

A gun with less pitch than you need allows the gun to recoil, or flip as most say, make the pad fit your pocket(area from the collarbone down and from the shoulder socket inward to the collarbone) and the gun cannot get going up or down.

To much negative pitch it digs in on the toe, to much positive pitch it recoils up and into the cheek. Think of it as a hinge, make the hinge solid and recoil comes back into the shoulder/body and pain is spread out over a larger area.

I have a 930 with a 18 1/2" barrel with choke tubes, stays loaded with 8 rds of #4 plated buck, it fits me and I can unload it time after time with no pain then or later.

Leave the gimmicks alone, buy a quality gun that works everytime and spend the upgrade money on ammo.
 
"For a field gun, you might want the longer LOP"

If anything, I want a shorter LOP on the field gun. A gun that fits when you're wearing street clothes doesn't fit when you're wearing a coat. Or long johns, a sweater and a heavy coat. And maybe chest waders.

I can't imagine needing a shotgun that's softer shooting than a gas gun. Maybe I will when I'm old. :) I'm almost 62.

Fwiw, all my shotguns have 28" barrels. That's an 8-inch disadvantage over a gun with a 20-inch barrel; less than the width of a piece of standard printer paper.

John
 
I've read posts from some 930 SPX owners that basically say "take the stock mag tube & spring and throw it away and get the Nordic tube, Wolff spring, and either a Wilson or GG&G follower.

Is anyone running the SPX trouble-free totally stock like it was from the factory ?
 
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