Trying to decide...

SwissArmyDad · Jul 22, 2014

I want a 12ga again. Here's my wish list

-Reliable
-Capable of "gettin' small" so as to be used on overnights tucked away in a normal sized duffle/backpack.
-At least a 18.5" barrel
-Able to use a variety of ammo, but 3" not required or desired
-Home defense, travel gun, and casual dove, upland and trap/5 stand capable (Have several light-equipped handguns for HD, and not looking for a 3-gun rig, or a dedicated hunting gun) - just mostly looking for a shotgun that can be pressed into those duties if needed.

Main contenders are as follows:

-New Mossy with some type of folding stock
-Vintage, older 870, also with folding stock
-Winchester Model 12 with barrel cut down to 18-20"
-CZ Huglu external hammer coach gun w/ I think, 20" barrels

I'm not opposed to buying more than one, but I tend not to keep guns I don't REALLY like, or have a constant use for.

MachIVshooter · Jul 22, 2014

-Capable of "gettin' small" so as to be used on overnights tucked away in a normal sized duffle/backpack.

Not gonna happen unless you buy a take-down model, like the old Browning Auto-5/Remington M11. 18" min. legal barrel + receiver is going to be well over 2 feet, even with stock folded. I have an 18.5" 870 side folder, and it doesn't even fit in my larger bag that I use to carry motocross gear without seriously bulging both ends. That's a 16"x16"x24" bag.

InkEd · Jul 23, 2014

The CZ coach gun is nice but doesn't go together real quick. -from a satisfied owner. (Me.)

PapaG · Jul 23, 2014

870 with a Pachmayer Vindicator kit. Pistol grip adapter that takes a Thompson Center (Pachayer) grip and a forend. You'd have to change to a regular stock for the games. I'm not much of a fan of a folding stock for much shooting. Might try a telescoping (AR-style) and that 18" barrel. still gonna be a compromise for games with clays.

WV_Gunner · Jul 24, 2014

In my state, unless on your land, concealing a long gun is illegal but in your state I suppose the laws are different. Have you considered a gun with an easily removed barrel like a Mossberg 500? It'd fit in a bag easily.

MachIVshooter · Jul 24, 2014

Have you considered a gun with an easily removed barrel like a Mossberg 500? It'd fit in a bag easily.

No, they won't. The magazine tube is still affixed to the receiver, just like an 870. Removing the 18.5" barrel will only reduce your length by somewhere between 0 and 6 inches, depending on magazine.

jmr40 · Jul 24, 2014

No, they won't. The magazine tube is still affixed to the receiver, just like an 870. Removing the 18.5" barrel will only reduce your length by somewhere between 0 and 6 inches, depending on magazine.

Which isn't much more than the difference a folding stock would make, and a lot more useable. A lot less than a telescoping stock, and a lot less expensive than either, free really.

Taking the barrel off my 870 gets me down to 32" total. A shorty buttstock could get you down to about 30". That would fit in a lot of bags. Would take less than a minute to assemble and be very useable.

This is the way I'd go.

MachIVshooter · Jul 24, 2014

Taking the barrel off my 870 gets me down to 32" total. A shorty buttstock could get you down to about 30". That would fit in a lot of bags. Would take less than a minute to assemble and be very useable.

30" is a long friggin' duffel; certainly not a gym bag. Google 30" duffels and see what comes up; they're all wheeled or ruck sack type.

Fred Fuller · Jul 24, 2014

Forget the folding buttstock approach. Unless you are a masochist...

If you want to think outside the box a bit, and likely save a bunch of money in the process, consider looking for a gently used Stevens 620 instead of the Model 12. IMHO the best takedown system ever (since its JMB designed humpbacked predecessor, the Model 520 anyway), and far less known than the Model 12.

Buying new, the coach gun is your best bet...

clang · Jul 25, 2014

Find yourself an old Stevens/Savage SxS, nip the barrels to 20" and take it apart when you want to pack it.

another pake · Jul 25, 2014

My "pack it in a backpack" gun is a SxS Coach gun. Great little piece for fall, canoe in, grouse trips. Everything gets carried in on your back.

pake

MachIVshooter · Jul 25, 2014

IMHO the best takedown system ever (since its JMB designed humpbacked predecessor, the Model 520 anyway), and far less known than the Model 12.

A humpback wouldn't be a bad choice, either. I have a Western Field branded 520 in 20 ga. Gave $100 for it, and it's an excellent shotgun. They're a little heavy on account of the solid milled steel receivers, but not grossly overweight.

tiamat · Jul 28, 2014

Hey Mac66, we need you in this thread - someone needs to see pics of your shotty again!

d2wing · Jul 28, 2014

Look for an over under. They easily break down not two parts and are pretty useful, especially if you get and older Browning Citori or Berreta of any flavor. Lots to chose from.

tiamat · Jul 29, 2014

eh, Mac must not be listening. Here, I'll help out:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=9420462&postcount=6

SwissArmyDad · Jul 30, 2014

Forget the folding buttstock approach. Unless you are a masochist...

If you want to think outside the box a bit, and likely save a bunch of money in the process, consider looking for a gently used Stevens 620 instead of the Model 12. IMHO the best takedown system ever (since its JMB designed humpbacked predecessor, the Model 520 anyway), and far less known than the Model 12.

Buying new, the coach gun is your best bet...

Thanks for the input. I'll check out the Stevens 620, and see if any are available locally for me to fondle.

Trying to decide...

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