HD Shotgun Choices. Help me!

[Maveri9720]

Hey all, this will be my first HD shotgun and also my first shotgun period.

Came across some extra money, so I would like to buy a nice shotgun for HD that will last me a long time and most of all, be reliable. I have narrowed it down to the Remy 870 and the Mossberg 590.

Went to one of two local gunshops today and here's what I have found:

- MB 590A1, $350, used, 8 shot, w/soft case.
- MB 590 Marine, $500, used, 8 shot, Surefire Light attached, sling, soft case, side saddle, I believe a Fiber Optic green front sight.
- Remy 870 Express Magnum, $360, used, extended mag tube, foldable stock w/3 shell holder, pistol grip

I will be going to the other gunshop this evening and then I will update this post with what I find there.

Here are my newbie thoughts on the three:

- MB 590A1: Stock, liked it, comfy, light, solid heavy duty gun.

- MB 590 Marine: Tricked out, but minus the sling, everything else I would have added anyway. Love the Marine look, feels solid, slightly heavy, but I'm new to this, so I can adjust, comfy, very nice.

- Remy 870: Nice gun, liked the pistol grip and folding stock, the only thing that bothered me was at the end of the stock, the pad there was made of like a rough foam, so when I de-shouldered it, it would snag on my shirt. Didn't like that at all, but other than that, it was real nice, comfy, balanced.

Overall, I like the MB 590 Marine, b/c it is already the finished product of what I want, but that is a hefty price tag. The 590A1 is heavy duty and I know it will last me a long, long time, but it is stock, but cheaper. And the Remy was nice, I just didn't like my shirt getting snagged.

What do you all think I should do? What would you all do? Opinions?

Thanks for the help and advice.

Mitch

 

[ArmedBear]

I'd get the Marine if I were not planning to shoot it a lot, the 870 otherwise -- not because it's better, but because it's easier to clean AFAIK.

The Marine finish does mean it will last longer.

The enemy of the Express is rust, and rust it will if you don't pay attention to it for a long time in a humid environment. A quality HD shotgun like the 590 or 870 is more likely to rust than to wear out.

 

[Akurat]

I've never liked pistol grips or lasers/flashlights/etc on shotguns, so if it were up to me it would certainly be the 590A1.

Or you could build your own brand new HD shotgun:
http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/pro...84783&osCsid=145b984b4e4c4eb043ff487195f9ac3b

*Just an example, I've never dealt with the above company.

 

[Maveri9720]

I don't plan on shooting it alot. Just taking it with me to the shooting range, along with my carry pistol once or twice a month. Maybe put a box through it.

I don't think I am too concerned about rust, b/c it will be in my bedroom and if not there, then in the car to/from the range.

Also, can you all give my your opinions on the prices, whether you think they are fair/high/low, etc?

Thanks.

 

[Hoppy590]

id recomend the 590a1 cause that seems a decent price for an A1.
the 590 series are all real easy to dissasemble and clean
the 590a1 sports the metal trigger assembly, metal safety button and heavy barrel

 

[Roadwild17]

We'll if there all in good working order / fair cosmetic order I would personally get one of the Mossys. I personally don't like the safety placement on the 870 and the finish on the 870 is... well not up to the quality of the rest of the gun. I believe the surefire runs about 250 by itself, so just look it like your getting the Marine 590 w/out the surefire for 250. The 590A1 is all but "bulletproof" and is my scattergun of choice if I can get a good deal.

 

[ArmedBear]

the finish on the 870 is... well not up to the quality of the rest of the gun

Exactly. The Express finish is rust-prone. I have one. Good gun, cheap, points like a dream, reliable. But rust-prone. The Tactical with a ceramic finish, Police with Parkerizing, or Marine Magnum are all better choices if you will leave the gun and ignore it for a while.

Just because you leave a gun in your bedroom doesn't mean it won't rust.

Again, since it comes with stuff you want, and said stuff costs money (sling, SureFire & mount, sidesaddle add up to a good few bucks), and it has the Mossberg tang safety, and it's very rust resistant, that Marine 590 sounds like far and away your best deal.

 

[sm]

Maveri9720,

Check the sticky at top of page, and check archives on this subject.

Gun fit to shooter is very important - for instance are you left handed therefore YOUR strong side is the left side?

Not known is your locale , how prices run, or your experience.

New Bone Stock 870 Expresses run ~ $219 , and for a bit more money a combo, meaning having both a 26" or 28" AND a shorter rifle sighted barrel for a bit more money.

USED Bone stock shotguns are great buys. All one needs is a 2 3/4" chamber, So finding a good used 870, 1300 for instance for ~ $150 and up is not uncommon. Finding another shorter bbl, for again a great price happens often.

Not long ago someone bought a JC Higgins for $85. All they did was clean, relube and pattern. This is about the 8th Shotgun they have bought for under $150.

---

Do a search under Dave McCracken, Lee Lapin for starters.

XavierBreath is another , check out his blog
http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/

http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2005/09/home-defense-shotguns.html

Xavier - I really really like the first sentence of that article. I mean the rest of the article is great...I just really like the opening sentence.




Steve

 

[AJAX22]

I'm a fan of the 870, but given the prices and features that you've quoted, the 590A1 is a screamin deal.

the 870 you mentioned isn't anything special, it sounds like someone built up a home defense gun to their tastes. you could do better on your own with a bone stock shotgun and you'd like the end result alot better.

If you buy the marine edition and sell off the bells and whistles you might wind up with a really nice gun for 200-250.

 

[Maveri9720]

Update with Gun Store 2

Alright, I just came from the second gun store. Here's what I found there:

- Remy 870, $270, used, extended mag tube.
- Remy 870, new, $360, pistol grip, adjustable stock, extended mag tube.

My overall thoughts:

I will more than likely probably just buy the stock 870 above and build later on in time as I see fit. I don't believe I need the heavy dutiness of the 590A1b/c it will be shot only for practice and used only for HD.

I sure do love the 590 Marine, but don't know if I want to shell out that kind of money for only a HD shotgun. I spent less than that for a new G19 going to be used for my CCW. But, it's nice to know that it is built well and that it has a good finish on it to prevent rusting and has all the accessories I would want on my shotgun.

I have called the local pawn shops and no one has any 870's, or any 870's at a decent price. So I am out of options there. There is a gun show in a couple weeks, if I can hold out that long.

And no, I am right handed. I live in Atlanta and as you can see above, these are the prices from the local gun stores in the area.

Also, to note, I am a neat freak, so I take good care of everything I own. That means, that whatever I get will be cleaned after every firing, lubed down before storage and maintained well.

Decisions, decisions...........

 

[Dave McCracken]

It's Win/Win. Both shotguns are effective, reliable tools. Get the one that FEELS best.

As for addons, get them AFTER you've made a few knee high piles of empty hulls. Addons do not substitute for proficiency.