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skeptiq

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I am just looking for an all around HD shotgun and have been eyeing a couple... and I have it narrowed down to a couple models.

My question is this: Other than the obvious 2", what is the difference between 18 inch barrel and 20 inch barrel as far as performance / function???

Thanks in advance.
 
IMO: Little, or none, other then the obvious slightly longer overall length..

Pick the gun you like the best, and fits you best.

2" of barrel will neither increase or decrease performance measurably.

rc
 
Thanks... does anyone have a suggestion for a reliable, inexpensive HD shotgun? I have been looking at Remmy 870 Express / Mossy 500's

Thanks again!
 
Either one is a good choice.
Either one could need a little break-in / fiddling before you get them really slicked up.
Mossy's rattle more!

Pick the one you like the best and you can't go too far wrong with either one.

rc
 
I guess I'll just head out and handle them and see which one feels the best. Thanks for the help!
 
I'm just the opposite.

I grew up on trigger-guard safety's, and I hate the Mossy tang safety.

Seems you have to let go of the gun with your thumb to use it.

I learned 55 years ago to carry with my finger outside the trigger-guard and laying along the guard.

It's just natural for me to pop the safety button on the way too the trigger.

rc
 
The 20" barrel will allow you to get a magazine extension holding one more round than the 18", 7 in the tube instead of 6.

2" can make a big difference coming around a corner.

As far as performance, the choke matters more than the length of the barrel. I highly recommend "improved cylinder", I just learned why it's better than "cylinder bore" after buying one of those...
 
skeptiq,

The Remington vs. Mossberg argument is as old as any in the firearms field, and no more likely to be settled than any of the other classics. Best bet is for you to get some trigger time on both if you can manage it, and make up your mind based on your experience and preferences rather than an internet popularity contest.

It's better IMHO to spend more time and worry on the software aspects of the question than the hardware stuff. Any good pumpgun- and there are lots of them besides Remingtons and Mossbergs- will do for HD, if YOU will do. Your skills and abilities matter more than the gun.

Take a look at http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/basictraining.asp and check on the locator tool there to see if there is an instructor offering classes near you. You might see several in the class list that appeal to you. I suggest you get into the Personal Protection In The Home class if you can, it's a good POI (program of instruction).

hth,

lpl
 
you know what would be great?

If remington came out with a pump / shotgun style carbine in 9mm and mossberg came out with a pump / shotgun style .45. :evil:

How messed up would that get?

Seriously, I have handled both. When I bought, I went with the Mossberg because it was the most familiar to me. My Dad has mossbergs, the tang mounted safty was the most familiar. Get what you like. Then remember to come back and trash the other manufacturer in these threads......(Just kidding). ;)
 
I have and love both. I think I like the 870 more buts it's a sentimental thing. I got my first pump gun (an 870) for xmas from my dad. The mossys do rattle more and the slide release and safties are different on them. But both are good choices. I view 500's as truck guns and the 870 is in the house w/slug barrel and my first choice for hunting. I think the wood is better on the 870 apperance wise. Both will outlast you if cared for every now and again. I treat all mine pretty rough and don't keep up with cleaning and oiling and have yet to have a failure. There are also lots of other models and manufactuers to choose from. Sometimes grandpa's old pumpgun thats been in the closet forever and proven over time is the answer.
 
I've used a 18" 12 ga smoothbore and a 20 inch deer barrel with rifled sights (both 870's) the shorter barrel seemed to recoil just a little more but the forearm on the 18" was smaller and fore and aft stocks were synthetic. That was true no matter what loads I fired out of them, birdshot, buckshot or slugs. Think it's more about weight than barrel length. No appreciable diff in pattern at CLOSE range, though the 20 inch barrel I left w/ improved cylinder. When I put the rifled tube in it the bird shot had a lot more flyers at 21 feet compared to an open choke. No difference in OO buckshot. Slugs shot high with both.
 
I personal don’t think there is enough difference between the 18” and 20” barrels that it makes any difference in performance and effectiveness.
As has been said here above pick the one that is most comfortable to you (location of safety, slide release, and price). I own both the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500, both in 12ga, I like both (870 is my first choice) and trust both to work when everything else is going wrong. Which one you decide to get is up to you, they are both sold guns.
Once you get your shotgun learn it inside and out. Practice with it a lot, then practice some more. Break it in and keep it clean and it should never fail you (most problems IMO are not the gun but the shooter, so practice even more).
 
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