Looking for first HD shotgun

[Rockrivr1]

I know this has probably been covered many times over, but I couldn't find what I was looking for through the search.

The one thing that I've noticed is that in my meager collection I am missing a good Home Defense Shotgun. Currently I have a Remington 870 w/ a 28 inch VR bbl that I use for skeet and trap. It's worked flawlessly in that role, but is just a little to long for HD. I know I can swap to a shorter bbl, but I use this shotgun a lot and would rather get a different shotgun for HD.

Going with that experience I was looking at Remington for a home defense shotgun. The marine magnums seem a little pricey while the modified 870s seem a better bargain. But, do I want to consider "bargain" when it comes to my HD shotgun?

I'd like to get one with the tube extension, but from what I've been reading on some posts, it may not be the best choice. Also, I'd like to get one that has a rail or way to mount some type of light to it.

I'd prefer not to get one with a pistol grip, as I don't see the need and for HD I also don't see a big need for rifle or ghost sites.

What would you recommend?

 

[Dave McCracken]

There's a few choices.....

First, since you already have an 870, get another with a short barrel. No need to learn a new Manual Of Arms. Used ones are fine, working life seems to run about 250,000 rounds.

I'm not joking.

A box stock, short barrelled 870 is a wonderful close range weapon as is.

If the fit's right, the very next thing you need is ammo. BA/UU/R until it feels like a body part and not a tool. After a few cases of shells, you'll know what it and you need to upgrade performance.

If used ones like police turnins aren't available, the various HD versions or the highly under-rated Turkey versions await.

The Express slug version with a smoothbore barrel with or without Remchokes is another option. Do not get the fully rifled barrel, those are just for slugs.

As far as mag extensions go,it boils down to personal choice. If 4 rounds of 12 gauge ammo do not resolve a crisis, chances are a few more will not either. Better to practice fast reloading and learning to hit COM ASAP.

HTH....

 

[VeT|Us]

Mr McCracken knows his stuff, take his advice

I have the 870 Express Magnum with 20" smoothbore/riflesights.
The first thing I thought of was "uuu! need one of those cool mag-extenders!"

Well, this is just me, but I dont like it. Its coming off!
What I should have done, was use more money on shells.
Wich I subsequently did, and now I dont feel like I need more than 4+1 for HD.

The last 5 times I've taken it out to investigate a bump or whatnot, Ive never loaded it with more than 5 rounds, never felt the need.
I dont feel naked at all with my 870 fed with 5 shells of 00 buck.

"I can swap to a shorter bbl, but I use this shotgun a lot and would rather get a different shotgun for HD.." , We all know your just looking for an excuse to buy a new 870!

 

[Black Majik]

How bout' a Remington 870 HD model?

They run around $289 new and comes with 18.5" Barrel and Extended mag tube.

Its relatively cheap, then BA/UU/R.

Great home defense shotgun, and same manual of arms.

 

[Gary G23]

I agree with Black Majik.

 

[Smoke]

Yep. Stick with the 870 for reasons Dave pointed out.

Practice, Practice, Practice.

Smoke

 

[mondocomputerman]

Check out the winchester (fn) defender model 1300. It has a 7 round magazine built in (no extended tubes) fiber optic sights, and pumps pretty fast.

 

[MrAcheson]

I agree with Majic, Dave, and others. Go with a Remington 870. You already know the 870 so why complicate matters? I also like the HD version and its $300 around here, which is a good price.