New Shotgun

[FenceChargerIII]

Im thinking about trading in my Remington 870 for different shotgun. Anyone have any (oh boy) opinions about what I should get? I'd like a gun thats more compact and maneuverable than my full size 870.
Semi auto would be great, but I'd like to keep it under 500$. I am leaning toward Weatherby's Pa-08 defense model at $449. What do you think?

Basically, I want a small compact tough dead reliable shotgun that handles up to 3".
Thanks!!

 

[LeonCarr]

Keep the 870, get a shorter LOP stock and an 18/18.5 inch barrel. Unless you are hunting hogs in heavy cover, you should not need the 3" capability.

Great shotgun, tons of accessories, tough dead reliable .

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[Jlr2267]

Never, ever trade/sell a Rem 870 or Mossberg 500...ever.

The only semi-auto under $500 worth having, in my opinion, is a Mossberg 930. They may actually be more than $500 now, at least the tactical model.

 

[bubba in ca]

Don`t be afraid to whack that barrel down to 18 inches or so--vent ribs are great for HD.

 

[ObsceneJesster]

You may be able to find a 590A1 for $500. In my opinion, you can't really get a more solid HD shotgun than that for the price. Or you could just swap out the stock and barrel on your current 870. I prefer the older 870's and the new 500's.

 

[Hapworth]

If the issue is simply one of wanting a more defense-minded configuration, have to agree with others: don't sell; switch out a few parts.

 

[45crittergitter]

I agree - keep at least one 870 always.

 

[FenceChargerIII]

Well this may sound strange but Ive had failures to extract and/or eject with my 870 almost since I got it. (about 5 yrs ago) I've cleaned it to polished perfection and kept it like that, but the stupid thing still has problems. I've taken it apart, studied everything minutely for any signs of wear, but nothing.

I'd like to keep it but I can't have a shotgun so unreliable. Maybe someone has some suggestions?

Thanks everyone for your great input- THR is the first place I go to with gun Qs!

 

[Bobson]

Well this may sound strange but Ive had failures to extract and/or eject with my 870 almost since I got it. (about 5 yrs ago) I've cleaned it to polished perfection and kept it like that, but the stupid thing still has problems.

There's your problem. Cerebus'd. Try and trade for a new-ish Mossberg 500 or 590/A1. Either that or an 870 that's at least a decade old.

 

[ObsceneJesster]

Yea. You definitely don't want a unreliable shotgun if you're going to use it for home defense. Hell, I don't ever want a unreliable fire arm.

 

[saulteux]

My Cerebus made 870 runs with anything, and it's only been given the occasional wipe down. Check your chamber, polish and buff if needed. Not "cleaned to polished perfection" but polish and buff.

 

[Bobson]

I doubt its jamming because its too clean... if you want to keep it, it might be an easy and/or inexpensive fix. Look around for an 870 forum or something, or keep bumping this thread until someone suggests a solution.

 

[eazyrider]

Not to hijack but I bought an 870 with the mag extension from the factory and sometimes the sixth round will not go in. I sent it back to them and they said they removed a burr but sometimes the last round still won't go in. I for one am not that impressed.

 

[jim243]

Just bought a Weatherby PA-459 for $449.00, 2 3/4 5 +1, 3 inch 4 +1, 18.5 inch barrel, ghost ring sights (front fiber optic), top rail under 7 lbs empty.

Short and sweet and oh ya pistol grip too.

Jim

 

[GCBurner]

Remington makes interchangeable barrels for the 870. Why not get a 18-23" barrel to keep on it for home defense, and swap it out for the regular barrel for hunting or targets. That's cheaper than buying another shotgun, unless you just WANT a second shotgun.

 

[MCgunner]

I wouldn't sell it if you like it. Consider getting a BPS for a move up in quality pump shotgun. Autoloaders? Someone will suggest a Beretta and I know nothing about 'em, so let someone else talk auto to ya.

The BPS is a well made pump and I'll probably get a 10 gauge BPS eventually if I get more into goose hunting, but I don't own one, got a couple of Mossies, one of those, one of these odd old guns, a Spartan 20 gauge SXS, and an H&R 10 gauge single shot. Also, I do own a Winchester 1400 gas operated auto in 12 gauge. That one is nice, but you'll have to look for a used one as they're no longer made. Only shoots 2 3/4", though, but 2 3/4" fasteel does well on ducks and it's killer on doves. If you found a used one, it'd go for WELL under your 500 bucks, cheap enough to keep the 870 to tacticool if that is what you're into..

 

[JVaughn]

I have a Weatherby PA, not a bad shotgun. Not sure it's better than 870 though.

 

[ObsceneJesster]

@MCgunner. Please excuse my ignorance as I am not a hunter. I just don't have the patience to sit out in the cold. I have a question though. Why do you need a 10 gauge for goose hunting? You would think a 12 gauge would be more than enough. Am I wrong?