thinking about buying or building a home defense shotgun.

I had a Mossberg 500 I liked… 18” with birdshead or standard stock…traded it away.
While walking around a gun show, I spotted a Moss 500 on a table. A field gun.
Funny thing was, it didn’t say “Mossberg” on it. The brand name on the receiver was “Revelation”. A store brand for Western Auto, made for them by Mossberg.
Got it for $75!
Over the next few months, I modified it, as I found deals. Got a 20” barrel with extended mag tube. Found a deal on Magpul stock and forend.
And that where it stands…loaded in the bedroom closet. IMG_0222.jpeg
 
^^^ I heard pulling the mag tube can be a bear on a 500. How was yours to remove?
 
natman said:
The 590A1 differs mainly in that it offers a heavy barrel. The problem is that the heavy barrel is, well, heavy. A 590 A1 empty weighs almost as much empty as a 590 weighs loaded. The heavy barrel is not a bad idea when the shotgun is subjected to military abuse, but it's just dead weight for civilian use.
Click to expand...
I agree the heavier barrel isn't a big deal for me.

If I'm remembering correctly, in addition to the heavier barrel the A1 version also swaps out the original plastic safety selector and trigger guard/housing for metal units, the plastic versions and original spec barrel not being "Marine proof". Seems the Marines went, "it has a bayonet mount, let's go practice that!" And bent more than one barrel and mag tube...
.

Btw, I don't believe the "retrograde" 590A1 has the heavy barrel, just the metal trigger group and safety, since the Retrograde has a heatshield, and IIRC the heavy barrel and heatshield are a kind of either or proposition.
 
I've been to several defensive shotgun classes. Involving thousands of rounds shot. I've practiced a lot on my home range. And I've tried lots of configurations.

Here's my preferred gun setup:

For pump action guns, I prefer the Mossberg 500. Simply because of the safety and slide release positions.

I started with a 500 field/security setup. Later stepped up to the 500 tactical (20" barrel with full-length magazine), and then a 590 (not an A1). Of the three, I like the tactical the best: its light, upgradable, and utterly reliable. All have fixed cylinder-choke barrels.

For accessories, I prefer magpul furniture set to a short LOP (about 13"). A single-point sling (using magpul's SGA adapter). And velcro ammo cards attached to the receiver.

Bead sights are good enough for buckshot close in. But ghost rings are better with buckshot beyond 20 yards and with slugs. I have an old, cheap RDS with a large tube that has survived all of my shotgun classes. It is faster and more precise than either iron system, using both buck and slugs, and that's what my home defense gun carries.

A light is a must-have on a serious defensive shotgun. I have a TL Racker on the 590 and a 6P in a cheap m-lock mount on the Tactical. Both work fine. But, if you can afford it, the TL Racker gets the nod because of better ergonomics.

And then test with lots of ammo types. I use Fed FliteControl 00 buckshot and low-recoil slugs. But pick what your gun likes best.
 
Detritus said:
I agree the heavier barrel isn't a big deal for me.

If I'm remembering correctly, in addition to the heavier barrel the A1 version also swaps out the original plastic safety selector and trigger guard/housing for metal units, the plastic versions and original spec barrel not being "Marine proof". Seems the Marines went, "it has a bayonet mount, let's go practice that!" And bent more than one barrel and mag tube...
.

Btw, I don't believe the "retrograde" 590A1 has the heavy barrel, just the metal trigger group and safety, since the Retrograde has a heatshield, and IIRC the heavy barrel and heatshield are a kind of either or proposition.
Click to expand...
According to the Mossberg website, the 590A1 Retrograde has the heavy barrel.
www.mossberg.com

590A1 Retrograde

A throwback to the look of our first tactical pumps, Retrograde models feature a walnut stock with checkered grip and vented recoil pad, and matching forend. Models also include the features that have made Mossberg the choice for millions of users worldwide, including an ambidextrous safety...
www.mossberg.com www.mossberg.com
I'd consider getting the model #50693 590 9 shot and swapping wood furniture. Given the $500 price difference I suspect you could do that and still be money ahead.
www.mossberg.com

590 9-Shot

The Mighty 590. With decades of military and law enforcement duty and countless performance and success stories under its belt, it’s no surprise that the 590 chosen for duty around the globe is also the ideal choice for home defense needs.
www.mossberg.com www.mossberg.com
 
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When I think home shotgun for what you describe I only think of 3 shotguns ... Winchester 97, Remington 870, and Browning A5 design - Remington Model 11. I am talking short barrels on all 3 and if you can extend the magazine fine. You take any of those shotguns and if there isn't. enough capacity you need to seriously think about doing your best to leave the situation.
 
Jack Ryan said:
Never, ever, buy any Mossberg shotgun or that Stoeger stuff. Those are prop guns for movie stars and Hollywood fan boys to pose in front of their action hero posters.
Click to expand...
I agree wholeheartedly... 1.jpg 14.jpg 20.jpg 16.jpg 17.jpg
I actually just did this and posted photos on here in the gunsmithing forum... I think it was "Before I cut"... anyhoo, I had an 870 Wingmaster in 16ga., and wanted simple and cheap. Well, in 16ga, it's not cheap, but it CAN be simple... I bought a spare barrel, cut it down by hand with a hacksaw, squared it with a flat file, smoothed it with sandpaper, blued it with some Casey's gun blue, purchased a "Big Dot Tritium" saddle sight for a Moss. 500 barrel, and JB Welded it on, and called it a day... then I found some 870 parts, et voila... the only things I actually bought were the barrel and sight... the finished length was 18 5/8 inches...
 
I have a real weakness for pumps. The 870, is a very good choice. That said, I keep a High Standard riot over the bed, and a Shockwave in the truck and bedroom.
 
Detritus said:
So, for various reasons I am once again thinking about either buying or building myself a shotgun for home defense use, with a secondary (or is it primary when it's what the gun will, hopefully, actually get used for the most?) use as a range/multi-gun match toy.

my Idea/preferences are as follows.

1. 12ga
2. 8-10 round capacity
3. 20-24" barrel
4. don't really have a preference between pump and auto, other than knowing semi-auto SHOULD be somewhat softer shooting
5. Slightly leaning toward wanting ghost-ring sights but can definitely deal with a standard bead

with those in mind, the options I'm considering are as follows.

Modify the late 80s ('87 or '88) Remington 870 Express i just inherited by buying a barrel, mag extension, and a few other random upgrade parts. This would entail having to remove/cut the dimples out of the mag tube on this gun and in the end would cost nearly as much as the least expensive of the other options I'm considering, but the cost would be spread out a bit.

Mossberg 590A1, possibly the "Retrograde" version (wood stock and adds back the heat shield). frankly this is THE pump I've been wanting for this use for like 30years, but i'm not sure it's the best option anymore.

Mossberg 940 JM Pro, seems popular with the run and gun crowd, but of the ones I'm contemplating it's the most expensive.

Stoeger M3K "Freedom series" least expensive of the Semi-autos, has all but one of the features I would prefer (doesn't have ghost ring sights, but they may be out there). Is a known quantity Turkish made variant of the Benelli inertia driven action.

would love to know what others think or would advise.

thank you for your time and information.
Click to expand...

I would look for used Maverick 88 with extended mag tube. Sample survived TFB TV torture test.
 
Another 870 Vote. They have a steel receiver and more reliable safety. The tang safety fell off one Mossberg I had.
 
natman said:
According to the Mossberg website, the 590A1 Retrograde has the heavy barrel.
www.mossberg.com

590A1 Retrograde

A throwback to the look of our first tactical pumps, Retrograde models feature a walnut stock with checkered grip and vented recoil pad, and matching forend. Models also include the features that have made Mossberg the choice for millions of users worldwide, including an ambidextrous safety...
www.mossberg.com www.mossberg.com
I'd consider getting the model #50693 590 9 shot and swapping wood furniture. Given the $500 price difference I suspect you could do that and still be money ahead.
www.mossberg.com

590 9-Shot

The Mighty 590. With decades of military and law enforcement duty and countless performance and success stories under its belt, it’s no surprise that the 590 chosen for duty around the globe is also the ideal choice for home defense needs.
www.mossberg.com www.mossberg.com
Click to expand...
Can confirm. My "retro" has the heavy barrel, and when fully loaded, you can really feel it. It is helpful when using buckshot...
 
I think any reliable pump gun is acceptable. People want to point to some perceived fault in some guns but as long as they reliably go bang and load another round when you cycle the action, I would be satisfied.

Not matter what brand you buy, there will be an occasional clunker so it is imperative on you to take it to the range now and then and put a box of shells thru it to make sure it still functions.

I would not be opposed to a semiauto either, and you won't have the problem of operator error if you short cycle it.
 
ilbob said:
I think any reliable pump gun is acceptable. People want to point to some perceived fault in some guns but as long as they reliably go bang and load another round when you cycle the action, I would be satisfied.

Not matter what brand you buy, there will be an occasional clunker so it is imperative on you to take it to the range now and then and put a box of shells thru it to make sure it still functions.

I would not be opposed to a semiauto either, and you won't have the problem of operator error if you short cycle it.
Click to expand...
Some good points there. I grew up in a time when men, WWII vets, kept a pump shotgun by the door. It got dirty and wet in the fall, cleaned, oiled, and put back by the door. Not much to go wrong with them, when proper care was given. You can fined a very serviceable firearm for your needs.
 
I'm not a big Mossberg fan... much prefer Winchester or Remington. I have an 1897 with a 22" threaded barrel, and keep it loaded with #4 buck. Also have a Remington Model 11 that I cut down to 18.5", it's also loaded with #4 buck. Either one will be just fine for what might go bump in the night around me. I modified both of them (except for the choke tube threading), so here are my quick and easy HD gun steps:

1. Go to pawn shop, find cheapest, roughest looking 1897/M12/whatever you desire. It don't have to be pretty, it just has to work. If you have to use it you may not get it back so no sense in spending a lot of money on it.
2. Go to hardware store, purchase pipe cutter, flat file, and small rat tail file. Stroll back to the sporting goods area and grab a bit of cold blue if you want, but not necessary.
3. Take the lot home, check function, then remove barrel from gun and mark 18.5 inches (from chamber mouth) on it.
4. Apply pipe cutter to mark and finish with the files until you're satisfied with the look of the job. A bit of cold blue doesn't hurt. No need for a bead, unless you just want to add one. My Model 11 doesn't have one, the 97 does.
5. Check for function again (just to be safe), load it, put it wherever you want it to stay.

See, it's that easy! No accessories to buy, no extra doo-dads to stick on it, and no batteries to go dead. I suppose one of those elastic butt cuffs with 5 extra rounds would be ok, but I don't foresee myself reloading in an HD situation. As someone said earlier, if more that five or six rounds are needed in an HD situation, I need to be trying to find a way out of it!

Mac
 
MacAR said:
I'm not a big Mossberg fan... much prefer Winchester or Remington. I have an 1897 with a 22" threaded barrel, and keep it loaded with #4 buck. Also have a Remington Model 11 that I cut down to 18.5", it's also loaded with #4 buck. Either one will be just fine for what might go bump in the night around me. I modified both of them (except for the choke tube threading), so here are my quick and easy HD gun steps:

1. Go to pawn shop, find cheapest, roughest looking 1897/M12/whatever you desire. It don't have to be pretty, it just has to work. If you have to use it you may not get it back so no sense in spending a lot of money on it.
2. Go to hardware store, purchase pipe cutter, flat file, and small rat tail file. Stroll back to the sporting goods area and grab a bit of cold blue if you want, but not necessary.
3. Take the lot home, check function, then remove barrel from gun and mark 18.5 inches (from chamber mouth) on it.
4. Apply pipe cutter to mark and finish with the files until you're satisfied with the look of the job. A bit of cold blue doesn't hurt. No need for a bead, unless you just want to add one. My Model 11 doesn't have one, the 97 does.
5. Check for function again (just to be safe), load it, put it wherever you want it to stay.

See, it's that easy! No accessories to buy, no extra doo-dads to stick on it, and no batteries to go dead. I suppose one of those elastic butt cuffs with 5 extra rounds would be ok, but I don't foresee myself reloading in an HD situation. As someone said earlier, if more that five or six rounds are needed in an HD situation, I need to be trying to find a way out of it!

Mac
Click to expand...
I do like that suggestion. I see you are a fellow traveling man.
 
argonn said:
I do like that suggestion. I see you are a fellow traveling man.
Click to expand...
I am, have been for quite some time. Greetings Brother.

If you want a "quick and dirty" HD gun, that's the best way I've found to do it. As long as the gun works, it don't make a lot of difference what the brand is. The cheaper the better, like I said, because in a real life HD situation you're most likely to loose the gun for a long time if not forever. Why spend a lot of money on something you may never see again?

Mac
 
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MacAR said:
I am, have been for quite some time. Greetings Brother.

If you want a "quick and dirty" HD gun, that's the best way I've found to do it. As long as the gun works, it don't make a lot of difference what the brand is. The cheaper the better, like I said, because in a real life HD situation you're most likely to loose the gun for a long time if not forever. Why spend a lot of money on something you may never see again?

Mac
Click to expand...
I was brought into The Order of DeMolay at 12. I am from a multi generational fraternal family, and been at my current lodge for 44 years. Travel well.
 
I think any of the guns you listed would be adequate.

I am not completely convinced a long gun is the best choice for home defense though. Too big.
 
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