View Full Version : Shotgun Decision...possibly NFA. What would you do?
I have a Benelli M1S90 that I picked up used for $650. I've had it for almost 2 years and due to the price of ammo, it is probably the gun I shot the most last year (shot 7 or 8 rounds of 100 clays). I really like the gun. It's set up with a 28" vent ribbed barrel, which is perfect for shooting clays or bird hunting.
Since I've had it, I've also wanted to have a shorter 18-20" barrel for it to make it more handy. Please let me clarify, I DO NOT need or intend to use the shotgun as a primary HD weapon. These cover that role:
http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab104/ASH556/IMG_1193.jpg
http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab104/ASH556/IMG_0482.jpg
So, that being said, I do still like the idea of a handy 12ga to have around. I really don't know what I'd do with it, but I COULD use it defensively a whole lot more effectively if it had a shorter barrel.
So, that brings me to the Quandry: I've found a new 18.5" barrel with rifle sights, smoothbore, for just over $300.
The other thought is that if I'm going to go short and handy, why not simply pay the extra $200 tax and go all the way down to 14" or 12"?
So, with things being as they are right now, should I sink $300 into an 18" shotgun barrel that I don't have any immediate need for (though they are sort of hard to come by) or just pass?
Thanks!
I have two shotguns currently. A Benelli M2 Tac and Mossberg 590A1 SBS.
The SBS only cost me $400, plus $200 tax and $50 transfer. I like it a lot, it is very hand and still holds 5+1. But other than defensive use, it really doesn't have a use except get drooled over at the range... And like you, it's not a primary HD weapon either.
I've thought about getting a 18.5" 590A1 just to have to match the SBS, but then I look at two shotguns I already have and rarely shoot... I don't see the need... But I do think a well rounded person needs a shotgun, be it for hunting or backup HD weapon (mine are more "here you go type of weapons", something I might let a visitor use in a HD situation).
In your case I'd probably just get the 18.5", then if you want to NFA it, just Form 1 it (assuming you can find short barrels easily)...
Or as an alternative maybe just find a 18.5" barrel for the shotgun you have? Not sure how much Benelli barrels run, but who knows it might be an option.
I have a 18" Benelli M1S90 and it is perhaps one of my favorite guns to shoot... ever. I really enjoy it.
That said, I haven't found it to be too cumbersome for indoor work. However, like you... it wouldn't be my first choice. I have the 18" barrel with rifle sights and choked barrel. I added a factory +2 that in reality holds +3, combine that with the ability to ghost load 1 round on the carrier, I have 9 rounds in the gun... that's the trade off I'd consider verses going shorter and less rounds.
FWIW, I added a Wolf 25% PLUS power spring over the factory spring and it eats everything now. I remember reading somewhere the the temper of the early Benelli's springs wore off really quickly. I have 9 in the gun and 6 on the side saddle and it runs like a top. For an inertia cycled gun, where weight plays a big role, it runs like a sewing machine.
Thanks for the quick replies and keep 'em coming. I really don't want to make this gun too heavy. I used to have the following Remington 870 with a 2-shot Wilson Combat extension and side saddle. The thing weighed a friggin' ton. I never used it because it was such a pain to haul around:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/Bullseye_Doc_Holiday/trial001.jpg
I second the 14" M590A1:
http://www.impactguns.com/mossberg-590-a1-short-barrel-shotgun-14in-ghost-ring-night-sights-speedfeed-stock-52689-0.aspx
Or maybe the 14" 870P Entry:
http://world.guns.ru/userfiles/images/shotgun/sh17/rem870entry.jpg
590A1 registered SBS, for your viewing pleasure. It is very light and handy...
http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx113/rhinowso/Mossberg/188953e9.jpg
Or as an alternative maybe just find a 18.5" barrel for the shotgun you have? Not sure how much Benelli barrels run, but who knows it might be an option.
This is what I'm getting at. I just re-read my initial post and can see how it's a little confusing. An 18.5" barrel for my Benelli is $325. That's from a private seller. They cost more new. Just trying to justify spending $350 on a shotgun barrel that I may not use that much.
ETA: Nice SBS!
I don't have an SBS but I'd like one. The only thing I regret about my SBR's is not doing it sooner. Get or make your shotgun into an SBS.
$35 for a bbl is a lot of money for me. Would you buy the SBS bbl or try to cut what you have? I don't know how the gas system works or if cutting is even an option. Let us know what you do.
Well, I just sent him $325 via Paypal. Here's my thought: It's an 18.5" Cylinder barrel with rifle sights. I think a 14" barrel would cost the same based on ads I've looked at. My thought is that if/when I choose to SBS, I can simply have the 18.5 cut back and have it re-drilled/tapped for the front sight. Sound fair?
Hell yes. I'm also looking at it from my perspective now, I'm kinda broke! :mad: I did put a used 870 on lay away today, $250 for an 870 Turkey Express gun.
Well, I just sent him $325 via Paypal. Here's my thought: It's an 18.5" Cylinder barrel with rifle sights. I think a 14" barrel would cost the same based on ads I've looked at. My thought is that if/when I choose to SBS, I can simply have the 18.5 cut back and have it re-drilled/tapped for the front sight. Sound fair?
Yup, if the 18.5" doesn't work for, keep cutting it down till it does! :D
As soon as I am in AZ full-time every long-gun in the house, 5.56, 7.62, 12GA, whatever, is going to become a SBR.
whitecoyote
01-17-13, 22:39
Serbu.....
http://i50.tinypic.com/359hcti.jpg
Serbu.....
http://i50.tinypic.com/359hcti.jpg
That's a little thumper! Sweet!
That's a little thumper! Sweet!
Is that a two shot magazine?
filthy phil
01-19-13, 17:34
a shotgun that will fit under a jacket is a hella sd tool:D
I like the Mossberg 590A1 SBS option if you could get one. I have always liked Mossberg shotguns, particularly for the placement of the safety. I still have my first Mossberg that I received for my 12th birthday. It has been through everything and keeps on working.
whitecoyote
01-19-13, 18:50
Is that a two shot magazine?
Yes, two in the magazine, one in the chamber. :big_boss:
http://i48.tinypic.com/vhxc1f.jpg
I like the Mossberg 590A1 SBS option if you could get one. I have always liked Mossberg shotguns, particularly for the placement of the safety. I still have my first Mossberg that I received for my 12th birthday. It has been through everything and keeps on working.
Their safety and slide release are in a better place than Remington's IMO. But I just like my Remington shotguns better, I can't really explain why. It may be because when I was getting into guns, Remington was the only shot gun I could get aftermarket anything for. I know that's changed now.
Yes, two in the magazine, one in the chamber. :big_boss:
http://i48.tinypic.com/vhxc1f.jpg
Very Cool! And a $5 stamp!
Very Cool! And a $5 stamp!
I don't have any AOWs, might be time to get one!
I don't have any AOWs, might be time to get one!
Me too! I have two SBR's and two lowers engraved, I just have not had the extra money to send $400 off to uncle sam but five bucks, hell yes!
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