Need help picking a shotgun - poll inside

[AR15thur]

I know there's a blue million 500 vs 590 vs 870 threads, but I'll make mine a little simpler.

I've never owned a 12 gauge shotgun, but I'm looking at them now.

Primary use would be a backup home defense/self defense shotgun. If I got somewhat proficient with it I'd probably look into a 3Gun match or two as well. I'm also wanting to teach my wife to shoot it for the same defense scenarios. She has her own pistol, but under stress I would trust her to hit the bad guy more efficiently with a 12 ga round.

Also, the selection in my area sucks, so I'm kinda confined to shopping online, usually through Budsgunshop. So here's what I'm looking at.

1.Remington 870 Express Tactical 18.5" barrel 6+1 capacity (I love the looks of this one, but I've read somewhere else that the finish is crap, can anyone back up or refute that statement?)
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/56471

2. Mossberg 500 package 5+1 18" barrel
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...s_id/411537262

3. Mossberg 590A1 18" barrel 5+1 (Does anyone if there's a mag extension tube for this one? I like the 18" barrel, but would like an extra shot or two)
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/55292

4. Mossberg 590 20" barrel 8+1
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/46282

The wildcard out of the bunch:
5. Mossberg 930 HS 18" barrel (the description says 7+1, is this correct? The tube just looks a little small)
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/55294

[TOrrock]

I know there are a lot of good Mossbergs out there, but I've personally had several that I had extraction issues with and have used a couple that I got light primer strikes on.

If you're looking to keep costs down, I'd get a used 870 Wingmaster or Police trade in, get a replacement magazine spring or a mag extension, and a "Youth" length stock from Remington, Speed Feed, or Hogue, and roll with that.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...s_id/411537360


Brownell's carries the stocks and magazine springs/upgrades.

[vaspence]

After a few years without one I did sorta like Templar suggested and bought a used 870 express, added a synthetic stockset, a well loved trade in 18" barrel and scrounged a side saddle for it. No mag extension yet, I still use it as a loaner with the 26" barrel during hunting season. Hard to beat the 870. The Express does rust if you even mention the word damp, but wipes off easily with no ill affects. And as much as I love all of my Benellis everyone should own an 870. I have probably owned 5 or 6 over the years.

That said, I like the Benelli Nova better than the 870 for a 3gun pump. Prices used to be good on the basic tac model.

On Mossberg, I have owned a few including 2 590s. Nothing bad to say just didn't do anything better than the 870. Unless you need a bayonet.

[Oscar 319]

I know there are a lot of good Mossbergs out there, but I've personally had several that I had extraction issues with and have used a couple that I got light primer strikes on.

If you're looking to keep costs down, I'd get a used 870 Wingmaster or Police trade in, get a replacement magazine spring or a mag extension, and a "Youth" length stock from Remington, Speed Feed, or Hogue, and roll with that.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...s_id/411537360


Brownell's carries the stocks and magazine springs/upgrades.

I'm with Templar on this one.

[warpigM-4]

870 for me

[Thomas M-4]

I have number 4 the 590 with ghost ring sights I am happy with it.
My first shot gun was a 500 when I was 14 I cant even imagine how many shell I pored through that shot gun.
But you will be well served with a Remington or a Mossberg.

[Gutshot John]

If you're a lefty the mossy has a more user-friendly factory safety.

If you're going to put on a pistol grip stock then you would be better off with an 870 since the mossy safety will be inconveniently placed. There may be a training work-around.

If you're going to stick with the factory setup you'll probably do well with any of those you mentioned.

[kmrtnsn]

Buy any old 870 SG and send the receiver to Scattergun Tech.

[SkiDevil]

I've never owned a 12 gauge shotgun, but I'm looking at them now.

Primary use would be a backup home defense/self defense shotgun.

Remington 870 Express Tactical 18.5" barrel 6+1 capacity

I would definitely recommend the Remington 870 Shotgun in 12 GA

1. A Remington 870 Police model.

2. A used Remington 870 Police Trade-in

Or; if money is no object then a Wilson's Tactical 870 Standard Model

http://www.wilsoncombat.com/s_standard.asp

SkiDevil

[kmrtnsn]

Wilson Combat = Scattergun Tech; same-same.