If you could have only one (GP)

[joffe]

I know this sounds like a GlockTalk thread, but this is my situation (due to the legal climate). The laws here stipulate you can only have one firearm in a given 'category', the shotgun being one.

So, if you could have only one, which one would it be? As said in the title I'm looking for a 'general purpose' shotgun. I know it's a myth that SGs do 'everything' and that trying to make them do so is a terrible idea. I'm not looking for one in order to turn it into a pseudo-rifle, I just want one that's good/okay for both target/comp, bad situations, and also hunting critters (last item, last priority ).

There seems to be less material available for shotguns than there is for ARs. I've tried reading a little, and so far, it seems getting an 870P is the best bet. I just want to make sure I didn't miss anything important.

What about the Benellis? Which ones are worth considering?

Semiauto, or pump? Apparently pumps are more reliable and will let one fire more types of ammo. I like versatility.. but I'm not sure how important this particular item is.

Keep in mind when suggesting stuff that the more 'tactical' it is the less likely it is to be available over here. Like, I can get various variants of the 870 and the Benelli Nova or Super Nova, shotguns like that, but you don't need to suggest a Saiga.

edit - is it possible to buy the parts and convert an Express to a Police yourself? The 870P is nearly impossible to find, there's just Express and Super Magnum models available.

[Combat_Diver]

If the Remington 870 MCS is available that's the one I'll take (10', 14" Rem choke and 18" rifle sighted Rem choke, fixed and seperate pistol grip, 3 shot plus 2 and 3 rd extensions). If not than I'll look at the Remington 870 3" Combos with a 26/28" Rem choked bbl for hunting/target and with a 18/20" barrel for HD or slugs.
http://www.remington.com/products/fi...ss-combos.aspx

Here's a pic of a 870 MCS that I shot this morning.


and the one my son had in 04'.



I've got three bbls for my 870P at home. 18" cyl bore, 20" cyl bore rifle sights, and 21" Rem choke fiber optic sights for turkey with X-full or rifle choke for sabots.

CD

Forgot to add that you can upgrade the Express to near Police standards. Express has a cheaper finish and dimples on the mag tube that will have to be removed to add a extension.

[rob_s]

Remington 870 Police
1-round extension
Rifle sights
light on forend (or pic rail to attach X300 to forend)

I am actively looking for a model 25015.

[joffe]

I can't find the 870P anywhere. I suppose the importers here think people have no need for the higher quality, longer life, high reliability product just because they're hunters or target shooters.

Since I would have to upgrade the Express anyway, would you still say the same?

Some choices I've found:
*870 Express that has to be upgraded with Police parts to reach near-P standard
*Benelli Nova or Supernova
*Winchester SXP Defender

I do tend towards the 870 myself, more parts and accessories available, but I'm not sure if it's the ideal solution when only the Express is available. Thoughts?

Also, if that is indeed the best choice, which parts are needed? Pretty sure I can get everything at Midway, they have a distributor here.

[ZRH]

Notes on the Express from my personal experience:

It's cost prohibitive to convert an Express to a Police usually. They aren't "bad" shotguns but the pins in the trigger group, the trigger, and trigger guard itself are all plastic. The magazine tube also has the dents in it to prevent the installation of an extended mag tube, and it has no sling attachment points. This was a $200 shotgun, and those parts to replace with the metal equivalents are quoted as about $150 from Remington.

The Police models are also parkerized, the express has some sort of black grippy finish. It seems to work ok but it has not been taken out in severely adverse conditions. A Police model with a wood stock would actually look more traditional than the black synthetic stock on the base express model.

It (the Express) also has an occasional (twice in 500 rounds) problem with ejection. The bolt will open partway and the case will get stuck pretty solidly. Usually banging it against something solid will get it open but it does not inspire confidence.

I'm not sure what the prices would be in Europe.

It's pretty solid compared to other (brands) cheap shotguns though.

[joffe]

Just wanted to point out that I'm not really concerned with price. Within sane bounds, of course. I'm not buying a Holland & Holland.

Some price examples..

Benelli M4: €2500 (I consider this somewhat not-sane :/)
Benelli M3: €1928 (same..)
Benelli Supernova: €885
Benelli Supernova Tactical: €1074
Benelli Nova: €743
Benelli Nova Tactical: €926
Remington 11-87 'Sportsman Super Mag': €902
Remington 870 Express: €410
Remington 870 Wingmaster: €841
Winchester SXP Defender: €485

[Oscar 319]

Remington 870 Wingmaster: €841

This.

Wingmasters are high quality 870's. You can then buy a 18" or 14" (if legal) barrel for it. Customize it as you see fit (stocks, side saddle, light, sights, paint/finish, etc).

[M4Fundi]

Vang 870P

[joffe]

Vang 870P

Can't get a Police, much less a Vang.

[lt211]

Take a look at the FN SLPs(Self Loading Shotguns)...if their available. The Mark 1 and MK1 competition might be available. Great SG for the $. If I could only have one this would be my choice.

http://www.fnhusa.com/le/products/fi...005&gid=FNG002