Defensive Shotgun Options

[floogy]

Been checking into building up a defensive shotgun. Either a 500/590 or 870, haven't decided yet. I have an 870 Express Super Mag, but not sure I'd want a 3 1/2" chambered defensive shotgun. Even if it has a 3" 18.5" barrel. I may sell it or keep it for hunting, not sure yet. Unless there's a reason why I should convert it rather than get a new one. I know barrel swaps are easy, but I want a dedicated shotgun rather than field/security.

Here's a rough list of the guns I'm looking at. Prices are from ownmoreguns.com. It's local so I can order online or by phone and pick up without a transfer fee.

870 Express Super Mag (already own) $0
870 Express Tactical with pistol grip only. Comes with factory extended tube 6+1. $333
500 Thunder Ranch. I like that it's already set up. Not a huge fan of the breacher muzzle or 5+1 capacity but it's a solid option and only needs a side saddle and light. $425
590 18.5" barrel 6+1. Newer option from Mossberg and affordable at $375.
500 7+1. $320
Maverick 88 7+1. Not of the highest quality, but seems to have very few complaints about reliability. $200

Used shotguns are of course an option as a lot of people sell HD shotguns that have never seen the outside of a closet. I would prefer an older 870 to a brand new one. Remington's QC issues of the past several years is a strike against a brand new Express. A couple of bonuses to the Mossberg are the easily replaced ejector and the elevator being out of the way for loading.

Here's list of the add ons I'm looking at. Most can be used on a Remington or Mossberg. I don't earn a living using a shotgun, so it just needs to hold up to shooting, classes and carpet drops.

Hogue 12" LOP stock. No nonsense stock that's about half the cost of the SGA. I'd be OK with a factory youth stock like on the Thunder Ranch 500, but can't find a place to buy one.

Magpul or Mako forend. I would prefer mounting a light on the forend to make momentary on/off easier. The Mako forend has rails built in and obviously the Magpul can have one added.

Streamlight Protac Rail 2, HLX or TLR-1 HL (800 lumen). I like the Protac lights because they come with a pressure switch and are very bright, though the TLR-1 paddle works well and is more compact. Choices.

Wilson Combat +2 magazine extension if required for an 870. Includes a sling mount.

If I need a barrel clamp for the sling, Magpul makes one for QD or snap swivels.

I have slings, likely will use a 2 point with QD or clips.

Mesa Tactical Sureshell polymer side saddle. Looks like a solid, affordable way to hold 6 extra rounds.

Thoughts? I'm just looking for feedback on the options I've got. Trying to stay affordable and simple without buying Ebay mall ninja garbage.

[NATEWA]

I’d get another synthetic supermag and make it into a HD shotgun. Since you have one for hunting, it’s good to have another one for parts and familiarity.

Or, depending on what type of hunting you do, they make a short barrel with screw in chokes. You could use your current supermag as a hunting (coyotes, turkey, slugs for deer/pigs) shotgun and HD shotgun (switch out chokes). Put a wood dowel in to limit the number of shells for hunting.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Carlsons-Remington-reg-Replacement-Barrels/1317816.uts

[Pupulepeter]

I’ve been looking at the 590 myself. It’s a dedicated gun, but seems to fit your purpose.

[billped]

Don't use 3.5" for anything but geese when you need to sky-bust a 75 yd shot. I use reduced power 2.75" ("police load") for HD and it's perfect.

I have a Mossberg 500. Great if you don't want a pistol grip. If you do, get the 870 because the safety is in the right spot for that configuration.

[aspenvalley]

[TMB 1]

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/2084_37_906/products_id/411540584/Cimmaron+1897+Pump+Action+Shotgun+12+ga.%2C+20+Barrel

[aspenvalley]

[NATEWA]

I have the HR Pardner Protector - great $200 shotgun! Put a Velcro side saddle, clip on barrel front sight, flashlight and sling. Good to go for $250.

[TMB 1]

I have a real 1897 take down. While it’s not setup for HD and one setup for Cowboy Action can be fast I would want at least a model 12 or Ithaca 37 riot gun. But hey whatever works for you.

I have two real takedowns with long barrels and a Chinese non take down with short barrel really slick reliable shotguns. Also have a couple 870 Remingtons and a couple Mossberg 500s, they're slick and reliable too, but not as fast as the 97s. Can only use 2 3/4" with the 97s though.

[71MUSTY]

Full stock won't fit in my Flag cabinet.

[floogy]

I'll try to go in order here.

So I'm not necessarily going to keep the Super Mag. I don't hunt turkey or waterfowl so 3.5 isn't needed and I'm not sure I'd need it when I do get a chance to hunt those. I may keep it, but like I said I'm not sure.

I'm not married to the 870. I've owned it for years but never trained with it so while I'm familiar with it I'm not unlearning anything.

Whatever I get will have a short LOP standard stock. Especially with the Mossberg Tang safety.

The Pardner is an interesting choice. I might even pick one up for kicks as they're $163 locally. Plus they take Remington parts except barrels and mag tubes, but can with modification. There seems to be few complaints about reliability since they're made by Norinco. Similar to the IAC Hawk. Also it has a common manual of arms with the 870, a bonus. If the quality or reliability isn't up to snuff, the CS is supposed to be pretty good for these guns.

An 1897 clone would be cool, but other than make it into a WWI trench gun replica, mounting a light would be difficult. Does Magpul make a stock for one? [emoji848]

I've always liked the Ithicas, but the new ones are expensive and the older ones are short on aftermarket parts and I'd hate to bang one around.

Thanks for bouncing ideas around. Hopefully it gives others some ideas too.

I'm a little closer to deciding. I'm in no rush to buy, so waiting for a good used gun might just be what I do.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[ShaneB]

[TMB 1]

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/96...ter-flashlight this probably work for mounting light. What's so special about Magpul stock?

97 cool because hold trigger down and it shoots as fast as you can pump it.

[pennstater]

Hmm. I know folks like adding all the bells and whistle's, and that's fine. But, a regular pump "naked" will do the same thing. No? Just take the plug out and load it up. And a little practice won't hurt. Simply my opinion and nothing more.

[hunterb]

Rem 870 20ga youth 18.5" barrel