Recommendations for a shotgun

[Socal_Jack]

Primarily want it for home defense, but also something that would cut muster shooting trap and small critters.

Also, trying to avoid something weird or tacticool looking. No folding stocks or pistol grips, a nice solid buttstock, a classy looking wood finish would be nice, but not required.

Reliable and sturdy being a big plus as well.

Looking at the usual suspects, Mossberg 500 series(590) and the Remmington 870.

[JohnnyMtn]

[sonofeugene]

I vote for the Mossberg for these reasons.

1. The safety is a more logical design.
2. The lifter is up and out of the way so loading shells is much easier.
3. It has dual extractors.
4. It’s what the military uses.

[Capybara]

From personal experience with my 870 AOW, either find an older 870, pre Freedom Group or buy a Mossberg. IMHO, the 870s of the past few years have somewhat been lacking in QC and fit and finish. The old school 870s are rock solid though.

[DaveInOroValley]

When I had my Mossberg 500 series I used it quite frequently for trap shooting. Out of the various shotguns I did have it always seemed to be the one for me at trap.

[Capybara]

Can't go wrong with a Mossberg, they're the Toyota Camry of shotguns. Ultra reliable, simple, affordable and they just work. Plus TONs of aftermarket accessories and build/customization options at affordable prices.

[edgerly779]

Second barrel will be necessary if shooting skeet, trap or sporting clays and better for hunting.

[RandyD]

Count me as a Remington 870 fan. I recommend the older ones.

[Socal_Jack]

Thanks everyone for the input. Guess I'm going to look for a mossberg 500 with two barrels, one short, one long


How hard is it to replace barrels on a mossberg 500?

If I get one with one barrel, can I get a second barrel later? Where would I just get the extra barrel?

[whutsup40]

Easy!! Unscrew the barrel nut, remove barrel put long one on, replace nut!

[shovelon]

Thanks everyone for the input. Guess I'm going to look for a mossberg 500 with two barrels, one short, one long


How hard is it to replace barrels on a mossberg 500?

If I get one with one barrel, can I get a second barrel later? Where would I just get the extra barrel?

Yes you can get a second barrel later. This 500 in wood is a sexy beast and breaks clays soundly.

https://www.mossberg.com/product/500-hunting-all-purpose-field-50120/

HD barrels are readily available.

[Socal_Jack]

Yes you can get a second barrel later. This 500 in wood is a sexy beast

Exactly!

Thanks everyone again, I guess I can't go wrong with a classic!

[Ora Serrata]

If you are going to get the 28” barrel later do yourself a favour and look for one with the accu chokes. Changeable chokes are absolutely the way to go with the long barrel.

[Squidward]

Perhaps late to the party but handle both, if you can, before purchase. the length of pull on a shotgun is important. Yes, you can swap out the stocks on both to fix it.

Also, the Mossberg's receiver is aluminum and the Remington is steel, so felt recoil will differ between the two.

[shovelon]

Perhaps late to the party but handle both, if you can, before purchase. the length of pull on a shotgun is important. Yes, you can swap out the stocks on both to fix it.

Also, the Mossberg's receiver is aluminum and the Remington is steel, so felt recoil will differ between the two.

Remington on the other hand just came out of bankruptcy and I will give them some time before I will trust the quality and supply.