big 5: Mossberg 590 vs "security" vs remington vs benelli

[gamma105]

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BENELLI 12-GAUGE 5-SHOT TACTICAL PUMP SHOTGUN for $349

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[stphnman20]

I'd go with the 870 just because I have one. lol
No seriously, I've shot about every single shotguns there is and ended up with the 870..

[gamma105]

I'd go with the 870 just because I have one. lol
No seriously, I've shot about every single shotguns there is and ended up with the 870..

btw, how's the recoil on the 870?

[larryratcliff]

I just responded to a thread similar to yours... It is arguable if semi auto is more important than number of rounds for a tactical shotgun. I dont think that teams of > 5 people attack homes. In fact in most instances I believe that it is 3 or less. 5 shots of auto fire power vs 8 rounds of pump.... Your likely not to miss with 00 buck at close range... My hallways are narrow enough that I could just point my 12 gauge around the corner and pull the trigger and the hallway would be clear.

One other thing to mention is shell size amongst your choices. I believe that only the Benelli has > 3" shell capacity.

[gamma105]

I just responded to a thread similar to yours... It is arguable if semi auto is more important than number of rounds for a tactical shotgun. I dont think that teams of > 5 people attack homes. In fact in most instances I believe that it is 3 or less. 5 shots of auto fire power vs 8 rounds of pump.... Your likely not to miss with 00 buck at close range... My hallways are narrow enough that I could just point my 12 gauge around the corner and pull the trigger and the hallway would be clear.

One other thing to mention is shell size amongst your choices. I believe that only the Benelli has > 3" shell capacity.

just read your other reply as well makes sense, now I hope they have these at the gun show tomorrow so I can check them out in person too

[Wolfhound9k]

I just responded to a thread similar to yours... It is arguable if semi auto is more important than number of rounds for a tactical shotgun. I dont think that teams of > 5 people attack homes. In fact in most instances I believe that it is 3 or less. 5 shots of auto fire power vs 8 rounds of pump.... Your likely not to miss with 00 buck at close range... My hallways are narrow enough that I could just point my 12 gauge around the corner and pull the trigger and the hallway would be clear.

One other thing to mention is shell size amongst your choices. I believe that only the Benelli has > 3" shell capacity.

What?? lol, you're kidding about the hallway thing right? I've shot these shotguns before and they do not pattern that wide as to "clear" a hallway with just one shot unless you have a really long and narrow hallway. It's quite easy to miss with 00 Buck out of an 18" barrel.


I'm no shotgun expert, but I'll offer up my advice on these 4 shotguns, personally owning one of them and having shot the other models with friends who own them. First, all 4 guns are pump action shotguns, not semi-auto. Second, they will all serve you well for general home defense or a fun day at the range!

I believe that the Mossberg 590 is a military model (correct me if this is inaccurate), versus the "security" which is intented to be civilian model as reflected in the price. The Rem 870 and the Benelli Nova are just as good for a home defense gun in terms of reliability, recoil, and durability. The Nova has the fewest aftermarket accessories available though, and for most people what tips the scale in favor of one shotgun over another is the little things like safety placement and availability of aftermarket accessories.

PS> I don't know anybody who uses more than 2 3/4" shells for shotgun home defense, and you can purchase a magazine extension for the Nova to bring it up to a 7+1 for around $20-80

[Helius Lights]

I have both the 870 & 590. For home defense they will both work. But when it comes to picking a personal favor of the two 870 hands downs. See if you can rent both and shoot them? Good luck

[larryratcliff]

What?? lol, you're kidding about the hallway thing right? I've shot these shotguns before and they do not pattern that wide as to "clear" a hallway with just one shot unless you have a really long and narrow hallway. It's quite easy to miss with 00 Buck out of an 18" barrel.

Yes that was mostly joking but I do in fact have the typical late 60's early 70's ranch style house. very long narrow hallway However, I would still aim ...

[hd0642]

ive got a benelli and a 1300, i just picked up the nova a few weeks ago. i would rate the action to be as smooth or slicker than the 870. i opted for the benelli over the 870 because i didn't need to hang all kinds of doo-dads on it and it chambers 3.5" shells, not that ill be running them but its a nice feature.

heres my 2 rigs

[Sheepdog1968]

Truth be told, the Mossberg security for $250 dollars will get the job done just fine. You could spend more but you don't need to. Put a sling and a light on it and a side saddle (optional) and you are done. Yes you could spend more but don't need to. All of the brands are reliable. Take the money you save here and take a class. I was an idiot and went almost 20 years without taking a class. When I did it was an eye opening experience at how valiable this training was. A big disadvantage to a shotgun is the limited capacity of ammo it has on board. Having said that for HD, its an awesome choce.

[jdg30]

I would get the Mossberg security shotgun. I have a Mossberg 500 with the short 18" barrel. It holds 5 rounds in the mag tube and works great. It's kind of like the "glock" of shotguns. Not the most expensive but functions great and is real durable. That's all you need.

[pTa]

I'd go with the Remington. Compared to the old 500 Mossberg it wasn't even a horse race. The 590 Mossberg is a better shotgun, but not that much better.

I've shot 500, 590 Mossbergs and 870 Remis and liked the way the 870 shoots better. In Nevada, I owned a 590 Mossberg and sold it to get moving money. I don't miss it, honestly.

Can't comment on the Benelli Nova. The only Benelli I've shot was semi- instead of a pump. If I had $$$ to burn, I'd get an M1 Benelli though. Semi- shotguns are scary fast.

[NapaCountyShooter]

I own a Mossberg 500 security and it works great. That being said, my buddy has an 870 that I've taken apart and I really like the internals on that gun. Haven't tried the Benelli, but they do make some quality guns.

[BHPFan]

The Mossy 590 is a better shotgun than the 500, but you can do a lot more with the 500 as I feel there are more accessories for it. Regarding the Remy 870, I like it better than both Mossys only due to being made of steel besides having just as much accessories as the Mossy 500, but it's more expensive than the 500 and possibly cost just as much as the 590.

Speaking of accessories in terms of ergonomics and controls location: if using tactical stock with PG, I like Remington better. If using regular stock, I like Mossberg.

[taloft]

Let's break it down model by model.

1. The Mossberg 500A 8-shot security.

Pro's: It holds 8 rounds, has good aftermarket support, and is $70.00 less than the next cheapest choice.

Con's: You need to add your own tacticool accessories, finish isn't as durable as some of the others.

2. The Mossberg 590 9-shot security.

Pro's: It holds 9 rounds, has good aftermarket support, comes with a barrel shroud, and bayonet lug. The shroud is intended to keep you from burning your hand during a bayonet charge but, it works well anytime you might grab a hot barrel.

Con's: Basically, it is the same as the 8-shot except: You're paying $80.00 more for one more round capacity, a $23.00 barrel shroud, and a bayonet lug. It isn't the 590A1, which is a different animal. If you plan on doing bayonet charges down your hallway, then this is the gun for you.

3. The Remington 870 8-shot security.

Pro's: It holds 8 rounds, has outstanding aftermarket support, and a good durable matte finish.

Con's: You need to add your own widgets, It's the most expensive out the door. Although, if you remember to send in the rebate you get $30.00 back.

4. The Benelli Nova Tactical.

Pro's: buttery action, chamber's 3.5" shells, and has a good finish.

Con's: Holds the least amount of rounds out of the bunch.



This is my own take on these. Here's what I think you should consider.

If you get the 590 and decide to get a light mounted forend, you'll need to get a side mount as most underslung mounts will require you to ditch the Bayonet lug. The 590 is a 500 playing dress up to look like the 590A1. Not even in the same territory. You could always buy a barrel shroud and bayonet lug for the 500 and still save money. At least this is true for the models you're looking at. Unless that 1 extra round is critical to you, I'd opt for the 500. The 500 is the ugly duckling of the group but, she works just fine.

The Remington would be my choice if you wanted to compete in tactical matches at the local club. Most any widget you can think of they make for the 870. Any serious competition and you'll want a modified semi.

The Benelli chambers 3.5" rounds but, who uses 3.5" rounds for HD? Are you being robbed by a gaggle of geese? It is a solution for a problem that doesn't exist. Plus, it holds less rounds. As such, I can't justify the price point. Although, I do like the way it looks and handles.

Frankly, any modern pump will work just fine as long as you do your part. They are very reliable. Since they all function about the same, barring any other consideration, I'd get the cheapest one and spend the savings on ammo or accessories. Most likely you'll wind up getting a semi at some point anyway. You should examine each one for yourself. See how it fits you and consider the position of the controls. Look at warranties. If you do this, I don't think you'll be unhappy with your choice.