Home Defense Shotgun... ???

[RedFord150]

www.turners.com also has good sales. The weekly ad runs from Friday to following Thursday each week. New ad is usually up by Thursday afternoon.
FTR, Maverick is made in USA by Mossberg (some parts are interchangeable) and often goes on sale for under $200. A lot of people like it.
Good luck.

[Call_me_Tom]

500 or 870 Can't go wrong with either one. I would first try to decide if you want a semi-auto or a pump first. In the heat of the moment you may cause your pump to fail and then you'll need to revert to your pistol quickly.

I myself have a 500 which was made in 1968 and passed down from my Grandfather to my father and now I. Pumps are reliable and last forever but unless you train with it you might want to consider an auto for ease of use.

[ruddogg]

thx all for the advice!

[MichaelKent]

From what I've seen (I've been thinking about getting a shotgun too), the Remington 870 vs Mossberg 500/590 debate is kind of like a video game console debate (Sony vs Microsoft) or computer format (Apple vs PC), and so on... where there are lots of strong opinions on both sides and you're liable to get bias slant and dismissive attitudes from both "factions."

It boils down to personal preference. Perhaps see if you can find a range where you can rent both guns and try them out. The main issue with the Remingtons is that somewhere in the 90s they apparently started adding dimples to the mag so you can't later extend the amount of shells it will hold.

I too wondered about the Benelli Nova. Nobody has thoughts on that?

mossberg 500, FTW!! it's the only pump action shotgun the military trusts because it's the only one strong enough to stand up to their tests. Remy 870 failed along with all the others. seriously, mossberg 500 is the best way to go!!!

can get a great package at Big 5 for under $300

Remington 870 primarily failed the test due to arbitrary requirements put in place for political and money reasons (a speculated deal with mossberg). Interestingly, the current requirements specify a metal trigger guard, so the 500 fails there now while the 590A1 variants still pass.

The US Military is still using 590A1s, but Marines and Army officially use the Benelli M1014 now. Some groups still use the Remington 870. The 870 is also still used by the Irish, Finish, Austrian, Canadian, German, Greek, and British militaries.

[Call_me_Tom]

Oh, if you do decide to go with a semi I'd take a hard look at the Mossberg 930 SPX.

[Doheny]

A lot of people are have the Interstate 982 and are happy with it; it's a lower price but reliable shotgun. Do a search and you'll find a number of posts about them. With that said, I just bought a Mossberg 500 combo (long and short barrel) at the Big 5 on Alton.

[JJ1911]

Mossberg 500 or Remington 870.

I happen to own both! However I have practiced/shot my mossberg more and am more comfortable with the controls on it (safety, slide release) and the fact that the shell elevator stays in the up position when loading really appeals to me.

Either will be fine, try them out at the range and see if you like one more than the other.

[WaR_ClouD-VII]

Rem 870

[nrvnqsrxk]

Personally I prefer the Remington 870, but some people like the controls on the Mossberg better. Handle both at the store and see which one you prefer. Just pay attention to the silky smooth action of the Rem, and know that it only gets better with time

[arfan66]

I have a Mossberg 500 and after I ported the barrel, it's my favorite long gun to shoot even with full power buckshot loads & slugs. On the other hand, I've seen some tricked out 870's that pattern the size of your fist at 10 yds w/00 buck!

Simple is good but if you want to customize your shotgun, the 870 has way more aftermarket parts than just about any other shotgun.

FYI - If you're considering a semi-auto shotgun be aware that some use recoil to work the action and can be ammo sensitive (i.e. reduced recoil shells in some Benelli's).

[seanbo]

SAIGA12

[FatalKitty]

+8million to all - mossy 500 or rem 870

for HD you can't get any better than a proven pump action.

picked up my rem 870 HD (7rd, 18") from big 5 recently for 369+fees) saw the same weapon this week for 419... so it's definitely worth waiting for sales.
great thing about either of these options is that no matter what you plan to do with it, every known upgrade/accessory there is, is made for the Remington 870 and mossy 500

[DREADNOUGHT78]

I just had the Sac Sherrif helicopter over my place making an announcement over the PA yelling "attention on the ground" I guess they were looking for someone so I closed all the windows and locked the doors graabed the Remington 870 full of Winchester 1oz slugs! I feel pretty confident.

[G60]

I prefer the safety and slide stop location on the Mossberg. I've got a 590A1, but wouldn't turn down an 870 Police.

[shooterdude]

Hi All,

Noob here, so please excuse me if my questions have already been answered.

I don't know much about shotguns, I have a hand gun, Sig Sauer P226 .40 at home for home defense. (thinking about getting a Sig P229, or one of the HK compacts, USPc 40, or P2000, maybe even a 1911.)

I'm married & a father of 3 lil girls, 5, 3, 1. We live in a relatively safe neighborhood.

However, at some point, I'd want to have a shotgun at home for home defense. Which leads me to my question. If I want to spend less than $1k... preferably closer to $500... what are my best options? Brands? etc etc... any advice will be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

I feel another never ending Mossberg vs. Remington discussion about to blossom...