Home Defense Shotgun... ???

[Mono]

I bought my 870 HD from Big 5. I should have waited and bought it from Turner's. Their prices have consistently been lower on the 870 than Big 5. I also put a Blackhawk Knoxx stock on it because I didn't like being kicked by a mule each time I pulled the trigger. My buds have Mossbergs 500, they wish they bought the 870.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhz6hFG7i6s&playnext_from=TL&videos=FrAsJMssv8M

[Wherryj]

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?




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.

The debate is probably similar, although in either of the other two debates there is an anti-comsumer aspect. Sony is very anti-consumer since it purchased movie/music studios. They have even knowingly launched a viurs upon their customers in the infamous "rootkit" fiasco. Some say that Apple's unwillingness to let go of DRM is also anticomsumer.

At least you won't have to worry about Mossberg or Remington's consumer stances on this one.

[Wherryj]

I'd also suggest that you can't go wrong with the 870 or 500/590 for home defense. Just consider a light if you have children in the house. Mine cost more than the 590 itself, but it is well worth the cost.

As stated before, you are responsible for where your projectiles go, especially so with those people who reside within your walls. I want to be 100% certain that I'm not shooting a family member-and a 200 lumen light will most likely assist in that, not to mention the effects of such a bright light in a dark setting.

[XDseb]

I have an 870, and no kids. I keep it under the bed with the safety off, the trigger pulled on a dummy round, and 6 00 buck in the mag. If I had kids, i would keep it the same way but in a safe in the closet.

You really cant go wrong with an 870 or a 500.

[esskay]

I'd also suggest that you can't go wrong with the 870 or 500/590 for home defense. Just consider a light if you have children in the house. Mine cost more than the 590 itself, but it is well worth the cost.

As stated before, you are responsible for where your projectiles go, especially so with those people who reside within your walls. I want to be 100% certain that I'm not shooting a family member-and a 200 lumen light will most likely assist in that, not to mention the effects of such a bright light in a dark setting.

I agree on importance of a light, just a consideration to think about the configuration of your house/property. If small & confined, too many lumens can actually potentially be a detriment. Try flashing that 200 lumen light at a white wall directly in front of you -- you'll blast out your own night vision! If the house is larger and/or you might need to go inside/outside, the extra lumens will be a godsend esp outside. Also consider the size of the beam and how much spill you get. I have an older Surefire X200 with the wider angle beam and it is pretty nice for certain applications.

[twotap]

It's kinda
Ford--Chevy
Honda--Toyota

Go for what fits you best. IMO