what is a good model shotgun?

[Paltik]

I was just asking myself much the same question a couple of weeks ago. The universal answer seems to be what we see above. There is no "best," objectively speaking, but rather several good-quality reliable options. The Mossberg 500 family (including the 88) and Remington 870 family are most widely recommended, followed by the Winchester (the 1300 is discontinued but its successor the SXP is now widely available), Benelli, etc.

Your choice should come down to your own personal preferences as to safety types and location, slide release location, the feel of the action, alloys, price, etc. Tactical accessories and options are most common for the Remington and then the Mossberg, but just about any tactical option is available from at least one vendor for any of these models. I went to the range and tried out every model I could get my hands on. In the end, I decided to get the Winchester SXP; I've owned a 1300 in the past and liked the way it worked and was configured, and I like its pump action.

Having said that, while I was looking around for a good price on the Winchester, Big 5 put the Mossberg combo on sale at a price so low I couldn't resist, especially since I knew the Mossberg would serve me just as well.

[3GunFunShooter]

All the above mentioned shotguns are good choices.

[inbox485]

Um, proper use of a shotgun is to point it.. you do not aim it unless it is a single projectile on a static target.. The main point of a shotgun is to hit aerial or moving targets and you need point it since it usually does not have any means to aim.. (unless you get a barrel with some kind of sights on it).

You mean the express bead sight that comes standard on every major make of shotgun? You won't be hitting much outside about 5 yards if you haven't discovered that little doo hicky.

[inbox485]

At 35 feet you might get a few inches of slack for hitting vitals, but that is a long distance indoors. This is what an indoor pattern looks like:

[SparrowHanger]

You mean the express bead sight that comes standard on every major make of shotgun? You won't be hitting much outside about 5 yards if you haven't discovered that little doo hicky.

Aiming with that doo hicky will almost guarantee that you miss a moving taget as opposed to a stationary one from what I am learning shooting clays. I don't ignore the bead and use it to check my mount, but when I try to break clays I do not look at the bead and focus on the leading edge of the target. I am just a novice but manage to break clays at 40 yards

[hcbr]

Remington 870 or Mossy 500, you can't go wrong with either one

[Jeffy]

I'd also consider the Ithaca Deerslayer M37 as well as the Winchester Super X Pump Defender into the mix.

[inbox485]

Aiming with that doo hicky will almost guarantee that you miss a moving taget as opposed to a stationary one from what I am learning shooting clays. I don't ignore the bead and use it to check my mount, but when I try to break clays I do not look at the bead and focus on the leading edge of the target. I am just a novice but manage to break clays at 40 yards

Sounds like it is a matter of habit. What you are doing is a Zen-esque technique common to archery. A different part of your brain is aiming, but you are still aiming. Hand your gun to a complete firearms novice, tell them to focus on the target and see if they hit the broad side of a barn. If that works for you great, but about the only times I miss is when I loose focus on my front sight. I focus hard on the front sight like I do with any other firearm, and follow the lead edge of the clay. I've only done hand thrown targets but they are usually in the 20 to 40 yard shot range and I don't miss too often. Outside of 40 yards, even when I can tell the clay got hit, a 20" OC barrel doesn't cut it.

[Erin]

Remington 870 or Mossy 500, you can't go wrong with either one

this. with the already mentioned, more available accessories for the 870.

ive got one of each. i prefer the mossy because the action is quicker and crisper than the 870.

as for home defense app. its pump action only. simple, when you need it most and almost cannot malfuntion

[Vanilla Gorilla]

what is a good model shotgun?
to name just a few
Remington 870
Remington 1100
Mossberg 500
Mossberg 590
Bellini nova
Bellini M4

[tincan]

I personally own and would suggest the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500. Both good guns for what you're looking to do.

[cindynles]

If you want to go off the beaten path a little, how about an Ithaca 37. The action is smooth as glass and it is a bottom ejector (which is great for a lefty). These were the LAPD and LASD issue shotguns for many, many years. I love mine.

http://www.ithacagun.com/defense37s.html

[VictorFranko]

Good model with shotgun

[Cali-Shooter]

Good model with shotgun

Morning Wood +1.

[HatersLOVEme : )]

Mossberg 590A1 but I might be bias

But only if you want a stout shotgun you can use as a club after you run out of ammo, break off the bayonet and still use it the next day !