Shotgun recommendations for POST Academy.

[AetiusAbove]

I'll be attending POST Academy soon (I'm self sponsering) and would like you guy's input...

I'm currently torn between the Mossberg 930 spx, Benelli M3 (closest thing to a SPAS12 I could find) and the Remington 870...

The intent is continue using it as my service shotgun if and when I become a LEO.

Thanks guys for your input...

[AetiusAbove]

real quick...as cool as the KSG seems...I don't want to have to explain the legalities of it to my instructors.

[Spyder]

870 is kind of the gold standard. I'd stick with it for ease of operation, cost, reliability, and parts availability.

[alfred1222]

870 or M3 in my opinion. both are reliable and can be modified to meet your needs

[kbeez21]

Ordered my 930 spx(fun and not as pricey as most semi-autos)... 870 is as classic as it gets.

[BigDogatPlay]

You will use academy provided shotguns in the academy, Remington 870 pretty much universally. I'm not familiar with any academy program in CA where students are supplying their own shotguns. If you know of one, I'd be happy to hear about it.

If you do land a job as a LEO in CA it would be a rare department indeed where you would be using a personally owned shotgun. They are almost always issued. Even my last agency, which was about as tiny as it gets, owned the 870's in our cars.

Some departments aren't even putting shotguns out on patrol at all anymore, which is sad, IMO. I've seen LEOs in other states with personally owned shotguns, Wilson Professional or similarly styled SBS most often, but since those can't be personally owned in CA by LEOs there is little point in not using the department's gun.

My advice is to worry less about what gun you want to shoot in the academy and concentrate on the academics, physical and mental conditioning that are going to be far more important beginning on day one.

[prc77]

You will use academy provided shotguns in the academy, Remington 870 pretty much universally. I'm not familiar with any academy program in CA where students are supplying their own shotguns. If you know of one, I'd be happy to hear about it.

If you do land a job as a LEO in CA it would be a rare department indeed where you would be using a personally owned shotgun. They are almost always issued. Even my last agency, which was about as tiny as it gets, owned the 870's in our cars.

Some departments aren't even putting shotguns out on patrol at all anymore, which is sad, IMO. I've seen LEOs in other states with personally owned shotguns, Wilson Professional or similarly styled SBS most often, but since those can't be personally owned in CA by LEOs there is little point in not using the department's gun.

My advice is to worry less about what gun you want to shoot in the academy and concentrate on the academics, physical and mental conditioning that are going to be far more important beginning on day one.

sound advice

[Triad]

Our policy was recently changed were we could provide our own personally owned semi autos, as long as they could cycle our low recoil buck and slugs.

870's are the bread and butter of law enforcement.

[aippi]

Since you are self sponsored you don't know which Department may offer you a position. If they allow officers to provide their own weapons many have restictions to the type of weapons you can carry. With this said you would be wise to get an 870P as no Department that allows shotguns would not allow that weapon. Be smart about this purchase.

[FLIGHT762]

You will use academy provided shotguns in the academy, Remington 870 pretty much universally. I'm not familiar with any academy program in CA where students are supplying their own shotguns. If you know of one, I'd be happy to hear about it.

My advice is to worry less about what gun you want to shoot in the academy and concentrate on the academics, physical and mental conditioning that are going to be far more important beginning on day one.

This would be my advice as well. Just use what is provided. It will likely be a Remington 870.

[Borjad1]

Hey all..i see most of you in favor of the 870s in this thread but wanted to know what the difference is from an 870P to an 870 sold as a security or home defense shotgun, which I have? I've seen both of them, the police having sights, stocks, etc., but is there anything else? Anyways, all the above choices are great, just gotta try them all to narrow it down to 'The One'. Thanks!

[BigDogatPlay]

Our policy was recently changed were we could provide our own personally owned semi autos, as long as they could cycle our low recoil buck and slugs.

For kids in the academy? If so...

[AetiusAbove]

Thanks for the advise guys...the academy does issue its own shotguns for range days.
However I'd like to do some practice shooting on non-range days...by that logic I now am leaning heavily toward the 870.
Class doesn't start until the fall and I want to be aleast familiar with my equipment before the instructors start yelling in my ear.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

Plenty of time to get an 870 and find someone qualified to help you become familiar with it. Don't try self-teaching as the instructors at the Academy will then feel it necessary to help you unlearn any incorrect practices picked up that way.

[AetiusAbove]

Good point...I hadn't thought of that.