Good home defense gun?

[Pistolgrip Pump]

What are some noticeable differences between the mossberg 500 and 590 models?

[bigbearbear]

While the pistol grip is generally better at controlling recoil, since they're tacked onto a platform that was designed with a standard shotgun stock in mind, the grip usually gets in the way of at least one of the controls.

In an 870, the pistol grip can make it odd to deal with the safety (putting the gun on safe for a right hander is very awkward). And in a Mossberg, the grip can get in the way of the bolt release, and puts the safety out of reach of your thumb (whereas it's perfectly located for a standard shotgun stock).

Thanks, this is very good information and I would not have discovered this easily. I wonder if shotguns that are more purposed built with pistol grip design, like the Benelli M4, will have similar issues?

[Lugiahua]

I would pick a .223 rifle with light JHP load any day over a shotgun for home defense. (lighter recoil, less penetration, able to shoot single handed when necessary)

but since this is a shotgun forum, I would say either mossberg 500 or Remington 870.

[comblock]

H&r pardner pump @ big 5 for $199

[Pistolgrip Pump]

H&r pardner pump @ big 5 for $199

How does that stack up against a mossy or a Remington? Also what are some differences between the mossy 500 and 590?

[SocomM4]

lets get to the point if you paint your finger nails dont put the lord in your hands . 12 gauges are tuff . bird shot kicks but no good for home defence . buckshot #4 and better is what is takes to unzip your pants . 00 is the round of choice for over thinker . 18 inches does a hallway a hell of a lot of justice . i keep rounds everywhere in my house cause im scared ill loose but its a far cry from the truth . any 2 to 5 hundred dollar honey boo boo will do the job is your ginny hands can hold on . dont think home defence think moving target .

Ouch, my eyes!

[jeffrice6]

Cheap stock 870 ~

[shortyforty]

HD GUN

How does that stack up against a mossy or a Remington? Also what are some differences between the mossy 500 and 590?

I wouldn't swear to it but I think the H&R pardner pumps are Chinese these days. The Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 are both fine American made guns and do cost a bit more than the H&R. In my opinion an older 870 (pre quality control issues) or a new 590A1 would be my pick if I had your budget.

To answer your question about the differences between the Mossberg 590 and the 500, I can name only a couple of the differences off the top of my head but I'm not sure that it covers all of the differences. From what I've read, the 590 is different from the 590A1 with the 590A1 being the military/LE version. I'll just assume that you would be thinking in terms of the 590A1 for the sake of comparison. First off, the 500 has a plastic trigger housing and an aluminum receiver. The plastic trigger housing is probably not an issue on a modern 500 (probably polymer today) but the one I bought back in the 80's was a major P.o.s..It broke twice and is still broke today. In contrast to the 500, the 590A1 has a steel housing and I think it has a steel receiver (not 100% sure on the receiver).

I always recommend to those who are considering a firearm for HD to consider a handgun over a long-gun/shotgun for a primary HD weapon.
In my opinion, people are much more likely to have a handgun accessible to them. It really depends on your state of mind and state of awareness though. Many of us come from different schools when speaking in terms of home defense. I come from the school of "always armed". The way I see it, an HD situation could arise at anytime. You could be in the kitchen making a sandwich or on the toilet. You could be in the garage changing the oil on your car, or outside pulling weeds. I think most people envision something going down in the middle of the night when everyone is sleeping but in these times home invasions and such are happening at all hours and to all types of people. I would suggest a compact and very light handgun for "around the house carry". While this type of gun may not be ideal for a long fire fight, it will however afford you the ability to get to something like a shotgun or other firearm if need be. Additionally, you have the advantage of being armed at all times. Something like a S&W air weight, Ruger LCR or a Ruger LC9/LCP. Guns like these are so light and so convenient to carry you almost forget that you are wearing one. There are others that would "fit the bill" but these stand out in my mind. Like some have said, "the best HD gun is the one that you have". The only caveat to having an HD gun for HD is the ability to access it when you need it. Some have kids some don't. Situations and conveniences differ greatly in this respect and one must assess his/her own situation. A shotgun is a great choice for HD and it has it's place. Just not as primary home defense weapon. JMO.

[Timbob55]

Mossberg makes several tactical models with lots of mounting point for lights and stuff. They cost a bit more but look pretty handy

[Pistolgrip Pump]

What are some differences between a 500 and a maverick 88? Why is the 88 so much cheaper?

[Pistolgrip Pump]

What are some main differences between the 500 and the maverick 88? Is the 88 made out of cheaper material or something?

[Pistolgrip Pump]

What are some main differences between the 500 and the maverick 88? Is the 88 made out of cheaper material or something?

Lol sorry. Didn't realize it posted on the second page.

[tacticalcity]

Maverick 88 is made in Mexico and uses a lot of plastic parts in place of metal ones used in the Mossberg 500. A lot of the internals of the Maverick are plastic, not just things like the stock and forend. Those are very critical parts that take a lot of abuse.

Another example of cost saving plastic parts is the forend assembly. The forend on the 88 Maverick cannot be swapped out as easily as on the the Mossberg 500 because it is a one-piece deal with the action arm built right into it where as on the Mossberg the forend and action are two seperate peices. After market forends only include the forend, not the additional action arm peice. So you would need buy a Mossberg action arm in addition to the after market forend kit in order to upgrade a Maverick 88 forend.

Basically the Maverick 88 is redesigned to be made as cost effectively as possible. Placing affordability above other concerns. That doesn't mean it sucks. It just raises an eyebrow or two among defensive shooters who are concerned about reliability because of all the plastic parts and other cost saving design features. They might work just as well. Nobody knows. There's no study being done because no serious professional shooter would use the Maverick 88 as a duty weapon. They spend the money because it is tool for saving their life. So we'll never know if the plastic parts work just as good or are something to be worried about.

Now, for a recreational gun...who cares? I used to own a Maverick 88. Mine worked great. Fun to shoot, never had an issue. But I never really took it seriously as a defensive gun. More as a training tool to hold me over because my budget was limited at that time.

For a life saving gun...personally I go with an 870 Police with an Improved Cylinder Barrel, costs more than both the Maverick and Mossberg but delivers a better/tighter pattern and longer effective range.

FYI...you cannot add a magazine extension to either the Maverick 88 or the Mossberg 500 like the you can with the Remington 870. Can't be done. The Mossbergs with magazine extensions that you see online were specifically designed to accept them. So if doesn't come with one, you won't be able to add one later without spending a heck of a lot of money with a gunsmith. Much, much easier to add them to a Remington 870.

[rabagley]

Any variations of those models or significant mods you would recommend for a more tactical/compact feel?

Yes. Start with Mossberg 500 Cruiser. Buy parts to make minimum sized shotgun with bird's head grip. Click on image for instructions.



If you choose to use a Mossberg 500 with a pistol grip, make sure you can disable the safety when you need to. IMHO, the tang-mounted safety does not match well with pistol grips.

[rabagley]

FYI...you cannot add a magazine extension to either the Maverick 88 or the Mossberg 500 like the you can with the Remington 870. Can't be done. The Mossbergs with magazine extensions that you see online were specifically designed to accept them. So if doesn't come with one, you won't be able to add one later without spending a heck of a lot of money with a gunsmith. Much, much easier to add them to a Remington 870.

This isn't true. You can put a 590 magazine tube and barrel on a Mossberg 500 for the cost of the parts and some pads for your vise jaws then put whatever extensions you want on it. Probably $220 all told.