Looking for a home defense shotgun.....

[b1gdave32]

Was looking at Remington 870 express tactical or mossberg 500 tactical? Pros, cons? Any others to consider? It'll be my first shotgun n tryin to stay in $600 range at most.

[shakes88]

I own a Mossberg 500, which I added a pistol grip and collaspable stock etc, and I used a Remington 870 all tacticooled out at work. I will say, if you want a pistol grip shotty, go with the 870, the safety is a pain to access with the 500 + pistol grip combo...

Other than that slight ergonmic issue, I love em both and I'm looking into adding a 870 to my personal collection.

[DFence]

I own a Mossberg 500, which I added a pistol grip and collaspable stock etc, and I used a Remington 870 all tacticooled out at work. I will say, if you want a pistol grip shotty, go with the 870, the safety is a pain to access with the 500 + pistol grip combo...

Other than that slight ergonmic issue, I love em both and I'm looking into adding a 870 to my personal collection.

+1 on the pistol grip issue for the Mossberg. Just doesn't work well with the location of the safety. 870 is a good gun but quality has seem to go down some on them. Look at the Mossberg 590 as well.

[Dantedamean]

+1 on the pistol grip issue for the Mossberg. Just doesn't work well with the location of the safety. 870 is a good gun but quality has seem to go down some on them. Look at the Mossberg 590 as well.

I can testify to the quality issues of the 870. Check the magazine cap before you buy it, make sure you can remove it. 3 of the 4 guns I was handed had that issue.

I am currently going to be getting a saiga 12, they go for about 700 in the sporting configuration and can be converted later. I know that's a little above your budget but hey its worth a look.

[jeffrice6]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=650991

[dc2integra]

I say you get the mossbereg 500 mine has 450 rds thru it with no hiccups so far.The 870 is a good choice too you cant go wrong with either one its just preference of controls.

[hermosabeach]

The 8 shot mossberg 500 can be had for under $400

Spent the rest on the money on training

Big 5 has specials all the time
With a bead sight, you can keep slugs on target out to 100 with a little practice

They run forever

[Exodus343]

+1 on the pistol grip issue for the Mossberg. Just doesn't work well with the location of the safety. 870 is a good gun but quality has seem to go down some on them. Look at the Mossberg 590 as well.

I second this, my 870 gave up on me only after 100 rounds....
I'm looking at a mossy now

[L84CABO]

Those are the two best choices. Flip a coin, find whichever is cheaper or figure out where you prefer the safety to be located.

Good luck!

[Pistolgrip Pump]

For 600 bucks you can get a pretty damn good shotgun. I got a mossberg 590a1 black water edition with the 20" barrel and 9-sht capacity. Was about $590 out the door.

[JBaus]

Got me a Maverick 88 Security 7+1 20" barrel

added the tactical picatinny forend for grip and light as well as 5-shot buttstock shell holder.

Have over 300 shot and counting through barrel

[Ervb44]

I'd go with a Remington 870.I have a 870 in 12 and 20 gage.Great shotguns.Get a light on whatever one you chose.I also have a side saddle to hold extra rounds.I have the surefire light and forend,its the best way to go in my opinion.

[b1gdave32]

Thanks fellas gonna handle a few tomorrow when I pick up XD from jail!

[Vaporshax]

If you are going to get a remmington stay away from the 870 tactical version. I've taken nearly a 1/2 dozen shotgun classes ranging from beginner to advanced, and have never seen an owner of that model finish the course with said long gun. My 870 express ran fine, just wish it had a rear site.
2 cents.

[drunktank]

Try to shoot (or at least hold) both of them. The tang safety of the 500 can be more/less comfortable than the 870 depending on the person. The 500 combo from big 5 is the best bang for your buck (actually the maverick 88 is cheaper which is essentially a mossberg 500 with a crossbar safety similar to the 870). I've had so many configurations on my 500 and find a traditional stock lets me point the quickest and recoil was similar to a Knox stock since I could get a proper wield.

If you get an 870 read up on breaking it in. Easy fix with steel wool or just shoot a few extra boxes of heavier loads. Both are fine shotguns.