(Defensive) Shotgun Decision/Questions

[B!ngo]

Hello,
I'm looking for some opinions here. I've shot rifles for many decades as well as handguns, both semi-autos and revolvers for the last 20 years or so. But I've never owned or fired a shotgun. Perhaps it was because my father put the F.O.G. in me regarding shotguns at an early age (circular saws as well... don't ask!), and I just don't see as many places to shoot and practice as rifles and handguns.
I'm a safety wonk, a pretty good learner, and willing to put in the time to practice (after a certain age, I'm not sure that 'training' is the right term).
I'm finally considering buying one for (home) defense, range use and, well, it's on the bucket list. From everything I've read, discussed and watched, a pump model is the safe bet. Lower cost, reliable, time tested. But I've gotten enamored with gas and inertia powered models, particularly the FN and Benelli M4. (I also am attracted to the Kel-Tec, likely because I like bull pups, high-tech and am left-handed. But everything I've read says the KT is nowhere near the same reliability level as others I've mentioned). Both the Benelli and FN are very expensive but I'm willing to look past that for something I will keep, enjoy, use and feel that I can rely on. There is something for me about pulling something out of the safe and thinking, 'that's the one I wanted' and keeping and using it for a very long time.
I guess the military has been using the M4 as their default for quite a few years now which is a pretty good endorsement for ruggedness and reliability. I've read of LEO's using the FN in some instances (though I assume that pump actions dominate law enforcement).
So, opinions? I wouldn't say that cost is no object but I don't plan to own more than one and generally subscribe to the the 'buy once...' view of the world. A specific question is whether the difference in reliability between a high quality semi-auto shotgun versus a pump model is significant? Or has their reliability become virtually the same from a practical perspective?
Thx,
B

[1SAM]

nothing beats a good pump shotgun!that being said, the benelli m4 is an awesome shotgun and if money is no issue, that's the model I would go with. Buy once, cry once. However, another option if you went the pump shotgun route, would be the mossberg 590a1 with the 18.5" barrel. I am a lefty as well and the controls on the mossberg shotguns are perfect for left handed operation. I still prefer the look of the Remington though! Lol.

I would recommend going to your local gun store and handling all the different shotguns to see which you prefer best.

[jeffrice6]

Love the SLP! But if I had the extra $ wouldn't mind picking up a M4

[AreWeFree]

owning a few of the ones you mentioned like the Benelli m4 and the FN TPS, can't say you'll get any closer to a decision until you test drive a few..

they all suit a different style and offer different perfomance aspects..

this is part of my solution, good luck!

Is that an 590 with a bayonet? awesome

[B!ngo]

I'll take a close look at the 590a1 on the web and try to find one at my LGS. But would you trust the M4 to be reliable enough to trust with your life in your home?
Thx,
B

nothing beats a good pump shotgun!that being said, the benelli m4 is an awesome shotgun and if money is no issue, that's the model I would go with. Buy once, cry once. However, another option if you went the pump shotgun route, would be the mossberg 590a1 with the 18.5" barrel. I am a lefty as well and the controls on the mossberg shotguns are perfect for left handed operation. I still prefer the look of the Remington though! Lol.

I would recommend going to your local gun store and handling all the different shotguns to see which you prefer best.

[AreWeFree]

I caught myself just after posting, had to squint and see the tang safety and mag tube to recognize the 590. Must be my affection for 870, I'm always looking for them

It still looks sweet though.

[AreWeFree]

I'll take a close look at the 590a1 on the web and try to find one at my LGS. But would you trust the M4 to be reliable enough to trust with your life in your home?
Thx,
B

OP, I have limited experience with the vast assortment of shotguns out there. I only recently acquired a couple semi autos, but have many years with my trusty Remington 870.

First things first, I love my 870 and it's been fantastic. It's inexpensive, durable, reliable, hasn't had any feeding issues, easy to load, etc, etc. Just a great gun.

However, after handling a Benelli everything else is crap! The action is so smooth, everything is just excellent quality and well built. You can tell it's just an exceptionally fine firearm.

If I could only have one... well I'd take a Benelli M2 or M4. If cost or ruggedness is the primary factory, I'd take an 870.

[Sleighter]

I think that the reliability of pump action shotguns are greatly exaggerated/emphasized. Within my immediate family we have 4 pump shotguns, both Mossberg and Remington and they seem to have as many if not more failures/malfunctions than my semi-auto. Not to mention the fact that user error can contribute to that. Whereas with a semi, if you provide a solid platform, the gun and ammo will do the work.

[Steve_In_29]

As I have stated in other threads, for a person already familiar with semi-auto rifles a semi-auto shotgun is the choice that requires the LEAST amount of new muscle memory to be learned.

OP, pretty much ANY of the shotguns available today are reliable enough to stake your life on. Pick one that suits your desires and FITS you.

If you are only planning on buying one shotgun then I would suggest getting a brand/model that offers multiple choices in barrels (combo or aftermarket) and stocks to allow for hunting and other uses beyond HD should the need arise.

[WizeWizard]

Mossberg 500. Go.
If you want a heavy barrel and metal trigger guard. 590. Go
F the rest. Learn this one first.

Or Rem 870......

[bellwilliam]

More than other weapon platform. Gun fit is especially important in a shotgun due to recoil, sight (many shotgun has to only front bead, your eye is the rear sight). So try out before you buy.

[Squidward]

The 870 is pretty much the "standard" when it comes to shotguns. If there is a shotgun in a cop car it's most likely a Remington 870. IIRC, they've been made since 1950 if longevity of service is any special kind of indicator for you.

You also cannot go wrong with a Mossberg 500/590. An upside to the Mossberg is that the ejector is set with a screw. So it is easier to repair/replace that the 870 which is riveted.

If you can find one, as they are no longer made, a Winchester 1300 is also a fine defensive shotgun.

The reliability factor between a quality semi and a quality pump is probably negligible. For me, fit (as in LOP) is more important than function. Arguably, a quality double barrel 12ga shotgun is probably more than good enough for HD.

[Bert Gamble]

My first (and only) shotgun is the Benelli M4 and I do not regret the decision at all. It is easy to learn, and it makes you a better shooter. In a Gunsite advanced shotgun class that I went to, there was a speed and accuracy drill and there were 2 of us with the M4. We were of course the highest scoring people, but we also loaned our weapons to others who wanted to try them out, and each one of them dramatically improved their scores when using the M4. Most were using pump guns, but some were using previously mentioned semi's.

All were impressed with the light felt recoil of the M4 compared to their own guns.

[L84CABO]

I simply don't buy into the notion that, "nothing beats a good pump gun." And don't get me wrong. I love my 870 and think everyone should have one in their collection. But I'll pick my M4 all day every day over the 870 if SHTF.

Pumps jam just like semi autos do. There's plenty of videos showing this on YouTube. And they can be short stroked in the heat of the moment. Plus semi autos are faster for MOST people. And sure, you can get pretty fast with a pump gun. And I'm sure there will be someone along in a minute exclaiming how fast they can run their pump. And it's probably true. With a lot of practice you can get really good. But the reality is that most people just don't put in the kind of time it takes to get really fast with a pump.

You wouldn't hesitate to bet your life on a semi auto pistol. So why the concern with a shotgun? Buy a QUALITY semi auto. Run a bunch of rounds through it to prove it's reliability. Good to go. But buying quality is key. Semi autos get their finicky reputation for a reason. But the M4 and FN you're talking about are definitely quality guns. Buy with confidence.

I'd pass on the Keltec. Far too many reliability issues in some of them. I don't need another gun headache to deal with. YMMV

The FN is a fantastic gun. Worthy of your consideration. It's nice for sure. I wouldn't hesitate to get one if I liked it better than the M4 for some reason.

The M4, however, is chock full of awesome. The only downside to it might be the price and that there are no other barrel options for it. Well there's a 14 inch barrel but nothing longer than 18.5. Kinda a bummer cause it would be nice to have a longer barrel. I still have this dream that one day Benelli will come to their senses and make a longer barrel for it. They'd make a ton of money.

Be warned, however, that the m4 comes neutered with a 5 round magazine. It will cost you another $300, give or take, to upgrade the mag and two other parts to keep it 922R compliant. It's not a big deal. Just a little time and money...like most things. Just don't think that your done spending money once the initial purchase is made...again, like most things. ;-)

Another thought: If it comes down to wanting additional barrel options...cause I think the FN has other barrel options but I'm not certain...anyway, the Benelli M2 is a hell of a shotgun too. It is inertia driven whereas the M4 is gas. The M4 is a softer shooter. And because the M2 is inertia, you have to be careful with how much weight you add to the gun (side saddles, rails, lights, etc). But it's a solid gun and there are additional barrel options for it. It's the king of 3 Gun for a reason. Very durable and very reliable.

[AAShooter]

Safety placement is problematic on many shotguns if you plan to have a integrated pistol grip on the butt stock. -just a heads up.