Choosing a Shotgun

[tombinghamthegreat]

Go with a mossberg 500/590 or a remington 870. It would not hurt to try them out at a range to see which one you like more. Personally i would go with the mossberg 590, for the 9 round capacity, baynet lug, reliablility since it meets the military requirements, like how the safety works and it is cost effective.

[1lostinspace]

Big 5 has a great deal with a defensive and hunting barrel for $250 I think

[SJgunguy24]

YOU ARE ALL WRONG!!!!!!! This is what is needed for proper home protection!

It also doubles as a lawn mower.

[686Plus]

I have never considered shooting competitively, but after reading more about it, I may want to give it a shot. I definitely want to do some skeet course shooting so I guess that takes the HD consideration out of the equation. Seems like an auto loader will be the most efficient against a clock. I will be shooting a few today and see what feels right.

[CrippledPidgeon]

benelli 18 nova or super nova.much better design than an 870 or a 500.designed around a 3 1/2" shell.not prone to jaming like new 870s.

When I went looking for an HD gun, I went with the super nova tactical. 18.5" barrel, pistol grip, standard 5 round tube (added a +2 tube immediately after tho), and what sold it for me, ghost ring sights that are very easy to acquire and put lead downrange. While the tactical's barrel is fixed choke, the receiver can accept any barrel made for the Nova.

While the nova is cheaper than the super nova, the nova's stock and receiver are one piece, so if you want to add a pistol grip, you can't. The super nova's stock and receiver are separate, so you have the option of changing from pistol grip to comfortech etc.

[M. Sage]

benelli 18 nova or super nova.much better design than an 870 or a 500.designed around a 3 1/2" shell.not prone to jaming like new 870s.

3 1/2"? Have you ever shot a 3 1/2" 12 gauge load? Pointless for home defense, it's an alright hunting load, though. But the OP wasn't interested in a shotgun for hunting...

When I went looking for an HD gun, I went with the super nova tactical. 18.5" barrel, pistol grip, standard 5 round tube (added a +2 tube immediately after tho), and what sold it for me, ghost ring sights that are very easy to acquire and put lead downrange.

Sights are pretty low on the selling points for a HD long-arm. Inside the house, point-shooting is where it's at.

[r08ert209cali]

nice to have 3 1/2 capability for a little more dough.things change my first shotgun was a win 1300 I bought for 150.00.I never hunted with it much now that I hunt a lot more I like the versatility of shooting lots of different loads.IE
standard dove target loads,3 1/2 turkey or duck/goose loads.also the super nova comes with an inertia recoil absorber and is an option on the nova.However I've herd it dosent make much difference on the smaller loads but helps with the 3" AND 3 1/2" mag loads.just something for him to consider.I love mine.not to say I dont like 870s for a 3" gun an 870 is a good choice if thats what feels comfortable to the shooter.but would not recommend in a 3 1/2"

[stockplayer]

For a semi get the Benelli M4

For a Pump get the Rem 870 police. (not express)

I don't think any other shotguns are made anymore.......not sure though!

Erik

[M. Sage]

I had a Mossberg 835 for a while, and in most situations I used it for, found 3 1/2" to be stupid and nearly useless. That shotgun literally injured one of my uncles on 3 different occasions....

[JeffM]

For a semi get the Benelli M4

For a Pump get the Rem 870 police. (not express)

I don't think any other shotguns are made anymore.......not sure though!

Erik

LOL!

I've handled 870s and 500s and both are virtually the same for HD. If you can spring for the 870 go for it, but 500s are fine on a budget.

I like autos for inexperienced shooters though. It seems like a less intuitive choice, but pumps are subject to short stroking, timing the trigger pull, etc. An auto is a bit more simple under stress. If it's kept loaded, chamber empty, and as long as the load cycles even when the gun is not shouldered properly, the only thing you have to worry about is wracking the bolt once and pulling the trigger till it's empty or the threat is gone.