Which shotgun?

[sirsaechao]

I want to get a tactical home defense shotgun. I really love the Remington 870 line and have researched a lot. I like the idea of the Remington factory Cerakote on the Express Tactical Magpul edition with tactical Rem choke but can't bring myself to spend that much money on a pump shotgun. I mean I could settle for a standard Express Tactical with no Magpul parts and regular Express coating from the factory for less about $300 less. Is it worth the money to have Remington's factory Cerakote on the Express Tactical? There is also another thing. Spending that much money I could easily just buy a 930 SPX auto shotgun. I want to buy American made but not opposed to foreign made like imported from Turkey. So I've also looked at cheaper alternatives to pump or S/A tactical shotguns like Escort even Stevens. Am I just be anal about this? I rather not spend more than $500 for a shotgun but if I was spending the $800 for the 870 then should I just invest in a 930 SPX? Should I just settle with maybe a Maverick 88? Stevens 320? Or hey a Escort MP S/A? Or really spend the money on quality and name brand?

[Vertigofirearms]

just get the express and use the rest of the money to buy a proper stock and ammo.

[sirsaechao]

I've been stuck with that. I mean settle for 870 but I want the express tactical with rem choke so I am still looking upwards of $500 for a pump to get a cheaper semi auto like Escort for that price???

[Brandon04GT]

I say forget the tactical model with the choke. Get the standard 4+1 870 and then add a factory +2 extension to it. The newer 6+1 models use a one-piece extended magazine tube meaning that it basically only works with barrels where the ring is welded more forward than the traditional/standard 870 barrel configuration.

Extension, sling, maybe a side saddle....and a Surefire forend if you want to have a light and spend money. Forget the rails and chokes and all that crap.

[Cypriss32]

I got the mossy 590A1 and saved about $250 over the EQUAL 870. Im very happy with it.

[sirsaechao]

Maybe I am overthinking all this. Just settle for a Maverick 88. I like the XS ghost sight, rail and white dot on the express tactical. Can live w/o the rem choke and settle for cylinder bore.

[mikenewgun87]

870......ftw!

[golfish]

I have a wingmaster and an 1100... the semi auto is so much better then the pump. I guess I'm just lazy

[jyo]

Older 870s are the hot ticket...

[desertrider]

I've got two, an 870 and a Winchester Defender.

Kept the Remmy bone stock, and went full Bubba with the Defender and threw all kinds of accessories at it.

Don't think I've shot the 870 since about '08. The Defender makes it to the range at least a couple times a year.

[Squidward]

Anything containing the word "tactical " means more money and not necessarily more quality. It's your money so get what you want. But... Most people can certainly get by with a basic no frills pump. The 870 is often the most recommended but a bone stock Mossberg 500 will get the job done for less money. Ammo and training are the most worthwhile shotgun accessory, IMO.

Here's an interesting video to watch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NSLxxDWpOI

[ElDub1950]

Anything containing the word "tactical " means more money and not necessarily more quality. It's your money so get what you want. But... Most people can certainly get by with a basic no frills pump. The 870 is often the most recommended but a bone stock Mossberg 500 will get the job done for less money. Ammo and training are the most worthwhile shotgun accessory, IMO.

Here's an interesting video to watch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NSLxxDWpOI

^^ this. Buy a 500/590/870 tacticool stuff doesn't make a better HD shotgun, buying training, ammo & shooting time does

[smokingboots]

I've got a 930spx so I'll chime in a little I have had issues with fiocchi 00 buck ammo cycling it will fire but it won't eject. Now if it was through a pump action then it wouldn't matter and it would be fine. I haven't had any cycling issues with Federal or Winchester ammo (I've even use a few old shells I found from sears and it cycled fine). So if you do go the semi auto shotgun route remember to test the ammo to find which works with it. If you are looking for something on the cheap you might want to give the hawk 982 a try its basically a Chinese copy o the remi 870 and usually will work with the same aftermarket add ons.

[CaliforniaLiberal]

^^ this. Buy a 500/590/870 tacticool stuff doesn't make a better HD shotgun, buying training, ammo & shooting time does

Quoted for Truth

Get yourself a Mossberg 500 for $400

https://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/Default.aspx?item=50577&berg

All that other Tacticool crap is just fad and fashion you'll be embarrassed by in a few years.

If you spend some time looking you can find a used one and save $40 or $60 Find one that is broken in and it will still last longer than you will. Get one with some scratches and scars and you won't want to baby it. Get an old police trade in with some small town PD engraved on the barrel and wonder what stories it could tell.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=399461460

[JohnnyMtn]

OP, I was in your same boat a few years ago. Was trying to figure out which 870 to get. Wanted something more than a standard Express but when I found "more" I didn't like what I had to pay for a fancied up Express.

I finally found a Police Magnum. I just love the parkerized finish. Was about $550 but I like it a lot better than kitted-up Express guns.