Home defense shotgun

[Guest sharpshooter01]

I'm wanting to buy a home defense shotgun. Like a fool I've had and sold 2 870's, I've never owned a 500. I'm leaning towards another 870. Just wanting to see what you all prefer, Remington, Mossberg, or other?

[Guest 2HOW]

I voted mossberg because I would like a 590-M ,but I currently have a Winchester 1300 and it is a great shotty.

[memphismason]

You are going to get a lot of Ford vs Chevy types arguements with this type of question.

But I am a Remington 870 man myself.....but I have no problem with buying a Mossberg 500 for home protection.

I also drive a Chevy, and the reason for that is, it was the best deal at the time.

[GLOCKMEISTER]

i have a mossberg 590...

[ZenDog]

A great podcast by some world-class firearms folks on the home defense shotgun is located for free on the web at http://proarms.podbean.com/2008/12/21/017a-homing-in-on-the-defensive-shotgun/

And, Tom Givens at Rangemaster has a new 2-hour DVD on the home defense shotgun- I have not personally seen it but people I trust said it is very well done- and the good thing is it is strictly home defense, not SWAT or military, just home.

And here's a thought- the Mossberg Maverick is even cheaper. It is not as durable as the 870 or the 500/590, but if all you do is shoot it a couple of times a year to stay familiar with it, it can serve as a a fine reliable econo-shotty for home defense- you can get a couple of Mavericks, heck, keep one in every room.

Edited January 29, 2009 by ZenDog
typo

[Guest Bronker]

I voted Mossberg, but I actually own both. My 870 is a 28" barrel hunting gun--not quite reasonable for HD. For HD I keep a Mossy 500A with rear pistol grip loaded with 3" 00Buck. As ZenDog mentioned, the Mossy gets fired maybe 10 times a year. The Mossy is a beast to shoot, but I only ever planned to do bedside duty with it, so durability wasn't the biggest issue. Maneuverability was. As an all around hunting / skeet / occ. HD gun however, I would choose the tried and true 870. I love my Remmy's.

[Guest Revelator]

I voted Mossberg because that's what I have. I keep it loaded with Hornady double-aught buck, and boy just from firing it at the range that is good stuff. I'm listening to that podcast right now, it's good.

[Guest jwp]

Either the Remington or Mossberg. They're basically equivalent for all practical purposes.

[Guest Astra900]

I have both on a rack beside the bed. The 870 carries slugs, and the 500a carries buck. The only thing to make me choose one over the other is the immediate need. I can't tell one is better than the other in all honesty.

[Mike]

870 all the way. The action is smoother. Plus it is über reliable, has a better safety, and a better safety location.

My personal preference. YMMV.

[kckndrgn]

590-A1 is my preference.

[BryanP]

Yes.

I have a Mossberg 590A1 myself, but I have to admit it's probably overkill for my purposes. A plain 500 or 870 would server equally well.

[cknight8]

nothing wrong with the Remmy's i just prefer a Mossberg. the number 1 thing that i love about the Mossberg is the tang safety on top...super easy to get to in any situation and the trigger finger is always ready to go into action with the trigger...not fiddling with a safety. about the only other "quicker" safety on a gun for me in a defensive or combat situation is the Ruger Mini-14 setup...

my HD shottie is a 500A with a speed feed buttstock, 6 round sidesaddle, and green Hi-Viz clamp on fiber optic front sight that sits in front of the bead... just about heaven for me in the shotgun world...simple but very effective!

[Guest TN_3]

Another 590-A1 here.

[RoDan]

yep, 590 here as well. (I voted 500 though)

[BigPoppa]

The 870 is the standard by which all others are judged....but my Winchester 1200 is a smooth runnin' gun !!

[BigPoppa]

And, Tom Givens at Rangemaster has a new 2-hour DVD on the home defense shotgun- I have not personally seen it but people I trust said it is very well done- and the good thing is it is strictly home defense, not SWAT or military, just home.

I bought it and was pretty pleased. Some good information in it. I also have Clint Smith's Defensive Shotgun DVD, and he and Tom differ on quite a few items. Both are good.

I may start a new thread re: these videos...

complete. carry on.

[PackinMama]

They're both good guns. So is a Winchester 1300 Defender. Either of the three would make an excellent home defense shotgun. I'd go with the one that you like the look and feel of best....and one you could get a good deal on.

[Guest DylisTN]

870 because a guy living next to a friend, had to make bail and lose his gun collection. Same reason I own either a ford or a chevy. Good deals on good equipment and being in the right place at the right time.

[TGO David]

I really like my Mossberg SPX. You do not want to be on the receiving end of it.

[Guest nraforlife]

870

[Guest tedbo]

I have to say 870.

I have seen what kind of abuse they can take and keep on ticking.

I want to know why 11-87 wasn't included.

I am considering one in the Special Purpose catagory for home defense.

I just need some of you to edumacate me on the pros and cons.

Are the SP 11-87's known to jam?

[BigPoppa]

I have to say 870.

I have seen what kind of abuse they can take and keep on ticking.

I want to know why 11-87 wasn't included.

I am considering one in the Special Purpose catagory for home defense.

I just need some of you to edumacate me on the pros and cons.

Are the SP 11-87's known to jam?

As a rule, any semi-automatic shotgun will tend to be more finicky about its ammunition (and thus more prone for stoppages) than a pump shotgun.

[Guest Linoge]

I just finished tricking out my 870, so you can imagine what my vote was.

The deciding factor for me was the subjective "feel" of each weapon - my wife and I went shotgun shopping, and we both agreed that the Remingtons just felt more solid than the Mossbergs. Less rattle, less give. And after hearing some stories about the contortions you have to go through to disassemble a Mossberg, I am quite happy with my choice.

In either case, go with a big name (Remington/Mossberg/Benelli/Beretta/FN) and a big model (870/500/590/etc.) - more parts/accessories are available.

[poak]

I personally prefer the 870, but considering the $$$ savings one gains by going w/ the Mossy, I can't say my next won't be a Mossy 500.