Blech.
Now don't get me wrong. The 870 is a fine weapon. For hunting. I have one and wouldn't get rid of it.
But when seconds count, I don't want to be fumbling for that silly little button the the trigger guard.
Get a Mossberg 500. The safety is on top, you push it toward the bad guy to shoot.
Plus, the Model 500 is the only shotgun to pass the US Army's Mil-Spec 3443E test.
Uh, that was the Mossberg 590A1; it's a lot more robust weapon than the 500. Same operating concept though. I like Mossy's better than 870s too.
Get a Mossberg 500. The safety is on top, you push it toward the bad guy to shoot.
The Mossberg is great for being around kids. Even if you forgot to lock it up (or don’t, instead gunproofing your kids) you can leave the action closed on an empty chamber. To chamber a round, you need to press a little button behind the trigger guard, rack the slide, and flick off the safety, before it can go BOOM.
If a kid, or a burglar picks it up, here’s what happens.
1. Pull trigger - nothing happens.
2. Flick safety, pull trigger - nothing happens.
3. Rack slide - doesn’t move.
4. Give up.
You: Thumb release, rack slide (burglar wets pants), flick safety, then ready to fire if the burglar is still persisting in threatening life and limb (or is not leaving your house in a conservative state.)