Need Help on a Shotgun Purchase

AStack75 | 7/29/02 | AStack75

[AStack75]

[FreedomFarmer]

You'll never go wrong with a common 870.

[dirtboy]

Before freepers can answer your questions, perhaps you can tell everyone what you intend to use the shotgun for. Just home defense and no hunting? Dove hunting? Quail hunting? Duck hunting? Turkey hunting? Deer hunting? Skeet shooting? That will signficantly affect the advice you get...

[pocat]

I hope you realize you just started a Mossberg vs. Remington flame war...

Buy a Mossberg 500 -

Anyone who suggests the Remington is an idiot ; )

[harpseal]

For the price range you have specified a Mossberg 500 security pack wth 18 inch and 26 inch barrels is probably the most cost effective way to go. As to a good place to purchase in Eastern Mass I can not help you.

The Remmington 870 is also excellent and a somewhat similar design. Shop for cost between these two I like the safety in the back of the action personally but each to their own.

Stay well - Stay safe - Stay armed - yorktown

[Double Tap]

I've always thought Mossberg owners were missing a little upstairs, and maybe downstairs too. :^P

[Octar]

They are both good guns, but I find the Mossberg safety much easier and faster to use.

[RIGHT IN SEATTLE]

I personally own 2 of these. Both have arm hooks for around the corner shooting.

Welcome to the world of FRANCHI SPAS-12!

Dual mode, semi or pump!

[donozark]

I own both 870 Rem and Mossberg 590 Mil-Spec with heat shield, bayo lug (same bayo as M-16), speedfeed stock,etc. Both excellant weapons, for their intended uses.

Mossberg passed the torture test and was adopted by military. It's the one you see being carried by USMC Embassy Guards throughout the world.

My 870 has a 28" barrel and I can easily remove it and put on an 18 1/4 barrel. Mossberg has top tang safety. Rem on trigger guard.

If you have a good FFL, he can locate best prices for you. I gave about $300 for my Mossy a few years ago. I've had the Rem so long, the price I gave would not be relevant. Check the net for price comparision. I don't think you can go wrong with either weapon.

[dirtboy]

They are both good guns, but I find the Mossberg safety much easier and faster to use.

I tend to agree - in a home defense situation, IMO a top safety is better.

[toddst]

I'm assuming this is for home defense. However, both guns have a variety of barrels available, so can be used for sport also.

The Remington 870 & Mossburg are close in price but the 870 is a superior weapon. Forget about minor price differences. The 870 is a more durable weapon by design and construction. You won't be disappointed with the Remington.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

LOL!

[AStack75]

It would be used primary for shooting clays. But hopefully I would be able to go hunting with this same gun. If I go hunting, it would probably be infrequent since I've never been hunting before.

[Liberty Ship]

IF and only if you are looking for a defensive shotgun only, look for a Mossberg 500 USA, special contract for the Navy, designed sustained heavy fire, no plastic parts, beefed up barrel. Only problem is that the barrel is not interchangable. You are stuck with a 20" cylinder bore. But for what it is, it's the best.

Also, if you are left-handed you gotta get the Mossberg because of the safety.

[humblegunner]

Bump!

[Wisconsin]

Hmmm..

If for home defense, it is pretty hard to beat a double barrel.

Come to think of it, for hunting anything but waterfowl it is pretty hard to beat a double barrel.

[AStack75]

Can I realistically hunt anything with a pump-action shotgun? I would like to have the option to go hunting but I also can't afford to shell out big bucks for a double barrel.

Would anyone go turkey or deer hunting with a pump-action?

[decimon]

I'm no expert but you might want to include the Winchester 1300 series in your considerations. If it matters, Winchester rifles and shotguns are now made by U.S. Repeating Arms. I bought the Camp Defender a while ago but haven't had time to try it out.

http://www.winchester-guns.com/prodinfo/catalog/md1300/m1300_campdefender.htm

[MikeJ]

Mossburg 590. You want the ghost-ring sights. Best defensive shotgun for the money.