Suggestions for first shotgun
Suggestions for first shotgun
I have 3 handguns now, making a 12 ga shotgun seem like the next logical purchase.
This would be for home defense and range practice.
A friend suggested a Mossberg 500 20" barrel 8-shot with stock.
Research suggests that the Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 are the best-sellers in this category.
Also, what is the shortest legal / non class-3 barrel length? Am I correct in assuming that shortest is best for defense applications?
This would be for home defense and range practice.
A friend suggested a Mossberg 500 20" barrel 8-shot with stock.
Research suggests that the Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 are the best-sellers in this category.
Also, what is the shortest legal / non class-3 barrel length? Am I correct in assuming that shortest is best for defense applications?
CHL since 2/2011
Glock 26, S&W 442, Ruger SP101 .357 3",
S&W M&P 40, Remington 870 Express 12 ga 18"
Glock 26, S&W 442, Ruger SP101 .357 3",
S&W M&P 40, Remington 870 Express 12 ga 18"
Re: Suggestions for first shotgun
Without requiring special paperwork with the BATFE, shotguns must have barrels of at least 18", and a total length of 26" (unfolded, IIRC).
The sooner I get behind, the more time I have to catch up.
Re: Suggestions for first shotgun
I bought a Remington 870 HD (Home Defense) 7+1 just for the house in 12ga. Have put about 15 rounds through it and it works just fine. Remington has a $30 rebate on the 870 models until 12/31 so that persuaded me. The Mossy is just as comprable to the 870. My FFL was a Jarhead in Afghanistan and he carried the Mossy as his daily carry weapon vs the M4. He loved the Mossy. I would say either way you go you are going to be happy in the role you use it for.
Randy
Randy
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Re: Suggestions for first shotgun
My say is go for the 870, never had a malfunction with the one I've been hunting with for 10+ years. Oh yeah and its never been detail stripped and detail cleaned, only field strip and clean.
If guns kill people, then pencils misspell words.
Re: Suggestions for first shotgun
...if it's your first shotgun, I'd recommend 20 ga. for plenty of power and easier for wife/kids to handle...Mossberg makes a 500A youth model with a slightly shorter stock that would handle well in close quarters...6 shots...not expensive...I lead with slugs in case I have to make a really accurate shot near a family member...follow with the buckshot...extra rounds in the elastic butt-cuff give you 11 or 12 shots...
Re: Suggestions for first shotgun
One concern there would be less ammo availability / higher cost vs. 12.speedsix wrote:...if it's your first shotgun, I'd recommend 20 ga. for plenty of power and easier for wife/kids to handle...Mossberg makes a 500A youth model with a slightly shorter stock that would handle well in close quarters...6 shots...not expensive...I lead with slugs in case I have to make a really accurate shot near a family member...follow with the buckshot...extra rounds in the elastic butt-cuff give you 11 or 12 shots...
CHL since 2/2011
Glock 26, S&W 442, Ruger SP101 .357 3",
S&W M&P 40, Remington 870 Express 12 ga 18"
Glock 26, S&W 442, Ruger SP101 .357 3",
S&W M&P 40, Remington 870 Express 12 ga 18"
Re: Suggestions for first shotgun
One of the great things about both the Mossy 500 and the 870 is you can get additional barrels for them that are suited to different uses. My Mossy came with an open cylinder 18 inch home defence barrel. I recently purchase a 26 inch (I think) barrel with interchangeble chokes for shooting clay pigeons, could also be used for small game. You can also buy a rifled barrel for deer hunting. Same things are available with the 870. So those can give you 3 shotguns in one.
Re: Suggestions for first shotgun
I could be wrong, but I've heard that cost goes up and variety goes down as gauge goes below 12, which seems most true for .410.
12 ga seems to be the "9mm" of shotguns.
12 ga seems to be the "9mm" of shotguns.
CHL since 2/2011
Glock 26, S&W 442, Ruger SP101 .357 3",
S&W M&P 40, Remington 870 Express 12 ga 18"
Glock 26, S&W 442, Ruger SP101 .357 3",
S&W M&P 40, Remington 870 Express 12 ga 18"
Re: Suggestions for first shotgun
rp_photo wrote:One concern there would be less ammo availability / higher cost vs. 12.speedsix wrote:...if it's your first shotgun, I'd recommend 20 ga. for plenty of power and easier for wife/kids to handle...Mossberg makes a 500A youth model with a slightly shorter stock that would handle well in close quarters...6 shots...not expensive...I lead with slugs in case I have to make a really accurate shot near a family member...follow with the buckshot...extra rounds in the elastic butt-cuff give you 11 or 12 shots...
...all I've ever seen is #3 Buck loads and slugs...at WalMart, they're real close to 12 ga prices...don't know about the better slugs like DPX..though I want to try some...I would think that if chaos rules, there won't be any ammo in the stores of any type after the first day...so we'd better be stockin' up!!!
Re: Suggestions for first shotgun
rp_photo wrote:I could be wrong, but I've heard that cost goes up and variety goes down as gauge goes below 12, which seems most true for .410.
12 ga seems to be the "9mm" of shotguns.
...


Re: Suggestions for first shotgun
I was thinking similar as far as lowest ammo cost and wide availability.speedsix wrote:rp_photo wrote:I could be wrong, but I've heard that cost goes up and variety goes down as gauge goes below 12, which seems most true for .410.
12 ga seems to be the "9mm" of shotguns.
...![]()
after firing a few rounds of buck or slugs, you'll probably change that to .44 mag...but 12 ga. IS the most common one I see in stores...
CHL since 2/2011
Glock 26, S&W 442, Ruger SP101 .357 3",
S&W M&P 40, Remington 870 Express 12 ga 18"
Glock 26, S&W 442, Ruger SP101 .357 3",
S&W M&P 40, Remington 870 Express 12 ga 18"
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Re: Suggestions for first shotgun
30 dollar rebate? I was thinking aout buying a Mossberg Maverick at Academy for $189 but they have the 870 on sale now for $269 down from $299 so with the rebate that's probably the route I am going to go now....
stroguy wrote:I bought a Remington 870 HD (Home Defense) 7+1 just for the house in 12ga. Have put about 15 rounds through it and it works just fine. Remington has a $30 rebate on the 870 models until 12/31 so that persuaded me. The Mossy is just as comprable to the 870. My FFL was a Jarhead in Afghanistan and he carried the Mossy as his daily carry weapon vs the M4. He loved the Mossy. I would say either way you go you are going to be happy in the role you use it for.
Randy
Yes the Marines are a Department of the Navy.....The Mens Department....
CHL since 7/11/11
CHL since 7/11/11
Re: Suggestions for first shotgun
I got my Remington 870 Express in 12 ga. for under $300. It was in looked-new-but-was-used condition. It came with a 26" barrel that accepts a variety of choke tubes (I believe it had a Modified in it when I bought it). I then purchased a 18" "police barrel" with a cylinder (no choke) bore. It takes about 30 seconds to swap barrels. I've put a few slugs through it to test function, and as long as you are able to operate the slide with a solid motion, it works like a charm. I have nothing against the Mossberg 500 series, I just happened to pick up the Remington at what seemed a reasonable price. Either one is a good purchase.
Re: Suggestions for first shotgun
I have a Mossberg 500 with the 7+1 magazine tube it's a solid dependable shotgun. No extra barrels are offered for this gun it only comes with a 20" cylinder bore and the regular Mossy barrels won't work. Mossy used to sell a 28" barrel for this gun sadly it's no longer offered. I put rifle sights and a light on mine good to go. I also have a 1100 that I put a shorter barrel and +3 extension on.
1100 top Mossberg bottom.

1100 top Mossberg bottom.

"To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Texas and Louisiana CHL Instructor, NRA Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Personal Protection and Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor
George Mason
Texas and Louisiana CHL Instructor, NRA Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Personal Protection and Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor
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Re: Suggestions for first shotgun
As others have pointed out, Remington 870s are a classic and a staple item for many gun folks. I myself have two, one set up for hunting, and one set up for home defense.
The H & R Pardner Protector really interest me.
http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Shotguns/pardnerpump.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Pros: $159-$189, Well reviewed, 99% of 870 accs. will fit it, in general the folks who own them speak very well of it.
Cons: Made In China, Does not take Remington 870 Barrels
There was a Black Friday add for $149.99 at The Sports Authority, but when I get there they were out. For $149.99 I can lock it up in my truck box or throw it in my boat and not feel bad about it.
The H & R Pardner Protector really interest me.
http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Shotguns/pardnerpump.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Pros: $159-$189, Well reviewed, 99% of 870 accs. will fit it, in general the folks who own them speak very well of it.
Cons: Made In China, Does not take Remington 870 Barrels
There was a Black Friday add for $149.99 at The Sports Authority, but when I get there they were out. For $149.99 I can lock it up in my truck box or throw it in my boat and not feel bad about it.
The Time is Now...
NRA Lifetime Member
NRA Lifetime Member