I’m getting ready to buy a shotgun and value the knowledge and opinions of the members on this board so I thought I would start some discussion on home defense/fighting shotguns, with the hopes it would add to any existing threads or provide help to other members and myself with proven knowledge on the subject.
Sights/optic:
-Ghost ring
-Rifle sights
-Bead/rifle with aim point
-Ghost ring and when funds allow add aim point
Stock:
-Standard stock
-Stock with pistol grip: pump (mesa stock adapter CTR and MOE grip) 930 (Choate pistol grip)
Light:
-G2 or similar in mount
-X300 or TLR-1
I am a believer in buy once cry once. If I can’t afford to do it right from the start I would rather hold off until I can get at least decent quality gear. I also know that training is or one of the most important parts of this whole equation.
I have not had any training or hard use with shotguns so I am looking for those qualified opinions from the individuals here on the board.
What is your setup? What would you change? What is not necessary but beneficial to have? Etc…
As fun as Benelli M1’s, M4’s, and the semi-autos like the 11-87 are, when you grab a shotgun and absolutely positively need to have it work, it is hard to beat an 870P: http://www.remingtonle.com/shotguns/870pmax.htm.
if your a lefty, I would go with a mossberg. I also find the mossberg easier to perform tac- slug reload. from cruiser safe to cruiser ready, its the same drill.
I went with the 870 tactical. Love the sights, top rail, and 7 rounds. Swapped in a pistol grip with full stock which makes working the safety better for me. Don’t really need a 3 position adjustable stock for my uses. Perfect for home defense and the occasional clay pigeon at the range. There are just as many upgrades for either choice of shotgun as there are for the AR.
Another vote for the 870. I have a wingmaster that I retrofitted with a +2 tube and a railed clamp that usually wears a TLR1. Fantastic freaking gun. Nothing has been smoother or more flawless than my 870.
Don’t know a whole lot about shotguns, but I do know that my 870 has yet to have a failure, while my new 930 SPX had two within the first 150 rounds (click no bang, no hit on the primer) and I just got it back from Mossberg. I’m not the only one who’s had that problem either.
After my last 870 express and the lack of quality thereof I got rid of it and went with a Mossberg 590 A1 with Ghost ring sights, Hogue stock and will be getting a TLR-1. I had a hard time deciding between a 870P and giving that model a chance but the Mossberg fit my bill.
I think I’ll pick up an 870P when I can find one and add a TLR-1 and maybe the urbino stock or mesa adapter with CTR and Esstac Shotgun Card or mesa side saddle.
Also while researching I did find an excel from a shotgun class that listed the SG’s used, what accessories they had, what failures if any, and etc… But cant seem to locate it now, if anyone know where this is let me know.
I have an SBS 870P as a duty shotgun with the Speedfeed stock (I can’t change it but am getting ready to take a hacksaw to it) and a Surefire forend. At home I have a Benelli M4 with the Mesa Tactical Urbino stock. My wife also has the Urbino stock on her 870P. Whichever shotgun you get, I advise getting the Urbino stock for it.
I have a 20" M590A1 with ghost ring sights and an 870 Marine Magnum that I do like. In hindsight, I wish I bought the 18.5" 590A1 with ghost ring sights.
However, my favorite shotgun is and always will be my 1979 Ithaca 37 M&P. 18" barrel, Parkerized, plain receiver, uncheckered wood, bead sight, standard magazine. It goes great with my 1975 5" 27-2.
OP, as far as the models you list be advised that with a PG stock, the Mossbergs can be awkward to operate due to the safety location, and sometimes the action release can be awkard as well depending on the PG stock selected.