Wichester 1200 v. Remington 870 v. SPAS 12

Firepower! · August 20, 2009, 03:44 AM

Hello Friends

I am in the market to buy a new shotgun to be used as HD, and may be for hunting in the woods. Please not that hunting is secondary use since I have Beretta 391 Tecknys Gold for that purpose. The primary purpose will be HD in urban as well as on the ranch enviornment.

Winchester 1200, Remington 870 and SPAS12 are the only option avialable to me here. There are others like Mossberg 500 etc, but they dont match up. Where I am Winchester and Remington will cost me about 1000$ and SPAS for about 1400$. I really dont mind the price differene between them. Availability of parts is not an issue.

Thanks.

dalecooper51 · August 20, 2009, 07:41 AM

I would probably go with the Remington 870 as they are still currently made and there are lots of parts out there should you need one. The Spas is a heavy complicated gun. IIRC, there was also a recall on the safety mechanism. The Winchester 1200 is a good gun too, just not made anymore so parts may become a problem down the road.

Just my $.02.

kozak6 · August 21, 2009, 01:13 AM

The Remington 870 is one of the forum's favorite shotguns and is very highly regarded. See how often it's mentioned here:
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=370135

The SPAS 12's with the lever style safety are defective, and can fire when the safety is activated or deactivated. Look here:
http://spas12.com/spassafety.htm

I don't know much about the Winchester 1200.

Piper Cub · August 21, 2009, 07:05 AM

Saiga-12 can't be beat. lots of OEM stuff for it too!!

colostomyclown · August 21, 2009, 08:22 PM

500 doesn't match up? Howso? Availability of parts for a Spas 12 IS an issue whether you're in Asia or on Pluto. Go with a SPAS-12 based on what you say. But I personally prefer Mossberg over Winchester and Remington's defense/tactical guns and I've put countless hours and countless shells into determining that.

I say Spas-12, because come on, the Terminator used it. If you're going to pay a thousand where you are for a gun thats worth 250-350 (Winchester, Remington) and only 400 more for the Spas, get the dang Spas!

TxGun · August 22, 2009, 11:27 AM

I'd probably take the 870, but I've found the 1200 to be a very good shotgun also.

soldiercraig · August 22, 2009, 03:24 PM

I keep an 870 as my hd goto. I think if you look almost anywhere you will be able to find a suitable one for well under a thousand dollars.

Jimdo · September 2, 2009, 02:35 PM

Well..... I would also have to say the tried and true Remington 870. The Spas is really not worth the extra money in terms of usage (especially not when considering you could be using this shotgun as a hunting gun as well)
Really, as far as I am concerned, the Spas is good for one thing... a collectible. They are neat guns and all but they aren't all that practical.

Deerhunter264 · September 4, 2009, 03:50 PM

i would pick remingotn 870 because it is a well built gun and if any thing ever happened ther are pleanty of parts out ther

BigJimP · September 4, 2009, 05:54 PM

870 pump is a good gun / I don't know that the Win 1200 pump is any better ( maybe not as good ).

SPAS 12 - just makes no sense to me .....pistil grip, etc ...

You've left out a lot of guns:
Browning BPS pump
Benelli Nova pump
Benelli M-2 Tactical
Benelli M-4

If you want a higher end HD gun/or just something a little different from an 870 pump - why not go with the Benelli M-4 selling new for around $ 1,600 and its a lot of gun for the money.

WVfishguy · September 4, 2009, 07:27 PM

I've owned all three. Many years ago

The spAs handled like a set of barbells, had to be used as a pump with birdshot. I bought it as an investment, remembering how the High Standard model 10 shot up in value after it ceased production. Then "Terminator" came out, and the spAs became commonplace, investment money down the drain. And frankly, I think they look stupid :barf:

The Remington was, well, an 870. In other words, excellent. There are so many variants & mods, you pretty much have your choice as to what you want. If I could keep only one shotgun, it would probably be an 870.

I ended up keeping the 1200, as I liked it best. Just a personal choice. I don't know what I did with it. Like I said, this was a long time ago.

I now have a 1300 with rifle sights, extended mag. I love that thing, smooth as silk, beautiful fit and finish, but it's a bit big. Shoots slugs like a rifle, keeps all 9 pellets of 00 on a sheet of notebook paper at 15 yards.

I really like my little H&R 1871 "Pardner Pump," $160 from Dicks. Handles well, seems to be well-built, easy to shoot.

For me, a pump is the only way to go. They always go Boom.

Ga Johnny · September 5, 2009, 05:43 PM

"Where I am Winchester and Remington will cost me about 1000$ and SPAS for about 1400$"

The first thing I'd do is find some place else to shop for guns.

My vote is for the winchester

Skans · September 7, 2009, 07:36 AM

Spas 12, hands down great gun for home defense. Pump or auto, folding stock, well made.

Icopy1 · September 11, 2009, 06:50 AM

I have owned all three. The Remy is the one I still have. A Police Magnum would cost you around $500, give or take $50.

PDXGS · September 17, 2009, 09:08 AM

I own an 870 and a SPAS 12....I like the 870 because it's simple, easy to find parts for and light....three things that the SPAS isn't.
I recently had to make my own recoil buffer for the SPAS because such parts are no longer available. Due to the SPAS issue I had to make a rush purchase of a bare bones 870 tactical....$250. ...twist my arm. Cant be the functionality at that price...I'm just so slow with a pump!
I'm getting more into 3-gun matches so I see a Benelli M4 or a Saiga in my future.

Technosavant · September 17, 2009, 09:56 AM

I'd go 870. The others are no slouches, but I'd worry about reliability on the SPAS- they're rather more complex than a straight up pump gun, and complexity means more things to go wrong. Between the Winchester 1200 and Remington 870, well, I have an 870 and it feel like it will last forever. The 1200 might well do so as well, but I have no direct experience with them.

For those making other gun recommendations or complaining about prices, remember that Firepower! is not in the US, so things are a bit different in his homeland.

hoytinak · September 17, 2009, 10:08 AM

Quote:

There are others like Mossberg 500 etc, but they dont match up.

I'm trying to figure out how a Mossberg 500 doesn't match up to a Remington 870. I've owned both and used both quite a bit and I much prefer the 500 to the 870 (I sold the 870 a long time ago and still have the 500). Our unit also phased out their 870's and upgraded (IMO anyways) to 500's....9 years later the 500's are still running strong.

If you haven't firgured it by now I vote....."none of the above"...I'd go with the 500.

Next would be the 870 though.

got_the_itch · September 17, 2009, 11:23 AM

870

View Poll Results: Which of these do you recommend? (plz read the op)
SPAS 12	11	16.18%
Winchester 1200	11	16.18%
Remington 870	42	61.76%
None of the above	4	5.88%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 68. You may not vote on this poll

August 20, 2009, 03:44 AM	#1
Firepower! Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2008 Posts: 2,109	Wichester 1200 v. Remington 870 v. SPAS 12 Hello Friends I am in the market to buy a new shotgun to be used as HD, and may be for hunting in the woods. Please not that hunting is secondary use since I have Beretta 391 Tecknys Gold for that purpose. The primary purpose will be HD in urban as well as on the ranch enviornment. Winchester 1200, Remington 870 and SPAS12 are the only option avialable to me here. There are others like Mossberg 500 etc, but they dont match up. Where I am Winchester and Remington will cost me about 1000$ and SPAS for about 1400$. I really dont mind the price differene between them. Availability of parts is not an issue. Thanks. Last edited by Firepower!; August 20, 2009 at 11:06 AM.

August 22, 2009, 03:24 PM	#7
soldiercraig Member Join Date: March 29, 2008 Location: Colorado springs, co Posts: 98	I keep an 870 as my hd goto. I think if you look almost anywhere you will be able to find a suitable one for well under a thousand dollars. __________________ "I have learned that there are troubles of more than one kind, some come from ahead and some come from behind, but I've brought a big bat, I am all ready you see, now my troubles are going to have troubles with me" -Dr. Seuss

September 4, 2009, 07:27 PM	#11
WVfishguy Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2007 Location: Huntington, WV Posts: 662	I've owned all three. Many years ago The spAs handled like a set of barbells, had to be used as a pump with birdshot. I bought it as an investment, remembering how the High Standard model 10 shot up in value after it ceased production. Then "Terminator" came out, and the spAs became commonplace, investment money down the drain. And frankly, I think they look stupid :barf: The Remington was, well, an 870. In other words, excellent. There are so many variants & mods, you pretty much have your choice as to what you want. If I could keep only one shotgun, it would probably be an 870. I ended up keeping the 1200, as I liked it best. Just a personal choice. I don't know what I did with it. Like I said, this was a long time ago. I now have a 1300 with rifle sights, extended mag. I love that thing, smooth as silk, beautiful fit and finish, but it's a bit big. Shoots slugs like a rifle, keeps all 9 pellets of 00 on a sheet of notebook paper at 15 yards. I really like my little H&R 1871 "Pardner Pump," $160 from Dicks. Handles well, seems to be well-built, easy to shoot. For me, a pump is the only way to go. They always go Boom. __________________ WWSD (What Would Skeeter Do?)

September 17, 2009, 09:08 AM	#15
PDXGS Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: Aloha, Oregon, USA, Earth Posts: 204	I own an 870 and a SPAS 12....I like the 870 because it's simple, easy to find parts for and light....three things that the SPAS isn't. I recently had to make my own recoil buffer for the SPAS because such parts are no longer available. Due to the SPAS issue I had to make a rush purchase of a bare bones 870 tactical....$250. ...twist my arm. Cant be the functionality at that price...I'm just so slow with a pump! I'm getting more into 3-gun matches so I see a Benelli M4 or a Saiga in my future. __________________ "He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man"-HST-Rest in Peace

August 20, 2009, 07:41 AM	#2
dalecooper51 Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2007 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 318	I would probably go with the Remington 870 as they are still currently made and there are lots of parts out there should you need one. The Spas is a heavy complicated gun. IIRC, there was also a recall on the safety mechanism. The Winchester 1200 is a good gun too, just not made anymore so parts may become a problem down the road. Just my $.02.

August 21, 2009, 01:13 AM	#3
kozak6 Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2005 Location: AZ Posts: 3,113	The Remington 870 is one of the forum's favorite shotguns and is very highly regarded. See how often it's mentioned here: http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=370135 The SPAS 12's with the lever style safety are defective, and can fire when the safety is activated or deactivated. Look here: http://spas12.com/spassafety.htm I don't know much about the Winchester 1200.

August 21, 2009, 07:05 AM	#4
Piper Cub Junior member Join Date: February 5, 2009 Location: TEXAS Posts: 491	Saiga-12 can't be beat. lots of OEM stuff for it too!!

August 21, 2009, 08:22 PM	#5
colostomyclown Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2009 Posts: 613	500 doesn't match up? Howso? Availability of parts for a Spas 12 IS an issue whether you're in Asia or on Pluto. Go with a SPAS-12 based on what you say. But I personally prefer Mossberg over Winchester and Remington's defense/tactical guns and I've put countless hours and countless shells into determining that. I say Spas-12, because come on, the Terminator used it. If you're going to pay a thousand where you are for a gun thats worth 250-350 (Winchester, Remington) and only 400 more for the Spas, get the dang Spas!

August 22, 2009, 11:27 AM	#6
TxGun Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2008 Location: Family ranch - Central TX. Posts: 467	I'd probably take the 870, but I've found the 1200 to be a very good shotgun also.

September 2, 2009, 02:35 PM	#8
Jimdo Member Join Date: May 21, 2009 Posts: 24	Well..... I would also have to say the tried and true Remington 870. The Spas is really not worth the extra money in terms of usage (especially not when considering you could be using this shotgun as a hunting gun as well) Really, as far as I am concerned, the Spas is good for one thing... a collectible. They are neat guns and all but they aren't all that practical.

September 4, 2009, 03:50 PM	#9
Deerhunter264 Member Join Date: April 6, 2008 Posts: 82	i would pick remingotn 870 because it is a well built gun and if any thing ever happened ther are pleanty of parts out ther

September 4, 2009, 05:54 PM	#10
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	870 pump is a good gun / I don't know that the Win 1200 pump is any better ( maybe not as good ). SPAS 12 - just makes no sense to me .....pistil grip, etc ... You've left out a lot of guns: Browning BPS pump Benelli Nova pump Benelli M-2 Tactical Benelli M-4 If you want a higher end HD gun/or just something a little different from an 870 pump - why not go with the Benelli M-4 selling new for around $ 1,600 and its a lot of gun for the money.

September 5, 2009, 05:43 PM	#12
Ga Johnny Member Join Date: January 19, 2006 Posts: 75	"Where I am Winchester and Remington will cost me about 1000$ and SPAS for about 1400$" The first thing I'd do is find some place else to shop for guns. My vote is for the winchester

September 7, 2009, 07:36 AM	#13
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	Spas 12, hands down great gun for home defense. Pump or auto, folding stock, well made.

September 11, 2009, 06:50 AM	#14
Icopy1 Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 415	I have owned all three. The Remy is the one I still have. A Police Magnum would cost you around $500, give or take $50.

September 17, 2009, 09:56 AM	#16
Technosavant Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2007 Location: St. Louis, MO area Posts: 4,040	I'd go 870. The others are no slouches, but I'd worry about reliability on the SPAS- they're rather more complex than a straight up pump gun, and complexity means more things to go wrong. Between the Winchester 1200 and Remington 870, well, I have an 870 and it feel like it will last forever. The 1200 might well do so as well, but I have no direct experience with them. For those making other gun recommendations or complaining about prices, remember that Firepower! is not in the US, so things are a bit different in his homeland.

September 17, 2009, 11:23 AM	#18
got_the_itch Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 2009 Location: Suburban Detroit Posts: 251	870 __________________ My Sig .vs Your Glock Ok.... fair assessment. But mines pretty!

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search