What would qualify as the BEST defensive pump shotgun

Bennett Richards · September 18, 1999, 10:28 AM

Just wondering what might be the best reasonably-priced pump 12 Ga. shotgun for defense... reliable and well built...

Need advise...

Thank,

Ben

Woody · September 18, 1999, 11:15 AM

Remington 870 or Mossberg 500

Both are well built guns and reasonably priced. I prefer the 870 because they have a steel receiver, and an aluminum trigger group. The mossberg has an aluminum receiver and a plastic trigger group, unless you buy the military madel 590, which has an aluminum trigger group.
1)magazine extensions easier on the Rem. mossberg is five rounds unless you replace the mag. tube, Rem is four rounds with easily added ie. screw on extensions for a variety of mag. lengths and capacity.
2) tacticle accesories. When a company comes out with any new gadget, the Rem. 870 is usually the first pump they make it for.
3)functioning in dirty conditions, Mossberg has the Rem. beat here. However I've shot whole hunting seasons in mud and cold with a Rem. 870 without any problem.

These are some of the reason that I prefer the Remington 870, but I do own a couple of Mossbergs and they work.

As I stated at the top either of these weapons will work, see if one of your friends will let you shoot his 870, or 500 and see which one you like better.

pete80 · September 18, 1999, 01:39 PM

The Mossberg 590A1 is Mil-Spec (passed some horrific Department of Defense tests by not malfunctioning after several thousand rounds) You can find them in the $350 range.

Bill Bryant · September 18, 1999, 03:19 PM

For home defense I don't think it matters whether your gun has a steel receiver or an aluminum trigger guard. After all, are you going to be banging it around outside a lot, or keeping it inside by your bed? You said personal defense, not military spec ops.

I picked the 1300 Defender because it comes from the factory with the bigger magazine already on it, and I want extra follow-up shots without having to modify my weapon.

By the way, I've put hundreds of 3" mag. rounds through my 1300 without a hitch. Seems plenty tough.

Whatever you buy, practice, practice, practice. Otherwise, you're just poorer and the owner of a dangerous knick-knack.

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Bill Bryant

George Hill · September 18, 1999, 08:20 PM

Mossberg 590A1.

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"There is no limit to stupidity. Space itself is said to be bounded by its own curvature, but stupidity continues beyond infinity."
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September 18, 1999, 10:28 AM	#1
Bennett Richards Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 1998 Location: Carlsbad, CA USA Posts: 356	Just wondering what might be the best reasonably-priced pump 12 Ga. shotgun for defense... reliable and well built... Need advise... Thank, Ben

September 18, 1999, 11:15 AM	#2
Woody Member Join Date: September 13, 1999 Posts: 95	Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 Both are well built guns and reasonably priced. I prefer the 870 because they have a steel receiver, and an aluminum trigger group. The mossberg has an aluminum receiver and a plastic trigger group, unless you buy the military madel 590, which has an aluminum trigger group. 1)magazine extensions easier on the Rem. mossberg is five rounds unless you replace the mag. tube, Rem is four rounds with easily added ie. screw on extensions for a variety of mag. lengths and capacity. 2) tacticle accesories. When a company comes out with any new gadget, the Rem. 870 is usually the first pump they make it for. 3)functioning in dirty conditions, Mossberg has the Rem. beat here. However I've shot whole hunting seasons in mud and cold with a Rem. 870 without any problem. These are some of the reason that I prefer the Remington 870, but I do own a couple of Mossbergs and they work. As I stated at the top either of these weapons will work, see if one of your friends will let you shoot his 870, or 500 and see which one you like better.

September 18, 1999, 01:39 PM	#3
pete80 Senior Member Join Date: July 4, 1999 Posts: 454	The Mossberg 590A1 is Mil-Spec (passed some horrific Department of Defense tests by not malfunctioning after several thousand rounds) You can find them in the $350 range.

September 18, 1999, 03:19 PM	#4
Bill Bryant Member Join Date: September 16, 1999 Location: Deep in the South Posts: 46	For home defense I don't think it matters whether your gun has a steel receiver or an aluminum trigger guard. After all, are you going to be banging it around outside a lot, or keeping it inside by your bed? You said personal defense, not military spec ops. I picked the 1300 Defender because it comes from the factory with the bigger magazine already on it, and I want extra follow-up shots without having to modify my weapon. By the way, I've put hundreds of 3" mag. rounds through my 1300 without a hitch. Seems plenty tough. Whatever you buy, practice, practice, practice. Otherwise, you're just poorer and the owner of a dangerous knick-knack. ------------------ Bill Bryant

September 18, 1999, 08:20 PM	#5
George Hill Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 14, 1998 Location: North Carolina Posts: 11,546	Mossberg 590A1. ------------------ "There is no limit to stupidity. Space itself is said to be bounded by its own curvature, but stupidity continues beyond infinity." RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE The Critic formerly known as Kodiac