Home Defense Shotgun

drdriller · February 22, 2008, 05:19 PM

What do you think is the best home defense shotgun?

I am looking at the Mossberg 590.
thanks

hogdogs · February 22, 2008, 05:29 PM

That'll work as will a 500... IMHO YMMV I prefer a pump over anything autoloader as less room for failure. Heck I would DEPEND on a single/double over an autoloader.
Brent

JBriggs · February 22, 2008, 05:32 PM

Mossbergs are good. I use the 500. Keep the full stock on the gun, because it will help you keep control of it better than a pistol grip. Pistol grips are cool looking but are not that great to shoot with. The stock will help you keep control for a follow up shot if needed. I once took my full size stock off and put on my pistol grip. After firing only five rounds I realized that I needed to put my stock back on. If you are looking to make it more compact, try a collapsable stock as often seen on AR's.

As to ammo, the first round through is a 2 3/4 inch loaded with 4 shot. 4 shot is quite effective on soft tissue and patterns great within 10 yards. Next round is a 3" goose round with BB, then the rest are 000 buck. I like 000 buck because the shells have more pellets than 00 buck, but still pack the same punch. Some companies make good frangible rounds for those worried about over penetration in the home environment.

I worry about over penetration with 00 buck and 000 buck, so that is why my first two shells are 4 shot then BB.

drdriller · February 22, 2008, 05:35 PM

what is the difference between the 500 and 590?

JBriggs · February 22, 2008, 05:48 PM

The difference is in the additional features: extended magazine ( 6 rounds for the 500 vs. 9 rounds for the 590), heat shield, sights, pistol grip full size stock, etc... Most 500's come with a full size stock and a separate pistol grip that you can install later.

hogdogs · February 22, 2008, 05:48 PM

590 is high capacity I think... and more money... (I know)....
500 is 5+1...
Brent

JBriggs · February 22, 2008, 05:52 PM

yep

drdriller · February 22, 2008, 05:52 PM

Between the 500 and 590, is the main difference the capacity? I don't care about the heat shield, sites, etc. I am mainly concerned with the internal workings. Which is the better gun function wise?
I want a relianle, always shoots any ammo gun.
Thanks a lot,
john

JBriggs · February 22, 2008, 05:54 PM

Yep, that is pretty much the case. However, both are dang reliable. I use my 500 for home defense and as my trunk gun that goes wherever I happen to drive to just in case the world goes crazy while I am out and about.

As to shooting all kinds of ammo, I have yet to find a type of ammo that does not function well in my 500.

drdriller · February 22, 2008, 06:01 PM

thanks for the help, I think I'll get a 500.
john

GATMOG · February 22, 2008, 06:22 PM

590 doesn't really have additional barrels for hunting, if thats a concern..

So the 20" (I think) cyclinder barrel is about it..

YukonKid · February 22, 2008, 06:35 PM

Do yourself a favor. Buy a remington 870 express. Most modular shotgun on the market and IMHO the most gun for the price. If you want to spend a lot look at Wilson Combat modified 870's

YK

drdriller · February 22, 2008, 09:32 PM

is a remington 870 express the same gun as a remington express police pump?
thanks

maxkimber · February 22, 2008, 09:54 PM

This might help, as I asked very similar questions here (with very good answers...):
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=281582

hoytinak · February 22, 2008, 09:56 PM

I prefer my 500 but either the 870 or 500 are both great pumps.

skeeter1 · February 23, 2008, 02:11 AM

Quote:

"I prefer a pump over anything autoloader as less room for failure. Heck I would DEPEND on a single/double over an autoloader."

Well, I'd depend on my SKB doubles more than anything else, but they were pretty expensive. Not your run-of-the-mill HD shotguns.

For the money, you can't go wrong with a Mossberg 500 or a Remington 870. Besides, that racking sound of a pump might just be enough that you'll never have to pull the trigger. My two cents.

Rob96 · February 23, 2008, 05:02 AM

Get the Mossy 500 and have no worries. If you want something that has more capacity, get the Mossy 500 SP with 7 shot mag tube.. I just bought one for NIB for $229.

drdriller · February 23, 2008, 06:51 AM

Where did you get o mossberg 500 for 229?
thanks

KMO · February 23, 2008, 07:53 AM

My vote here goes for the Mossberg 500, police model, with 7-round extended magazine, 20-inch barrel, rifle sights. 8 shots with a shotgun is plenty. I got a used one recently. It was far from worn out. In fact, it was hard to find signs of wear from actual use (being fired). I'm sure law enforcement has to qualify with these on a certain time interval, but my experience tells me they don't enjoy it much so they shoot a minimum number of rounds. The guns all go to auction when they reach a certain age. Gun shops buy 'em up & put them up for sale. The 500 is simple to break down (very simple), and these guns are great for HD purposes. I was also able to pick up an extra barrel & magazine tube for a quick switch-out to a hunting gun. Mine looks like new & I've got under $300 in it, including the extras.

Rob96 · February 23, 2008, 07:55 AM

I live in Allentown and bought my 500 at the Army & Navy store. On the weekends they run a sale 15% off all new shotguns that are paid in full.

Like I said origianlly, it is the 500 SP with 7 shot tube and 20" barrel that is cylinder bore. Previously I had a Remington Express HD. For me, the 500 both shoulders and swings onto target better.

kevinwas · February 23, 2008, 08:19 AM

I was also looking at the mossberg 590, looks like a good gun.

oobuck · February 23, 2008, 08:38 AM

Get ANY 870 and you'll never look back or have regrets.

KMO · February 23, 2008, 08:43 AM

I'm not trying to stir it up between the 870 & 500 crowds, but I have a question that might play into drdriller's decision. Is it true that the magazine tube on an 870 is fixed to the receiver, rather than threaded in? If so, doesn't this limit the versatility of the gun when it comes to using differnet barrel lengths?

kkb · February 23, 2008, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmoffitt

Is it true that the magazine tube on an 870 is fixed to the receiver, rather than threaded in? If so, doesn't this limit the versatility of the gun when it comes to using differnet barrel lengths?

Fixed to the receiver. The barrel slips over the magazine via a lug on the barrel and is secured. You can get different length barrels for the 870 and they all have the magazine lug on them.

hogdogs · February 23, 2008, 11:44 AM

My reasons for being a PASSIONATE mossberg man are multifold. One is they have not given in to the overseas manufacture of ANY shotguns. The only imports are their rimfire offerings. In the shotgun lineup are American made guns at very reasonable prices. They are plenty durable (if they can withstand my ownership they are built tough) for most you can throw at them. The plastic trigger guard is my only beef in strength and that has not failed me. Top of receiver safety is a VERY tactical position as is slide release at left rear of trigger guard.
From what I understand the 870 express is the corner cutting copy of a wingmaster. heck the Express is more than a 500 and the corner cutting copy of a 500 is the Maverick 88. I do not consider the Remington HD weapon as it just is not set up like the Mossberg 500/590.
The only home invader that will hear the "POOP THEIR PANTS" sound of my slide being racked is one already shot or his buddy... 1 in the pipe and 5 in the tube... gun on safety, thumb on safety gun up and ready... NO other shotgun I have seen offers the safety, durability, use-ability of a Mossberg...
Any is better than none...
Brent

February 22, 2008, 05:19 PM	#1
drdriller Member Join Date: December 30, 2007 Posts: 21	Home Defense Shotgun What do you think is the best home defense shotgun? I am looking at the Mossberg 590. thanks

February 22, 2008, 05:32 PM	#3
JBriggs Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 328	Mossbergs are good. I use the 500. Keep the full stock on the gun, because it will help you keep control of it better than a pistol grip. Pistol grips are cool looking but are not that great to shoot with. The stock will help you keep control for a follow up shot if needed. I once took my full size stock off and put on my pistol grip. After firing only five rounds I realized that I needed to put my stock back on. If you are looking to make it more compact, try a collapsable stock as often seen on AR's. As to ammo, the first round through is a 2 3/4 inch loaded with 4 shot. 4 shot is quite effective on soft tissue and patterns great within 10 yards. Next round is a 3" goose round with BB, then the rest are 000 buck. I like 000 buck because the shells have more pellets than 00 buck, but still pack the same punch. Some companies make good frangible rounds for those worried about over penetration in the home environment. I worry about over penetration with 00 buck and 000 buck, so that is why my first two shells are 4 shot then BB. __________________ Bear Arms or Wear Chains Last edited by JBriggs; February 22, 2008 at 05:32 PM. Reason: spelling

February 22, 2008, 05:48 PM	#5
JBriggs Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 328	The difference is in the additional features: extended magazine ( 6 rounds for the 500 vs. 9 rounds for the 590), heat shield, sights, pistol grip full size stock, etc... Most 500's come with a full size stock and a separate pistol grip that you can install later. __________________ Bear Arms or Wear Chains

February 22, 2008, 05:52 PM	#7
JBriggs Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 328	yep __________________ Bear Arms or Wear Chains

February 22, 2008, 05:54 PM	#9
JBriggs Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 328	Yep, that is pretty much the case. However, both are dang reliable. I use my 500 for home defense and as my trunk gun that goes wherever I happen to drive to just in case the world goes crazy while I am out and about. As to shooting all kinds of ammo, I have yet to find a type of ammo that does not function well in my 500. __________________ Bear Arms or Wear Chains Last edited by JBriggs; February 22, 2008 at 05:54 PM. Reason: addition

February 22, 2008, 05:29 PM	#2
hogdogs Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 31, 2007 Location: Western Florida panhandle Posts: 11,069	That'll work as will a 500... IMHO YMMV I prefer a pump over anything autoloader as less room for failure. Heck I would DEPEND on a single/double over an autoloader. Brent

February 22, 2008, 05:35 PM	#4
drdriller Member Join Date: December 30, 2007 Posts: 21	what is the difference between the 500 and 590?

February 22, 2008, 06:01 PM	#10
drdriller Member Join Date: December 30, 2007 Posts: 21	thanks for the help, I think I'll get a 500. john

February 22, 2008, 06:22 PM	#11
GATMOG Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2007 Location: OREGON Posts: 221	590 doesn't really have additional barrels for hunting, if thats a concern.. So the 20" (I think) cyclinder barrel is about it.. __________________ *BEWARE OF ATTACK REPUBLICAN*

February 22, 2008, 06:35 PM	#12
YukonKid Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2007 Location: NW Posts: 744	Do yourself a favor. Buy a remington 870 express. Most modular shotgun on the market and IMHO the most gun for the price. If you want to spend a lot look at Wilson Combat modified 870's YK __________________ This is ten percent luck, twenty percent skill Fifteen percent concentrated power of will Five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain And a hundred percent reason to remember the name!

February 22, 2008, 09:32 PM	#13
drdriller Member Join Date: December 30, 2007 Posts: 21	is a remington 870 express the same gun as a remington express police pump? thanks

February 22, 2008, 09:54 PM	#14
maxkimber Member Join Date: February 19, 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 45	This might help, as I asked very similar questions here (with very good answers...): http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=281582

February 22, 2008, 09:56 PM	#15
hoytinak Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 5,721	I prefer my 500 but either the 870 or 500 are both great pumps.

February 23, 2008, 05:02 AM	#17
Rob96 Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 1999 Location: Allentown,PA Posts: 1,969	Get the Mossy 500 and have no worries. If you want something that has more capacity, get the Mossy 500 SP with 7 shot mag tube.. I just bought one for NIB for $229.

February 23, 2008, 06:51 AM	#18
drdriller Member Join Date: December 30, 2007 Posts: 21	Where did you get o mossberg 500 for 229? thanks

February 23, 2008, 07:53 AM	#19
KMO Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 2008 Location: Northern Arizona Posts: 949	500 7+1 My vote here goes for the Mossberg 500, police model, with 7-round extended magazine, 20-inch barrel, rifle sights. 8 shots with a shotgun is plenty. I got a used one recently. It was far from worn out. In fact, it was hard to find signs of wear from actual use (being fired). I'm sure law enforcement has to qualify with these on a certain time interval, but my experience tells me they don't enjoy it much so they shoot a minimum number of rounds. The guns all go to auction when they reach a certain age. Gun shops buy 'em up & put them up for sale. The 500 is simple to break down (very simple), and these guns are great for HD purposes. I was also able to pick up an extra barrel & magazine tube for a quick switch-out to a hunting gun. Mine looks like new & I've got under $300 in it, including the extras.

February 23, 2008, 07:55 AM	#20
Rob96 Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 1999 Location: Allentown,PA Posts: 1,969	I live in Allentown and bought my 500 at the Army & Navy store. On the weekends they run a sale 15% off all new shotguns that are paid in full. Like I said origianlly, it is the 500 SP with 7 shot tube and 20" barrel that is cylinder bore. Previously I had a Remington Express HD. For me, the 500 both shoulders and swings onto target better.

February 23, 2008, 08:19 AM	#21
kevinwas Junior Member Join Date: February 18, 2008 Posts: 14	I was also looking at the mossberg 590, looks like a good gun.

February 23, 2008, 08:38 AM	#22
oobuck Junior member Join Date: May 23, 2002 Posts: 14	Get ANY 870 and you'll never look back or have regrets.

February 23, 2008, 08:43 AM	#23
KMO Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 2008 Location: Northern Arizona Posts: 949	870 Fixed Mag Tube? I'm not trying to stir it up between the 870 & 500 crowds, but I have a question that might play into drdriller's decision. Is it true that the magazine tube on an 870 is fixed to the receiver, rather than threaded in? If so, doesn't this limit the versatility of the gun when it comes to using differnet barrel lengths?

February 23, 2008, 11:44 AM	#25
hogdogs Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 31, 2007 Location: Western Florida panhandle Posts: 11,069	My reasons for being a PASSIONATE mossberg man are multifold. One is they have not given in to the overseas manufacture of ANY shotguns. The only imports are their rimfire offerings. In the shotgun lineup are American made guns at very reasonable prices. They are plenty durable (if they can withstand my ownership they are built tough) for most you can throw at them. The plastic trigger guard is my only beef in strength and that has not failed me. Top of receiver safety is a VERY tactical position as is slide release at left rear of trigger guard. From what I understand the 870 express is the corner cutting copy of a wingmaster. heck the Express is more than a 500 and the corner cutting copy of a 500 is the Maverick 88. I do not consider the Remington HD weapon as it just is not set up like the Mossberg 500/590. The only home invader that will hear the "POOP THEIR PANTS" sound of my slide being racked is one already shot or his buddy... 1 in the pipe and 5 in the tube... gun on safety, thumb on safety gun up and ready... NO other shotgun I have seen offers the safety, durability, use-ability of a Mossberg... Any is better than none... Brent