New Shotgun?

[Georgian]

Hey yall. I am currently a new recruit (or FNG) @ a local pd, and will begin the academy in April. I have worked in a law enforcement environment for almost 3 years and possess an Associates in CJ. So I am no stranger to the LE world. I also have a good experience with firearms, being started on them at an early age. I currently own a Mossberg 500A with the 18.5'' barrel for home defense. I have experience with this design for 3-4 years now, and prefer the mechanics of a Mossberg to the M870 (although this was the first pump design I was exposed to, with about 7 years of experience). I am debating purchasing another Mossberg 500 or 590 8 or 9 shot as a backup shotgun. I am wondering if this philosophy is sound or if it would just be a waste of my hard earned money. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[mo84]

I would go with the 590 from the discription on the internet seems to be a nice gun. you can never have to many shotguns but I may be biased as most of my shot guns are mossberg and I have a bunch of them. the location of the safty along with its price is a great thing.

[jmortimer]

For the same $$$ you could get a plain Jane Mosseberg 930 semi-auto with an 18.5" barrel. Just a thought. I had a 590 A1 with Ghost Ring Sights and it was o.k. but the 930 will shoot much faster, have less recoil, and is bet your life on it dependable.

[big al hunter]

I am also a fan of mossberg I have an 835. I would stick with the pump. Fewer action problems than an auto and the sound of the pump closing is known world wide and sends chills down the back of any intruder. While there is no such thing as too many guns (unless your my wife) I would say spend it on a firearm you don't already have. ie rifle or handgun

[TheKlawMan]

Does it make a difference what the PD uses even if this is your personal firearm?

[Slugo]

Remington 870 or an Ithaca Model 37, end of story. I feel the same about Mossbergs as Dracula feels about sunlight, the cross, or silver bullets... :barf:

[abercasten]

I have owned a 930 SPX for about a year now. It cycles reliably no matter what brand or weight of shell I put through it. It's got about 500 shells through it with nary a problem. It can dump its entire magazine (7+1) as fast as you can pull the trigger. IMO it's as good as it gets for around $600. I would bet my life on it.

[lamarw]

If you choose to go with an 8 round capacity gun, I think you we will want a minimum 20 inch barrel since your magaizine tube wil extend past a shorter barrel.

There currently is a seller on GunBroker parting with former LE Mossberg 500ATPs. I got a great price deal on one, and the gun is in good condition. You may want to take a look there if you would like to save some money. I am not affiliated with the seller.

[jmortimer]

"I would stick with the pump. Fewer action problems than an auto..."
No, I think there are less problems with a good semi-auto shotgun. Just like the old revolver vs. semi-auto pistol debate is over as a practical matter, so it is with shotguns. Benelli M2 or M4 or FN SLP or Mossberg 930 will all work and work well. Much faster shooting, less recoil, and bet your life reliable.
"I have owned a 930 SPX for about a year now. It cycles reliably no matter what brand or weight of shell I put through it"
These are the best semi-auto shotguns for the $$$ by a wide margin.