Shotgun for home defense

vito · August 19, 2007, 09:50 AM

I've owned rifles and many handguns, but I think I would like to get a shotgun to keep at the ready for home defense. Looking at the selection in the gun store, it appeared that I have at least two choices of moderately priced guns to choose from: The Remington 870 and the Mossberg 500. Any thoughts on which of these is the better choice for my needs or are there others I should be considering?

Valmet · August 19, 2007, 10:57 AM

Both are excellent guns. The safety on the Mossberg is a bit more ambidextrous but aside from that they are both on the same page (Mossberg is probably going to be a little bit cheaper new or used). I also belive that Benelli makes a tactical model of the Nova pump. If you are looking to spend a bit more money the Benelli M1 Super 90 is sweet. Just my .02

spoolup · August 19, 2007, 11:35 AM

Either or evena better answer... BOTH. I have mutlple 870s, 1 mossie (soon the 2nd), and a benelli. Best thing is to fire each and see which one you like. I like the 870s since owning 1 for 15 years, being issued one in the marines, and I think it feels better than the mossie in terms on sloppy-ness. But you can not go wrong with either.

K-Minus · August 20, 2007, 09:12 PM

If you plan on giving it a pistol grip then go with the 870.It allows you to
manipulate the safty without moving your hand from the pistol grip.
The 870's are a tad bit heavier than the 500's/590's but if you do a riot gun
configuration than the extra weight isn't really a bad thing since it allows you the fire multiple shots without the muzzle jumping as high.I'd go with the 870.

ARmasterzach · August 20, 2007, 09:23 PM

new england 10 guage

ocharry · August 20, 2007, 09:35 PM

hey spoolup,,,, nice shot guns

i have an 870 and 1100,,, be hard to pick just one

i like them Remingtons

my personal taste on a shot gun is just a regular stock,,,, like the mossburg in the pic,,, i just think they handle better,,, but hay,,,, different strokes

get the 870

ocharry

Desert01 · August 21, 2007, 05:31 AM

ronto · August 21, 2007, 08:56 AM

I like the Mossberg 500...More user friendly location of the saftey and slide release, shell elevator does not get in the way when loading, duel shell ejectors, and larger standard magazine capacity...The 870 is also a fine weapon, but I prefer the Mossberg for the above reasons...And it costs less.

Kreyzhorse · August 21, 2007, 09:05 AM

Mossy - mine came with a 28" rifled slug barrell and a shorter 24" (I think) shot barrell. I paid less than $300 at Wally for it and its been a fine gun.

Trinity-Nine · August 21, 2007, 09:08 AM

For HD, I went with an 870 Express Magnum. I keep 00's in it for HD role.
The Butler Creek folding stock is okay, but I had to add a Limbsaver to it.

VirgilCaine · August 21, 2007, 09:56 AM

Mossy Persuader is a nice choice, but they tend to rattle and make noise. No big deal, I guess....

YounGun24 · August 21, 2007, 11:28 AM

I'm also looking at getting the Mossberg 500 Cruiser model with the pistol grip for SD, But I don't know if I should get the 20g or the 12g. I'm thinking there are a bunch of people that use 12g, but I know that a 410 has the kncokdown of a 357mag, s0 I think the 20g might be suitable and cheaper.

Wrascal · August 22, 2007, 06:54 AM

My preference is for the Mossy, and while looking at picking up another one I came across the Maverick 88, a cloned Mossberg. It was at Walmart for $165.

I'll be leaving it hidden in the truck, always available to theft/confiscation/ or emergency use.

Birdville2011 · August 22, 2007, 11:25 AM

They're both great but my preference is the 870.

Stan_TheGunNut · August 26, 2007, 09:23 AM

Either the Remington 870 or the Mossberg 500 are fine guns for HD. Both can be purchased new in a HD configuration. Depending on how you may want to modify it, one or the other might be better suited to your needs. Typically, left handers prefer the Mossberg due to the placement of the safety. If you're going to put pistol grip on the shotgun, a Remington might be better.

I have both, and they have both proven rugged and reliable.

Balrog54 · August 26, 2007, 08:05 PM

I own one of each and I love 'em both, but if I was forced to choose I think I'd pick my Mossberg 20" 8 shot. Not that it's necessarily better than the Remington, Mossbergs just appeal to me.
(First post here on TFL by the way).

MyXD40 · August 26, 2007, 08:20 PM

870

iracodypatterson · August 26, 2007, 08:50 PM

As far as quality, I do not think there is a difference between the two. They are both excellent firearms. Best thing I would recommend would be to actually hold and work both of them, and go with whichever one feels better to you.

Personally, I prefer semi-autos so I would be looking at a Remington 11-87 but that is just me.

Dave McC · August 27, 2007, 09:20 PM

After admiring the fine shotguns pictured above, I noted that most of them need something more than the many addons shown.

THEY NEED WEAR MARKS!.....

Desert01 · August 27, 2007, 09:47 PM

How's this:

Of course that is with a new barrel and after I Alumahided the darn thing. It didn't stay on very well. Even a trace of the silver is showing over the exection port

and the loading gate I suppose when my Wingmaster gets back from refinish I will need to re-bless it, It's only 30 or so years old.

madmag · August 29, 2007, 12:06 PM

I have an 870 12 ga. and of course it is always a good choice, but the shotgun I keep loaded for HD is a Winchester 1300 (18.5") 20ga. I know they are out of production, but some are still around in inventory. Add ons are not as easy to find as 870, but if you get the setup you want you probably won't need to change much anyway. But why the 1300 for me? I like the smaller size, fast action, and it is just a good fit to my shoulder.

For me, I am not worried about the hitting power issue between 12ga. & 20ga. I have been convinced for a long time that the BG will never be able to tell you the difference if he gets hit with a 20ga.

biglabsrule · August 29, 2007, 02:56 PM

I love my 870 wingmaster, my fathers model 1300 'defender' winchester is a great gun also, very nice hd gun

http://www.jgsales.com/index.php/rif.../cPath/209_302

They have some mossy 500's in now, did have some very nice 870's from police cruisers before, but don't see them now...

What Just Happened? · August 29, 2007, 08:22 PM

You can also get a new Mossberg 500 from Big 5. They have a model in there right now for $250.

B. Adams · August 29, 2007, 11:18 PM

I have 3 Winchester 1300 Defenders for HD. I like them, but they're getting harder to find at a reasonable price. Accessories are hard to find, but that's not an issue for me since I have no desire to accessorize them.

If I were buying a new shotgun for HD, I'd probably go with an 870, preferrably a Wingmaster or Police model. That said, I do have two 870's, both express models, and they have always been 100% reliable.

MTMilitiaman · August 30, 2007, 12:08 AM

As a lefty, most tell me I should actually prefer the Mossberg because of its tang safety. But I learned on the 870 about ten years ago and after still not seeing one quit, it has just earned my respect.

I have large enough hands to manipulate the controls without a problem and have fired tens of thousands of rounds through various 870s. Those things just don't quit.

I have no doubt the Mossy is a good shotgun. The one's I have handled haven't been as smooth as my Wingmaster. But that could be any number of things as I've only ever handled Mossbergs in used gun racks at various pawn shops and gun stores.

August 19, 2007, 09:50 AM	#1
vito Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2004 Location: IL Posts: 853	Shotgun for home defense I've owned rifles and many handguns, but I think I would like to get a shotgun to keep at the ready for home defense. Looking at the selection in the gun store, it appeared that I have at least two choices of moderately priced guns to choose from: The Remington 870 and the Mossberg 500. Any thoughts on which of these is the better choice for my needs or are there others I should be considering?

August 20, 2007, 09:12 PM	#4
K-Minus Senior Member Join Date: August 7, 2007 Location: Tabor city NC. Posts: 207	If you plan on giving it a pistol grip then go with the 870.It allows you to manipulate the safty without moving your hand from the pistol grip. The 870's are a tad bit heavier than the 500's/590's but if you do a riot gun configuration than the extra weight isn't really a bad thing since it allows you the fire multiple shots without the muzzle jumping as high.I'd go with the 870. __________________ When people ask me what's the best home defense ammo,I tell them...the kind that never get's shot!

August 20, 2007, 09:23 PM	#5
ARmasterzach Member Join Date: July 6, 2007 Location: Perrin Texas Posts: 83	new england 10 guage __________________ I cant carry my pocket knife to school caus its considered to be a weapon, but a brand new sharpened pencil is perfectly ok. I dont need either though cause im the biggest guy at my school.

August 21, 2007, 05:31 AM	#7
Desert01 Senior Member Join Date: July 23, 2005 Location: Castorland, NY Posts: 545	__________________ Pro Patria "For Country" www.pro-patria.us (Material x Training)/Tactics = Mission Success

August 21, 2007, 09:05 AM	#9
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	Mossy - mine came with a 28" rifled slug barrell and a shorter 24" (I think) shot barrell. I paid less than $300 at Wally for it and its been a fine gun. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

August 19, 2007, 10:57 AM	#2
Valmet Junior Member Join Date: August 4, 2007 Location: Fauquier Co., VA Posts: 13	Both are excellent guns. The safety on the Mossberg is a bit more ambidextrous but aside from that they are both on the same page (Mossberg is probably going to be a little bit cheaper new or used). I also belive that Benelli makes a tactical model of the Nova pump. If you are looking to spend a bit more money the Benelli M1 Super 90 is sweet. Just my .02

August 19, 2007, 11:35 AM	#3
spoolup Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2007 Posts: 139	Either or evena better answer... BOTH. I have mutlple 870s, 1 mossie (soon the 2nd), and a benelli. Best thing is to fire each and see which one you like. I like the 870s since owning 1 for 15 years, being issued one in the marines, and I think it feels better than the mossie in terms on sloppy-ness. But you can not go wrong with either.

August 20, 2007, 09:35 PM	#6
ocharry Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2006 Posts: 687	hey spoolup,,,, nice shot guns i have an 870 and 1100,,, be hard to pick just one i like them Remingtons my personal taste on a shot gun is just a regular stock,,,, like the mossburg in the pic,,, i just think they handle better,,, but hay,,,, different strokes get the 870 ocharry

August 21, 2007, 08:56 AM	#8
ronto Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2007 Location: Smack Dab in the Middle of Nowhere. Posts: 505	I like the Mossberg 500...More user friendly location of the saftey and slide release, shell elevator does not get in the way when loading, duel shell ejectors, and larger standard magazine capacity...The 870 is also a fine weapon, but I prefer the Mossberg for the above reasons...And it costs less.

August 21, 2007, 09:08 AM	#10
Trinity-Nine Member Join Date: July 13, 2007 Posts: 63	For HD, I went with an 870 Express Magnum. I keep 00's in it for HD role. The Butler Creek folding stock is okay, but I had to add a Limbsaver to it.

August 21, 2007, 09:56 AM	#11
VirgilCaine Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 2004 Location: Northern Michigan Posts: 419	Mossy Persuader is a nice choice, but they tend to rattle and make noise. No big deal, I guess.... __________________ "Danger Itself Is The Best Remedy For Danger"

August 21, 2007, 11:28 AM	#12
YounGun24 Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2007 Location: Louisiana Posts: 131	I'm also looking at getting the Mossberg 500 Cruiser model with the pistol grip for SD, But I don't know if I should get the 20g or the 12g. I'm thinking there are a bunch of people that use 12g, but I know that a 410 has the kncokdown of a 357mag, s0 I think the 20g might be suitable and cheaper.

August 22, 2007, 06:54 AM	#13
Wrascal Senior Member Join Date: March 17, 2007 Location: Lower Alabama Posts: 197	My preference is for the Mossy, and while looking at picking up another one I came across the Maverick 88, a cloned Mossberg. It was at Walmart for $165. I'll be leaving it hidden in the truck, always available to theft/confiscation/ or emergency use.

August 22, 2007, 11:25 AM	#14
Birdville2011 Member Join Date: August 1, 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 69	They're both great but my preference is the 870. __________________ Marlin 336W .30-30 Remington 870 Express Synthetic 12ga Remington 597 .22lr Springfield 20ga (old)

August 26, 2007, 09:23 AM	#15
Stan_TheGunNut Member Join Date: November 25, 2004 Posts: 28	Either the Remington 870 or the Mossberg 500 are fine guns for HD. Both can be purchased new in a HD configuration. Depending on how you may want to modify it, one or the other might be better suited to your needs. Typically, left handers prefer the Mossberg due to the placement of the safety. If you're going to put pistol grip on the shotgun, a Remington might be better. I have both, and they have both proven rugged and reliable.

August 26, 2007, 08:05 PM	#16
Balrog54 Junior Member Join Date: August 25, 2007 Location: SE Georgia Posts: 11	I own one of each and I love 'em both, but if I was forced to choose I think I'd pick my Mossberg 20" 8 shot. Not that it's necessarily better than the Remington, Mossbergs just appeal to me. (First post here on TFL by the way).

August 26, 2007, 08:20 PM	#17
MyXD40 Senior Member Join Date: August 24, 2007 Posts: 541	870

August 26, 2007, 08:50 PM	#18
iracodypatterson Member Join Date: August 21, 2007 Location: Ogden, Utah, USA Posts: 34	As far as quality, I do not think there is a difference between the two. They are both excellent firearms. Best thing I would recommend would be to actually hold and work both of them, and go with whichever one feels better to you. Personally, I prefer semi-autos so I would be looking at a Remington 11-87 but that is just me. __________________ Ira “Calico” Cody Patterson "Good... Bad... I'm the guy with the gun." - Bruce Campbell in Army of Darkness

August 27, 2007, 09:20 PM	#19
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	After admiring the fine shotguns pictured above, I noted that most of them need something more than the many addons shown. THEY NEED WEAR MARKS!.....

August 27, 2007, 09:47 PM	#20
Desert01 Senior Member Join Date: July 23, 2005 Location: Castorland, NY Posts: 545	Wear marks? How's this: Of course that is with a new barrel and after I Alumahided the darn thing. It didn't stay on very well. Even a trace of the silver is showing over the exection port and the loading gate I suppose when my Wingmaster gets back from refinish I will need to re-bless it, It's only 30 or so years old. __________________ Pro Patria "For Country" www.pro-patria.us (Material x Training)/Tactics = Mission Success

August 29, 2007, 12:06 PM	#21
madmag Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2007 Location: The South Posts: 4,239	I have an 870 12 ga. and of course it is always a good choice, but the shotgun I keep loaded for HD is a Winchester 1300 (18.5") 20ga. I know they are out of production, but some are still around in inventory. Add ons are not as easy to find as 870, but if you get the setup you want you probably won't need to change much anyway. But why the 1300 for me? I like the smaller size, fast action, and it is just a good fit to my shoulder. For me, I am not worried about the hitting power issue between 12ga. & 20ga. I have been convinced for a long time that the BG will never be able to tell you the difference if he gets hit with a 20ga.

August 29, 2007, 02:56 PM	#22
biglabsrule Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2006 Location: Adirondack Park, upstate NY north of Utica Posts: 385	I love my 870 wingmaster, my fathers model 1300 'defender' winchester is a great gun also, very nice hd gun http://www.jgsales.com/index.php/rif.../cPath/209_302 They have some mossy 500's in now, did have some very nice 870's from police cruisers before, but don't see them now... __________________ got me a little lady, the gun buying has come to an end, sigh

August 29, 2007, 08:22 PM	#23
What Just Happened? Member Join Date: August 7, 2007 Posts: 62	You can also get a new Mossberg 500 from Big 5. They have a model in there right now for $250.

August 29, 2007, 11:18 PM	#24
B. Adams Member Join Date: January 1, 2007 Location: Vermillion, SD Posts: 55	I have 3 Winchester 1300 Defenders for HD. I like them, but they're getting harder to find at a reasonable price. Accessories are hard to find, but that's not an issue for me since I have no desire to accessorize them. If I were buying a new shotgun for HD, I'd probably go with an 870, preferrably a Wingmaster or Police model. That said, I do have two 870's, both express models, and they have always been 100% reliable.

August 30, 2007, 12:08 AM	#25
MTMilitiaman Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2004 Location: NW Montana Posts: 1,875	As a lefty, most tell me I should actually prefer the Mossberg because of its tang safety. But I learned on the 870 about ten years ago and after still not seeing one quit, it has just earned my respect. I have large enough hands to manipulate the controls without a problem and have fired tens of thousands of rounds through various 870s. Those things just don't quit. I have no doubt the Mossy is a good shotgun. The one's I have handled haven't been as smooth as my Wingmaster. But that could be any number of things as I've only ever handled Mossbergs in used gun racks at various pawn shops and gun stores. __________________ "...nothing says 'I WILL shoot every last one of you before you have time to reconsider your poor choices in life' like an AK." ~Dave R.