[Devglei]

Hi all,

Me and my family have been discussing purchasing a shotgun. We don't hunt, so we're looking for a general shotgun that we can fire as a hobby and keep as a home defense weapon.

I know more about handguns and rifles than I do shotguns, so I'd like to hear your opinions.

I was looking at the Mossberg 500 and Remington 870, both look interesting. Ideally, price range should be $150-$300. Preferably, I'd like some room for modifications, such as adding a flashlight (and pistol grip, if that's recommendable). I'm not really certain at the difference between 12 and 20 gauge, though I understand 12 is more common, but 20 is tamer to fire.

[tomingreeneco]

Stoeger 12 gauge Coach Gun. Stoeger Coach Gun, 12-Gauge, 20-Gauge, .410, with 3” Chamber I love mine and they are fun to shoot!

[axxe55]

Originally Posted by Devglei

Hi all,

Me and my family have been discussing purchasing a shotgun. We don't hunt, so we're looking for a general shotgun that we can fire as a hobby and keep as a home defense weapon.

I know more about handguns and rifles than I do shotguns, so I'd like to hear your opinions.

I was looking at the Mossberg 500 and Remington 870, both look interesting. Ideally, price range should be $150-$300. Preferably, I'd like some room for modifications, such as adding a flashlight (and pistol grip, if that's recommendable). I'm not really certain at the difference between 12 and 20 gauge, though I understand 12 is more common, but 20 is tamer to fire.

for what you are wanting to use a shotgun for, either one of those would work, as both are proven performers, both also have lots of aftermarket support in parts and accessories. the 12 is more common and the 20 is tamer because it is a little smaller than the 12.

[303tom]

My 1897 Trench Gun...........

[Jon12312]

Honestly I would go with the remington 870. Its a little bit more $ but it will never let you down. I have a synthetic 870 12 guage for home defense with an 18.5 inch barrel and if something goes bump in the night theres nothing else I would rather grab to protect my family. For a pistol grip v.s. Stock opinion I have a knoxx stock on mine and it was the best investment I have ever made. I wouldnt go with a pistol grip for a few reasons... 1. If SHTF at 3 in the morning you will most likely be a little groggy and you adrenalin will be pumping, and belive it or not you cant just point and shoot with a shotgun you have to aim to some degree. 2. A shotgun kicks pretty good and it is even worse with a pistol grip. Dont get me wrong I love pistol grips and own some but for home defense it just doesnt seem to be the best option for me. Hope this helps, any more ? On the 870 just send me a message id be glad to help!

[CA357]

Either the Mossberg 500 or the Winchester 870 will fulfill your needs quite nicely.

As far as pistol grips, they look cool, but they can be painful. A regular stock coupled with an 18.5" barrel is pretty short and a whole lot easier to shoot.

[Devglei]

Ah, sorry for the confusion. I didn't mean "pistol grip" per se. Perhaps rifle grip is the term I'm looking for?

These two M500s caught my eye:
2-MS50420 - Mossberg 500 Special Purpose Tactical Pump-Action Shotgun 12 Gauge 20" Barrel 6 Rounds Adjustable Stock Matte Blued Finish
47809 - Mossberg 500 Special Purpose Persuader Pump Action Shotgun 12 Gauge 20" Barrel 8 Rounds Synthetic Stock Blued Finish

The first of which having the 'rifle grip' I'm referring to. Is there any advantage to one over the other? The second one has extra capacity, but going from 6 to 8 isn't a particularly large jump. The first one also has an adjustable stock, which seems like a handy feature.

Is there anything here that warrants spending the extra $90?

[axxe55]

Originally Posted by Devglei

Ah, sorry for the confusion. I didn't mean "pistol grip" per se. Perhaps rifle grip is the term I'm looking for?

These two M500s caught my eye:
2-MS50420 - Mossberg 500 Special Purpose Tactical Pump-Action Shotgun 12 Gauge 20" Barrel 6 Rounds Adjustable Stock Matte Blued Finish
47809 - Mossberg 500 Special Purpose Persuader Pump Action Shotgun 12 Gauge 20" Barrel 8 Rounds Synthetic Stock Blued Finish

The first of which having the 'rifle grip' I'm referring to. Is there any advantage to one over the other? The second one has extra capacity, but going from 6 to 8 isn't a particularly large jump. The first one also has an adjustable stock, which seems like a handy feature.

Is there anything here that warrants spending the extra $90?

price is not bad on either one, but i like the regular stocked one and personally wouldn't spend the extra $90 for the other stock as if you really wanted that type, you could probably get it aftermarket much cheaper. plus i do like the extra 2 shell capacity of it too.

[lonewolf101]

12ga. pump with buck or #6 shot.

[Seven]

Originally Posted by Devglei

price range should be $150-$300.

Maverick 88 Security