[sola7]

Hello all, I'm looking at adding a shotgun to my collection. I'm a little ignorant about shotguns. Im looking for a good home defense and general use gun. Im looking at the Remington 870 and the Winchester SPX defender. Anyone have any thoughts or opinions. Much appreciated.

[Wambli]

Originally Posted by sola7

Hello all, I'm looking at adding a shotgun to my collection. I'm a little ignorant about shotguns. Im looking for a good home defense and general use gun. Im looking at the Remington 870 and the Winchester SPX defender. Anyone have any thoughts or opinions. Much appreciated.

The beauty of the Remington is that like AR's there are an unlimited amount of accessories out there that allow you to make your shotgun into anything you want/need. I have no experience with the Winchester SPX

[Dillinger]

The Remy 870 is a very solid, well built, easy to use, easy to take down and easy to modify weapon. Parts can be had practically everywhere and everyone in the gunsmithing realm is familiar with them should you need help.

The Winchester SXP is A newer line of lighter weight shotguns that offers both a pump and a semi if memory serves. They are not "brand new" but they are not as combat and time tested as the 870.

Personally I don't like a light weight shotgun, especially in a 12 gauge, but I don't bird hunt either. My shotgun has a purpose and that is short term area clearing should a need arise, so a little extra weight doesn't bother me.

For my money, I would recommend the 870.

Good luck and keep us informed.

JD

[robocop10mm]

By all appearances, the SXP seems to be an updated 1300. This is an excellent shotgun. Far faster to cycle than an 870 and IMHO a superior design. As far as "combat proven", these are essentially the updated version of the Winchester 1200's issued to the US armed forces in the 60's. They did see action in Vietnam.

I would have no hesitation in purchasing one.

The 870 has sufferred from QC issues of late. The Mossberg 590 is supplanting the 870 as the shoulder arm of choice for US LE agencies.

[sola7]

That fact that the Winchester is made in Turkey shouldn't bother me? Id love to buy American but it seems increasingly difficult unless you have lots of $$ which I do not. Not yet anyway until the wife gets out of pharmacy school..

[Dillinger]

You can get either the 870 or the previous model, the 1300 that Robo is talking about, used in just about any gunshop around the country for much less than you would expect.

Out of respect for my large friend, I will just say that the 870 is one hell of a user friendly shotgun and it's very easy for a novice/beginner to learn and master.

Semi autos are wonderful as well, I just don't know much about the new one that Winchester is putting out even if the design is similar.

JD

[armsmaster270]

The 870 is the LE stand by in most places.

[deathkricket]

For home defense you cant go wrong with either one, but as many have stated the Rem does have more addons if you wish to do so in the future, all depends on your budget.

[Missileman]

Buy American.

[CHLChris]

I bought a Mossberg 590A1 parkerized 8+1. Then put a red dot on top and a side saddle wrapped around the stock. It's good to go.