My love for my 870 spawned a new venture.

[Darebear]

I've been deciding if I should get a AR, I shot a couple and it didn't tickle my fancy, but I have been shooting the hell out of my 870 express and I've come to the conclusion that I love shotguns soooooo much that I want another one. Here's the basics...

I've noticed the substantial weight of my 870 express fully loaded, so I don't want something with a million bells and whistles but I do want something a little more "tactical" than my 870. Speedfeed, pistol grip and the option to add a sling would be nice options.

I want a great sight system. Not rifle sights nor front bead. Something like Ghost rings or fiber optic. If it's better to go with a picitanny rail and a red dot then please share that and reasons why it's better.

I don't care if it's pump or semi, but I would like to stay under 800 dollars. I don't have Benelli money unfortunately.

The purpose of this shotgun will be for fun range use and home defense but it will def be put through it's paces.

So what do u guys and girls think? (I asked on other forums too just trying to get all the opinions I can)

 

[Youngster]

A Benelli SuperNova Tactical pump maybe? They go in the $400 range.

 

[whalerman]

What is the market like for Ithaca's right now? Look into picking up one of those.

 

[.308 garand]

If your looking for something different for sights and don't mind getting an 870 check out my second post on my build thread. XS Sights teamed up with Remington for a DEA contract and produced what I believe to be one of the best sight setups on the market. It is basically a 18.5" barrel w/ IC choke topped with XS Sights Pistol sight.





I have only had a chance to take them out once but have been very impressed. When shooting slugs the sights are very fast and accurate. If your shooting a moving target or just need a quick shot you are able to just overlook the rear sight and focus on the target and bead without anything getting in your way. I can't recommend this setup enough.

 

[Girodin]

Used 870 or clone with synthetic $200 or less.

Tax stamp $200

Taking the barrel down to 12" or so and having it threaded for choke tubes $100 give or take $30.

Side saddle and Picatinny rail $150-200

The tough part would be a red dot on your $800 budget. The only ones I would even consider for a tactical shotgun start at $200+ with the ones I'd really get going for more like $400-500. So maybe a $200ish RDS or some Ghost ring sights. For me GRS vs a RDS vs a bead really depends on how the gun is going to be used.

That would be a nice "tactical" shotgun that would fit in your budget and be a little more cool than what most people have. The short barrel would save some weight over what you have and make it a bit more handy.

Alternatively I've really liked my Mossberg 930 SPX. I got mine well under your $800 budget. Mine has run 100% with everything from federal bulk to 3" slugs and buck shot. It has most of what you want (pistol grip, extended tube and GRS w/ fiber optic front). For $800 you have room to add anything else you might want.

Another option would be a used Benelli semi. I see them for under $800.

A remington 1100 is a viable choice and having a semi might be nice since you already have the pump.

You might be able to find a used FN SLP for close to that.

For $800 there are a lot of good "tactical" shotguns available.

If you are interested in box mag fed shotguns $800 would get you a basic converted S12. Personally I think you'd need to spend more to have it set up really well like I would want for a true fighting gun.

Another option that is very attractive that may well be the next shotgun I buy (and likely will become and SBS) is the new MKA 1919. Out of the box it has some real advantages over the S12 and the aftermarket for them is rapidly developing. They go for $700 or so. Just make sure you get one from the second batch of imports with the standard sized rail.

Like I say $800 gives you lots of options. It is more a matter of exactly how you plan to use it and your personal preferences.

 

[Youngster]

IMO, the Benellis and other quality autoloaders are worth saving up for if you 're going to get a lot of use of them. Unless you're in a big hurry a few months worth of extra saving up is nothing when you're talking about a piece of equipment that should last a lifetime.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Get another 870. Set it up the way you want. Same controls and no more reliable shotgun exists.

 

[btg3]

Just bought my 4th 870. Another late '50s vintage Wingmaster with the corncob forend. There just something about that "old school" look. They not safe queens, but seem barely used. I'm putting a field barrel and HD barrel with each 870 in preparation for passing them along to the young 'uns.

 

[MyGreenGuns]

I've thought about this myself. I've set up my 870 so far towards HD that it detracts from its hunting ability. Personally I'd stick with the same make/model if you like it so much. With all the different options for building one you could have two totally different, same guns.

I was at the range with my brothers one day and we overheard a guy teaching his wife how to shoot the shotgun. We stopped to listen and make sure he was teaching her correctly (he was). After she shot a few volleys she stopped, set the gun down and stepped back from the line. She noticed we had shotguns too and asked what kind they were, since they do not look the same. I eyed his gun and realized it was an 870 like mine.
I said, "Same gun, just set up differently."
Older bro, "Same gun, just set up differently."
Younger bro, "Same gun, just set up differently."

There are a LOT of options out there.

 

[scramasax]

If you want something different Get an 887. Its a "product improved" 870. Doesn't look so pretty but has good features.

Cheers,

ts