Actually Winchester Model 25 riot gun is far superior weapon. It's hard to believe but the farmer grade "Model 12" is numero uno defensive shotgun.1897 Winchester guard gun. Nothing else comes close.
Plastic? No thanks.
Willie
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For me it's my Mossberg 500 (looks a lot like the one in the photo below). I belong to a trap league so it gets a lot of use. Been shooting Mossberg 500s for close to 25 years so I'm just very comfortable with the control layouts.Can't say I have a favorite, but my favorite action is the Pump-Action.
I have an 870 Wingmaster, Mossberg 500, and Benelli Nova. All the same action, but I love how each one is designed differently and each gun serves a role whether it's for waterfowl, deer, defense, or upland.
I also owned a Model 12 and Ithaca 37, and those were sweet classics as well.
If I had to choose, it'd be my Mossberg 500 in 12 ga just because it is the gun that I took my first deer with. It's simple, reliable, loose, affordable, and chalk full of features for the newbie.
I'm with you Willey. I strongly prefer wood furniture over plastic on my shotguns.1897 Winchester guard gun. Nothing else comes close.
Plastic? No thanks.
Willie
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Being big admirer of Dickson round action my pick is Ruger Gold Label.