Which shotgun for home defense?
- Thread starter ATN082268
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Virginian
Member
Gosh that's a toughie. Never ever been asked before.
oneounceload
member
Which one fits all of the potential users the best?
Hammer059
Member
My 590A1 was slammed around and abused pretty good. I'd be willing to bet a plain jane Mossy 500 or Remington 870 wouldn't still be kicking. My buddy has it now and last I heard he used it as a hammer to knock out catfish before he cleaned them 
For Home defense?
First, determine what type of sights you prefer for the application. One bead? Vent rib? Ghost ring? If you ever want to upgrade/change the sights later on down the road, it can get very expensive. So it is important that you just buy a shotgun with your preferred sight picture.
Go out to various gun stores and SHOULDER the shotguns that you are considering. Work all the controls. Which safety do you prefer? Where do you prefer the slide release location? Which stock/forearm combination fits you best? It would be even better if you have buddies who will let you shoot their guns.
The above suggestion regarding buying a field grade also is also a great suggestion.
In the end, this is a personal question. But out of those 3, I personally prefer the 590A1. I feel that it is slightly better built than the 870 tactical. The 590A1, I feel, is more comparable to the 870P, but the 870P is pricey.
First, determine what type of sights you prefer for the application. One bead? Vent rib? Ghost ring? If you ever want to upgrade/change the sights later on down the road, it can get very expensive. So it is important that you just buy a shotgun with your preferred sight picture.
Go out to various gun stores and SHOULDER the shotguns that you are considering. Work all the controls. Which safety do you prefer? Where do you prefer the slide release location? Which stock/forearm combination fits you best? It would be even better if you have buddies who will let you shoot their guns.
The above suggestion regarding buying a field grade also is also a great suggestion.
In the end, this is a personal question. But out of those 3, I personally prefer the 590A1. I feel that it is slightly better built than the 870 tactical. The 590A1, I feel, is more comparable to the 870P, but the 870P is pricey.
SlowFuse
Member
Another vote for the 590, with the 870 close behind.
I Like Winchester and have a 1300 that I like a lot, but not a fan of this particular model Win pump. The older ones feel better to me.
I Like Winchester and have a 1300 that I like a lot, but not a fan of this particular model Win pump. The older ones feel better to me.
Sunray
Member
"...willing to bet a..." You'd lose.
Any of those would do. No slug. No buck shot.
Any of those would do. No slug. No buck shot.
LeonCarr
Member
1. 870
2. 590
3. Defender
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
2. 590
3. Defender
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
Deltaboy1984
Member
My Custom 870 Wingmaster class of 1982.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
It doesn't matter.
You will only get or need one shot, two at most in the time you will have to do it in.
And they will all do that!!
arc
You will only get or need one shot, two at most in the time you will have to do it in.
And they will all do that!!
arc
defense gun
It is all about preference semi-auto or pump. I have both and would use my Remington model 11 or Savage model 72 as fast as I used my Winchester model 1200 or 101 or any of my others if you want cheap go with the Maverick 880 it is the same as the Mosberg 590. If it came to it I would even use my Winchester model 1911
It is all about preference semi-auto or pump. I have both and would use my Remington model 11 or Savage model 72 as fast as I used my Winchester model 1200 or 101 or any of my others if you want cheap go with the Maverick 880 it is the same as the Mosberg 590. If it came to it I would even use my Winchester model 1911
bannockburn
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
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- 26,308
1) Mossberg Model 590A1
2) Remington Model 870 Tactical
3) Winchester SXP Ultimate Defender
2) Remington Model 870 Tactical
3) Winchester SXP Ultimate Defender
Combat Engineer
Member
Which shotgun for home defense?
Mossberg 590A1? OR
Remington 870 Tactical? OR
Winchester SXP Ultimate Defender?
None of the above.
Recently viewed a police documentary wherein a home owner, with shotgun in hand, coming down the stairs, encountered an intruder coming up the stairs with knife in hand. Home Owner pulled the trigger but nothing happened, as he tried to chamber a fresh round, intruder jumped him and a terrific fight ensued. Homeowner was murdered. Recall another incident, woman encountered an intruder in hallway and fired her shotgun, missed and was tackled by the intruder. Woman was murdered.
Since this is a shotgun forum, (and if I had to use a shotgun), my choice would be a sxs coach gun.
Mossberg 590A1? OR
Remington 870 Tactical? OR
Winchester SXP Ultimate Defender?
None of the above.
Recently viewed a police documentary wherein a home owner, with shotgun in hand, coming down the stairs, encountered an intruder coming up the stairs with knife in hand. Home Owner pulled the trigger but nothing happened, as he tried to chamber a fresh round, intruder jumped him and a terrific fight ensued. Homeowner was murdered. Recall another incident, woman encountered an intruder in hallway and fired her shotgun, missed and was tackled by the intruder. Woman was murdered.
Since this is a shotgun forum, (and if I had to use a shotgun), my choice would be a sxs coach gun.
PJSprog
Member
Of your options listed, I would choose the Mossberg. I have a 500 Security with 18.5" bbl, and that has always been its roll. I also have an 870, but it's a field gun.
Honestly, with the right barrel length and a little training in home defense, either would be fine.
Honestly, with the right barrel length and a little training in home defense, either would be fine.
ImperatorGray
Member
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2011
- Messages
- 177
Mossberg pumps always get my vote for having the shell lifter in the "up" position when the weapon's in battery. Less chance of ripping the back of your thumb off when topping the tube off under stress.
Corpral_Agarn
Member
I voted 870.
Mine has been great for the 15/16 years I have had it.
Mine has been great for the 15/16 years I have had it.
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I have always preferred Mossberg pump guns over Remingtons.
Always liked Ithaca pump guns too but they are getting hard to find in combat dress and at an affordable price.
My reasoning is the Mossberg and Ithaca guns are much easier to clear in the event of a jam than the Remingtons and to me, these guns don't exhibit the perceived recoil a Remington does
Always liked Ithaca pump guns too but they are getting hard to find in combat dress and at an affordable price.
My reasoning is the Mossberg and Ithaca guns are much easier to clear in the event of a jam than the Remingtons and to me, these guns don't exhibit the perceived recoil a Remington does
Inebriated
Member
It's preference. Mossberg guys think a loading gate will rip your thumb off. Remington guys think Mossberg receivers will collapse in a strong breeze.
Do some of your own research on the differences rather than start yet another thread on this dead horse, or better yet, just pick the first 590 or 870 you see in person, and take a course with it. That will get you much further than reading about why someone who probably never used an 870 for more than 30 minutes doesn't like it, or someone who maybe once saw a 590 jam 20 years ago thinks they're garbage.
Do some of your own research on the differences rather than start yet another thread on this dead horse, or better yet, just pick the first 590 or 870 you see in person, and take a course with it. That will get you much further than reading about why someone who probably never used an 870 for more than 30 minutes doesn't like it, or someone who maybe once saw a 590 jam 20 years ago thinks they're garbage.
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200Apples
Mojave Lever Crew
lwlz.
srsly tho... I like 870s.
Ash
Member
My first pump was an 870 Express. It was a great shotgun and took many ducks and geese. Then I tried a Mossberg 500 and found I preferred it over the 870. Dad couldn't stand aluminum receivers so thought the 500 was junk. I found it smooth and easy to operate while not rusting as quickly as the 870. The 590 is more rugged than the 500, so I voted for the 590. Preferences is what it is, though, and the shotgun that feels best on the shoulder is the one you should use.
MCgunner
Member
I just keep one of my hunting shotguns, a coach gun, handy. I handle it instinctively after 6 or 7 dove seasons and lots of walks in the woods.
My vote went to Mossberg as I've owned 'em for 35 years and hunt ducks with one. I own a 500 and a 535, both sporting guns in 12 gauge.
My vote went to Mossberg as I've owned 'em for 35 years and hunt ducks with one. I own a 500 and a 535, both sporting guns in 12 gauge.
Ironicaintit
Member
Winchester Model 12....
It was said that you should go handle different ones and see what YOU think, and thats the best idea so far.
It was said that you should go handle different ones and see what YOU think, and thats the best idea so far.
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