HD shotgun?

[jamestx10]

From what I am reading here and from other sites, I should be getting a Mossberg 500 or a Remington 870 for a HD shotgun (loaded with #4 buck shot). Do you agree? Pros and Cons for one over the other? Any other gun I should look at as well?

[ichy_trigger]

Originally Posted by jamestx10

From what I am reading here and from other sites, I should be getting a Mossberg 500 or a Remington 870 for a HD shotgun (loaded with #4 buck shot). Do you agree? Pros and Cons for one over the other? Any other gun I should look at as well?

You named the staples of the HD world.
I prefer the 870 over the Mossy because of several reasons.
1. 870 fits me better
2. I have hunted with one for YEARS
3. I dont care for a tang mounted safety, I can hit the rear trigger gaurd safety in an instant.
4. I honestly believe the 870 is built better.
5. the slide release is easier to manipulate
6. The trigger is tuner friendly and can be made very clean and crisp

The Mossy pros
1. the safety is ambidex.
2. its cheaper
3. I think its a tad lighter

Both guns have a slew of aftermarket parts available and the 870 may have a few more options in that dept. In working on my own HD build, I found it amazing, the variety of things that can be upgraded. I do prefer the idea of a pump gun over an auto for the reliability factor.
Of course this is all based on my own opinion

[Mercmar]

I don't depend on a shotgun for home s.d. However, if I did, I'd prefer a semi-auto of reputable manufacturer to a pump.

[AKM]

You really can't go wrong with either shotgun.

For hd ammo my first choice is #1 Buck, then #4 Buck. The #4 just doesn't have quite enough penetration IMO. At muzzle distance the pellets are together and there won't be any difference between #4 and #1. But penetration starts to matter as the pattern opens up. With the open bore of my hd 870 the pattern opens up quick and by the time it gets to the end of the hallway it will be 6", so each pellet needs to be able to penetrate deeply enough to incapacitate.
.

[ichy_trigger]

Originally Posted by Mercmar

I don't depend on a shotgun for home s.d. However, if I did, I'd prefer a semi-auto of reputable manufacturer to a pump.

I own a Remington 11-87 that I was going to set u for HD but decided that I would go with the pump because they are damn hard to jam up.

Think of it as the revolver of the shotgun world.

[AKM]

I may transition to my new Saiga-12 for hd once I've verified that it's 100% reliable. Then again maybe not. I'm totally comfortable with my 870 in that role.
.

[papa_z]

870 is the only way to go i had 2 moss and the broke down i have had many 870's and have never had a problem with any of them!!!

[hellagerms]

My 870 is perfect in every way...

[blefferd]

i have a benilli nova loaded with 00 buck and a slug. also a .38 and a 45 if need be

[Bycyclist]

In defense of my Mossberg 500 Defender...

I personally like the safety tang on top - although I did replace the stock plastic w the metal one. I also think the direct chamber loading area of the Moss is easier to deal with than the Remington.

I've found my pump to be very reliable and accurate with slugs, although I did install ghost-ring sights.

Finally, as far as reliability, I've bet the heck of it during practice and local 2gun matchs with zero hiccups or issues.

So I'd suggest personally checking them both out to see which "fits" you better.

I do agree that the Rem seems to have more after-market customization options, but I've done quite a bit to mine (Knoxxspec ops, ghost ring sights, tang, lights, side-saddle)