hey guys im getting an itch to get me a 12 ga for hd. right now i use my benelli nova but the barrel is too long, i would like some opinions on a 18.5 thats not very expensive. ive looked at maverick 88 and H&R pump protector, they both have good reviews and very good price. what else is out there to pick from. thanks in advance guys

Commonly asked question, even here on the S&W forum, but especially on the more generally oriented firearms forums. Suggest some searches for seemingly endless reading.

Traditional go-tos are the Remington 870 and the Mossberg 500, and for good reason -- they're basic, excellent, time-tested pump shotguns that can be found in a variety of configurations at low prices, new or used.

I'm partial to older 870 Wingmasters; you can find many set-up for HD (18.5 barrels, police stock and forend, flex-tab conversion) for $300 to $400.

That said, I'd have no problem with a well-preserved used Mossy 500 for the same purpose.

My preference is Remington 870. Mossberg 500 is also a good choice.

A nice Remington 870 Express of Mossberg 500 can usually be bought for $275 or less by watching classified ads.

At show my table price is $275 for a Remington.

Hard to go wrong. Look for a used Winchester, Ithaca, Mossberg or Remington.

Why not just buy a shorter barrel for the Bennelli?

I have had Remingtons, Winchesters, and Mossys that had interchangeable barrels?

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On the Oak Savannah

thanks guys gonna go out today and shop around, the nova barrels are 200 bucks, i rather just add a little more and just buy a whole gun

Here are a couple recent threads in which the Mossberg and Remington are discussed:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/firearm...00-series.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/firearm...-12-gauge.html

Stoeger double defense Side-By-Side 12 gauge shotgun.

Suggest you take a long look at a 20 gauge instead of a 12. Explore ballistics in buck shot, and you will find not much difference for HD purposes. Added advantage is less recoil for others in the house.

Quite true, all things being equal -- but most 20 gauge shotguns are lighter than their 12 gauge counterparts, and with diminished ammunition options in 20 gauge (and virtually no defense specific, low-recoil loads), one can easily end up with a 20 gauge that has lesser ammo and more recoil.

You have a 12 gauge now stick with the same. I prefer 20 for most things, but ammo logistics and simplicity trump preferences. I bought a Mossberg 500 new 30+ years ago and another used 10+/- years ago, and an 870 and 2 Winchester 97's. There is nothing like a pump gun for HD. I moved into a condo so the 870 has a Sure-fire light and the tube is full of 7 1/2 bird shot (don't want to hurt the neighbors!) and 5 more on the stock in a elastic shell holder. I own auto loading shotguns too but I'm sticking with a pump gun! Although there is a M-1 carbine and 2 loaded mags in the vault. Ivan

I have a Winchester Defender that is a 12ga. with an 18 1/2" barrel. I have used it with a pistol grip and with the wooden stock without failure. Works great with all types of shells. When found they are usually at a decent price.

Here ya go ^^^^^^

If the Double Defense isn't to your liking, check out a Stoeger Coach Gun. ~$400-$500 for two barrels of 12-gauge nastiness.

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I'm with the banned ...

I have a Hawk 982. It's a Chinese knockoff of an 870. In some ways it appears better made than an actual 870 Express. Not fun to shoot as it kicks like an "angry jackass on steroids," to quote one reviewer, but it's been 100% reliable for me. I've actually had an 870 Wingmaster seize up on me when I tried to pump it - had to bang it hard on the ground in order to rack it. That was a bit nerve wracking even though I knew the round in the chamber had been fired. That hasn't happened with the Hawk. I have not accessorized mine, but I'm told that if it fits the 870 it should fit the Hawk. The Hawk should be around $200 or less most places, too. The ghost ring sight makes for easy and quick target acquisition, too.

Oh, yeah, 5 (+1 if you are brave enough to keep one in the chamber - I'm not).

870 Express Tactical with Hogue pistol grip and fore end and tooth breaker choke.

Before buying an 870 make sure it doesn't have the mag crimps.