I need a little advise from the members here.
I'm wanting to buy a 12 gauge pump gun for
home defense and "Stuff hits the Fan" situations.
I don't want all the tacticool stuff, just a basic
pump gun with good sights, extended tube for
more capacity, and sling swivels so i can throw
it over my shoulder and move.
I Don't care if it's wood or plastic stocked.
Only pump shotgun i have ever owned was an
870 (not a riot version), and it served me well
in the woods hunting.
I don't have a large budget.
Trying to stay under 500 on this one.
What is out there that's reliable, available,
smooth, and inexpensive?
What would you look for at a large gunshow
or your favorite gun shop?

Chuck

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They hold no Quarter

Find another 870, preferably an older, used Wingmaster, and do something like this to it. You should be able to stay under $500.

I like other makes and models also, the 870 just happens to be my favorite.

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i got a mossberg 590 8 shot 2/3 quatar with vented rib like one above one bead sight one front works great and under 500 i onece saw a used one at a flee market for 125.00 should have bought it but i already had 2 and that was long ago good luck with ur search u will find one at the right price

There is only "one", the 870.

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LEX ET ORDO

I have a Mossberg 500 and a Remington 870 that are both set up for home defense. They have both been reliable. You could flip a coin and win either way. I'd be interested in hearing if anyone has had experience with Mossbergs lower cost Maverick.

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I like Ike.

I've got an Ithaca Model 37 Deer Slayer Police Special. That's what I'd choose.

Here's a vote for the Ithaca mod 37 Featherweight.
They are a little harder to find and sometimes a bit more money, but still within your budget and has a great reputation as a durable fighting gun.
Also has bottom eject for ambidextrous use.

Still typing when you beat me, Mort.

It really comes down to the classic: Remington 870 vs Mossberg 500. Excellent examples to be had of either.

Personally, I lean toward 870s. I'd either hunt for a well-preserved old Wingmaster Police model, or take a look at AI&P Tactical and see which of his 870 builds fits your needs and budget.

Another vote for the 870. I've used them as a cop for 11 years and I've never seen one break down. And they'e so simple, that even I, the guy who is one step above Amish on the technology ladder, can take it apart and fix it.

As an added bonus, I've also seen one bust the front teeth out of a sergeant I despised when he tried to shoot it without the folding stock opened

It's hard to beat a Remington 870 or the Ithaca 37 Featherweight. They are both time tested and used my many LE Agency's. I suppose the Mossberg 500 would work as well but never liked them quite as much.

I like the 870 also. I have the Marine Magnum with extended magazine as it was durable on my sailboat but the blued models are fine. I've had other pump shotguns as well but like the 870 real well.
I would suggest some practice with it and the loads you'll use in it. Shotguns do take some getting used to and proper tolerance to recoil is something acquired. I've been a bird hunter most my life so a pump shotgun is second nature to me but for those not familiar with them practice is needed.

Used police Remington 870 or Mossberg 500/590. They are usually around $200. I picked up a Remington 870 police magnum for $197.

Sounds to me like the Mossberg 590 is exactly what you're looking for. I'm very happy with mine.

I have a plain jane Rem 870 police magnum with the 18" barrel. Picked mine up from our local sheriffs dept. when they were trading theres in.

I had a 20" mossberg 8 shot but the one time I needed to get it out in the night, I found it was a little to long for what I wanted.

Nothing wrong with either one but I would lean towards the Rem 870 with the 18" barrel.

$175 pump shotguns are all over.
Shorten one and spend cash on ammo.
Find one which fits you.

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Have a blessed day ,
Bull

When I was a Deputy Sheriff we had 870s,great shotguns and very simple to keep in working order.

I've had 5 or 6 Rem 870s over the last 40 years and all served me just fine. I bought a Mossberg Maverick a few years ago brand new for $157 just to try something different and I really like it. I have shot the heck out of it and I like the safety in front of the trigger guard like a 10/22, and it seems faster and more natural than behind the trigger guard. I like how the ejection port is open, it seems to make loading faster and easier when I'm firing a lot of rounds at birds. I like how the mag holds 5 rounds instead of four, but other than that they are both about equal and you can't go wrong picking either one.

Mossy is good but I'm an 870 kinda guy.
Either one should serve you well.

What no fans of the old Winchester Model 12? The slamfire feature is a hoot, just pull the trigger and start pumping as long as your shoulder will hold out.

This one was made in 1946.

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LIVE FROM THE DAWGHOUSE

I have a Winchester Defender that works very well for me. Works every time.

S&W Model 3000. Affordable, dependable and parts are still available. The money you saved you can spend on ammo and gear.

But a 870 is nice to have too.

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Jorge

I have Mossy 500 series and 870s. This is my "awake and alert" home defense system. It's a Mossy 590SP Flex 20 rounds onboard grab-n-shoot.

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I'm Proud To Be An American!

Here's my 870P Wingmaster gun shop rescue. Refinished metals and woods and lots of elbow grease.



A partial before photo:

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Isaiah 41:10

I am another fan of the 870, easier to find/scavange parts, and proven.

I opted for a Mossey 500 Persuader, 12 ga, 20" bbl...

I own more remington 870s and 1100s than any other shotgun in almost every gauge, but if I had to grab a shotgun in the middle of the night to protect my family it would be my mossberg 500.

I would suggest one of the Chinese made copies of the 870. They should be around $200 new in box. You do not really need the extended magazine tube. These seem more likely to deform plastic shells left loaded in the magazine, causing potential malfunctions. The stock Chinese guns will hold five plus one.

They are, sadly, perhaps better than current production Express 870s.

I have one.

Riot guns mostly end up sitting in a closet gathering dust. Unless you plan to use it extensively for matches or the like, most any pump shotgun will do.

The downside to the mdl 12 is cost, parts availability, virtually no aftermarket parts, no removable chokes,2 3/4" chambers. Lay them side by side by side, the quality of materials/fit,finish/craftsmanship is unmistakable. That said a WINGMASTER 870 is a great choice with lot's of aftermarket options. Having owned numerous M.B. mdl 500's and mavericks which can work fine, the ejector bars ( & all "metal alloy" parts) are cheap & easily bent or gauged/scratched, the plastic safety & trigger guard are not exactly robust. I'd opt for a mil spec 590 version if possible, if going the M.B. route. In the ever increasing fantasy shtf world, taking a hacksaw to a classic mdl 12, wouldn't be a biggie. PS the M.B. pistol grip is a very hard (uncomfortable) plastic, and I can't think of a better way to bend/twist the ejector bars than using that forend pistol grip thingie (aside from making a s/d gun harder to conceal), the Hogue grips/forends are much more comfortable and easier to keep/maintain a hold on.

I know nothing about the following SG, other than it has good reviews and is inexpensive..
It is a Stevens model 320..
Academy - Savage Stevens 320 12 Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun

Here's several of mine:

Model 1897 pump. Slam fire is nice but this one is from 1902 and is a real (Adams Express Company) "Stagecoach Gun". The 97's are a little fragile and I (rarely) use this for CAS.


Here's my Model 12. Has the slam-fire mechanism and is pretty durable. No mag extension. Cost $250 used. A little hacksaw work, a $5 bead sight and some cosmetics. My favorite.

My "bear gun"==Put this one together for trips to Alaska. Mossberg 590 with fiber-optics. Sold it. About $600 in it.


PS: I've had numerous "jams" with 870's, although that's been in the bird fields. My wife is/was famous for "short-shucking" while dove hunting. They do have numerous aftermarket "things" available.

I wouldn't worry about parts or durability with a Model 12. Over 100 years and, literally, millions made.

I have had several Mossbergs and they HOLD UP. Both the 500, and the 590. My waterfowl and turkey gun is a 3 1/2 " Mossberg. The cosmetics wear fast.

I like the Ithaca 37 Defender

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When I was looking to buy a home defense shotgun I went to the lgs who was also a gunsmith and asked him which shotgun had the most problems. At that time the mossbergs had a plastic tang safety that were breaking all the time. So after going through each models pluses and minuses I ended up buying an 870 police gun.

All the cops in our area went away from the shotgun and went to AR 15s. The shotgun was no longer used. Got a barely used one for $225 strictly for a house gun. However after looking at what the police use I think an AR 15 must be the better defense gun. Them cops are damn smart when it comes to self protection.

Both the Remington 870 & Mossberg 500 series have gone way past the 10 million built mark which says a lot about their durability.

Most of the "big box" stores in my neck of the woods have both models available in the $325 - $375 range.

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NULLI SECUNDUS

Cheap.. find an old mossberg, tape measure and a hacksaw. Best..toss up, 870 or a 20 ga. Ithaca 37. I like the Ithaca, good for lefty or righty

870 or Ithaca 37

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Cheers, Charles
SWCA #2442

A notable endorsement; how'd you arrive at it?

Mossberg 500 Persuader is what I have. I prefer the Mossberg over the Remington due to where the safety is on the Mossberg.

James

I have a Mossberg 590 and like it.
If you are familiar with the 870, I'd get another one of those.

20 gauge? Seriously?

Good thing about the Ithaca is it's easy to find slug barrels if you want one, and barrel-changes are fast, no tools. Plus it's very smooth. The slam-fire feature is debatable, but it'll sure spray some shot.

I would not have a sling on a home-defense gun. Slings have a nasty habit if catching on things in close quarters, as well as swinging around making a racket.

I also wouldn't have sights on a close quarters gun. They're just a distraction. You'll be looking at the target. If the target so far away you need sights, it's too far for a shot load. If you want to shoot slugs, get a slug barrel when you can afford it.

I think pretty much anything mentioned here would work. The point someone made about parts availability is valid. You might want to avoid discontinued models.

Remember for a home-defense gun: buck shot or ever larger bird shot will still penetrate dry wall.

You think not? .410 bore out of an 18" barrel sending 00 buck'll hit as hard as .357; 20 gauge all the better...

Oh, I forgot, my Ithaca 37 riot gun has the slamfire feature as well.

I like the Ithaca 37 for home Defense. I have one in the bedroom all loaded up. If you live in a new house with dry wall, a 20 ga is something that you might consider. I have my gun loaded with #4 bird shot rather than 00 buck because the dry wall will not stop the larger pellets. When the Grand kids come over I do unload the gun. Don't want any problems. We do discuss firearms safety.

See my comments above.

870s and Moss 500s, etc are no doubt great guns, but why spend the money.

I have two H&R 12ga Pumps (Partners) that I bought for less than $200 each, new in the box! They are not fancy and there are very few, if any, add on parts, accessories, but do you really need any? They are solid guns, built like a tank and they go bang every time!

Two 12ga pumps that really work, over and over and over, for less than the price of one 870.

Read the OP about "stuff hitting the fan" and wanting a sling. That means the gun won't be limited to the confines of his dwelling. Besides that, buckshot is not a good choice for a home defense load.

A 12 is infinitely more versatile.

When's the last time you saw a .410 in the rack of a police cruiser?

Ok, let me clarify about the sights: I don't regard a bead as a "sight". I meant sights ala slug gun. Seems like I see a lot if them on M&P guns these days

Yes, a QD sling is fine for going to and fro. But leave it off during home defense duty.

I know Capstick favored the 12 gauge for thin-skinned, dangerous game. I read one of his accounts of dispatching a leopard at close range with an M12. I also know African PH Robin Hurt had a pretty low opinion of it for anything over 10 yards. He blamed his mauling by a leopard on not having a shotgun instead of his rifle in hand when it charged.

Before grabbing a hacksaw, make sure of the way to determine the finished product bbl length..Short tutorial..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v5c_p1Uju0

Years of use from both. It's hard to go wrong with a 500 or a 870 but it really comes down to personal preference, and for a "riot" shotgun, the mossberg fills the role for me and the remingtons get taken hunting.

I've noticed the H&R pardners for sale at walmart for under $200 and always wondered about them. I know the old single shot toppers made by H&R were some tough guns.

When was the last time you saw a revolver on the hip of a police officer? They're still pretty useful, though, and we continue to like 'em around here.

For that matter, you're harder pressed to find 12 gauges in a police cruiser these days, too -- look for an M4 in the trunk.

My point was not to suggest .410, only that its lethality gets underestimated, and 20 gauge has all the more punch still, e.g., 20 gauge is a viable option for anything a 12 gauge might do.