There is room in my gun safe that by law and custom must be filled. I do not have a shotgun. Seems like a perfect solution.

However, I am a lefty. As far as I am a aware that limits me to Mossbergs for the tang mounted safety. My purpose is home defense with the possibility of down the road participating in 3-gun competitions. So that steers me to 12 gauge. I love my lever action rifles so I think I'll love a pump too.

So 12 gauge Mossberg pump. A rookie like me would think that would be that and I would now have 2-3 models from which to choose. Uhmmm, nope, there seem to be 30-40 models in just the 900 series alone and its not just coloration differences.

What features should I be looking for? What questions am I not asking myself? I am willing to be patient for the model I want to get in stock.

Thanks!

Typically from what I have seen, semi auto shotguns are used for 3 gun. If you are truly wanting to start competing in 3 gun and you don't already have a shotgun, you should probably start looking at a semi auto. Not saying that you couldn't use a pump, just don't be surprised when most are shooting autos.

Also some shotguns with the crossbolt safety can be modified for left hand shooters, so don't let that be the only deciding factor.

My experience with Mossberg pump guns hasn’t been encouraging: bits and pieces tend to break and fall off. I’d much rather have a Winchester M12, Remington 870 or Ithaca 37.

The safety for a lefty is an issue: clearly a tang safety is most desirable but a little practice and the manual of arms with a cross bolt safety can be mastered. One of the fastest shotgun handling demonstrations I’ve ever seen was a left handed shooter with a Model 12.

The remaining issue for lefty’s is the ejection: in pump guns, the bottom ejecting Ithaca 37 is the one to look at.

Get you a Century Arms PW87 lever action shotgun or a Stevens mod 350 which is a clone of the Ithica 37 bottom eject.

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Dogs are better than people.

Might want to look at the one tweaked by Jerry M.

Mossberg 940™ JM Pro | O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.

I'm of the opinion that one can never have too many Remington 870s. Boringly reliable and configurable to anything you want from trap and skeet to tactical. Easily switchable barrels - can be done in seconds.

You can't go wrong on these. Left-hand models made as well. Economical, too!

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Problem with an 870 (and I own 4, have owned 6) is that the QC is now nonexistant. An 870 from say any time pre 2000 is superb, even the no frills Express Models were good guns. And anything earlier was just superb. All of mine are walnut Wingmasters dating from the early 70s through maybe 1990? Absolutely sublime.

Used 870s, Model 12s, and Ithaca 37s are the way to go if you want a pump (maybe a BPS, I have no personal experience but Brownings always seem to be good.) Just my .02

The safety issue is less fun but the Mossberg 500s/590s I've owned were sold pretty quickly, the 870s stick around. I find the 870s (go used and older) to be a much better made and smoother shotgun and the model I'd go with.

I don't know about newer 870s; mine are old. There are a lot of the older 870s out there at decent prices and perhaps left-handed ones as well; just may take a little more looking. An unmolested one will cost more but will be worth it. These remain desirable, basic, good quality shotguns that will retain value over time. A Mossberg may be okay, but you may wish you had done better to start with.

If I shot left handed, it would be:

Browning BPS
Ithaca M37
Left handed Remington 870

I think Mossberg's are great shotguns, but they don't warm my heart like these.

I haven't been to a gun show since Covid began but there were millions of quality used shotguns for sale at reasonable prices and I doubt that has changed in the last year. Go for the older quality and reliability and take your time to get something you are genuinely happy with.

It has. Take a look on gunbroker at used pump guns, the lower end of the market for quality used pump guns is gone.

Look for a used 870 or 1100 Remington from the period 1970-1990. Lots of them around and you can shift the safety around for your being a lefty or just get used to it which is what I have done. These are great guns.

Besides Left Hand Remington 870's 2 Shotguns Come to Mind for Left Hander's Ithaca 37 and Browning BPS Both feature Bottom Ejection & I think the BPS Has a Tang Safety

In speaking about your thoughts to 3 gun, a pump will certainly work but to be competitive, you will need a magazine fed one. The good ones are very spendy. I don't know if there are any good Turkish semis that are out at this time. The AK styles are spendy.
I would look to get at least ghost ring if not rifle sights, 3 gun matches I have attended have had a few slug targets at 50-100 yards.
If you get a Mossberg, make sure you stick with the conventional stock, a pistol grip stock doesn't work with the tang safety in my opinion.
Work on your reload, cause that is where the rubber meets the road with a shotgun. The matches I attended started with an empty shotgun, hence the mag fed shotguns were the most competitive.

A lot of folks are going to advise against Mossberg because they are fancy and there's really no bragging rights to owning one, but factually speaking, they're reliable shotguns which have seen use in the Military in recent years, and if they were as poor quality as some folks say they are then the company wouldn't exist anymore, yet it does, and is currently the oldest firearms manufacturer in the United States which is still privately owned by the none other than the Mossberg family.

So yeah, folks will tell you that Remingtons are better, and perhaps they were at one point, but certainly not in the past decade, so unless you plan on shopping around for a pre-Freedom Group 870, aren't willing to pay a premium for a more prestigious brand name, and just want a good, reliable Shotgun, then you can't go wrong with Mossberg.

I recommend checking out the Mossberg 590A1, which is the highest quality model that they offer, built to the specifications of the USMC, and uses all metal parts. The 590A1 is a tank, which I personally would choose over an 870 from ANY era due to its ambidextrous controls, durable heavy-walled barrel, aluminum safety switch/trigger group, and overall more modern design.

If I wanted something more fancy than a Mossberg, then it's Ithaca all the way because the Ithaca 37 is one of the most iconic pump action shotguns in American history which was widely used by Military and Police for many decades until it was replaced by more modern, less expensive designs. To this very day the Ithaca 37 is one of the most high quality American-made pump action shotgun available.

TL;DR: For a reliable workhorse shotgun, get a Mossberg 590A1. For a high quality shotgun that you can show off and receive the admiration of your peers, get an Ithaca Model 37.

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Shooting Comfort is bilateral.

I'd buy an older 870 or better yet a model 12, and also an 18" barrel. Modern Mossbergs and Remingtons suck.

If you get into 3 gun, you wouldn't be using your HD pump shotgun, and a good competition semi-auto would probably be the cheapest of the three guns you'd need, plus all the ammo. I'd say cross that bridge when you get to it.

If you can't find a JM 930, try looking for a 930 Rhythm. Never had a jam in all the years of shooting it. They only issue is the weight of all those shells.

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I'm a decent parts swapper, but am no gunsmith. Fine file work is an art, and I am no artist. With that background, is swapping the sides on a safety an easy fix? I think I'll be okay with the ejection on the wrong side since I deal with that on my AR Sport II.

Pump now, pump at the start of 3-gun while learning and then get ready to rebuy everything if I get hooked and start thinking that I'll be competitive is the summary I've pick up.

Remington 870, Remington 870, Remington 870.

THIS!

I’m a lefty too. My first shotgun (mid-1970s) was a 20 gauge 870 Wingmaster. I still have one. Nothing wrong with Mossberg (and others) though.

I love shotguns. Love them!!!

As much as I like 870s, unless it has the Flexitab system, I'd recommend not using one as a fighting shotgun. Without the flexitab, if it jams, you'll have to take the weapon apart to get it functioning again. With the Flexitab most jams can be cleared with a firm pump.

As for Mossbergs pumps, 590A1s all day everyday and twice on Sunday! Semiautos I'd recommend a 930 Home Security - it's bare bones but it'll get the job done and can be upgraded.

My Remington semi-auto fighting shotgun is a Remington 11 with an 870 mag tube +2 extension. It's a soft shooter.

Truth be told, my first choice is a converted Saiga 12 a 12ga AK, or its equivalent, the currently imported SD Lynx 12 3G - 3G as in 3 gun.

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Thread Killer.

Pushbutton Safeties are pretty easy to swap, if they are designed to do so. It’s common to have instructions for that printed in the owners manual.

I own a Mossberg 500 and have for many years. I hunt a lot with it and like it very much. It is a utilitarian tool to be sure, but it fits me and hasn’t given me any trouble. That being said...

The problem with mossbergs is that they do NOT lend themselves well to magazine tube extensions (since 3-gun seems to be a goal for you). You’d have to buy a model with an 8-shot extended magazine tube and a barrel to match. Otherwise you are pretty much limited to a 5-shot magazine tube without ability to add an extension on it. Or buy one of the box-magazine fed 500’s.

The 870 is a better choice for this. Honestly, if I were you I would start looking at semi-auto guns. Plenty of choices for modification there, and you’ll be headed that direction anyway before you know it. They are not as black-box magical as you think, and would head off a couple of problems associated with learning how to run a pump. For a first time operator, a semi is easier to learn how to run from scratch.

I would check out a Rem 1100. Handled one in 20 recently. 26 inch barrel and nice swing.

M-37 or double barrel with hammers.

Some good advice here about shotguns in general. However, most important for a left-handed shooter is a tang safety.

Started shooting double barrels (tang safeties). Shot some right-handed magazine fed 870s. Adapted to curling around the trigger guard. Gladly bought a left-handed 870 when they first came out. Adapted to left-handed safety. But, occasionally had to use a right-handed 870. From then on there was an inevitable hesitation: which way (without looking) was off-safe for the 870 I held in my hands? Same problem for any shotgun with a reversed safety.


Solved my problem by selling the left-handed 870. Bought only shotguns with tang safeties from then on, Mossbergs and my favorite a Browning BPS.


Fortunately, my first left-handed rifle was a Savage 110L (tang safety). Still have it and a few more that also have tang safeties.


All my ARs are right-handed. Same logic as with an 870. When I pick one up, mine or someone else's, I expect them to all work the same.


Dave

I’m pretty sure flexi-tab conversion kits are available for older 870s.

When I was 16 and getting ready for deer hunting, I worked all summer and got enough money for a shotgun. It was a used Mossberg 500. I can't tell you how many deer that fine gun has taken over the years.

When I decided to go turkey hunting I bought another 500, but with a Turkey barrel.

As both of my sons came of age, each got a 500 for deer and another for turkey.

To say I think they are good guns would be an understatement.

Now, in my old age, I'm also a gun collector. Old model 870s were fine guns, but you couldn't give me a one manufactured in the last 20 years.

Model 12s have also been fine shotguns and i would take one in a heartbeat.

Did I mention that I myself, plus my #2 son are lefties. The Mossbergs work fine for us.

I have no suggestions for competition use of a shotgun.

Since I was 16 years old, I have owned 12 gauge shotguns intended for defensive purposes (was not much of a hunter).

I am a LEFTY, and my size/build allows me to run a pump shotgun without any 'reach' issues or special ergonomic requirements.

I have come to prefer Remington 870s and 11-87s. I do love the Benelli and Beretta autos, but I always have my Remingtons ready for home defense duty. They are set-up SOLELY for that purpose, and they only get fired using slugs or buckshot.

I have owned Mossberg and Ithaca pumps, and they work very well. But for home defense, the Remingtons and their few aftermarket additions fit me, and my needs, almost perfectly... and their performance has never disappointed.

Both of my Remington 870 Police Magnums have had the big button left hand safety installed.

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I don't remember what brand I used, but a quick search pulled up this. Tactical Large Head Safety Button Remington 870 1100 740 760 11-48 LEFT HAND | eBay The conversion to left hand safety is incredibly easy, and will cost a lot less than a true left hand version 870.

Best of luck!

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Dave Brown
SWCA #3279

I have a Remington Home and Field shotgun purchased new in 2018. It works quite well, now, after making a trip back to Remington to correct the ejection issues. When I bought it the first thing I did was mount the 28 inch barrel and take it Trap shooting. That didn't work out too well. I had to Mortor the shotgun every 1 in 4 shots or so because the shell was jammed in the barrel. Since I had both barrels with me and tested the 18.5 inch barrel at the patterning board. Had to Mortor the shotgun after every shot. BTW, Mortoring a rifle or shotgun is slamming the buttstock into the ground as you hold force on the charging handle or pump to provide an extra bit of force for getting a stuck round free. It's also a good way to split a wood stock and my 870 did have a wood stock. Fortunately I didn't split the stock. Anyhow after getting it back from Remington it now works perfectly and it's actually a decent Trap gun if you don't need a 2 inch rib to shoot Trap.

Note, dedicated Trap Shotguns today are getting a bit wierd. I believe it's due to a desire to move the buttstock in line with the recoil forces. As a result buttstocks get a higher comb every passing year and a taller sighting rib to go along with the high comb. Sighting ribs that look like bridges 2 inches above the barrel are becoming common.

I have a Maverick 12ga pump from old Kmart. I bought extra barrels from numrich Egun parts. Riot barrel, 30” barrel, came with 28” barrel. Right now the 18” riot barrel is in it with staggered slug, 00 buck for home defense.

A winchester Model 12, 120, 1200, 1300 pump too.

I wish I purchased a russian Izmash Saiga 12, 12 ga.

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Plant garlic in the fall

I don't think this is that big of an issue on a HD gun. If you purchase a used 870, insure that the shell stops are in good working order and fully insert the shells into the tube well past the shell stop. That HD 870 is going to sit in a corner, not bumped around in a cruiser that could cause a shell to slip past the shell stop. The home owner also is not very likely to need to reload on the run where they may not get the shells fully inserted past the shell stops.

Another 870 fan here....

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I would definitely focus one one of two of these shotguns.
1. Remington 870 (Left handed shooter)
2. Ithica Mod. 37.

Remington 870's are solid work horses and used by law enforcement across the country.

I prefer the Ithica mod. 37, which ejects at the bottom (Also used in law enforcement for several decades). I have 2 Ithicas and I love them. One of the 2, I have over 30 thousand rounds through it. I abused the heck out of it and after 30+ years finally took it to a gunsmith for ejection issues.

Most people will never shoot their shotguns as much as I have, but I can tell you these are solid guns if you can find one. Good luck with whatever you choose. Shoot it and have fun!

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I'm a big fan of the older 870 police magnums. I purchased a beater police trade-in at a local police supply store a couple of years ago for $191, if I recall correctly. it was so cruddy I stripped it down, cleaned it well and refinished the wood. It's turned out to a superb shooting gun with slugs and buckshot.

I am very happy with my 12 gauge Remington 870 Marine Magnum.

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On the older 870s without the Flexitab, the lifter can be modified with a central slot, using a drill and a Dremel tool with a cutoff wheel. If short-shucking causes a jam, the offending shot shell can be pushed back into the magazine with a key, a pen or a pocket knife. I made this modification to my tactical 870. It was easy; however always make it a point to shuck the gun vigorously to avoid this remote possibility.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I only have 3 shotguns, the ONG 870 Wingmaster that was probably a mid 70's production, my pre 1968 Winchester 1200, and a Mossberg 590 Shockwave.

Maybe I got ahold of a bad Mossberg, but the action on the Remington and Winchester make the Mossberg feel like it's full of sand.

I've oiled it good and probably cycled it 1000 times hoping it would smooth out. Maybe it's just the way they are?

I've had a few friends that had horrendous experiences with recent-production 870s. From lackluster finishes to significant quality control concerns. If you're going the Remington route I'd definitely choose something older and pre-Freedom Group.

Conversely, those that own Maverick 88's and Mossberg 500 and 590's seem to like them quite a bit. I love the Retrograde 500 I picked up a few years ago (with the disclaimer that I don't presently own another shotgun to compare it to).

Remington thought the potential jamming issue was enough of a problem that they took the time and spent the money to engineer a fix.

The OP says he may use his shotgun in a 3 gun If he has a jam, then what? He might be able to cycle it through with the flexitab. If not he's done. He's not going to have the time deal with the problem. Why not mitigate the potential problem and get an 870 with the Flexitab or kit to retrofit an older one?

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Thread Killer.

I am a lefty also. I have a set of Model 12's I have used during my life. I purchased a model 37 for my wife who is also lefty and put in a left hand safety. With the bottom ejection it is the perfect shotgun for a lefty but I still love my Model 12's

R/E the Mossbergs - My experience is with a 1980's 500 series. A couple hundred rounds into it, and I had to tear it apart to remove a burr that had formed, and was causing the firing pin to not retract.

Maybe 500 shells thru it, and was reliable, then the tang safety broke. Took the gun apart and replaced it, and it works fine now. When disassembled, I took note how simple the action was, and how cheaply made.

My choice for a left handed pump would be a BPS or a model 37. Early model 870 LH as well, if you can find one.

Larry

The overriding virtue of 870's is their modular nature. There is nothing on the gun that is not bolt-on by a kitchen table gunsmith except the riveted ejector. There is no comparison to the aftermarket availability of parts to adapt to any need. Even a new 870 with quality control issues is pretty readily fixed without high end gunsmithing. I have several, old and new, and yes the fit and finish of older ones is "better", but people tend to look past the pressed in checkering and epoxy resin stock finish when swooning over old gun quality. Remington did push out some high grade 870's but they are scarce.

If you are looking for a SG for 3 gun comp, take a look at the VR80 semi-auto 12 ga. I have one and it shoots flawlessly. It is a magazine fed 12 gauge, built on an AR platform, so for 3 gun, the controls are identical. bolt charging handle can be placed on either side of the receiver. Safety and mag release also located on either side. For home defense a pump SG is fine, but I use cut down SS, and OU for my defense choices. If you like lever guns, Black Aces makes a lever action 12 gauge, decent firearm, and the price will not hurt you either. Peace, and stay safe. Here are pics of my VR80, and my Black Aces "shorty" 12 gauges.


Blade

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I like riot guns and have several but I have to agree with those that recommend the Remington 870P “Police Magnum”. They were built on a separate assembly line and are the gold standard. They’ve got the bugs worked out of them. While I never did it to any of my 870’s, that slot cut through the lifter was what the really savvy guys did prior to the introduction of the flexitab.

UPDATE:
This morning, I visited an LEO focused LGS. They had a used bottom eject Ithaca. I was very tempted, but when working the pump, it was really rough and there was enough external rust that I did not want to deal with it for my first shotgun. On the drive home I was kicking myself. Thinking of guns made me want to go to the range, so I did.

After giving my 1911 some love, I wondered through the consignment section. Lo and behold, there was a 1972 Remington 870 Wingmaster left hand ejection model. No rust, the rubber felt a bit hard but was fully intect and the action was smooth. It is now sitting on my workbench waiting to be thoroughly cleaned after dinner.

So my pump desires are fully satisfied. Its not a tactical shotgun by any stretch, but I've bought myself time to learn and there's still extra room in the safe for a semi-auto gamer gun.

You'll be very well served by that old remington, they're very fine guns. If you're ever looking for another, browning's bps has a similar safety to mossberg and can be found relatively cheap, with the added benefit of screw in chokes.

Anything but a Mossberg.

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S&W Accumulator

I’m a lefty and went with a BPS, son is also a lefty and I bought him an 870 express and had safety changed out.


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