Which "Pump" Riot gun would you get ??

[JJEH]

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.

 

[3dots]

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.

 

[SC_Mike]

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

A partial before photo:

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

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

 

[litenlarry]

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

 

[tbgunner88]

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.

 

[GatorFarmer]

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.

 

[hangnoose]

1'st pick Winchester mdl 12.

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.

 

[litenlarry]

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

 

[BearBio]

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.

 

[bobf]

I like the Ithaca 37 Defender

 

[just jim]

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.

 

[MOONDAWG]

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.

 

[billwill]

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

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

870 or Ithaca 37

 

[Hapworth]

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.

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

 

[PA Guns & Ammo]

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

James

 

[ACP230]

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

 

[jtcarm]

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

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.

 

[Hapworth]

20 gauge? Seriously?

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