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.
First shotgun recommendations please - Mossberg
- Thread starter Dahak
- Start date
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.
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.
Justin T
Member
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.
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M-37 or double barrel with hammers.
dr dave
Member
Advice From Another Lefty
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
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
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I'm pretty sure flexi-tab conversion kits are available for older 870s.
GypsmJim
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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.
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.
emptymag
Member
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.
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.
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!
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!
scooter123
Member
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.
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.
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BigBill
Absent Comrade
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.
A winchester Model 12, 120, 1200, 1300 pump too.
I wish I purchased a russian Izmash Saiga 12, 12 ga.
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cyphertext
US Veteran
Ματθιας;141153681 said:
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.
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!
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
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!
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
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.
HOUSTON RICK
Member
Ματθιας;141153681 said:
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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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?
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).
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).
