First shotgun recommendations please - Mossberg

[Ματθιας]

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.

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

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?

 

[gunship]

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

 

[Fishinfool]

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

 

[ggibson511960]

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.

 

[Blademan]

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

 

[S-W4EVER]

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.

 

[Dahak]

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.

 

[Tubbsy]

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.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Anything but a Mossberg.

 

[peterGun]

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.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[luvsmiths]

If this guy thought he was confused and overwhelmed at the beginning, Id LOVE to see him now....

 

[Birdhunter6]

Your 870 will serve you well!

I have decades of hunting experience with 870s on turkey, deer and all manner of game birds. I have also run my 'house gun' 870 in local tactical matches. Never had one fail me. As an avid waterfowler I appreciate that they thrive on abuse.

 

[S-W4EVER]

Accessories for Remington 870's are plentiful. I really like the Wilson Combat (Scattergun Technologies) magazine extensions (and their other accessories for that matter).