Help me rate these Self Defense shotguns

[sigp220.45]

I already have two nicer S/D shotguns and don't need/want three more, so I thought I'd keep one.

Read what he wrote, fellas.

He has a self defense shotgun. He’s not looking for another. He just wants to know which, if any, he should keep.

 

[BrBa]

The Maverick 88 is a Mossberg 500 with a few cost saving features that don't affect function or reliability. I actually prefer it over the Mossberg 500 because I prefer a crossbolt safety over a tang safety.

There is robust aftermarket support for it if you decide to modify.

 

[444 Magnum]

If you could adapt the Mossberg with a stock and recoil pad, that would be my first choice.

There is robust aftermarket support for it if you decide to modify.

After today's painful experience with it, I'm currently working on that.

 

[rwsmith]

That's why I don't want one in that configuration......

After today's painful experience with it, I'm currently working on that.

I haven't shot one, but I've seen too many youtube videos of people struggling with them. Again, you need to practice with it and if it's hard to manage and painful....

I've got a really crummy Akkar shotgun I got off a kid who broke it. I fixed it and WHOE! That thing is too light to enjoy shooting. Aluminum and plastic except for the barrel and rails. I can't remember if it has a recoil pad on it, but if it doesn't doesn't help much. But I would rather have that than the Mossberg Maverick. Just as an aside I got smart one time and shot a 3" shell out of it. It knocked me clean out of the booth. I put it down and said, "That's enough of THAT". And to think I used to ENJOY getting the **** kicked out of me.

 

[Pisgah]

Arrange the order any way you wish. Essentially, those three are all the same -- plain Jane, no-frills pump-action shotguns. Nothing fancy or expensive, just good working tools.

 

[DWalt]

I am not sure it is still this way, but all of the Maverick components were made in Piedras Negras, Mexico, then taken across the river to Eagle Pass TX for finishing and assembly. I had a Maverick 12 gauge pump once, pretty much the same as a Mossberg 500. There was also a Maverick bolt action CF rifle, I also had one of those for awhile, in .30-‘06. It shot very well and I liked it. But nothing elegant at all. Traded both off over five years ago. No particular reason, just had too many guns I wasn’t using. For basic utility, you can’t beat either. For looks, not so much.

 

[Ameshawki]

Based on after market and parts, the Maverick. Basically a version of the Mossberg 500, most aftermarket goodies should fit. The Savage and Hi Standard are decent shotguns but long out of production. Little to no aftermarket. Had a Savage eons ago. Savage/Stevens made multiple variations of that design, was a fairly common house brand back in the day. Solid if somewhat heavy piece. Never owned an Hi Standard and can't think of anyone who has. HS is long out of business.

None of the three are anything special.

 

[oink]

I'm partial to the High Standard. It was my issued riot gun for many years until they took it away and gave me a new fancier Mossberg for standardization. I liked the High Standard better. I can't say that I put a bazillion rounds through it but it went through many training and qualifications with me and never gave me a lick of trouble. Mine had rifle sights. Yours has no sights. Did the bead come off or was the barrel shortened? I put the Maverick as #2 as it should be newer production with more parts availability. I put the Savage last just because I have no experience with them.

 

[jimmyj]

Defense Shotguns

All I have used are Remington Models 31 and 870 plus Winchester Models 97 and 12.

IIRC (?) in the late 1960s/early 1970s High Standard retailed a pump 12 gauge with a seven round magazine tube with the magazine tube extending to the barrel muzzle.

 

[oink]

As a side note, the High Standard only had one action bar IIRC. Generally two is considered better although I never had an issue. I don't know about the others you listed. The 870s I've had experience with all had two action bars. The 870s were the first riot guns I was issued at other agencies I worked at and they were always good to me too. Being an economy model the Maverick may only have one although I think most Mossbergs have two.

 

[Ameshawki]

As a side note, the High Standard only had one action bar IIRC. Generally two is considered better although I never had an issue. I don't know about the others you listed. The 870s I've had experience with all had two action bars. The 870s were the first riot guns I was issued at other agencies I worked at and they were always good to me too. Being an economy model the Maverick may only have one although I think most Mossbergs have two.

Savage was one action bar as I recall. Been many years since I had one.

 

[ajgunner]

Just my opinion---I would sell off all 3 and get another Remington 870. Between bird hunting and trap shooting I have several of them and have fired 1000's of rounds without a hiccup. Also nice to have the same for familiarity. Mine are in 410, 20ga, 12ga and with different barrel lengths and chokes for different purposes. The one that lives near the door is 18" with an extended magazine stocked with #4 and 00 buck. 00 Buck will teach a racoon or skunk a real quick lesson on just who the apex predator is.

 

[BB57]

The list needs to start with the old pre private equity owned Remington 870 and Mossberg.

 

[rwsmith]

At HD ranges.....

... I don't think an optic or even a sight on a shotgun is necessary. Police work is different, longer ranges required.

Point, shoot, take great pictures.

 

[BrBa]

As a side note, the High Standard only had one action bar IIRC. Generally two is considered better although I never had an issue. I don't know about the others you listed. The 870s I've had experience with all had two action bars. The 870s were the first riot guns I was issued at other agencies I worked at and they were always good to me too. Being an economy model the Maverick may only have one although I think most Mossbergs have two.

My Maverick 88 has dual action bars, made in 2020. Can't speak about any early models.

 

[444 Magnum]

The list needs to start with the old pre private equity owned Remington 870 and Mossberg.

This list is just to rate the three shotguns my brother had.

I know none of them are high dollar. The thread is to find out about dependability and I appreciate all the responses.

 

[6GUNSONLY]

Personally I'd keep the Savage and send the other two down the road. I had a Hi Standard like yours years ago and had some problems with it, although they used to be common police issue. My personal favorite is the Ithaca 37. I have two and always looking for another one.

 

[URIT]

I'm with you on the shoulder stock for a 12 gauge. Your three are either too old for me or painted over. The paint job leaves me with care questions. I'd be hesitant to use any without knowing their history.

So, I'd trade the lot and buy a S&W Governor for my shot shooting home defense weapon. Well, that's what I did years ago; and the Gov is at my bedside. Good for snakes too.

 

[44wheelman]

I'd send it all down the road.

Had a Mitchell Arms/High Std pump at one time. It worked, kinda sloppy action, okay gun I guess for a new gun.

had a nickel Ithaca (LA beach gun) brother got it, ended up with a new mfg Ithaca defender. (father used to keep it above the door of his walk-in closet.)

 

[pawngal]

As a side note, the High Standard only had one action bar IIRC. Generally two is considered better although I never had an issue. I don't know about the others you listed. The 870s I've had experience with all had two action bars. The 870s were the first riot guns I was issued at other agencies I worked at and they were always good to me too. Being an economy model the Maverick may only have one although I think most Mossbergs have two.

The older Mossberg 500 have just one.