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.