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tactical shotguns

MajorDamage

MajorDamage
tactical shotguns
Apr 24 2009, 10:46 PM EDT | Post edited: Apr 24 2009, 10:46 PM EDT
What to look for in a tactical shotgun, the basics:
Gauge: 12 is all around best and most plentiful, 20 is next. 10, 16 and 28 are all niche will less loadings and availability
Chamber: 3 in is standard for 12 Ga and increasingly available in 20 Ga
Capacity above 5 (which is the majority after you take out the plug in pump guns), 8 shots is standard and very few have 9 or more. Mossberg 590 comes to mind.
Barrel length: 18 in is standard for 6 & shot 7; 20" for 8 shot. With the advent of screw-in chokes, the length of barrel does not make a difference between 20 & 24 or 20 & 26.
Operation/type: pump is most reliable and cheaper; semi-autos are also quite good but more expensive. Avoid doubles/singles and bolt actions as primary weapons. Good in a pinch but not optimum and do not meet capacity criteria


I am partial to pumps and in particular the Rem 870 model layout. As decades of happy owners can attest, I am not alone. That is my preference and since I own Rem, Winchester and Mossberg pump actions, Browning semi-auto, Huglu (Turkish) semi and Charles Daly semi I can say that the pumps are less finicky and intensive to use.

My recommendation: at least one pump (2 is better) and one semi-auto in the same gauge with 20" barrels, 3" chambers. Both Rem and Mossberg offer low cost models that meet the basic .
Other options include finish, sling mounts and the very important ammo bearing devices (butt cuff, sling bandolier, vest, belt, bag, etc)
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timberrattler
timberrattler
1. RE: tactical shotguns
Apr 25 2009, 4:22 PM EDT | Post edited: Apr 25 2009, 4:22 PM EDT
Thanks for all the information. I can't imagine a more perfect home defense weapon. You can buy one cheap compared to the price of most handguns and rifles. I like both the Remington and the Mossberg. The big Moss is pretty impressive as far as reliability and I've hunted with 870s and never had any problems with them. The versitility is undeniable. Screw in chokes would make them even more useful. It would be hard to adjust to the short barrel after all the years I've spent hunting with 24" or longer barrels but I guess it really isn't all that big of difference. Most of the ones I've checked out at gun shops are under 8lbs unloaded which is a plus in my eyes. If your adrinaline is pumping you'll never feel the kick.
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MajorDamage

MajorDamage
2. RE: tactical shotguns
May 12 2009, 12:36 PM EDT | Post edited: May 12 2009, 12:36 PM EDT
I wanted to mention that Cabela's is having a sale (others may be for Memorial Day) and you may be interested in some of their sale items.

I forgot to mention earlier that the semi-auto Rem 11-87 can be heavily adapted to suit needs. A close friend of mine had his set up well (heavy-duty black finish, heat shield, 8 shot capacity ,etc). The 1100 is not bad but not quite the rough duty gun. FN makes similar but cost almost twice as much, for what I don't know.
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alicestar
alicestar
3. RE: tactical shotguns
May 12 2009, 1:35 PM EDT | Post edited: May 12 2009, 1:35 PM EDT
Big 5 sports stores have a weekly sale on the Mossberg and Remington tactical models if you have one in your area. think i saw a 500 "security" for like $260-$280ish
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