A shot gun that can do it all!

[ranger_scout]

Okay soo seems like it will be the R870 because it's down falls did not exist exist. For tactical 8 round extension is tactical and an 18.5 inch barrel with no choke is not bad for that need. I will likely end up getting one of these with 3 barrels i don't need no lasers (or door mound lol) just a side saddle maybe at the most for tac add on's. if get the wingmaster with the long barrel and then an 18.5 open and probably another for small game like rabbit, coon and squirrel ect. This should cover all my needs and not blow the bank. Hope fully i can get one before geese season opens up.

 

[angryeyebrows]

That is an absurd analogy. Trap and skeet are not Afghanistan. If you really can't see the difference, it is likely because you have never done either.

I didn't say trap and skeet were Afghanistan. That comment was in regards to hunting with shotgun... The Marines I've talked to loved their M1014's, most of which had used the guns under contact. Since the OP's post specifically stated SHTF as a scenario, I believe the shotguns ability to be used against a human target bares on this particular discussion...and lets face it, whether you are shooting a human or a dear out to 100m, there isn't much difference. Obviously this concept is lost on you.

Your statement dismissing the Benelli as a choice because of it's looks is absurd. Have you even ever shot one? I've shot trap, skeet and hunted with one. I'll tell you right now, if there is a shotgun that can "do it all", this is it.

...but I guess it is all coming down to price as usual.

To the OP, get an 870 police. It will fit the bill. Highly customizable and very durable. Don't waste your time with the new Express guns. Quality has dropped over the last few years. If you can find a nice older Wingmaster, that would be OK as well.

 

[ranger_scout]

I keep hearing the express is bad. I don't want a used police model they are often shot out because of the polices wear on them. But the 870 has proved it's worth in combat too. But yeah as much as the benili would be great for that type of engagement it is not my only need. Once again thanks all this was good advice!

 

[Until the Angels Fall]

Whovever told you that 870's don't like getting dirty and aren't great for hunting is of questionable intelligence... I apologize for my bluntness.

I have hunted and packed my 870 for going on 24 years now in some pretty miserable conditions, and it has never let me down yet. I have had it's action get polluted with all manner of debris while carrying it at work for bear protection on the job (river silt, pine needles, snow and ice) and sure it may get a little gritty to cycle but it has never failed... Of all of the pump shotguns out there it has to be the one the easiest if not the easiest to field strip and clean (hands down compared to a Winchester 1200/1300 or Mosberg 500). Field stripping disassembly can be done in under 2 minutes once you are experienced and the only tool required is at minimum a nail (have even used a ball point pen) to push the pins that retain the trigger mechanism out, a punch is a much better choice though.

In my opinion the only thing I don't like is the fact that the ejector is riveted into the receiver and require special tooling to replace it. But as I previously stated mine is 24 years young and the ejector has yet to fail after an excess of 20,000 rounds.

Yor comparing a gun made 25 years ago to one made today! They are NOT the same beast. The fit and finish on todays models is horrible...and I've owned 2. They work and go bang everytime...but they are SO prone and quick to get surface rust it isn't even funny. The Wingmaster is a great model, even today but its more then x2 the cost of the Express. The solution can be as easy as coating the express model with some Duracoat...

 

[ckid]

Yor comparing a gun made 25 years ago to one made today! They are NOT the same beast. The fit and finish on todays models is horrible...and I've owned 2. They work and go bang everytime...but they are SO prone and quick to get surface rust it isn't even funny. The Wingmaster is a great model, even today but its more then x2 the cost of the Express. The solution can be as easy as coating the express model with some Duracoat...

You are quite right... If you look at some of my earlier posts in this thread you will see that I have sugested that he look for an older used Wingmaster in good or better condition and not an Express. The other issue with the Express is the dimples in the end of the mag tube if he wants to instal an extension.

Fully agree on the rust issue....The 20" slug bbl I have has the express finish on it and it just loves to rust.

 

[Paatz]

If you want to be annoying you could argue that every arsenal needs at least a centerfire rifle, a shotgun and a .22.

But since you're still young, don't mind the parental restriction for now. You'll have plenty of freedom later soon enough in life to do whatever you want.

 

[supernova]

Maybe a family trip to the range could help? its hard to judge something youve never done, and easy to dismiss it with an easy answer like no. To the others, Just how bad is the express finish? is it really worse than bluing for rust? It sounds like a really porous coating that gets too thin in the pores, a quick sandblast and re-coat with something better would be a good solution. I think an 18.5" or 20" remchoke barrel plus a longer VR field barrel would be the ultimate combo. And a question for those with shortie barrels: you have to re-register when you go under 457mm right? so wouldnt having both short and long barrels void your registration when using whichever it is not registered for? I'm not sure how that works

 

[angryeyebrows]

I keep hearing the express is bad. I don't want a used police model they are often shot out because of the polices wear on them. But the 870 has proved it's worth in combat too. But yeah as much as the benili would be great for that type of engagement it is not my only need. Once again thanks all this was good advice!

Get a new 870 Police Magnum. Just cause it's the police model, doesn't mean it's a duty gun from some detachments armory. You can buy them brand new from Remington. The reason I suggest the 870 Police is because they go through a different process during manufacture and are even made in a separate part of the factory. As well, a few years ago Remington cheaped out and redesigned the barrel detent. The new new express guns all use a cheap plastic internal ratchet thingy while the police models retained the ball baring detent of the older guns.

FYI a brand new 870 Police Magnum starts at $655 for a 18" barrel, blued, improved cylinder, wood furniture, bead sight model. Other options include, parkerized finish, synthetic stock, rifle sights, +2 Extension etc etc.

 

[angryeyebrows]

And a question for those with shortie barrels: you have to re-register when you go under 457mm right? so wouldnt having both short and long barrels void your registration when using whichever it is not registered for? I'm not sure how that works

You can have multiple barrels for the same shotgun. As a rule, the CFC wants the most accurate description of the firearm for their records. Although the registration cert may not say it, they keep track of barrel lengths.

For example, my old 870 police had a factory 18" barrel and the cert said "less then 470mm". I acquired a factory 14" barrel and got rid of the 18" one. Notified the CFC and they made a note of it. They even sent a new certificate out with absolutely nothing changed (aside from the print number was .0002).

I would have whatever barrel the gun wears most often as the barrel it is registered with. Technically if you swap barrels, you have 30 days to notify them of any changes to the firearm. Most people do not. In fact, I think they have now taken to including multiple barrel lengths for one firearm. Which fixes the problem. The only thing that would be an issue is if it changes the class of the firearm.

 

[supernova]

Thats good to know, my concern was with an LEO checking all your paper work, taking some measurments and finding discrepencies. Like the gunnut that caught s**t when the cal. on his cert. didnt match his new barrel.

You can have multiple barrels for the same shotgun. As a rule, the CFC wants the most accurate description of the firearm for their records. Although the registration cert may not say it, they keep track of barrel lengths.

For example, my old 870 police had a factory 18" barrel and the cert said "less then 470mm". I acquired a factory 14" barrel and got rid of the 18" one. Notified the CFC and they made a note of it. They even sent a new certificate out with absolutely nothing changed (aside from the print number was .0002).

I would have whatever barrel the gun wears most often as the barrel it is registered with. Technically if you swap barrels, you have 30 days to notify them of any changes to the firearm. Most people do not. In fact, I think they have now taken to including multiple barrel lengths for one firearm. Which fixes the problem. The only thing that would be an issue is if it changes the class of the firearm.

 

[blueskies]

This is what I bought – you can’t beat it in terms of value for money:

Mossberg 500 Combo Pump Action Shotgun $279.99

"This versatile shotgun features two barrels for a number of uses from hunting to security detail. Barrels included are 28” vent rib with fixed modified choke and an 18-1/2” smooth bore barrel with fixed cylinder choke and front bead sight. The black synthetic stock features rubber recoil pad with checkering for improved handling. 12 gauge, 3” chamber."

http://www.cabelas.ca/index.cfm?pageID=79&section=&ID=3964

Cabelas is on back order but I got my local dealer to match their price with shipping at $300

 

[RickR1100]

I have done both with my m4, My best is 18/25 on trap(done like 10 rounds ever) and the only round of skeet I have ever done was a 5 with one stage being a perfect 4.

It takes chokes (mod is factory) and 18.5" is more then enough barrel to get enough velocity to take down anything, well past "25 yards."

But since the OP only has 700$ this discussion is moot.

For a "tactical shotgun" that's pretty good. But your scores alone won't impress ANYONE at a Trap club. Get an average of 23 or higher over a day's worth of games, then boast of M4's being 'just as good'. An 18" cylinder bore is simply not going to get nearly as many clays as a 28" vent rib with a Improved Modified or a Full Choke. That's not the fault of the gun, it's the operator using the wrong tool for the job!

 

[BRNO17]

Just buy a third, what are they gonna do kick you outa the house?

 

[P90Puma]

For a "tactical shotgun" that's pretty good. But your scores alone won't impress ANYONE at a Trap club. Get an average of 23 or higher over a day's worth of games, then boast of M4's being 'just as good'. An 18" cylinder bore is simply not going to get nearly as many clays as a 28" vent rib with a Improved Modified or a Full Choke. That's not the fault of the gun, it's the operator using the wrong tool for the job!

What shooter after 10 rounds of trap scores 23 with no instruction? And like I said earlier, the m4 comes with a Modified choke from the factory.

I only own one shotgun and I feel I picked the best tool for whatever job I need it for to the point of never wanting to pickup another one with the possible exception of a 12.5" pump for trunk 'transport.'

 

[Win/64]

Mossy 930 12g.

It's a soft shooting semi auto, lots of firepower, and it's modular barrel system allows you to switch easily...

I've got a 26 inch barrel for hunting / sporting clays with 3 different chokes and a 24 inch rifled barrel with rifle sights for slug shooting.

X2 And the price is right. Excellent gun for the money.

 

[Brutus]

 

[RememberTheSomme]

This is what I bought – you can’t beat it in terms of value for money:

Mossberg 500 Combo Pump Action Shotgun $279.99

"This versatile shotgun features two barrels for a number of uses from hunting to security detail. Barrels included are 28” vent rib with fixed modified choke and an 18-1/2” smooth bore barrel with fixed cylinder choke and front bead sight. The black synthetic stock features rubber recoil pad with checkering for improved handling. 12 gauge, 3” chamber."

http://www.cabelas.ca/index.cfm?pageID=79&section=&ID=3964

Cabelas is on back order but I got my local dealer to match their price with shipping at $300

If the new 500s, as listed there, are as good as the old ones, that is probaly the best deal this young man can own, and thats coming from an old 870 owner!

 

[ranger_scout]

That deal looks great and nearly had me but i noticed it is on back order. As for the shot gun i think it will be a used 870 wingmaster with three barrels and i can pput back on the primary registard barrel when done the hunt of diffrent types. Also the rust wasa that issue the 870 does not like to get to earli but if i clean it their should be no problems. Also i can buy three for that matter i could own over 9000 but cant have more than 2 in my house. So When i get my truck i could store on in their and that may slove the issue but in the mean time my frined who i go shooting with any ways can store it.

 

[rdelliott]

The fact of the matter is that different shotguns do better at different tasks. Want to kick down people and shoot doors (or dress up like you do and pose in front of the mirror), or are you worried about zombies and home invaders? Benelli M4, Mossy 590A1, or any other tactical shotgun will do you fine.

However, for upland bird hunting, they are going to be way heavy, not swing as well, and be underchoked. They'll be way underchoked for waterfowl, and heavier and slower than optimal for clay games (although they will bust clays).

A twenty-gauge SxS with double triggers and English stock is probably the best thing ever for grouse and bunny hunting as far as I'm concerned. The Brits figured out how to build the ideal game gun over a century ago and I don't think anybody's improved on that since; light, fast, swings and points well... but two rounds isn't enough for the zombie apocalypse, they're probably too light to be comfortable for high-volume clay sports, they don't come with picatinny rails, and a twenty doesn't throw enough lead to be optimal for waterfowling.

Coach gun? Great for Cowboy Action Shooting or shooting driven convenience store clerks; they won't point as well as a game gun and all of the above re game guns also applies.

And so on. If I were going to buy one shotgun to do it all, I'd get a 12-gauge 870 with a vent rib, interchangeable choke barrel in the 26" range and 3" or greater chambers. It's isn't the best at anything, but it will do everything acceptably until you get the urge for more specialized shotguns.

As it stands, I've got an 870 Express for turkey hunting, a tacticool 870 Marine Magnum for range blasting, ####s and giggles, and alarming antis, a twenty-ga. SxS for birds and bunnies, a 12-ga SxS because it matched the 20 and I just plain like English-style doubles, and a .410/.22 over/under that I inherited from my grandmother and hunt with occasionally for sentimental reasons. Each has its advantages.

I'd suggest getting your own place; then you can have all the guns you wan..., er, can afford .

 

[jethunter]

Buy a used 870 wingmaster for $500 or less, and a mag extension, and a shorter barrel. That's the best quality for the $$ you are gonna find.

After that look at the Mossberg pkgs. There's some decent ones out there for well under $500.

There is no all round shotgun but a good pump with a hunting barrel and a shorter "security" length barrel is as close as you will get.

How do you define shtf - is that what happens when mommy and daddy find out you have a 3rd gun in the house?