I wanted a short shotgun, what's my next move?

*Update*
For my birthday I received an 18" barrel for the 870 I already have. Man, the feel (weight) and balance of the gun feel much different now. It may not be "short" by definition, I'd say its standard? but even so its a big change. I haven't had a chance to shoot it but I'll run it this way for a while and see if anything shorter still appeals to me. For the money even if I do look for shorter the gun is what I was looking for about 1-2 years ago before getting my PAL. Wingmaster with an 18, the extra barrel gives me the same option as a Mossberg combo would but is a WM, and if I ever still want to go shorter I can which is not an option for he Mossberg (if I remember <18 exist but aren't exported from the USA to Canada?)

I doubt I'm done with the gun overall as now the mag extender is a true option. I can still look into lights for the fore end and a Magpul or other stock. For now its just wood.
I will try to get some before and after pics but don't hold your breath I'm notorious for not taking pictures of my toys.
J
 
you want this...
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yes i do!!!
 
Keep this thread up and I'll end up buying an 870

Worst things to own... :)
After many useless transactions on the EE I found a great seller and the 870 I got has kept me happy so far. It may not be tacticool like my friends Mossberg with the folding stock or pistol grip but it works great for what I want.

This thread has reminded me of all the options that are out there. Still some appealing choices. I'm loving all the pictures too, you guys have some great set ups.
 
If ya want a pump - go with the Fabarm Martial Proforces

If ya like semi-auto - go with the Benelli Super 90 Entry

They both have 14" barrels and collapsible stocks so as you can get 'up close and personal' ....
 
well its lighter than my shorty..... 7.31lbs ..minus the trigger lock and Mesa 4 round side saddle....

Here is one to compare. Includes weight of paracord sling shown. It is built as follows:

Dominion Arms, 12.5" Grizzly, Bead Sight Only (Surplus City, CanadaAmmo was out of stock)
Remington Express Wood Stock, Cherry Red (DLASK)
HIVIZ Red Front Sight (Model MPB-TAC Tactical, Snap-On Shotgun Sight) (direct)
"Adjustable Custom Paracord Gun Rifle Sling With Swivels" (from Ebay)
"Outdoor Connection" 870 shotgun mag. tube cap with a swivel base and a swivel stud set for the butt stock (brownells)

7lb-870.JPG
 
I desided to go with a Mossberg 500 combo with the 18.5" and 28" barrels for the versatility and being able to shoot cheap ammo reliably. The only down side for me is magazine capacity of 5 rounds, for a tactical shotgun I would much rather have a 20" barrel with an even in length 8 round magazine. I now Brownells sells a 20" Mossberg barrell with 8 round magazine kit for $100 but I can not find one here.
 
I didnt read all 9 pages of this thread but I did want to throw in that there is nothing wrong with a 12 inch norinco at all. If your not looking for a competition level gun and just want something simple, cheap and effective its a great way to go for $300-350 (cheaper sometimes if you can find one used). For the price of the Dlask 14 inch barrel alone you can have a whole 2nd gun just setup to be a shorty. Add a telescoping stock and youve got a gun thats short for packing in a backpack, but can be long enough to actually shoot accurately if needed. Unlike a pistol grip stock that pretty much sucks for accurate shooting.

I put 5 slugs into a 4 inch hole at 25 yards with my 12 inch grizzly mag using just the ghost ring sights and resting the barrel on a piece of wood. That gun cycled every 2.75 inch shell I fed it and, while no where near as smooth as my 870, it was still more than adequate for day to day use. If i was going to buy a cheap, knock around gun to have fun with AND be moderately packable, thats what id buy again in a second.



DA 12.5 Grizzly mag
Archangel stock and for end
4 round side saddle for different round options than whats in the mag

Comes to just a hair under 30 inches when collapsed but can be more than long enough to be comfortable for a guy my size with long arms.

The tube fed version would be a better pack gun... it would be lighter and obviously take up less space.
 
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I desided to go with a Mossberg 500 combo with the 18.5" and 28" barrels for the versatility and being able to shoot cheap ammo reliably. The only down side for me is magazine capacity of 5 rounds, for a tactical shotgun I would much rather have a 20" barrel with an even in length 8 round magazine. I now Brownells sells a 20" Mossberg barrell with 8 round magazine kit for $100 but I can not find one here.

I picked up a 2 round extension from WSS a while back. It was for my 870 but i think they had Mossberg ones as well. Not sure if there'd be any in stock but I've seen them at Cabelas before too. It was pretty inexpensive as I recall.
 
a Dominion Arms Backpacker ..
My shotgun plinker is a DA Backpacker. I shoot it when I'm in the mood to slow things down. It's nothing special, shoot a little high, but for $150 bucks....
OAL ~ 29". 13"bbl. Breaks down to 3 pieces and easily fits in my Maxpedition Sitka gearslinger with a bunch of other stuff.
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I have seen tube extensions for the 590 but not for the 500, due to the way the barrel is attached to the end of the magazine. That's way Brownells 8 round kit includes a new barrel as well.
 
Here is Hamburgerhelper she rides the Can Am Commander and her sister Maggie is in getting the same sights on only diff. is she is Mag. Fed. Her full name is Maggie " The #####!" for short lol !!!
We have some bears visiting our place up country off grid and my German Shorthair was chased to the neighbors by a wolf the last time we were up at the ranch. I will leave Hamburgerhelper at home with the wife and take The ##### with me in the Can Am when she is ready. Also having a Magpul on the fore end, as it changes the angle of my hand and moves my thumb further back from the #####es Muzzel which is a good thing lol !!!
 
Grizzly shotgun has served me well. Drag this with me everywhere I go outdoors it seems, lots of round through it without any problems. Reliable, inexpensive, lots of mods out there for it and fun to play with.


Only concern is if you leave it outside lying beside you overnight in the mountains is that it has a tendency to rust up on you. It's also a bit on the heavier side.










grizz.jpg




grizz2.jpg
 
Grizzly shotgun has served me well. Drag this with me everywhere I go outdoors it seems, lots of round through it without any problems. Reliable, inexpensive, lots of mods out there for it and fun to play with.


Only concern is if you leave it outside lying beside you overnight in the mountains is that it has a tendency to rust up on you. It's also a bit on the heavier side.

simple answer just buy another one if it rusts up to bad or clean it after you get back... I would rather have a longer barrel as a bush gun the 8.5 inch grizzly is just to short the shot pattern is way open and it's hard to hit the target 14 inch is night and day better. 20 inch is a little better then that but put a pistol grip on a 18.5 inch (or folding stock) you get the best of both worlds short enough and long enough barrel do have some energy behind it.

This might help..
[youtube]c7IhCEDA4Fw[/youtube]
 
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If ya want a pump - go with the Fabarm Martial Proforces

If ya like semi-auto - go with the Benelli Super 90 Entry

They both have 14" barrels and collapsible stocks so as you can get 'up close and personal' ....

The semi is restricted because it needs a 18.5 inch barrel to me non restricted... the pump only have to be 26 inchs long..
 
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