Shorty for Bear Defense

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InTheTrees

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Hi all, I am going prospecting this summer in a valley loaded with Grizzlies. Although I have other bear deterrence, I am wanting a shorty 12ga for bear defense. I really like the Mossberg ergonomics and feels good to me. Regular stock (no pistol grip or birds head), 14" barrel and Ghost Ring sights is what I am after.

From what I read I can convert a 500/590, but I also see that "new for 2018" Mossberg has the 590A1 in short versions:

https://www.mossberg.com/category/series/590a1-class-iii/

I really like #51671 - has everything I want. However, the LGS says they can't get them. I could not find the Canadian distributer, so I called the Mossberg Canada warranty depot and they said no way (she was kind of cranky talking to "just a customer").

Any idea if these are available anywhere in Canada? Any other Mossberg alternatives? Cant see the EE yet...


51671-catalog.jpg
 
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That GRS model is no longer available, but a conversion kit for the 590 is. The sights would have to be purchased and installed seperately.
 
Welcome to the forum!
There were some 14" factory ghost rings models that came in at a reasonable price ($700) maybe 3 years ago so your best bet would be to track one of them down on the E.E.
The basic bead sight ( specially with an XS big dot) works pretty well.
 
There are currently export issues with short barreled American made shotguns... it might be a long while before you see one brand new. Expect to pay a premium for a used one.
 
DLask will custom build an 870 to fit your needs:

https://dlaskarms.com/products/remington-870-shorty-with-10-barrel

Canada Ammo is bringing in a bunch of Turkish made shorties under their house brand now. The "Kodiak" line are the Turkish made guns. The "Grizzly" line are made by Norinco (China). I've had good luck with Turkish shotguns from other dealers, but YMMV:

https://www.canadaammo.com/product/byCategory/shotguns/?keyword=&categories=&manufacturer%5B%5D=2&filter%5BCalibre%5D%5B%5D=12ga&status=

The Turkish guns use a Weatherby style of action - don't expect to find lots of aftermarket parts/barrels for them.

I have a Dominion Arms Grizzly 12.5" that I picked up years ago and put the time into "making it right" (wood furniture, polished the trigger and action, replaced the bead with a Tritium post). - which is a good option if you have more time than money. Solid gun in its fundamentals, and you can swap in 870 parts, which are readily available. With an XS Sights Big Dot Tritium you fix the POA/POI issues of a bead only, and it keeps the gun nice and trim.

You can find them on the EE for peanuts, and then put the money you save into customizing into the "gun you want it to be."

bubba_grizz_profiled_s.jpg
 
Dlask has some custom 10 inch 870's - they also make an 8 1/2. You could buy an 870 and put a 14 inch barrel on it. Mossberg 590's have always been hard to find in a short (under 18.5) barrel. Mossberg hasn't been allowed to export their new pistol grip 14 inch guns (you could throw a regular stock on one), I have no clue why. Remington barrels aren't that tough to find. The difference is that Mossberg requires a multi piece conversion kit which is quite expensive, (mag tube, pump and barrel) while for a 14 inch gun in a Remington, all you do is put on a barrel.
 
grelmar said:
DLask will custom build an 870 to fit your needs:

https://dlaskarms.com/products/remington-870-shorty-with-10-barrel

Canada Ammo is bringing in a bunch of Turkish made shorties under their house brand now. The "Kodiak" line are the Turkish made guns. The "Grizzly" line are made by Norinco (China). I've had good luck with Turkish shotguns from other dealers, but YMMV:

https://www.canadaammo.com/product/byCategory/shotguns/?keyword=&categories=&manufacturer%5B%5D=2&filter%5BCalibre%5D%5B%5D=12ga&status=

The Turkish guns use a Weatherby style of action - don't expect to find lots of aftermarket parts/barrels for them.

I have a Dominion Arms Grizzly 12.5" that I picked up years ago and put the time into "making it right" (wood furniture, polished the trigger and action, replaced the bead with a Tritium post). - which is a good option if you have more time than money. Solid gun in its fundamentals, and you can swap in 870 parts, which are readily available. With an XS Sights Big Dot Tritium you fix the POA/POI issues of a bead only, and it keeps the gun nice and trim.

You can find them on the EE for peanuts, and then put the money you save into customizing into the "gun you want it to be."

bubba_grizz_profiled_s.jpg
Click to expand...

That's like 1000$ from dlask with tax and shipping.....the prices on these short barreled shotguns are insane.....i see 500$ there......I'd definitely source the parts myself.....everyone gouges on these big time
 
Ironheart said:
That's like 1000$ from dlask with tax and shipping.....the prices on these short barreled shotguns are insane.....i see 500$ there......I'd definitely source the parts myself.....everyone gouges on these big time
Click to expand...

Yah, I'm too Scottish to pay DLask money, which is why I bought the Grizz and did the work myself.
 
Had my heavy tank like trusty Grizzly for years now.

Never missed a beat, and the ghost rings with slugs make it very capable.

I don't like the weight but it is very dependable and can take a real beating on the trail.

 
I always liked the lighter weight of my Mossberg 500A if I was carrying it in the field compared to an 870.

For bush work it is going to get bashed around. I'd look for a used Mossberg 500 with an 18.5" bead cylinder choke gun like the one on the right.

NxPcpZQl.jpg
 
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