Suggestion for first shotgun?
- Thread starter Samson23
- Start date
Okay spent some time at Wholesale Sports today and handled a couple Mossberg 500 variants -- I think the tri rail and persuader. Not gonna lie, I like the tactical look.
I really like how they felt in my hand, weight was good, and the pump action felt reasonably smooth, but I just couldn't wrap my head (or hand, rather) around the action release. The tiny tab felt extremely awkward, since my hands aren't large enough to manipulate it while in a natural strong hand firing position. And my thumb felt gouged after only half a dozen releases. Is this typical? I was out last weekend shooting my friend's savage arms 12 gauge and his action release was in front of the trigger, which felt much more natural and allowed me to maintain proper firing posture while chambering my first round.
I really like how they felt in my hand, weight was good, and the pump action felt reasonably smooth, but I just couldn't wrap my head (or hand, rather) around the action release. The tiny tab felt extremely awkward, since my hands aren't large enough to manipulate it while in a natural strong hand firing position. And my thumb felt gouged after only half a dozen releases. Is this typical? I was out last weekend shooting my friend's savage arms 12 gauge and his action release was in front of the trigger, which felt much more natural and allowed me to maintain proper firing posture while chambering my first round.
On the mossbergs I usually hit the release with my middle finger, that leaves my index free and its pretty quick. You do have to rotate your grip a bit though...
For the most part you can't go wrong with either a remington 870 or a mossberg 500. But the other one to look at (if you can find it anywhere) is the Winchester SXP Defender. I'm a big fan of the action, but I could also be partial because I grew up shooting my dads older 1300.
For the most part you can't go wrong with either a remington 870 or a mossberg 500. But the other one to look at (if you can find it anywhere) is the Winchester SXP Defender. I'm a big fan of the action, but I could also be partial because I grew up shooting my dads older 1300.
digitalblue
CGN Regular
- Location
- GTA unfortunately
I can't visualize using my middle finger, but I'll try it next time I'm there. The SXP was actually on my list to try out, but I completely blanked when I got there and was presented with a massive wall full of choices.
Was it a pistol grip stock or a standard stock? A pistol grip pretty much negates any advantages there are to control placement; the safety and action release are designed for a standard stock.
If you're holding the gun properly, your index finger would be on the trigger while the last 3 fingers and thumb are wrapped around the palm swell. Middle finger is behind the trigger guard and you can actuate the release tab.
digitalblue
CGN Regular
- Location
- GTA unfortunately
As I mentioned before, the controls on the mossberg 500/590 was designed around a standard stock, not a pistol grip stock.
You won't be able to get your hand wrapped around it(as you could with a regular stock) and operating the action release will be awkward.
Try handling a 500/590 with a standard stock and the control manipulation will be immediately obvious.
If you're really bent on a pistol grip stock, an 870 is a better choice.
- Location
- Airdrie, Alberta
Get a Moss 500 or a Remmy 870 (including the chinese versions) you wont be dissapointed with either. Easy to shoot, easy to customize, and easy on the wallet.
Soley for home defense there is a lot of great shotguns out there for $350 and only home defense, bird hunting or sporting clays, not a chance! Treat yourself to a shotgun with class and with tried and true functionality. Try a vast variety of shotguns and you be the judge, you get what you pay for.
I find the 1200/1300 action to be one of the best. I've had lots of the big names, Remington, Mossberg, Grizzly, even a Neostead, all great guns in their own way. The only one I never thought about selling is my 1200 stainless police. Love the action. Great value on the SXP too.
That's actually what I've 99% decided on! I just need to sort out the handling of the action release. The bad news is it seems like locally Im stuck with either the speedfeed stock at a local gun shop, which I don't want because of added complexity, or a bead sight at wholesale sports which I also don't want because I shoot much better with rear sights. So I may have to order online or special order locally to get the exact config (18.5", ghost ring, regular stock).
Today was the day!
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and advice. As it turns out, I ended up doing a bit of a 180. I had finally decided on a Mossberg 590A1, and managed to track one down at the local LGS. I was all set...
Until I saw the Fabarms.
There was no going back at that point. I was going to spend a fair bit more than originally intended, but I was helpless to resist.
It was a 14" Pro Forces. I had never handled a short barrelled shotgun before and it was a dream. After much humming and hawing over whether it was the right decision or not, and whether to go with a 20" version they had, I pulled the trigger:
Fabarm 14" SDASS Pro Forces with a telescopic stock (original tactical grip was about 2" too short in the LOP dept.)
I cannot wait to take this beauty out.
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and advice. As it turns out, I ended up doing a bit of a 180. I had finally decided on a Mossberg 590A1, and managed to track one down at the local LGS. I was all set...
Until I saw the Fabarms.
There was no going back at that point. I was going to spend a fair bit more than originally intended, but I was helpless to resist.
It was a 14" Pro Forces. I had never handled a short barrelled shotgun before and it was a dream. After much humming and hawing over whether it was the right decision or not, and whether to go with a 20" version they had, I pulled the trigger:
Fabarm 14" SDASS Pro Forces with a telescopic stock (original tactical grip was about 2" too short in the LOP dept.)
I cannot wait to take this beauty out.
