Tacitical Pump Action Shotgun: PIcking the Right Firearm

[rxanderq]

I'm deciding on my first shotgun purchase and overall second firearm purchase and would value some opinions from CGN
I wont be using the firearm too heavily, mostly I'll just be shooting it down a range or maybe do some trap shooting.
I'm located in Vancouver BC

My current choices follow:

1. Benelli Super Nova 14" Tactical

This is my first choice, I really like this firearm. The only reason why I haven't pick this up yet is that I'm having trouble justifying the purchase. After taxes, this firearm comes to nearly $1000 and since I am just starting out in this sport and I dont think I'll be using it that heavily, I'm on the fence on this. Would CGN agree it would be a better idea pick one up now rather than purchasing a cheaper model and then this somewhere down the road? Is this a purchase that is good for a lifetime?

2. Benelli Super Nova 18" with ComfortTech

This is a little cheaper than my previous choice, although I may just pay a bit more and go with my first choice. I'm having trouble finding this firearm locally and online too.


3. Remington 870 Express Tactical

I believe this model would satisfy my needs once I install some ring sights onto it. However I have heard quality control isn't great on these express models. Furthermore I'm having trouble finding a place that sells this. Is this also purchase that is could last a lifetime?

4. Mossberg 500 SPX

I'm considering this because price wise, it seems like a good compromise between the Remington and the Benelli Models.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[greg11]

In my opinion, don't get sucked into the "tactical" marketing BS from the respective firearms manufacturers.

Decide what features you want.

20 posts in here on CGN, so I'll assume you're looking at pictures and wanting a gun that looks cool/badass. I was much the same when I started out, but have refined my tastes somewhat.

Full disclosure: I have a Remington 870 Express Tactical like the one pictured.

First thing I'll say is, Ghost Ring Sights are USELESS. You're not going to be able to see them at night, and during the day you're going to take longer to get an accurate shot off on a zombie (I'm assuming that's the badass reason behind your search for a badass Tac Shotgun). Skeet shooters use a bead for a reason: you can get accurate shots off very quickly with them. I can shoot skeet without even really aiming at this point. I take the rail off my shotgun and the front post oft, and aim down my barrel/receiver.

For "OH COOL, THIS SHOTGUN IS BAD ASS" comments from friends: Ghost ring sights and a top rail is awesome.

For practical use in a SHTF scenario, I think they suck ass.

Now, regarding your choice of firearm.

I personally like Mossberg more than Remington because of the safety and slide release locations. Far superior. The Mossy's shell lifter also stays up and out of the way, which I like, too.

If I were you, I'd get an 8 shot Mossberg 500 or even a 590, foregoing the Ghost Ring Sights (GRS). GRS sucks.

Benelli's are nice shotguns, too, but I haven't owned one. I don't really have a preference for them one way or another because I haven't played with one. But I will note that they are popular in 3-gunning matches down south.

Also, I'd always go for the maximum capacity in a tactical type shotgun. This means a 6-7 round tube. Shotguns are limited in capacity as is, so I personally want as many rounds on/in the shotgun as I can get. No point in handicapping yourself with a 4-5 round tube.

[EDIT]

IMO, the SPX is a waste of money.

When considering a Mossberg, keep in mind that if you're getting the pistol grip stock, you're losing/gimping the two BEST FEATURES of the Mossberg platform. You're not going to have your thumb anywhere near the safety, and you're going to have to reach like a bastard to hit that slide release. The pistol grip stocked Mossbergs are the sure mark of a total dummy. People will be able to point you out as a dumb ass from 1000 yards away.

8-shot Mossberg 500 with 12" LOP Hogue stock for the win.

For the record, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Remington.

But the more I play with my guns, the more picky I get about certain things, and the controls on a Mossberg just seem to turn me on the most. I'm actually currently looking for a cheap 8-shot Mossberg 500.

This 590 is an example of "all you need" with the exception of an 8 shell side saddle.

 

[FoxAlpha]

I sold my benelli super nova tactical for a 590 SPX. I wanted the 8 shot capacity and finding damn near anything for benelli is next to impossible. Plus, once a mossberg is broken in, racking that thing is like butter, compared to my old super nova which felt very sticky at the best of times. I'm not going to be as detailed as Greg was, and he makes a lot of good points, but ill second the most important thing ill personally agree with.
Don't do a pistol grip on a 500/590, one of the best things about those shotguns is their superb placement of the safety/SR, my buddy put a Blackhawks Knox stock on his and now it's just completely retarded.

I'm a fan of ghost ring sights, but that's just another me vs. you opinion, so to each their own.

My opinion in your choices though, go mossberg or Remington. They're both super reliable, always seems to work, feel a hell of a lot better, and if your mossberg/Remington gets thrown in front of a speeding semi, you can find your broken extractor spring at any reputable gunsmith, where as your benelli, you'll need more resources than the US govt used to find bin laden.

 

[rxanderq]

I personally like Mossberg more than Remington because of the safety and slide release locations. Far superior. The Mossy's shell lifter also stays up and out of the way, which I like, too.

If I were you, I'd get an 8 shot Mossberg 500 or even a 590, foregoing the Ghost Ring Sights (GRS). GRS sucks.

Benelli's are nice shotguns, too, but I haven't owned one. I don't really have a preference for them one way or another because I haven't played with one. But I will note that they are popular in 3-gunning matches down south.

Also, I'd always go for the maximum capacity in a tactical type shotgun. This means a 6-7 round tube. Shotguns are limited in capacity as is, so I personally want as many rounds on/in the shotgun as I can get. No point in handicapping yourself with a 4-5 round tube.

[EDIT]

Thanks for bringing up capacity. I too would prefer to minimize time reloading. I havent thought about an 8-shot capacity before because the online retailers I've been browsing didn't carry them until recently/

I was able to find a Mossberg 500 8-shot persuader and the pricing is pretty affordable.

8 Shot capacity
Cylinder bore
20" Barrel

How does a 500 model compare to a 590? I found a 590A 9-shot available too, but the pricing is close to a Benelli.

 

[metcalfe]

whatever you do, don't pick a mossberg over a benelli.
not ever!

 

[boots-]

my buddy i go shooting with all the time has a 18" Benelli Super Nova. it is hands down the nicest pump i have ever used. i have a 8.5 grizzly (870 clone)because im too cheap for benelli lol. his action is considerably nicer than mine. although i only have 200 or some rounds through mine (ive only had it for 4 days) and ive been told they improve as you break them in. it depends what you want the gun to do also. a "black" shotgun normally has a cylinder bore, meaning no choke. while this is all fine and good for tossing some slugs down range not what your looking for if you want to shoot some skeet. on the other hand i have nailed clays with both my griz and his benelli(and when i miss i get to blame the gun ). if cost isnt a problem then i would go benelli. or save some money and buy a bunch of shells with the shotgun. not many guns are as proven as the 870 or 500.

just my .02

 

[heavenIsAlie]

its not "tactical" but my research into a 3 gun shotgun has 100% pointed me directly at the benelli nova and super nova. Literally without exception the only shotgun recommended when i asked what pump is best, which is very very weird in the gun world

 

[Non-phixion]

Benelli supernova tactical all day every day. As for it costing 1000 dollars?!?! I picked mine up for 780 plus tax, not to mention benelli ####s on mossberg and remmington.

 

[Dsiwy]

If you pick Remington express or mossberg over benelli, then you are not wise with your money

Remington express is equal or sub par to Norinco, Mossberg is abit better and Benelli supernova blows them out of the park.

You can also get a supernova Tactical with 18.5" barrel, telescopic stock and 8rd mag

 

[rxanderq]

If you pick Remington express or mossberg over benelli, then you are not wise with your money

Remington express is equal or sub par to Norinco, Mossberg is abit better and Benelli supernova blows them out of the park.

You can also get a supernova Tactical with 18.5" barrel, telescopic stock and 8rd mag

Where can I find a Super Nova like that? I have yet to come across one

 

[Dsiwy]

1- special order one

2-buy a 14" tactical model and then buy a barrel and sell your 14" one or trade your 14" barrel for a 18.5 barrel "on the EE"

3-buy the 18.5" model and trade to stock for a telescopic on the EE "thats what I did"

The Benelli OEM +2 ext mag is sold at Wolverine

 

[Gunslingr]

If you pick Remington express or mossberg over benelli, then you are not wise with your money

Remington express is equal or sub par to Norinco, Mossberg is abit better and Benelli supernova blows them out of the park.

You can also get a supernova Tactical with 18.5" barrel, telescopic stock and 8rd mag

That is the BIGGEST LOAD OF SH*T ever said on CGN. Nomination for the stupidest post of the year goes to...

Remington is the number one selling pump shotgun in North America for a reason. Equal or sub par to norinco by friggen rear end.

 

[Dsiwy]

That is the BIGGEST LOAD OF SH*T ever said on CGN. Nomination for the stupidest post of the year goes to...

Remington is the number one selling pump shotgun in North America for a reason. Equal or sub par to norinco by friggen rear end.

Easy there Tiger

I did not say wingmaster or Police/military model now did I

The new Express models are no where near quality "rough chambers, bad finish that rusts fast, weak mag springs"

Remington is over looking QC on there express line to lower the price "which sucks, because if I wanted chinese QC then I would just buy a norince and save some cash"

 

[Gunslingr]

And I'm just saying that after owning an express (ya ya i got the only good one, anecdotal evidence lala i've heard it all ) and never having a single rust up after 10 seconds outside or rough chamber or ejection issues or anything else i'm sick of hearing all these bs threads telling people to steer clear of what is a good gun at a good price. I've seen the norinco's... they don't even work. Not at all, feeding cycling anything you would expect a gun to do is almost non existent with them. Don't compare the express with norinco's even the HP9's which were light years better than the 780, were POS.

Also two pieces of less than stellar news and a cancelled flight today have me on edge, my delivery may have been a bit terse but the sentiment of it is true. In fact I feel a rant brewing

 

[Dsiwy]

And I'm just saying that after owning an express (ya ya i got the only good one, anecdotal evidence lala i've heard it all ) and never having a single rust up after 10 seconds outside or rough chamber or ejection issues or anything else i'm sick of hearing all these bs threads telling people to steer clear of what is a good gun at a good price. I've seen the norinco's... they don't even work. Not at all, feeding cycling anything you would expect a gun to do is almost non existent with them. Don't compare the express with norinco's even the HP9's which were light years better than the 780, were POS.

Also two pieces of less than stellar news and a cancelled flight today have me on edge, my delivery may have been a bit terse but the sentiment of it is true. In fact I feel a rant brewing

Hey if you were not passionate about the guns you owned "you would not be a very good gun nut "

 

[geologist]

I've seen the norinco's... they don't even work. Not at all, feeding cycling anything you would expect a gun to do is almost non existent with them. Don't compare the express with norinco's even the HP9's which were light years better than the 780, were POS.

Based on my experience with the Marstar HP9-1, I have to respectfully disagree with you on the highlighted part above.

I have fired my buddies Winchester Express Tactical and it seemed like a nice gun with zero issues shooting 2.75" OO buck.

If I was buying my first short pump, I'd think about buying an old Wingmaster 870 with nice wood and then source a short barrel (maybe a Dlask) for it. There's something about an old Wingmaster that just seems right to me.

Otherwise an original Ithaca 37 (can you say slamfire?) and then either cut it down to 18.5" or buy a shorter barrel for it.

 

[870P]

I've got a 2003 vintage 870 Police Magnum, the quality of which is "meh" compared to ones produced decades ago that built the model's reputation. Out of the box it had a rough, heavy action, extraction issues with certain shells and even a rough interior finish on the inside of the mag tube that quickly chewed up the plastic follower and attracted dirt. A friend's consecutively serial numbered example was the same.

All these problems have been fixed but I as the customer shouldn't have been the one to do it, and the more I see of recent production Remingtons, the less I like.

I checked out a SuperNova Tactical 14 today and was again impressed, it seems both better in quality and value than recent 870Ps. However any pump gun that starts to approach the $1000 mark has me thinking at that point that maybe saving a few extra hundred dollars for a high end semi might be the way to go?

 

[Non-phixion]

I've got a 2003 vintage 870 Police Magnum, the quality of which is "meh" compared to ones produced decades ago that built the model's reputation. Out of the box it had a rough, heavy action, extraction issues with certain shells and even a rough interior finish on the inside of the mag tube that quickly chewed up the plastic follower and attracted dirt. A friend's consecutively serial numbered example was the same.

All these problems have been fixed but I as the customer shouldn't have been the one to do it, and the more I see of recent production Remingtons, the less I like.

I checked out a SuperNova Tactical 14 today and was again impressed, it seems both better in quality and value than recent 870Ps. However any pump gun that starts to approach the $1000 mark has me thinking at that point that maybe saving a few extra hundred dollars for a high end semi might be the way to go?

Don't be dissuaded from the super nova, they can be had for around 800 dollars and they're worth every penny. A pump is about as reliable as you can get, not to mention this gun is good to go from the box. The only accessory i'm gonna buy for mine is a mesa tactical side saddle rail, and possibly a red dot but that would be way later. Even though it has a mediocre magazine capacity; its still a beast, especially with its compact size and great cheek weld. This gun is as solid as they come, its very rugged. I couldn't see myself buying any other shotgun now than a benelli, anything else would be sacrilege.

 

[rxanderq]

I think I've narrowed my selection to either a Benelli or a Mossberg Persuader 8-shot, currently leaning closer to the Mossberg due to its price.
Would CGN agree that either firearm will last a lifetime of use?

Out of curiosity, how is the Remington 887? Should I consider that as well?

 

[french_fried_taters]

Can't beat the Mossberg for the price. Add a 12" LOP Hogue stock and a side saddle, then spend the extra you would have on a Benelli on lots of buck shot instead .