Tactical Shotgun Choice

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mring

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Hey all. I have been reading lots of the posts as I am getting ready to get a tactical shotgun (first one). Since I have limited funds (as we all do), I want it to be a solid performer. I was hoping to get a Mossberg 900 SPX but low and behold not allowed in Canada.

Has to be a semi; preferrably 8 shot capacity but that means 20" barrel if I am not mistaken. 18" is the 5+1.

Prefer ghost ring sights as well but could always add.

So other than going for a much longer 26" semi 900 series mossberg what would anyone suggest.

Range of 75-100yrds for relative accuracy seems realtive amongs most of the brands but would love to hear some "real life" users take on things.

M.
 
mring said:
Hey all. I have been reading lots of the posts as I am getting ready to get a tactical shotgun (first one). Since I have limited funds (as we all do), I want it to be a solid performer. I was hoping to get a Mossberg 900 SPX but low and behold not allowed in Canada.

Has to be a semi; preferrably 8 shot capacity but that means 20" barrel if I am not mistaken. 18" is the 5+1.

Prefer ghost ring sights as well but could always add.

So other than going for a much longer 26" semi 900 series mossberg what would anyone suggest.

Range of 75-100yrds for relative accuracy seems realtive amongs most of the brands but would love to hear some "real life" users take on things.

M.
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I'd recommend the ones that have been proven in combat and LE.

Remington 870 Wingmaster or Police
Mossberg 500 (requires metal safety), 590, 590A1
Benelli M1,M2,M3,M4

Some of those options are expensive, but if you're going to defend yourself, you might as well get the best guns for the job and learn to use them more importantly. Tactical is a mindset, the weapon is your brain. Shotgun is the tool that is an extension of your 'tactical thinking'.

Buy more ammo and practice.
 
You can try signing up for some courses, I'm not sure what's available here in Canada. Try some DVDs from an intro i.e. Magpul Dynamics etc.
 
there are few semi shotguns i would rely on for a defense/wilderness defense gun.

the Remington 1100/11-87 is a well revered gun, however its action is notoriously unreliable when not well maintained/kept clean.

Benellis, as stated, are reliable but quite expensive. the Benellis i have shot have also been particularly punishing with recoil (in comparison to other guns), possibly because of gun fit. the Stoegers have a similar action, but are plagued by quality control issues.

i would trust the Baikal MP-153/Remington SPR453 action once they are broken in - theyre basically the AK-47 of the shotgun world, but there is no aftermarket and the gun configs leave much to be desired.
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i dont know much about the Mossberg 9xx series so i cant comment.

personally, for any 'defense' or camp gun type role, id stick with bombproof, proven and easily-customizable pumps like the 870 or 500/590.
 
I just finished a Tactical Shotgun Instructor's course about three weeks ago. Some things to think about.

1). When training and practicing, some semi-automatic shotguns are sensitive to training ammo such as #7-1/2 or #8 birdshot and won't cycle on them. If you are watching the pennies, you should consider a pump action as they rely on you to power the action. If you have the cash to invest in full power loads, this will be less of an issue. I have heard several professional users describe semi's as "jam-o-matics". I have no experience with M1014s and the like, but the M121A1s (a precursor) we had were bang up reliable. However, that being said, I currently run a pump action shotty.

2). Consider the environments you plan to use the shotgun in. If you see using it for CQB training or competitions, maybe a shorter barrel will be more to your liking. You will see a reduction in ammo capacity and a slight increase in recoil, but not so much of either so as to truly reduce your effectiveness with it once you are correctly trained in it's use.

3). Consider very carefully the manual at arms of the shotguns you are looking at. Often a shotgunner will think about how easy it is to "Feed the Fire" and "Load Swap". Ergonomics play a very big role here as well. If you plan on changing the stock and grip to an AR pattern, you would be best served with a Remington 870. If not, the Mossberg's choice of control locations is, in my opinion, superior for the conventional stock pattern.

4). Accessories (or lack thereof) are also a big thing for many people. Most serious shotgunners, who use the shotgun as thier primary, often go with a single point or double point sling, shell saddle and a light. The sights used can range from a simple bead sight to a red-dot with NV compatability, many prefer the bead sight as they rarely engage past 50m. Remember, the less you have on it, the less you have to carry.

5). Regardless of what you select, be sure to get training on how to fully realize the potential of a properly operated shotgun. Shotguns have a lot of oomph, but only when used correctly.

Hope this helps.
 
Same as Maple Leaf Pilgrim I have spent a fair amount of time on tactical shotgun training and instruction, find the shotgun is more personal then any other firearm. It would be best if you could try a few out and see what you like, sometimes easier said then done.

I personally like the remingtons both the 870 and the 1100/1187. I have heard a bunch of bad things about 1100 actions but personally I have never had a malfunction in both of the ones I have, we are talking 300 rnd days with no cleaning. People have told me they have experienced a lot of stoppages maybe I am just lucky.

For tactical shotgun I actually dont like a pistol grip, I prefer the regular style stock with the elastic shell holder. Check out all of your sight options if you want a bead, fiber optic with adjustments, or a red dot.

The benellis are nice for sure, but they are about 3 times the price of the Remington.

Again, best thing is to explore your options and see what works best for you, there are a bunch of different ways of doing drills there are advantages and disadvantages to every shotgun. But like everyone has said the 870 is a good starting point, lots of aftermarket stuff too.
 
i would recommend looking at/trying out the Benelli Nova tactical with the 18.5" bbl. It is bombproof reliable, has a HUGE loading port, and will chamber anything from 2.75 up to 3.5 inches. Aftermarket accessories like tube extensions and side saddles are available, too.
 
Farmboy said:
No matter what you choose, Earl will be able to get you running it like a pro! ;)
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Quoted for truth :rockOn:

Main difference for me between the 870 and the Mossberg is safety and slide release locations. I prefer the 870 safety, but I prefer the Mossberg slide release... That said, I shoot an 887 mostly, just to confuse matters :p
 
Benelli M4 is my vote. Good enough for the Marines then its good enough for me.

Heres mine.

P1010150.jpg


Pricey but imo its the best semi auto. I only had a problem with a few screws backing out. Loctite fixed it. I've fired various low power trap rounds without a hicup.
 
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