What's a good affordable must have pump shotgun? Alien defese/general purpose

I had one question though, if I ever want to make it more purposeful (for example I start to hunt in future) I can always swap barrels right instead of buying another shotgun? This is basically like a basic 590, just with shorter barrel and no stock?
The 14” mossbergs have a different length mag tube than the longer barreled versions, so it’s not as simple to swap barrels iirc. Rem 870’s all have the same length mag tube (with the exception of one 870 tactical with a longer factory mag tube) so you can swap barrels easily between them.
 
Important to keep in mind : the flyer in Buckshot.

Very interesting and informative. Confirms to me that my fondness for Federal ammo of all kinds is not misplaced- but of course you will want to test different makes in your own gun (I confess I don't do that enough, once I've found a good one I stop and stick with it).

The choke thing now- every high end tactical shotgun I've come across has been cylinder choke, this video may show why. For sure it makes me glad that I got all freaked out when I discovered that the Benelli M4 I was recently about to buy only came with a Mod choke. OK, I was intending to use it for a lot of things other than tactical stuff but I would not want to end up with a gun that was actually handicapped for that purpose.

Anyway, thanks for posting the vid.
 
870 or 590. For modern pump guns that will go the distance, there are only two.

If you're looking for a project, chop and refinish an old Ithaca 37. Nothing finer.
 
The 14” mossbergs have a different length mag tube than the longer barreled versions, so it’s not as simple to swap barrels iirc. Rem 870’s all have the same length mag tube (with the exception of one 870 tactical with a longer factory mag tube) so you can swap barrels easily between them.

Shoot. Now I'm back to undecided.

I don't think I'll ever hunt realistically though so I'm really leaning that 590 Shockwave in cerakote and a SGA magpul stock.
 
I have a mossberg, can't remember if 500 or 590, what I don't like, it has no loading gate, or whatever you call it, just open on bottom, out of every mag tube I get 1 that just falls out bottom. Not much of a home defense gun if you have to ask intruder to wait a minute while I put shell back in. So not wanting to spend a lot, I bought a winchester sxp, liked it enough to buy another for wife.
 
Mossberg Plus:
-2 extractors
-shell elevator enables shells to be inserted under all conditions whether lifter is up or down
-cheaper
-10 year warranty
-Screw in standing ejector

Minus:
-I won’t buy any one because I had a defective one and a terrible customer service experience, but not everyone has this happen
-Some don’t like rattling forend due to big tolerances and pivoting action bars
-Some don’t like aluminum receiver
-buy the specific model with the shot capacity you want, because the magazine tube change is an expensive deal also necessitating a barrel that matches

Remington plus:
-steel receiver
-easy shot capacity upgrade
-many prefer the ergonomics, finding it a more natural fit
-quieter slide, less rattle

Cons:
-shorter warranty
-more expensive
-inconsistent quality control ranging from superb to a headache
-riveted ejector, a pain to change

I think a lot of the differences are more academic and theoretical than functional. Most of the weak points of either action never become any issue even after thousands of rounds fired. Both are used and abused by professional agencies without event.

If possible I would recommend actually getting your hands on them to examine, shoulder, cycle, and better yet shoot to see how it works with your body mechanics. Neck length, shoulder breadth, arm length & limb geometry, etc. I’m sure you already know this part, but just for good measure I figured it’s worth stating.

I am happy hunting with either, but only after I’ve had the chance to put them through their paces. The problems of each can be fixed by the end user, if you’re up for it.
 
Hey all, I'm slowly getting back into guns after my PTSD :ROFLMAO: (OIC ban and freeze, AR banned and avoided guns in fear of losing more) and bought a Kodiak WK181 a month ago.

Last time I went out to the range to shoot it, some folks made me shoot their pump action and semi shotguns and wow, what a different experience it was and I want one. I see you can buy some pump Mossbergs brand new for like 500$, so I figure why not. I'm also thinking it could actually be a better choice for home defense if I am ever in a situation like that because my WK181 is really long. I'm not seriously or in need of home defense, like I don't live in a ####hole place, just as a why not you know.

Now the issue is I know nothing about shotguns so I was hoping some folks could share some advise. For example, if I were to just buy the cheapest pump Mossberg they sell, is that a good buy? Or I should look at a certain models or? Thank in advance to all!
Have a look at a Benelli Nova or SuperNova Tactical. Way nicer than a Mossberg 500 for a few bucks more.

https://www.gotenda.com/product/ben...ump-action-shotgun-w-ghost-ring-sights-20051/
 
Shoot. Now I'm back to undecided.

I don't think I'll ever hunt realistically though so I'm really leaning that 590 Shockwave in cerakote and a SGA magpul stock.
I personally prefer the 870 platform, but for most shooters, for their first shotgun, the differences between the 870 and the 500/590 are probably not worth worrying about.

That is, unless you KNOW that you're going to want to be able to swap barrel lengths with ease. In that case, IF you're going Mossberg then you should get one with the standard length mag tube. But regardless, given that sale price on the Shockwave, it's a cheap experiment (if you decided to sell it in the future, you'd probably make money on it).
 
The 14” mossbergs have a different length mag tube than the longer barreled versions, so it’s not as simple to swap barrels iirc. Rem 870’s all have the same length mag tube (with the exception of one 870 tactical with a longer factory mag tube) so you can swap barrels easily between them.
....and changing forends is also a piano in the neck as there are different lengths available for different guns, the action arms are different lengths...
870 is easier to get parts for
 
Thanks all, if I didn't have my rifle I'd probably go Rem 870 for versatility or another Mossberg. But since I just want something close range and a shotgun for fun I'll order the 590 Shockwave and get the Magpul stock, I think I'm set. And I'll go with the velcro shell holders you can get from Amazon.

The minishell option is also interesting with that adapter piece if I find the kick to much.
 
Another vote for the Benelli, on for $579.99 at Cabela's:

https://www.cabelas.ca/product/147920/benelli-nova-tactical-pump-action-shotgun

I also have an 870 and love it as well.

I was considering it because the store I was going to buy the 590 Shockwave, don't have the black SGA stock anymore in stock. So now it ads ~ 60$ more by buying at another store shipping and it's more expensive. I'm close to the price of the Benelli now. And I like that the Benilli has a typical 2 sight (like iron sights on a rifle) VS just a bead on the barrel.

But then the Benelli is longer barrel but less ammo.... make it make it sense?
 
I'd say Mossberg 500. I've handled Mavericks and they're probably the "best" if budget is a concern. I'd rather have a third-hand 500 than an brand new 88 though, but that's me.

If you're new to shotguns, I'd avoid short barrels or any of these wonky/raptor-type grips like the Shockwaves have. I mean, if your goal is to be able to actually hit things, you want to pick a gun option that will deliver that. I was watching a video last night dismissing the need to "aim" shotguns on the assumption the pellets spread so much. Proof positive that person doesn't have much time behind a shotgun. You can't aim to the east expecting to hit a target in the west. lol Aiming actually is required.

Anyhow, I like short-barrel shotguns for lots of reasons but I consider 18" to be "short". Meaning, on the "short" end of being really useful. If shorter length/pack-ability matter, picking an 870 or the right 500 that would accept a shorter barrel=also an option.

Pros/cons on various models are a good thing, but practice will matter allot more than some of the differences between models. I think 870s are prettier guns and a little easier to take apart for cleaning, the 500s lighter in hand and nicer to carry longer distances. Both are great options, and affordable/used of both out there.
 
I was considering it because the store I was going to buy the 590 Shockwave, don't have the black SGA stock anymore in stock. So now it ads ~ 60$ more by buying at another store shipping and it's more expensive. I'm close to the price of the Benelli now. And I like that the Benilli has a typical 2 sight (like iron sights on a rifle) VS just a bead on the barrel.

But then the Benelli is longer barrel but less ammo.... make it make it sense?
Another vote for the Supernova, there is a 14” version. I just picked up the 14” tactical with collapsable stock and am loving it so far, smoother in operation than my 870 but more $. Watch a few reviews and you will likely agree it’s a sweet thing.
 
Hey all, I'm slowly getting back into guns after my PTSD :ROFLMAO: (OIC ban and freeze, AR banned and avoided guns in fear of losing more) and bought a Kodiak WK181 a month ago.

Last time I went out to the range to shoot it, some folks made me shoot their pump action and semi shotguns and wow, what a different experience it was and I want one. I see you can buy some pump Mossbergs brand new for like 500$, so I figure why not. I'm also thinking it could actually be a better choice for home defense if I am ever in a situation like that because my WK181 is really long. I'm not seriously or in need of home defense, like I don't live in a ####hole place, just as a why not you know.

Now the issue is I know nothing about shotguns so I was hoping some folks could share some advise. For example, if I were to just buy the cheapest pump Mossberg they sell, is that a good buy? Or I should look at a certain models or? Thank in advance to all!
If you are thinking "Home Defense" a cheap Churchill will do nicely but more important is that you know what you can and should and/or should not doo if you ever get into such situation therefore I strongly recommend you purchase and read several times the Book called "No more Mr. nice Guy" by Barry Holland.

Cheers
 
I'd say Mossberg 500. I've handled Mavericks and they're probably the "best" if budget is a concern. I'd rather have a third-hand 500 than an brand new 88 though, but that's me.

If you're new to shotguns, I'd avoid short barrels or any of these wonky/raptor-type grips like the Shockwaves have. I mean, if your goal is to be able to actually hit things, you want to pick a gun option that will deliver that. I was watching a video last night dismissing the need to "aim" shotguns on the assumption the pellets spread so much. Proof positive that person doesn't have much time behind a shotgun. You can't aim to the east expecting to hit a target in the west. lol Aiming actually is required.

Anyhow, I like short-barrel shotguns for lots of reasons but I consider 18" to be "short". Meaning, on the "short" end of being really useful. If shorter length/pack-ability matter, picking an 870 or the right 500 that would accept a shorter barrel=also an option.

Pros/cons on various models are a good thing, but practice will matter allot more than some of the differences between models. I think 870s are prettier guns and a little easier to take apart for cleaning, the 500s lighter in hand and nicer to carry longer distances. Both are great options, and affordable/used of both out there.

Don't get me wrong, if I'm getting the Shockwave it's to add a stock. The only reason I'm considering it is because from my POV, I can now get a Mossberg 590 for ~ 150$ more than a Maverick 88 at that discount price with that deal. I definitely don't want freehanding shotgun like that. And since I want a Magpul stock, why buy one with a stock I'll gett rid off.

And my understanding the only difference with Shockwave is reduced barrel lenght and grip (and differnt mag tube to match reduce barrel). As long as I don't mind barrel swapping, I think it will be a nice package? Only thing I dislike is the bead sight, never used one but if I'm shooting a short shotgun I'm sure it'l do fine.
 
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