Home Defense Shotgun - opinions and fair price

[executivechef01]

I am on the market for my first home defense shotgun ( 1st time and dont know much about them). I am looking for something that is easy to shoot, reliable, and east to maintain. I have been told to go with a Remington 870 or Mossberg 510a, and then told to veer away from Mossberg due to a heavy front end. When looking into Remington I discovered everything but god. I have been told to stay away form the Police Magnums unless putting a couple thousand rounds a year through it, which I would maybe get 2-300 if I have enough time, I prefer wasting my money on .45 ammo.

Please let me know your choice, model, I even noticed different barrel lenghts, and if possible a rough price. Im hoping to make it to PA next weekend for the gun show and would like to be prepared. Thanks for your help and time!

[executivechef01]

anyone out there? Im more of a Floridian than a NY'er I promise!

[308man]

I would go with the 870 Remington. They are reliable, reasonably priced,and have a ton of accesories for them. I don't think you can go wrong with the Remington

[Sleazy-E]

...then told to veer away from Mossberg due to a heavy front end...

I don't see why this would be a detriment, even if it were true. A heavier front end will allow you to get back on target faster, thus allowing for quicker/more accurate follow up shots. As far as deciding which one to buy, I can't really help ya there, I bought a Mossberg 500 after debating between that and a Remington 870. Ultimately, the deciding factor was price. The 500 was 30 bucks cheaper, (and it had the 7+1 magazine extension,) so that is what I got. I handled both of them, and neither one felt any "better" than the other, therefore my decision was based mostly on price.

[executivechef01]

I would go with the 870 Remington. They are reliable, reasonably priced,and have a ton of accesories for them. I don't think you can go wrong with the Remington

Thats seemed to be everyones response, but when getting down to it there are many different basic variations up to a police magnum, I just dont know the difference, any pointers would be appreciated.

[bdancer]

I got a simple 870 express magnum. My plan is to get an 18 inch barrel so I can swap it out with the 28" one. Get one that can handle magnum rounds. An extended mag is good idea too, so you've got more than 4+1. Other than that, I don't think you can go wrong with whatever model is available.

[mickey01023]

Are you in the market for a pistol grip or a shotgun with a stock? Semi or pump?

[executivechef01]

I think im more towards stock and have been told by people I trust me life to that semi / Benelli are fun but may not be a reliable shotgun, sticking to pump with maybe a light and sling no crazy toys - its got one purpose in life and thats protection not looking pretty, maybe some range time to grow comfortable with it and ensure reliability.

I think I am heading towards a Remington 870 gonna try for a magnum and maybe get a wilson or mesa tactical system. I will keep you guys posted.

Any luck finding these at the gun shows in PA?

[Lone Wolf]

FWIW, I have a Winchester 1300 Defender for HD. Ive had it for 13 years, shot it a bunch, and haven't had any problems whatsoever.

[falcn]

Read this,,,http://members.tripod.com/~jth8260/870.html

Can't really go wrong with either one. Get which ever one you can pick up used for around $200.