Gunfighter

rlwilk · Joined: 14 Jul 2007 Posts: 10 Location: Houston, Texas

I'm about to invest in a tactical shotgun, and I'd like to hear what everyone's preferences are and why? Auto or pump? 12 or 20ga? Mossberg, Remington, FN, Benelli or Winchester? Thanks for any inputs. And thanks, Brian, for a great Tac Pistol 1 earlier this month!

Bob

DEMON · Joined: 13 Jul 2007 Posts: 194 Location: Houston,Texas

If it were me and this is shotgun number one I would purchase the Remington 870.I belive it is a extremely reliable weapon,there are plenty of aftermarket upgrades avaliable for it,and as far as training for the weapon it is better to learn the pump system first.If you choose a second shot gun and go for a semi auto you will have to learn a few different techniques.Thats my two cents,Im sure more will follow. Twisted Evil

rlwilk · Joined: 14 Jul 2007 Posts: 10 Location: Houston, Texas

Thanks, Demon!

Bob

Semper_Fi

The Remington 870 pump gets my vote for the #1 tactical 12 gauge. The 870 is well made, time proven and is easy to disassemble, clean and reassemble. It also chambers 2-3/4" and 3" shells.

If your chosen shooters have ample physical strength to handle recoil, go with the 12 gauge. Perhaps test fire 12 and 20 gauge weapons prior to purchasing.

As Demon mentions, there are many 'professional grade' aftermarket items for the 870. www.gggaz.com

The Mossberg 500 comes in at #2.

specrat · Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 201 Location: the shop

Since we're throwing in our $.02 here, I agree with both Demon and Semper. My fav is the Rem 870 but we also had Mossberg 500s in our armory when I was in the service so I think very highly of them too. I have also owned a Benelli M1 Super-90 and loved it (even used it on patrol) but ended up selling it because I really did not need it after Brian taught me to be fast and proficient with my pump 870. Demon makes a good point that I heartily agree with: if it's your first shotgun, I also think a pump is the right way to go - at least to begin with before going semi-auto. As for gauge, I am of the opinion that if you are male, get a 12 gauge because you will either grow into it (if young, weak from injury, a new shooter, etc) or if you cannot handle it, then maybe you should rethink a shotgun as a weapon platform. I do think 20 gauge is just right for women who cannot handle the 12ga.
Now, please don't get me wrong and think I am on some macho trip here, saying that about being male and choosing 12ga - I say that because after Brian teaches you *how* to shoot the 12ga shotgun, you will most likely be in love with it and a very formidable, efficient shooter. If, after Brian teaches you the 12ga shotgun, you can *not* handle it, then there is definitely an issue there that is probably outside the scope of the gauge.

One last thing, though I love me some GG&G, when it comes to shotgun accessories, I am also loving Mesa Tactical's stuff! I spoke with them at their booth as SHOT and they just keep innovating. They had some cool new shotgun accessories to look for in the near future and they also showed me a prototype of a round-holder system that will attach to the side of your bolt-gun. Even though it was a prototype, it was sexy and I can't wait until the production piece! Check out their new prototype sniper stock - http://www.mesatactical.com/

fm2 · Joined: 16 Jul 2007 Posts: 67

I'll put in a vote for the Winchester 1300. I think the pump gun is a great choice.

I suggest adding a better front sight, Tru-Glo fat dot or GloDot fiber optic sight or Marbles Expert for the Tritium front sight. This upgrade is probably the best bang for the buck improvement.

rlwilk · Joined: 14 Jul 2007 Posts: 10 Location: Houston, Texas

Well, I decided to go with the Remington 870. I should be getting it in a couple of days.

Ezekiel 25:17 · Joined: 06 Sep 2007 Posts: 36 Location: Houston TX.

Good choice my friend

rlwilk · Joined: 14 Jul 2007 Posts: 10 Location: Houston, Texas

Thanks to every one for their posts! I appreciate the inputs! It's always best to ask people who've "been there done that". I never had to carry a shotgun in an F-4 or an F-16, but I'm trainable.....

Bob

Morris · Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 103 Location: Seattle Metro Area

Another vote for an 870 in the Police flavor. Worth the extra money over the express models.

specrat · Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 201 Location: the shop

lmao Ezekial... but you're *still* fired for Cloverfield.

Morris · Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 103 Location: Seattle Metro Area

I am presuming a shakey moster movie scared you into a corner? Very Happy

Back to tactical shottys, anyone shoot the new Mossberg semi yet?