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Help Choosing a Shotgun

2K views 14 replies 11 participants last post by  Panoply 
#1 ·
Hello,

I've been shooting for 15+ years and during that time the only shotgun I have was one that had belonged to my great uncle - a Stevens 20g side-by-side. It finally gave up the ghost a couple years ago. Now, I need a shotgun. Primarily if not exclusively for home defense with perhaps some plinking and even some casual trap shooting.

Here are some that've caught my eye. I'd love to hear y'all's pros and cons. Also, I am a huge CZ fan ( I own 5 CZ firearms). High capacity better than the reverse. Pistol grip preferred, but not a deal breaker. I'd also like true sights - ghost rings etc. Even just a rail would do and I could after market the sights.

1) CZ 712 Practical 12 Gauge, 22", Extended Mag, 6 position stock Capacity 9+1
2) CZ 612 HC-P Cap. 4+1
3) Mossberg 500 12 Gauge Special Purpose Persuader Cap. 5+1
590's:
4) Mossberg 590 Special Purpose 9-Shot (the one with ghost rings)
5) Mossberg 590 Tactical Tri-Rail Cap. 8+1

870's:
6) Remington Model 870Express Tactical Cap. 7+1
7) Remington Model 870 Express Tactical with BLACKHAWK! Spec Ops II Cap. 7+1 (???)
8) Remington Model 870 Express Tactical Magpul Cap. 7+1
9) Remington Model 887 Nitro Mag Tactical Cap. 7+1
10) Remington Model 1100 TAC 4 Cap. 8+1


I realize I'm asking a lot, so please give me all the info you have on whichever of these you own, used to own etc etc. Some of these are VERY unlikely due to price (number 10 comes to mind) unless y'all tell me it is the Holy Grail and the weapon Archangel Michael smote Satan with.

My Highest preference is for the CZ 712; Remington Model 870Express Tactical; Mossberg 590 Special Purpose 9-Shot.

Thank You! I certainly hope you can help me make an informed decision.
 
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#2 ·
Panoply,

I'm sure someone will come along soon with more specific information on your list but I can share some more general ideas. What you're asking for, if I'm understanding you is a kin to asking for a Abrahams Tank that you'd like to take drag racing from time to time. Trap shooting and home defense are on the two opposite poles of shotgun shooting. What you may want to investigate before you make your purchase is the availability of a second barrel. I'm guessing every one on your list is for home defense. You'd want something in the area of 28"+ for a trap gun. I know the 870's offer barrels although I'm not sure on the models you've chosen. Me personally, I have a Winchester 97 (5+1) for HD and then my sporting shotguns are a 20 gauge BPS with a 21" barrel for skeet and quail and a 12 gauge BPS with a 28" barrel for dove, duck and all those farther shots. It does fine for trap too. Good luck
 
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#3 ·
If there is a perfect gun it has to be the shotgun, it's just so versatile. I chose to go with what I had, a Remington 1100, that I had won in a Ducks Unlimited raffle. I simply bought a second barrel with Rim Chokes, and cut the 30" full choke barrel that came on the gun. And added a magazine extender. I can shoot trap/skeet, small game, birds, deer, and bears! As well as defend my home.
Gun Rifle Air gun Shotgun Wood
 
#4 ·
My friend has the 870 XTAC, I like the ghost ring sights. I prefer standard grip over vertical/pistol grip. Go check em out. You seem to have done your research. I've only held one CZ, so dont have much input. Can't really go wrong no matter what you go with
 
#5 ·
The only shotgun that will do all this is the combo home defence field. This is the Mossberg flex. They are a good deal as you can get these for around $450/500 range. I think Remington sells a combo gun also.

Other this these shotguns you would need two different ones to do what you are looking to do.

Gun barrel
 
#6 · (Edited)
For exclusively HD use, I would choose the 870 Express Tactical. Coincidently I'm ordering that gun this morning from my LGS. The 870 is proven and has been around for decades, USA made (most if not all parts), picatinney rail with ghost ring sights, and a 18.5" barrel.

If you prefer the Magpul or Blackhawk versions you can always add those stocks later. I've handled the Blackhawk version but not Magpul. The Blackhawk felt a little odd for my taste so I would make sure you handle each gun. Magpul offers stocks, forends and other accessories for both the 870 and Mossberg 500.

I'm not familiar with CZ shotguns so I cannot comment. I do have an older Mossberg 500 in 20 ga with full choke and ventilated rib. It has served me very well since I was about 15 with zero problems.
 
#8 ·
If you want one shotgun that will do 'everything' it will have to be one with easily changeable barrels. Not just chokes - but barrels. For a modern design, I agree most of all with Carver on an 1100 Remington. I had one years ago, and it was a sweet shooter. The 1100 is a very rugged and reliable platform.

I have 3 shotguns: a Stevens 311 double in mod/full, a pre-Stevens (Mass. Arms Co.) single full choke and a Winchester 1897 pump - all in 12 gauge. The '97 is set up as a riot gun with an 18" cylinder bore, and I've recently added a second 30" full choke barrel for it. I have a spare 30" full choke barrel that I may have made into a 'modified choke' barrel and shortened to 26 or 28 inches in the future.
 
#9 ·
And 1100's can be had used for around $300.
 
#15 ·
Thanks, Y'all. Lots of food for thought here. I keep looking at the Remingtons and Mossbergs. Hell, I even found one with a bayonet which (yeah, i'll say it - laugh as much as you like) appealed to me in an overkill sorta way. But I just keep being drawn back to the CZ's. In my inexpert opinion, CZ is an undiscovered jewel of a gun maker. When I let people at the range try them, they're blown away (figuratively! lol) at the quality. Look at the (sadly discontinued) Brno FX to see perfection in a centerfire break barrel.
I won't be buying until late January when my funds recuperate, so I've time to ponder. Thanks for the advice, everyone, and have the Merriest of Christmases.

Panoply
 
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