I can tell you unequivocably that my 11-87 semi is not as reliable as my 870 pump. That said, my 11-87 is VERY reliable (with the right ammo), and it offers the following advantages over the 870: Number one, I don't need to manually cycle the action to load a round on a semi; Number two, the semi soaks up recoil and is easier to shoot; Number 3, a typical pump requires a longer reach to comfortably operate (so I had to change stocks on my 870 for my short arms); Number 4, I can fire the semi with one hand if I have to; and Number 5, it's easier to attach accessories to a semi than a pump--like a flashlight. Bottom line, though, is I trust my 11-87 to work, and I know I can put up a better fight with it if I have to in the dark of night. As for the sound of racking a shell, I'm not waiting until I desperately need a shotgun to get a shell in the chamber, and I figure if the sight of that tube staring at them doesn't do the trick, the blast certainly will!
The safety on the Mossberg is located on the top of the receiver. On a traditionally stocked shotgun this setup works well, but throw a pistol gripped stock on it and you can't release the safety while maintaining a shooting grip. Try one out and you'll see what I mean. If you want a pistol grip I'd definately go with the Remington (much better safety placement), if you're getting a more traditional stock either should serve you well.
I've followed this thread with great interest as I, too, am looking for a home defense shot gun. I didn't read too much about shell size, however, and I know nothing except what the sales people tell me. What size is good for home defense? 10? 12? 20? 410? Other? I'm thinking that price and availability, size and load, would all be considerations, just as it is for my pistols and rifles. I looked thru the ammo and reloading threads and there's nothing there that answers my questions. It's been many years since I fired any type of shot gun and I'm pleasantly surprised to view the new designs, and upgrades. Any comments, thoughts, recommendations? Thanks.
I have a Mossberg 500 pistol grip with breacher (also good for close combat poking) and a Mossberg 930 set up for tactical shooting - both are great -but you will have fewer accessories than for the Rem 870 if you like to add stuff.
I have a rail on top of both, the 930 has an Electro red dot which is sighted for 100 yards with slugs, it comes off easy so and does not loose the zero.
On the 500 I noticed it's very easy to not be on target with 00 buck if you do not have it pointed dead on, looking for a light-laser combination to put on the rail , good for searching a dark house and you know where the center of the 00 is going to go.
Most common shotgun shell gauges would be 12 and 20. Most common length in shogun shells would be the 2 3/4". If you can find a 12 gauge shotgun that you like and can handle it well, I'd strongly recommend the 12 gauge, since ammo would be readily available and is more forgiving due to the number of shot pellets in the larger shell. There's also a larger variety of ammo available for the 12 gauge. Get the opinions of shotgun owners along with the sales staff at the gun stores. Due to limited availability of firearms in some areas, store clerks may tell you what you want to hear to encourage you to purchase what they have in stock, rather than what would be best for your needs.
Hope I've been able to answer your questions.
gf
I have a Mossberg 500 pistol grip with breacher (also good for close combat poking) and a Mossberg 930 set up for tactical shooting - both are great -but you will have fewer accessories than for the Rem 870 if you like to add stuff.
I have a rail on top of both, the 930 has an Electro red dot which is sighted for 100 yards with slugs, it comes off easy so and does not loose the zero.
On the 500 I noticed it's very easy to not be on target with 00 buck if you do not have it pointed dead on, looking for a light-laser combination to put on the rail , good for searching a dark house and you know where the center of the 00 is going to go.
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