HD Shotgun Help

[CCF]

I'm going tomorrow to buy a HD shotgun. I've narrowed my choices to these four 12 guage pumps with short barrels: Maverick (by Mossberg) for $148, Mossberg Persuader for $228, Winchester Defender for $268, & the Remington 870 for about $350 (don't recall the exact price).

I have a few questions. Other than the pistol grip that comes with the Persuader, what's the difference between it & the Maverick? Is the Maverick the exact same gun as the Persuader minus the pistol grip? Is Winchester still making the Defender (I hear they've quit making some of their guns)? It's not a big issue for me, but does the Defender come with a pistol grip? And finally, which one would you buy?

I'd appreciate any answers to my questions as well as any comments. Thanks.

[jmb79]

Get the Remington. Hands down the best pump shotgun made. I hope that for $350 you're not getting a bare bones Express 870.

[Seabee]

I went with the Mossberg 500 mostly due to the position on the safety but the Remington is a fine shotgun as well. You would do well with either.

[CAcop]

If I were right handed and right eyed I would get Remington so the wife and I could use the same shotgun without making one of us having to do some goofy movements to get the safety off. Since I am left handed and left eyed I am going Mossberg for the ambi safety. Either one will work well enough for HD.

[Ron3]

I prefer the control placement of the Mossberg 500's.

[josp]

I use the Maverick made by mosberg and "slightly" altered......
http://www.serbu.com/shorty.htm

[MrMurphy]

The Mav is basically the economy version of the Mossberg with some internal differences I believe.

The 870, 500, 1300 and the Maverick would be my pick.