Looking For A Shtf / Hd Shotgun

[WILLSARV]

I am looking at the Mossberg Tactical Cruiser and regular Cruiser.

The Tactical Cruiser has less capicity and is more money but looks really good. The Cruiser has two more rounds and less money.

Question. What is a good price on each? Do the Mossbergs still have an aluminum receiver?

What else in another Brand is available?

Any help appreciated.

[Mister Two]

The Remington 870 is another very popular model.

[ElevatedThreat]

I believe that all the Mossbergs have aluminum receivers -- which has not stopped them from being successful military-issue shotguns.

For real self-defense, as opposed to a race gun for competition or a zombie-killing gun for fun at the gravel pit, I'd stick to a simple Remington or Mossberg with an 18" barrel and hi-vis sights.

If you want something a bit more "tactical" looking but still very defensible in court, try the Remington Law Enforcement line for a POLICE 870 or POLICE 11-87. These are rugged and dependable shotguns with all the necessary basic features.

-ET

[CaliTheKid]

Rem 870's both Express and Police models, Mossy 500 or 590's, Winchester Defender 1300's and Benelli Nova's are all top notch and you really can't go wrong with any of them. Shoulder a few of them and see what feels good to ya.

I keep a Remington 870P bedside with the only modification being a Surefire 6p light held on by a Mesa Tac barrel clamp. I like to keep my HD guns simple and to the point. For me that's a light and good ammo.

[MrMurphy]

A Mossberg 590A1 with a Surefire light, Sidesaddle for ammo and a sling.

Or a Remington 870 Police with the same.

[ElevatedThreat]

Originally posted by CaliTheKid
[BI like to keep my HD guns simple and to the point. [/B]

Amen! Leave the tacticool accessories for shooting zombies at the local gravel pit. Stick to a basic gun for defense.

Practice with your chosen defensive ammo to verify its performance from your gun, and to become accustomed to recoil, so that you won't short-stroke the action under stress.

Shotguns will produce a very tight (small) pattern at close range, so good sights you can see in low light are a important. Night sights powered by Tritium are a good investment.

Federal 00 buck in the 9-pellet, 2 3/4" shell with the Flite Control wad offers excellent performance. The plated hardened shot in a plastic wad will not lead up your barrel like cheap buckshot can.

And for a defensive slug load, Brenneke Black Magic slugs really shine from an un-rifled barrel. And they have a slippery dry lubricant film over the lead that prevents them from leading up the barrel.

-ET

[HEAVY]

what's the best barrel length for an HD shottie?

supposing there's no barrell lenght restriction.

i live in what is equivalent to a suburb.

i have a choice of 18.5", 14" and 20".

thanks.

[vafish]

Originally posted by HEAVY
what's the best barrel length for an HD shottie?

supposing there's no barrell lenght restriction.

i live in what is equivalent to a suburb.

i have a choice of 18.5", 14" and 20".

thanks.

You don't say your location.

Here in most states in the US 14" is a Short Barreled Shotgun and subject to federal regulation.

My choice for a HD shotgun is a 18.5" Mossberg 500.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/vafish/08220004.jpg

[HEAVY]

there are no barrel length regulations where i live.

would you pick a 14" over an 18.5"?

the 14" woul be a 5+1 capacity and the 18" would be a 7+1.

would having 2 or 3 more shells be better than a more maneuverable, shorter shotgun?

[vafish]

Originally posted by HEAVY
there are no barrel length regulations where i live.

would you pick a 14" over an 18.5"?

the 14" woul be a 5+1 capacity and the 18" would be a 7+1.

would having 2 or 3 more shells be better than a more maneuverable, shorter shotgun?

Tough call.

I like a short barreled shotgun for home defense. I don't plan on running through the house a lot with my Mossberg. So I don't think 18.5 is too bad. Also my shotguns do triple duty, they are clay pigeon guns, hunting guns, and home defense guns.

If you could put longer barrels on the 14" for other uses I think I'd go with that.

[antediluvianist]

Norinco double-barrel. As simple as you can get.

[MrMurphy]

If barrel length is unrestricted, the shorter barrel is definitely handier in vehicles and houses, though a shotgun isn't really a room clearing weapon for most, the 18.5" being a bit more all-purpose. If you had to have the smaller package though the 14" is the common "short" length used by the FBI, police etc for when it does need to be small.