View Full Version : Pump shotty school
I've got an old 12G side by side with 30" barrels and have been considering replacing it with a pump action (probably either a 500/590 or 870). Though I've never tried skeet/trap, I still wonder, can a single pump action of either of the mentioned brand/models do double duty as a short barreled (18-20") home defense weapon and also be used (with a much longer barrel) for one of the clay shooting games?
Why not indeed. I imagine tens if not hundreds of thousands of 500's and 870's do such double duty.
MrMurphy
08-23-2008, 12:08
Both Mossberg and Remington sell "package guns" with a short (18" or 20") and a long (generally, 28") barrel. Just for this purpose.
A Mossberg 500sp followed me home from the gun show. It looks like for in the $100-$150 range, I can get a second (longer) barrel if I ever have the need.
Steve Moses
09-14-2008, 09:17
A pump shotgun optimized for home defense can be pressed into service for sporting purposes, and vice versa. However, a HD shotgun is best run with a shorter stock than that of a sporting shotgun. A squared-up, weight forward stance similar to something a boxer would use is desired for running a shotgun in a fight, and a bladed, more erect stance is preferable for precison shooting of small aerial targets. However, for day-in, day-out use of one shotgun, switching barrels back and forth should be adequate. It sure as heck beats no shotgun!
I always have 1" cut off the stock of my fighting shotguns and add a two-point sling.
Steve Moses
I've got an old 12G side by side with 30" barrels and have been considering replacing it with a pump action (probably either a 500/590 or 870). Though I've never tried skeet/trap, I still wonder, can a single pump action of either of the mentioned brand/models do double duty as a short barreled (18-20") home defense weapon and also be used (with a much longer barrel) for one of the clay shooting games?
I have multuiples of both - Mossbergs 500/590 and Remingtons 870/1100. Good platforms. My Mossberg 500 has six barrels - from 18.5" CB w/ bead, to 18.5" CB w/ RS, to 24" CB w/ RS, to 24" rifled bore w/ cantilever and scope, to 28" mod w/ bead, to 24" muzzle loader barrel. All work well. I have had this set-up for decades.
My 870 sleeps next to me, my 590 accompanies me on some comps, my 1100 Tactical is my primary 3-Gun shotty.
I finally got a chance to shoot the 500sp. Ouch. I put a few rounds of #7 shot through it, and then a few 00 buck. I'm kind of surprised I don't have any visible bruising on my shoulder, because it really felt like it was beating the crap out of me. I actually started to worry about my dental work.
So, this morning, I started searching for recoil reduction (and wondering if I should have gone 20GA). I've seen a lot of good reviews of the Knoxx Specops recoil reduction stock...but also a few bad ones.
The good ones generally say that it seriously tames the recoil. The bad ones mention things like it making it much harder to manipulate the action lock and safety, and that due to the movement of the shotgun in the stock, you can get slapped or scraped on the face during recoil.
A lot of the reviews were from people saying that it looked great but hadn't shot it yet. Anyone here have or tried one of these? Is it worth a try?
I finally got a chance to shoot the 500sp. Ouch. I put a few rounds of #7 shot through it, and then a few 00 buck. I'm kind of surprised I don't have any visible bruising on my shoulder, because it really felt like it was beating the crap out of me. I actually started to worry about my dental work.
So, this morning, I started searching for recoil reduction (and wondering if I should have gone 20GA). I've seen a lot of good reviews of the Knoxx Specops recoil reduction stock...but also a few bad ones.
The good ones generally say that it seriously tames the recoil. The bad ones mention things like it making it much harder to manipulate the action lock and safety, and that due to the movement of the shotgun in the stock, you can get slapped or scraped on the face during recoil.
A lot of the reviews were from people saying that it looked great but hadn't shot it yet. Anyone here have or tried one of these? Is it worth a try?
I know recoil is subjective. I have a Knoxx Spec Ops stock on my 870 and it definitely reduces felt recoil (50-70%). You have to experiment on how to best place your cheek on the stock so there is no discomfort. I have had no issues with the Knoxx stock. I truly enjoy it on my 870. I had an issue with the Knoxx stock on my 590 because I could not center my eye on the GR sights. The Knoxx stock does what it advertises. In my opinion, it is worth a try on the 500 or 870.
I've got a Spec-ops on my 870 and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm not recoil sensitive, but the stock makes shooting thius gun much more enjoyable. It may take a little getting used to, but it's well worth it.
JMHO
Mike
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