[ShotgunPro]

I will be buying a shotgun next month and it's primary purpose will be for home defense...but I will most likely use it for skeet shooting. I'm interested in the Remington 870 because it seems the most universal or versital shotgun. I'm not a big skeet shooter but that's what I would actually use it for from time to time with friends and family. The alternative is shooting bad guys in my house...I don't think that will happen that often.

I'd like to hear your thoughts if you think this is a suitable shotgun or might suggest something else.

 

[ShotgunPro]

Maybe you should ask this question in the shotgun forum?

 

[ShotgunPro]

I think that'll do just fine. I kept mine loaded before I got my XD-40. You can't go wrong with an 870. =)

 

[ShotgunPro]

Agree with the 870. Lots of accessories avail...Very adaptable....

 

[ShotgunPro]

I have an 1187 thats stays with four in the mag by my bed its my turkey, home defense, and backup dove gun. We got an 870 youth for my sister and its a great gun, can't go wrong with a Remington. Also consider getting the shurshot thumbhole stock you can still shoot flying targets and control it for if things go bump in the night

 

[ShotgunPro]

I was a shotgun wielding Marine in my younger days...the 870 will do ya just fine...

 

[ShotgunPro]

i love my 1952 ithaca model 37 but aftermarket parts are next to none, the 870 is the best shotgun for the money with tons of aftermarket parts.

one of my closest friends recently bought an 870 tactical with ghost ring sights, the gun was on backorder and he waited a few weeks, bought the 870 when it came in and noticed at home that the barrel has 2 dings showing bare metal. he called remington and they sent him a brand new barrel w/return postage for the damaged within a few days. thats pretty dang good customer service, granted the gun was brand new.

 

[ShotgunPro]

Thanks guys (minus the one smart-a$$) for your advice. It's decided. 870 it is.

 

[ShotgunPro]

Mossberg 500!!

 

[ShotgunPro]

Nothing wrong with the 870 ... or the Mossberg 500 for that matter.

However, OP, have you shot skeet before? Have you shot skeet with a pump gun? Shooting doubles can be done, but is quite challenging for the beginner.

Have you tried to maneuver a skeet-length barrel through a doorway or around a corner?

Granted, you can switch out the barrel of the 870 or the 500 quite easily. You might buy a combo gun (comes with 2 barrels) or pick up a shorter barrel for home defense.

 

[ShotgunPro]

General SA XD/XDm Talk (and shotguns)

 

[ShotgunPro]

How is the 870 in a tactical or combat version? Was looking for a shotgun myself.

 

[ShotgunPro]

Can I make homemade waffles with evaporative milk??

 

[ShotgunPro]

Moved to Shotgun Forum.

Ed

 

[ShotgunPro]

Maybe you should ask this question in the shotgun forum?

Moved to Shotgun Forum.

Ed

And yes, the 870 will do fine for both purposes. I would advise getting a second, shorter barrel for the HD gig; no need to get crazy, a 18" barrel with a bead will do fine; I like to replace my front bead with a tritium one (XS 24/7), all you do is JB Weld it over your existing bead.

 

[ShotgunPro]

870, 590, 1300, ithaca, nova, take your choice. any of them will make a fine home defense gun.
the 500 and maverick 8 shot versions are a good choice too, but the magazine isn't exendable so your stuck with 8 shot and a 20 inch barrel.

 

[ShotgunPro]

... the 500 and maverick 8 shot versions are a good choice too, but the magazine isn't exendable so your stuck with 8 shot and a 20 inch barrel.

I have an 18.5" barrel on my 500.

 

[ShotgunPro]

870, 590, 1300, ithaca, nova, take your choice. any of them will make a fine home defense gun.
the 500 and maverick 8 shot versions are a good choice too, but the magazine isn't exendable so your stuck with 8 shot and a 20 inch barrel.

There is a large variety of setup options for the 500 including numerous barrel sizes. You can swap barrels to your specific needs.

 

[ShotgunPro]

I too am looking for my first shotgun, Have my eye on a Mossberg 590, but it will have to wait until after vacation

 

[ShotgunPro]

There are lots of options for the 500, but because of the barrel / magazine interface, you cant readily extend the magazine like you can on other shotguns. you just get the option of 5 shot or 8 shot. no +1 extensions or +2 extension.