Shotgun Recommendations Needed

[DanTana]

Hi,

I am in the market for a shotgun, 12 gauge, 3-3 1/2" chamber, home defense and hunting use, preferably semi-automatic. Having been a trapshooter I had a Remington 1100, great gun, Kreighoff Model 32, better gun, not really a home defense weapon. Now I want a one-for-all purpose. I was thinking of the 11-87 Magnum or maybe Mossberg 930 or 935. I like that Jerry Miculek Mossberg, it has the choke tubes which gives it great flexibility for hunting. I've never shot a Mossberg but heard they are reliable. The Versa Max seems like a nice setup, but a little expensive.

So, I'm asking the good people here at Kahr talk what your opinions are.

Thanks in advance,
Dan

[GLOCKROCKER]

You won't go wrong with the Mossberg 930 or 935 for your intended purposes. I prefer it to the 11-87. JMO:biggrin1: I don't own either but have shot both. The one thing to consider with a 935 is that I don't think it will handle 2 3/4 in. shells.

[garyb]

Hi,

I am in the market for a shotgun, 12 gauge, 3-3 1/2" chamber, home defense and hunting use, preferably semi-automatic. Having been a trapshooter I had a Remington 1100, great gun, Kreighoff Model 32, better gun, not really a home defense weapon. Now I want a one-for-all purpose. I was thinking of the 11-87 Magnum or maybe Mossberg 930 or 935. I like that Jerry Miculek Mossberg, it has the choke tubes which gives it great flexibility for hunting. I've never shot a Mossberg but heard they are reliable. The Versa Max seems like a nice setup, but a little expensive.

So, I'm asking the good people here at Kahr talk what your opinions are.

Thanks in advance,
Dan

what do you plan to use it for besides SD? If you plan to deer hunt with it you'll want a rifled shotgun barrel with it as well as a multichoke smooth bore. 3" is more than adequate. Rem and Mosberg both make a shotgun with. 2 barrel combo - rifled and smooth bore with multi choke tubes. Add a turkey choke tube and you can hunt must anything plus have a SD house gun.



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[RRP]

When my life depends on it, I KNOW a pump action will cycle properly. For home defense, it's hard to beat an 870 or a 500.

[Bawanna]

One downfall and possibly the only downfall to the pump to a auto or over/under shooter is you forget to pump.

After using my over / under for years shooting trap, I break out the trusty Mossberg and it's a one shooter. How quickly we forget I guess.

I like Mossbergs over the Remington 870. Better controls to me.

[RRP]

The problem with using a semi-auto as a home defense gun, is lack of regular maintenance. How many of us have a loaded shotgun, somewhere in the house, that is "ready" to go when needed--and it sits there until we need it. How many months go by between cleanings? Years, perhaps?

A pump will always cycle if you train with it--no matter how many dust bunnies have accumulated on it.

[johnh]

It does not meet the 3 1/2" chamber requirement, but for a semi-auto that always runs and will give you exceptional home defense options my vote is the Vepr-12. Centerfire Systems has a great deal on them (http://www.centerfiresystems.com/VEPR-12FS.aspx) right now at $799. I love mine, but then I am an AK guy. I cannot run a pump anymore due to shoulder issues. Not the recoil, rather the working of the action. The Vepr gives you an AK reliable shotgun that is box magazine fed, fast, and has a number of handy features. Check out the MAC video review:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMfzN5LZc3o

[Alfonse]

I have a 930 with a couple of barrels. It has been very reliable for me. The barrels are easy to switch and not very expensive. That might be the "all around" you are looking for.

[Bill]

I just bought a Marine Mossberg 590 last year and I dig it, however... being a gun-nut I am already developing an itch for a Bullpup type design for home defense. Not right for your dual use but I'm just dreaming out loud and building steam for the next buy.

[muggsy]

I've hunted with both pumps and auto-loaders and never forgot to pump. If your pulling that shotgun into your shoulder using the forend it practically pumps itself. Come see old Muggsy, Bawanna. I'll show you how to make that pump sound just like an auto-loader if'n you need a second or third shot.

[muggsy]

I just bought a Marine Mossberg 590 last year and I dig it, however... being a gun-nut I am already developing an itch for a Bullpup type design for home defense. Not right for your dual use but I'm just dreaming out loud and building steam for the next buy.

You'll love that Bullpup until you shoot it.

[DanTana]

Thanks for all the great replies so far. I've shot pump action before, but the less I have to do to shoot the better especially in a shtf scenario, I know pumps are very reliable. My 1100 was reliable except it did break the firing pin once just before a tournament and there were plenty of gunsmiths around to replace it at the gun club. I think I must of put about 10,000+ rounds through it.

I didn't realize the Mossberg 935 would only shoot 3 1/2" shells? I'd want something more flexible, like 2 3/4, and 3 at least. That isn't a real deal breaker for me not to have a 3 1/2 chamber, but 3" I would definitely want. A combo gun deal would be a great setup. That or a short barrel with multiple chokes. I've been seeing these Stoeger shotguns that seem like a good deal, but not much for accessories available for them. The Mossberg and Remingtons have loads of aftermarket stuff available. That is important to me as well. That VEPR is a pretty cool gun too.

[GLOCKROCKER]

Thanks for all the great replies so far. I've shot pump action before, but the less I have to do to shoot the better especially in a shtf scenario, I know pumps are very reliable. My 1100 was reliable except it did break the firing pin once just before a tournament and there were plenty of gunsmiths around to replace it at the gun club. I think I must of put about 10,000+ rounds through it.

I didn't realize the Mossberg 935 would only shoot 3 1/2" shells? I'd want something more flexible, like 2 3/4, and 3 at least. That isn't a real deal breaker for me not to have a 3 1/2 chamber, but 3" I would definitely want. A combo gun deal would be a great setup. That or a short barrel with multiple chokes. I've been seeing these Stoeger shotguns that seem like a good deal, but not much for accessories available for them. The Mossberg and Remingtons have loads of aftermarket stuff available. That is important to me as well. That VEPR is a pretty cool gun too.

I think the 935 will handle 3" and 3 1/2" - the 930 will handle 2 3/4" and 3". I turkey hunt with a Winchester SX2 and only use 3" loads. My shoulder can't take those 3 1/2" loads like it did a few years back. BTW for the guys that say a pump gun won't fail, I call BS. I've seen more than one lock up. My son had a 870 express magnum that would lock up intermittently. Not sure what the problem was, but it was a PITA when it would happen.

[Planedude]

Thanks for all the great replies so far. I've shot pump action before, but the less I have to do to shoot the better especially in a shtf scenario, I know pumps are very reliable. My 1100 was reliable... I think I must of put about 10,000+ rounds through it...

I too have 10K+ rounds thru a pair of 1100's. If it was me with that many rounds thru a platform, well I'd just stick with it. Can not think of a shotgun I would rather have when it hits the fan than an 1100. Find one at a pawnshop or in the classifies and add your favorite type of parts.
While I don't keep it out of the safe (handguns are my house guns), the first and easiest to grab long gun in the safe is the wife's 11-87 premier. Short length of pull (ladies) stock and a 26in bbl. Ten shells are stored next to it and 2500 shells are stored right next to the safe.

Zombies beware...

[CJB]

You probably ought to realize that the hunting shotgun is not the same as a good home defense shotgun.

I've shot a lot of shotguns. Browning O/Us, Browning Auto's, Benelli's, Remington 870's and 1100's, Winchester 1400's, Ruger Red Labels, all sorts of shotguns....

Currently, the 870's are doing service as "ok" home defense, in 18 inch configuration with extended mags. I have one hunting shotgun, a Red Label.

However, recently.... as much as folks want to put it down, the KSG has earned my respect. Fifteen shots of bullpup 12 gauge with an 18 inch barrel and 26 inches overall.

Like Kahr, you see the nay sayers and problems online. Gotta say, the gun is well designed, and mine feeds everything. They DO NOT take a huge amount of time or effort to clear any case that fails to eject, and folks that say they do have failed to read the instruction manual. Mine has been totally reliable.

If I had my options today, I'd pick a Browning Auto 5 for hunting, and the KSG for home defense. Just my opinion

[DanTana]

11-87 might be the route to go since it does 2 3/4" and 3". There just doesn't seem to be as much add-ons for the Remingtons as there is for the Mossbergs. I really like that Magpul SGA stock they have, but only for the 870 or 500-590. I know with most those guns I can just swap the barrel and now I have a goose/duck gun, or home defense, or trapshooting gun, or just change the choke tube.

[ltxi]

Auto I think I'd go with the 11-87. Offense/defense shotguns I'm partial to Remington. Not partial to autos, though. Been dealing with both Mossberg 500 variants and the the Rem 870 for a whole lot of years and they're both good. I used to have both in my personal armory but sold off the Mossbergs because I like the 870 better and preferred not to have two manual of arms. I currently have two, one early CHP Wingmaster rebuild and one later receiver, both with ported VangComp barrels.

[Alfonse]

On my 930, which shoots anything from light loads to slugs without changing a thing, 2 3/4 or 3", I have an 18" barrel with a night sight on the end and a 26" or 28" vent rib barrel with various chokes. I could easily have a rifled barrel for slugs. There are all kinds of sights available and since I don't store my guns under the refrigerator, I have never had any gun get filled with dust bunnies between outings, even if it is years between said outings.

[TheTman]

I have a Mossberg 9200 Semi-auto that has been a great gun. Got a great deal on it too. Pretty comparable to the Remington 870.
But I like my 870 20 gauge youth model for home defense, it's small and easy to get around with, and holds 5 with one in the chamber with four 2 3/4 inch shells. or three 2 3/4 and one 3" in the tube.

[knkali]

Dude all you need is a double barrel shotgun and at the sign of trouble is blast a couple rounds into the air. Uncle Biden said so.

[CJB]

Cant beat that logic

[DanTana]

One thing I'm learning is the Mossberg seems to be every bit as reliable as the Remington or any other brand for that matter. I guess now it may come to what the best deal presents itself to me. Mossberg has the combo guns that fit about 95% of the shooting I'd probably be doing. Home defense and bird hunting being the top two, with deer hunting probably last. Who knows maybe someday try some 3-gun competition. There isn't as many trap or skeet ranges around like there used to be. Thanks again for all your comments.

I found this combo deal at Gander Mountain. I should be able to find it cheaper through another source, but what do you guys think?

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Mossberg-930-Shotgun-Combo&i=722543&r=view

I sure like this one too:

http://www.mossberg.com/product/shotguns-autoloading-mossberg-930-signature-series-jm-pro-jerry-miculek-series-9-shot/85119

[CPTKILLER]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGMv9tNV8q4

Benelli M4 Reliability Test.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/37_919/products_id/411542206/Benelli+M4+12ga+18.5%22+Pistol+Grip%2C+Ghost+Ring+ Sights

$1799

[Alfonse]

I picked up the combo, like your Gander mountain link. I added a tritium front sight to the short barrel and a Nordic magazine extension. It is better than the stock (from Mossberg) magazine extension anyway. It works great for me. I even bust some clays with it from time to time.

[b4uqzme]

For home defense I got an old Winchester 37...one shot then I'm going in swingin'. It cost almost nothing...leaving funds remaining for other shotguns. Seriously, I do think those combos are a good deal. Alfonse has it right.

[Alfonse]

The Mossberg 930 probably isn't the shotgun if you want to compete at the top levels in most anything. When I was looking, the FN SLP was the next step up, but was at least twice the price.

That said, it is reliable, relatively inexpensive and works well for a variety of things. Using that criteria, it could be called a top level competitor.

[b4uqzme]

The Mossberg 930 probably isn't the shotgun if you want to compete at the top levels in most anything. When I was looking, the FN SLP was the next step up, but was at least twice the price.

That said, it is reliable, relatively inexpensive and works well for a variety of things. Using that criteria, it could be called a top level competitor.

Good point. A "do-all" shotgun is going to be a compromise at best...giving up something to every application. The only way to get the best is to get specialized shotguns for each purpose. And that can get pretty expensive.

[gb6491]

For home defense I got an old Winchester 37...one shot then I'm going in swingin'. It cost almost nothing...leaving funds remaining for other shotguns. Seriously, I do think those combos are a good deal. Alfonse has it right.
37 or 37A?:confused:
Decent Winchester 37s are selling in the $300 range these days.
Regards,
Greg

[berettabone]

I'd still go with an 870 or 1100........................................

[b4uqzme]

37 or 37A?:confused:
Decent Winchester 37s are selling in the $300 range these days.
Regards,
Greg

it is a 37, Greg, for < a C-note. Maybe I got lucky? Every squirrel finds a nut eventually.

[ltxi]

Good point. A "do-all" shotgun is going to be a compromise at best...giving up something to every application. The only way to get the best is to get specialized shotguns for each purpose. And that can get pretty expensive.

Not for me, my do-all range/focus is pretty narrow. Other than just shooting for a bit of nonsensical fun the only real use I have for a shotgun is effective better killing for peace.

[DanTana]

I seen an ad for a Versa Max Tactical for $875.00 Still a little high but not too bad.

[DeaconKC]

Dan, I went back to your original post. You shot an 1100 for years so you are totally familiar with it. In an emergency situation, that cannot be overlooked. Get your self an 1100 with a 24" barrel and you are good.

[b4uqzme]

Dan, I went back to your original post. You shot an 1100 for years so you are totally familiar with it. In an emergency situation, that cannot be overlooked. Get your self an 1100 with a 24" barrel and you are good.

+1 I've seen plenty of used 1100 barrels at the guns show too. You could cut one down for home defense, get one for trap or hunting, etc.

[DanTana]

I did see a 1100 Trap Grade with monte carlo stock, just like my old one for $600.00 with 30" full choke barrel. Mine had a 28" modified choke.

[KDaddy]

It does not meet the 3 1/2" chamber requirement, but for a semi-auto that always runs and will give you exceptional home defense options my vote is the Vepr-12. Centerfire Systems has a great deal on them (http://www.centerfiresystems.com/VEPR-12FS.aspx) right now at $799. I love mine, but then I am an AK guy. I cannot run a pump anymore due to shoulder issues. Not the recoil, rather the working of the action. The Vepr gives you an AK reliable shotgun that is box magazine fed, fast, and has a number of handy features.

I shot a friends about 6 months back and I was impressed. I emptied a 5 round mag in about 1 second, he did it faster. That's a tempting price!