JrHawk

I picked up a used Winchester Defender 12 gauge the other day. Other than a bit of wear on the finish and a scratch on the barrel it is good to go. Plus there was a bit of history about the Winchester name that made it appealing. I have plenty of hunting shotguns of various makes and configurations and just wanted a HD shotgun. Works for me.

RETNAVCPO

I've had a Winchester 1200 Defender since 1984. I bought mine for home defense at a pawn shop in Jacksonville FL. It has NEVER failed.

I put a Choat pistol grip stock on it and NEVER looked back. Here it is in combo with my Ruger GP 100:



Last year I was able to find a Franchi "Law 12" 12 Ga auto to add to my home defense arsenal:



Why (for the life of me), was the Law 12 on the AWB? ? ? Becuase retards in Congress listened to the Violence Policy Center on this advertisement for the Law 12:

"An ad for the FIE/Franchi LAW-12 shotgun—which comes in standard hunting and assault configurations—urges the reader to "Take the 'LAW' Into Your Own Hands. Whether you patrol the birdlands when the sun is rising...or patrol the boonies when the sun sets...the FIE/Franchi LAW-12 is the LAW of the land! All the LAW you need! Situation - The sun has set, it's now midnight, you're called to a Code 3 situation! Your backup is deployed to another sector. You're all alone, left to handle a tough situation...what do you do? Take the LAW-12 into your hands - A possible 9 rounds of heavy hitting 12 guage [sic] "00" Buck - All 9 rounds can be emptied on target in less than 3 seconds...operation successful."

Talk about RETARDS...

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yugolovr

I have a Wingmaster 870. Why? Because it's left handed. I don't have any idea how many left handed 870 slug guns with a 20 inch barrel Remington made, but I lucked into one. All the controls are on the left side as well as the ejection port. But when it comes to reccomending a shotgun I suggest you try different models to see what fits you best.

rhinokrk

I've never shot a 500 but, with that round count I'd go with a 590. heavier, doesn't 'swing' like a 870 express but with a 20" barrel we aren't talking about a bird gun.

590

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Agave

I hate the Mossberg safety and slide release. I love Remington's safety and slide release. I'll take an 870 any day.

My 870 was stolen, my 590 is too long, and my 500 is unreliable. Most of the time it won't release a shell from the mag. My most readily accessible shotgun is an 1100 with a slug barrel loaded with 00.

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ccw9mm

Here is a write-up comparing the features of the Mossberg 590 with the Remington 870: click.

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Your best weapon is your brain. Don't leave home without it.
Reports: CZ P01 pt1, pt2.
Thoughts: Justifiable self defense.

SIXTO

very good advice.

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Trust, but verify

wht06rado

I have a Mossy 500 and I kind of wish I would have gotten the 870. The ONLY reason I say so is because of the location of the safety on the 500. The safety is on top of the reciever. This isn't a problem with the standard stock, but if you plan on having a pistol grip of some sort, maybe something with a 6 position stock, the safety is kind of hard to get to. Where as the safety on the 870's is right on the trigger guard where it should be. Just my $0.02.

Wht

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sgtD

I know that many would agree with you on the safety location issue. I don't blame them either because having a manual of arms, as far as where the controls are located, ingrained in your muscle memory is important in stressful situations. For me, since I usually shoot O/U and SxS shotguns with top mounted safeties, I don't have to worry because the Mossy safety is right where my reflexes expect it to be.

However, since my HD shotgun is a 1200 Defender, I just never use the safety. I keep the tube loaded and the chamber empty, so I can bring it to battery in a split second and not have to think about switching off the safety.

Here's a pic of my Winchester to add to the Winchester fan club here.

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When you've got 'em by the balls, their hearts & minds will follow. Semper Fi.

Paladin132

I grew up with a savage .410 so I love the Mossberg safety and slide release - its all in what you are used to. My Dad hates it, but YMMV as with all things!