Gideon

Well I'm trying to fill the last hole in my collection and then take a break for a while. I decided it will be a 12 ga shotgun, 18 - 18.5". I'd thought abotu 20 ga but due to ammo limitations, I'll stick with 12. This will be a very simple dedicated HD shotgun period. I have other shotguns for hunting. Will be a pump and must be as economical as possible. I don't intent to do any mods other than to possibly clamp on a surefire LED on the mag tube and that's it. I'm going to be really tight on cash for the next year or so, so I want to spend as little to get it as possible and to keep it as simple as possible.

At present I'm considering three choices:

Remington 870 Express Synthetic with 7 rounds
Good: It's all I need, buy it, clamp a light to the tube and I'm done
Good: It's an 870
Good; At some point I could put on one of Remingtons newest recoil pats that's supposed to really help w/recoil
Bad: The most expensive at around $350 in my area.
Bad; I think you have to take off the mag tube clamp everytime you disassemble the weapon

H&R Pardner Pump Protector 6 rounds
Good: Less expensive at $200 or just under
Good: Has a good reputation
Bad: 1 less round but that seems minor for me
-some will say it's bad because it's made in china, let's not go there. Tell me what isn't?

Norinco
Good: Probably a bit cheaper than the H&R although I think they're made by the same folks
-Comes with Ghost Sights but not sure I even want Ghost sights


I did consider a Maverick but the one I held I really didn't like the feel or the finish compared to the 870 express. I have NEVER held a H&R or the Norinco. I've kept my eyes open locally for used shotguns like I'm looking for but have almost never found one. They must not be something many people get rid of.

Now I have a number of H&R rifles and I love them. They're cheap, fun, accurate, etc.

So, I'm gong to shoot this a handfull of times a year with buck and slugs and it's going to be a defensive gun. If I could get hunting barrels for it then I might do so later in life but I just don't anticipate doing so.

So for a guy strapped for cash but wanting to fill this niche, which would you recommend? Or is there an option I'm missing?

Thanks guys for the help!

__________________
God Bless
Gideon
Jer 33:3

jonesy_26

I'd go with the 870. I have the same model you are mentioning and its a fantastic basic home defense shotty. I put a pistol grip buttstock on it and it is now complete. I don't know much about the others you are considering, but you maybe getting what you pay for at $150 less.

SIXTO

No poll needed, the 870 is the better shotgun.

__________________
In a land of sheep, even a toothless wolf is king.

Wake Up! The zombie invasion has begun years ago.

adaman04

Of the 3, the 870 wins hands down. The 870s of today are not what they were even 20 years ago. The finish is poor, the fit is so-so.

If I were you I wouldn't count out the Mossberg 500 and the Benelli Nova, both with 18" barrels.

PaulG

Another vote for the 870. I love mine!

However, since firing the 12 gauge Saiga with 10 round magazine, I gotta get me one of these if for no other reason just to keep my AK-47 from getting lonely.

__________________
fortiter in re, suaviter in modo (resolutely in action, gently in manner).

ouch

If you straped for money.. maybe a different barrel on one of your hunting guns would be fine..??

DrLewall

is the 870 a semi or pump?

__________________
"I don't like 'repeat' offenders. I like dead offenders!" Ted Nugent...

dukalmighty

870 more after market accessories and replacement parts just in case something does break which i have never had happen

__________________
I like Poetry,Long Walks On The Beach,And Poking Dead Things With A Stick

dukalmighty

They are pumps

__________________
I like Poetry,Long Walks On The Beach,And Poking Dead Things With A Stick

DrLewall

I myself am in the market for a good semi 12ga with a 7 or 8 rd cap..I think Remington has such a model but I do not know the mod #..am I correct?

__________________
"I don't like 'repeat' offenders. I like dead offenders!" Ted Nugent...