Well here's the deal:  I'm not a shotgun person.... and I have alot of shotguns for not liking them 

   Simply put in my SHTF plans, and personal HD plans, shotguns don't factor heavily.   That said for some instances, I do want a shotgun primarily for SD/HD.    and I will want it distinctly differant, I'm not changing out barrels on my birdgun, or my main "varmint gun".

    Last fall I got a Saiga-12 because it was a decent price, already converted and....I'm an AK-nut     And I should NOT complain.  I got a 6 position gas plug, and it doesn't have the malfunctions associated with S-12's. Open up the gas to 5 and it works with trap, position 4 with heavy field, position 3 buckshot, position 2 slugs and position 1 3" magnums.    Contrary to many's experiances, I can rock in a magazine with the bolt close extremely easy, it's accurate with slugs, patterns buckshot good with the external screw-on chokes.... It's extremely easy to mount a red dot on and take off quickly for iron-sight use.   

  I should like it.

   I don't.   I mean I LOVE the gun.    But for it's value of $800+ +$30 per magazine, and the fact I've stole the red dot and mount (both semi-pricey) for one of my AK's.......and considering how much I actually use a shotgun....       I'm thinking I'd be better off selling it and the mags, buying a more "sensible" shotgun and then using the extra to stock up my low supply of slugs and buckshot.

  Also, I have found one instance where it's utility as a combat shotgun sucks:  most shotgun needs/wants will have buckshot in it. a fast quick drop in of a slug is not possible like it is with a tube-fed.  Likewise quickly emptying if needed isn't as easy with a S-12 plus having extra magazines to retain after emptying.

   My main "bird gun" as of last year is a Savage 720 (1920/30's Browning A5 clone). I'm not a shotgunner but holy damn that thing points faster, easier and more natural than any shotgun I've ever fired.    I actually hit pheasants for the first time in years       

Former bird gun was a Stoeger SXS 12 gauge that just sucked...Nice gun, but couldn't hit crap no matter how much I practiced.

   My main "all around" (HD/Varmint and tractor shotgun in summer) is a Mossberg 500 with a 20" barrel and choke tubes.    I practiced with it and got pretty fast at reloads, topoffs and single loading.

   Anyway.  I'm wondering on y'alls thoughts and what you would propose as an alternative.     Like I said, shotguns....Home Defence they have a place.  I know there's shotgun love here, but overall I have a tough time using a shotgun as a under-100-ideal-to-200-in-a-pinch weapon when I can have 30 rounds on target pretty fast under 50 yards and easy to reach out to 300, punch through heavier cover, more rounds and faster reloads.   The instances it would do well is around our buildings where 100 yard shots and slugs could punch through any building walls we have. 

 With that in mind, a good pump would work, or a tube-fed semi-auto.   I think I would prefer an extended tube, 20/22" barrel max easily gas adjustable to use both trap and slugs/buckshot.   I'd prefer $650 max, I am NOT opposed and in fact would look for a used gun.    Ease of mounting a red dot is not needed, although I would like to fix a ghost ring/rear sight on it.

   Thanks to all the shotgun experts who know more than me here  (which is nearly everybody).

I have a lot of good things to say about the Mossy 930spx as does the Ogre.  For me I would go with either an 870 for a pump gun or that 930 for a semi in my experience they shoot faster and softer than the saiga.

Since you are already familiar with the basic platform, I would say look for a 590. With modern buckshot like the Federal flight control load or one of the Hornady versa tite loads, the choke does not matter all that much.

Remington 870 Express Tactical with the XS Rail and Ghost Ring sights, extended feed tube and a "Tactical Choke".  Everything you need and nothing you don't. 
400 bucks.
You can't go wrong.

Remington 870 Express Tactical with the XS Rail and Ghost Ring sights, extended feed tube and a "Tactical Choke".  Everything you need and nothing you don't. 
400 bucks.
You can't go wrong.

+1 Ogre. Although, I don't think you can find it for $400. If so, let me know.


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  Well I do appreciate all the info guys.  But it looks like it'll be the next gunshow before I can look.  Last two weeks it appears the runs have hit our local stores again and all the 7+ shot shotguns they had are long-gone. 

I'll be keeping it in mind for when I can find some other stores

 Possible.   We're sorta a special instance where I get paid once a year.  That said, lotta calves been selling, sure is possible people been buying whatever now that they finally have cash.

 

ooh nice. that looks awesome!

 I'd hate using it though....be afraid of mucking it up 

WANT!!!


Jim

  Ok guys got a question:

How would the Remington 1100 be?    I know that's offbeat but I am curious because I found a 23" 1100 with screw in choke tubes.  I could get a mag extension for it and it wouldn't bother me it wasn't super tactical.   As long as it could absorb slugs and buckshot without much trouble.

  They seem to have a good rep but I was wondering if anyone here has ran one HARD?

 

I think Deer Hunter does, but he never posts here any more. 



My understanding is that this is quite a popular 3-gun gun.  I'm sure you can find info out on the forums.

You might also look on Hans Vang's web site at some of his package deals, tricked out 590 for just under $800, other options/packages for less.

Omaha In June, that is awesome!

   Ok....

  I know y'all are gonna call me an idiot but I am picking up a Mossberg Maverick locally.  It is a newer one with dual-action-bars.    I know it and have shot it before and am picking it up ridiculously cheap so....if it don't work out no biggy