Need input on a home defense shotgun.

[rockcreek]

Plenty of good options in your price range. Stick with a USA made pump, that feels good to you. Mossberg 500/590 or Remington 870 are both super reliable, with controls in totally different places, so try both to see which is more comfortable to you. If buying used is an option, you should be able to find a Mossy 500, Rem 870, or Winchester 1300 for around $200. Skip all the add on junk IMO and invest your savings in practice ammo.

[Cuda66]

Mossberg 500/590-Remington 870-Winchester 1300 = ToeMAYto-ToMAHto-Tummater. I'd even add the Benelli Nova in there, with whatever word the Italians use for tomato (pomodoro, according to google).

They all run well, they are all comparably priced. The 870 may have slightly more options if you want to customize it. After that, it's all just personal preference.

Personally, of the shotguns I own, if I chose a shotgun for HD (I don't--I choose an AR) my first choice would be my M1S90 tactical; my second choice would be the Wingmaster I chopped down a few years ago, and added a Scattergun +2 extension and a XS Tritium front bead. But I'd have no problems using my Mossberg 500 for the job, either.

[Srigs]

Older SXS is always good. My 1930 Western Arms (Ithaca) SXS. (I do like my Mossberg 500 and Rem 1100)

It has the best deterant factor also

[gunforhire]

darnit, dupe. see below

[gunforhire]

Somethinig pump, something that functions reliably. Everything else is trivial ...in my opinion of course. I'm sure that isn't a "tactical operator" enough answer for some, so take it for what it's worth. .

For the longest time, My HD shotty was a Savage pump that was cut down to 18" with a pipe cutter. I think I paid under $100 for it.

Cycled everything I fed it, went bang every time I pulled the trigger.

That being said, look at the Remington 870 express, and the Mossburg Maverick. Both can be had for less than $300 ( I think), the Mossberg can probably be found for $200 used.

Well, I just cut down my old springfield 67d to 20". methinks that just became my hd gun. it feels 100 percent different than it did with that 28" barrel. now to refinish it, load it with some buck and ball and hang it in the closet until someone tries to break the door down. it may also get a bayonet before I am done

[grousemaster]

There is/was a guy selling an 870 express magnum on here for $200.....jump all over it

[Phippy]

Blunderbuss!!!

[Irish.40]

Blunderbuss!!!

I need more forks, reload!