Next Addition To the Collection – Shotgun!

OK, so I’m now up to seven rifles and two handguns in my collection.  I’m still missing a couple of things.  I need a bayonet for my K31 rifle (the Swiss army rifle), a subcompact carry gun, and a shotgun to make things mostly rounded out.

It’s my firm belief that any weapon with a bayonet lug should have a bayonet attached if you can get one without breaking the bank.  Military guns are meant to have bayonets and so far I have four with bayonets and one without.  The K31 bayonet is still outside my grasp because I’ve got other priorities for the $100 it would take to get that one.  I’d rather spend it on the aformentioned pistol and shotgun, more ammo, and a concealed carry permit.  Once those are secure, I’ll go find a nice bayonet for the K31.

The subcompact carry pistol will have to wait.  I’m going to get a shotgun first (reasons to follow shortly), then the concealed carry permit (I’ll carry the C9 in a fanny pack for a while), then get the subcompact carry gun.

You’re probably wondering just what I’d want a shotgun for.  If you’ve read my posts about home invasions, you’ll know that I’m all about giving the bad guys what they weren’t expecting – the chance to look down a gun barrel themselves.  I hope I don’t have to pull the trigger, but I will.  There’s nothing better for that job than a 12 gauge pump action shotgun.  With the right ammo selection, you can pull the trigger and not send projectiles through multiple buildings while still stopping the bad guy if the worst happens.

Home defense is not the only reason I want one of these firearms.  There’s a shooting park that’s scheduled to open later this month and they’ll have trap, skeet, and sporting clays fields.  I’ve shot clay targets a couple of times and it is FUN!!!  You need a shotgun for that

Aside from defense and fun, I am going to get my hunter’s safety certificate and learn how to hunt.  I have a bad feeling about the future (no, I don’t know why) and knowing how to hunt and get meat from the land might just come in handy.  Of course, the meat and pelts would be nice all by themselves

Shotguns are just so unbelievably versatile.  From home defense to recreation and even hunting large animals like deer, the 12 gauge shotgun can get it done.  No, I won’t give up my rifles anytime soon – those have their place.  They’re much better for larger game (like deer) and anything farther than 60 yards.  Shotguns are great within 25 yards with buckshot and slugs can reach out to 100 yards.

One last advantage the shotgun has in these trying times is that you can acutally find ammo for it  Wal Mart and Bass Pro Shops are out of .22 long rifle and have a limited supply of .22 short, but everyone has 12 gauge shotgun ammo

There are a few types of shotguns out there.  Pump actions, semi-autos, double barrels, and even single barrels.  Single and double barrel models are out of the running because they’re too limited on ammo.  Semi-autos aren’t as reliable as I’d like.  I like the pump action system.  You’re in control of the action and you can get to be quite fast with practice.  I’ll probably get some snap caps (solid aluminum dummy rounds with rubber inserts where the primer is in a real round) so I can practice “dry firing” (shooting without real rounds – not going bang) in the house like I do with the AK-47 and the C9.

I’m still in the research phase, but it’s going to come down to either the Remington 870 Express Tactical, the Mossberg 590A1, or the Maverick 88 Security.

Maverick 88 Security 12 gauge shotgun - click on the pic for the manufacturer's web page

MAVERICK® 88™ FEATURES:

• Maverick® 88™ barrels are compatible with Mossberg® 500® model barrels within gauge and capacity.
• All Maverick® models include a cross-bolt safety in front of the trigger for speed and convenience
• All Maverick® 88 choke tubes are fully interchangeable with Mossberg® Accu-Choke™ tubes.
• 88™ model barrels are equipped with 3″ chambers and handle factory 2¾” and 3″ loads.
• All Maverick barrels and choke tubes are capable of firing lead, steel or other non-toxic loads.
• All models feature a blued metal finish and durable black synthetic stock and forearm.
• All models feature dual extractors and twin action slide bars for positive, non-binding extraction and ejection.
• Free Cablelock included with each model.
• All Maverick® models include a One-Year Limited Warranty.

My first choice at this point in time would probably be the Maverick 88.  Maverick shotguns are made by Mossberg. The only functional difference I can find on this gun that I can find is the location of the safety which is on the trigger guard instead of on the tang.  The slide release is at the rear of the trigger guard so I don’t have to take my hand off the grip to open the action without pulling the trigger.  The barrels and magazine extensions for the Mossberg will fit the Maverick. The fit and finish seem just fine to me and I can deal with the plain metal on the bolt as you can see in the ejection port. The biggest difference is the price – how about $200 Yes, that’s $200 for a brand new, reliable, 12 gauge shotgun

Mossberg 590A1 Special Purpose 12 gauge shotgun- click on the pic for the manufacturer's web page

590A1™ SPECIAL PURPOSE – 9 SHOT
12 Gauge, 20″ Heavy-Walled Barrel/Parkerized Finish, Metal Trigger Guard & Safety Button, Black Synthetic Stock, Bead Sight
Item #51660

My second choice would probably be the Mossberg 590A1.  This is the current issue shotgun for the United States Armed Forces.  I like the placement of the controls and the feel of this shotgun.  The safety is on the tang (top of the rear of the receiver) which is very convenient for me.  Also, the trigger guard and safety are both metal whereas the normal Mossbergs have plastic parts.  The gun you see above holds eight rounds in the magazine plus one in the chamber.  This is one tough, powerful firearm that won’t let you down  The price is somewhere around the $400 to $500 range which is a bit more than I really want to spend.  However, that money goes straight into quality

Remington 870 Tactical 12 gauge shotgun- click on the pic for the manufacturer's web page

Model 870™ TAC Features

• 12-gauge, 2-3/4″ and 3″ chambered and are available in 18″ and 20″ barrels with 2- and 3-shot magazine tube extensions
• Bead sights
• Blasted black oxide finish with black synthetic tactical-style fore-ends
• All stocks include sling swivel studs

Last, but most certainly not least, we have the classic Remington 870.  These have a reputation for ruggedness and durability that I’ve only seen matched by the AK-47.  They are the most popular choice by far for police departments all across the USA and in some foreign countries as well.  This particular shotgun carries seven rounds in the magazine and another one in the chamber.  The safety is on the trigger guard like the Maverick, but the slide release is at the front of the trigger guard instead of at the rear like the Maverick and the Mossberg.  It’s priced right around the $350 to $450 range which is about the same as the Mossberg.  It’s still in the running

So let’s review here.  Shotguns are affordable, powerful, and versatile.  Ammunition is still available.  Oh yeah, they’re fun, too

I’m thinking six to eight weeks…