Recommend me a Self defense / Turkey shotgun

[APynckel]

It's pretty much between a Remington 870 and a Mossberg 500 (12ga).

It needs to be able to feed all 12ga rounds (up to 3.5"). I would prefer an 18" barrel, and an elongated tube. Camo would also be nice.

I like the 870's, but I hate the stupid stocks they put on the "tactical" shotty's from the factory. The ones with the big open loop stock.

[Beiruty]

Turkey and Waterfowl semi-auto shotguns are expensive $1300 to $1600. HD are like $400-$500. 2 Guns are better than one.

[APynckel]

Turkey and Waterfowl semi-auto shotguns are expensive $1300 to $1600. HD are like $400-$500. 2 Guns are better than one.

I didn't want to get a semi auto.

[couzin]

Get the 870 in a regular configuration for hunting with a 3-1/2" chamber then buy an 18" barrel for home. You can put the extended magazine on it and there will be no issues with game birds - however, if you ever hunt migratory you can expect the GW to be checking you. If you don't have a proper plug you will get cited. Don't attempt to be a macho dude by hunting turkey with a tactical or adjustible stock - a 3-1/2" turkey load will hurt. For home - IMHO - 2-3/4" is plenty adequate.

[RPB]

Get the 870 in a regular configuration for hunting with a 3-1/2" chamber then buy an 18" barrel for home. You can put the extended magazine on it and there will be no issues with game birds - however, if you ever hunt migratory you can expect the GW to be checking you. If you don't have a proper plug you will get cited. Don't attempt to be a macho dude by hunting turkey with a tactical or adjustible stock - a 3-1/2" turkey load will hurt. For home - IMHO - 2-3/4" is plenty adequate.

870 with a short cyl bore for defense and a few barrels in various lengths with Remchokes on whichever longer length barrels you want for geese, turkey, fireants or whatever. Well, maybe not fireants.
I have 18" or 20" on mine, and had about ten other barrels and various chokes, I sold them to a Deacon in my church, who resold some to someone on this forum.

I like the 870's, but I hate the stupid stocks they put on the "tactical" shotty's from the factory. The ones with the big open loop stock.

There are lots of aftermarket stocks for 870s, put whatever you like on it.
http://www.google.com/search?q=remingto ... 24&bih=636" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
My Butler Creek Folder on my 870


butler creek folder with shell carrier
http://www.google.com/products/catalog? ... CGIQ8wIwAQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

or get a top folder, or .... there's tons of choices
don't want folder?
maybe a
Blackhawk SpecOps NRS Shotgun Rem870 BHK08100-C
http://www.google.com/products/catalog? ... CHwQ8wIwAg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Tons of choices.

[mossytxn]

either will work fine. the 870 is easier to find accessories for.

For my money I'd get an 870 express and go hog wild on accessorizing.

[WildBill]

Get the 870 in a regular configuration for hunting with a 3-1/2" chamber then buy an 18" barrel for home. You can put the extended magazine on it and there will be no issues with game birds - however, if you ever hunt migratory you can expect the GW to be checking you. If you don't have a proper plug you will get cited. Don't attempt to be a macho dude by hunting turkey with a tactical or adjustible stock - a 3-1/2" turkey load will hurt. For home - IMHO - 2-3/4" is plenty adequate.

I just don't get the whole "tactical shotgun" thing.

A short-barrel 12 gauge at close range is an excellent defensive weapon, whether it has a walnut stock or a black stock with an a adjustable shoulder stock, handgrip and a tactical flashlight strapped to the barrel, leather fringe on the barrel or shiny little bells. It seems more like fashion statement than functionality. To each his own.