Which one to get?
 

Hi All,

Looking to acquire my first shotgun (for home defense). Went down to the local gun shop. Based on my build (relatively short stature with short arms) the guy recommended a Mossberg. There was also a Maverick which seemed to feel pretty good while holding it. The Mossberg was $130 more than the Maverick. Anybody know if the Mossbergs are that much better than the Mavericks? Worth the price?

I don't plan on actually using it that much. Just for emergencies.

ST

Re: Which one to get?
 

I believe Maverick is the economy line of Mossberg.

I read several years ago that Mossberg was the shotgun used by the U.S. military so I assume the Mossbergs are built to last and take a beating.

Re: Which one to get?
 

Mossberg 500 is my favorite home defense shot gun. They also make a great skeet gun too.

A new one should run about $250. Well it did before the last price run up anyway. check gunbroker.com for going rates.

I'd buy one over a maverik.. especially if I was planning on using it to defend my life.

Re: Which one to get?
 

I have a mossberg 500 series. I've probably put 500+ shells through it without a hiccup. I paid $219 new for it 4 years ago.

Re: Which one to get?
 

That is funny though because years ago Mossbergs used to be the budget shotgun.

Re: Which one to get?
 

Mossberg still has budget shotguns in the 500 series no less. For the smaller shooter there is the 500 Bantam. As someone suggested above the 590A1 is the mil-spec shottie that was the ONLY shottie to cut their brutal test.

Mossberg is good, very good but Remington is no slouch. The Remington 870 has a longer legacy and some interesting comparisons to the Mossberg 590. There are some cursory details about the differences between the 2 guns that could come into serious play in a true panic situation. I would strongly suggest familiarizing yourself with both weapons. Doing so shouldn't necessarily be prerequisite to choosing and buying your weapon ASAP, though. Just give the other shotgun a try when you can and you may just end up with 2 shotguns.

Re: Which one to get?
 

You are correct. Maverick is a Mossberg line. http://www.impactguns.com/store/maverick.html

I picked up one of these just for the helluvit one day - was looking at pistols, and saw it on the rack. Asked to see it, and just like you said, it had a good feel to it. For $189, I decided I found a backup to my Mossberg Persuader.

An added bonus, as pointed out on the link, the Maverick can take any Mossberg 500 series barrel. Nice to know. If your budget's tight, I don't see any problems with the Maverick.

Re: Which one to get?
 

I wonder what they skimp on with the Mavericks??

Re: Which one to get?
 

Don't know. Maybe in the furniture. The tactical stocks on the some of the 500 series guns adds a little cost, I think. Based on my Persuader, there's also other frills like a stock-mounted shell holder, a strap, etc. You don't get any of that with a Maverick.

And maybe it's just kind of a "lost leader" marketing deal. Get folks to spring for a "cheap Mossberg" in the form of a Maverick now, hoping they'll like it enough to upgrade to a real Mossberg later. Another marketing aspect is this: Would it make sense for Mossberg to attach their name to an inferior product?

Re: Which one to get?
 

You my friend better get your sh8T together, if you ever plan on using it in an emergency, you better plan on using it now ( TRAINING) otherwise it's a waste of money and a false sense of security. I know for a fact i need help in the shot gun department. I'm taking a class by Awerbuck in the fall. http://www.yfainc.com/training.htmlLooking for a local class before that one. Would you buy a car without practicing how to drive defensively? Well most people do. I'm assuming and hoping you're an expert with a shot gun, if so please excuse my BIG MOUTH! I just see a lot of people buying guns and buying no practice or training. And just because you can point and shoot a gun doesn't mean squat, hell a 3 year old can point and shoot a shot gun. Can you point, shoot , chose the right ammo, under stress, multiple attackers. The shot gun is one of the most versatile and misunderstood weapons. I will master this beast. Get a mag extension! Sorry for the rant, I do it because I love you. To answer your question: Benelli, Mossberg, and 870 Remington are all good. I spent a lot of time researching them all. You probably can't go wrong, unless you get no training, in which case a pellet gun is better.

Re: Which one to get?
 

Thanks for all your replies.

I guess I should clarify that when I say I don't plan on using it that much, I mean for such things as hunting. I DO plan on getting some training to get proficient at it. In fact, the gun shop offers private instruction on an hourly basis.

By the way, I plan on getting a SpecOps stock. What do you guys think?

http://www.knoxx.com/products/SpecOps_Stock.php

Re: Which one to get?
 

Good on you my friend, we all need training. I guess I should speak for myself. If you have any extra cash try to get into one of the Awerbuck's classes. He has a few things on youtube. Also I hear that Thunder Ranch in Oregon with Clint Smith is good. But hell, I'm sure your local class is just as good. Congrats on your weapon selection. Good luck and good training!