Thoughts on home defense shotgun between 870, Nova, 590?

I think I'm going to pick up a home defense shotgun in the next couple months. I'd like to get your input on a solid pump gun, and I'm thinking about the 870 "Regular" and Tactical, the 590a1, and the Nova Tactical. I know I'll need practice with it, since I've owned several pumps before (Winchester 12s, Ithaca 37s, etc.) but honestly was never the best with them when bird shooting. I tended to do better with O/Us (Beretta and Browning) and autoloaders (Montefeltro, Auto 5, AL391). That said, there are a few home defense autoloaders available used for under $1k (VersaMax and Benelli M2) that could fit the bill as well; I just know know how reliable they are in high adrenaline situations where they may not be shouldered properly. Any insight is welcome! Thanks.

I have the Nova Tactical and I like it.

My favorite feature on it is the ability to unchamber a round without having to mess around with it trying to load another, via the foreend's push button shell stop.

I like the ghost ring sights on it as well.

My choice to go with the Benelli instead of an 870 was due to the issues with QC Remington has seemed to have the last few years.

Keep in mind aftermarket accessories are going to be less available than with an 870 or 590.

Thanks for the input. On this particular piece, I don't think I'll be adding or modifying anything. I used to have a 590A1 with some bells and whistles, but didn't feel I needed them.

I should mention the only reason I did NOT go w/ the 590 is due to the tang safety and concern for it to potentially engage safe during use due to recoil.

I like the location for the ergonomics, but I just prefer the crossbolt safety for the reliability. But, my fears may be unfounded.

While I've never had them engage during firing Mossberg safeties are not well placed if you plan on a pistol grip stock

Good point on the safety. I'd use the full stock, and I like the idea of the tang safety, but haven't considered inadvertent activation of it. Hmmm.

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Originally Posted by Wulf202

While I've never had them engage during firing Mossberg safeties are not well placed if you plan on a pistol grip stock

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+10
This is the exact reason I'm going back to a 870. I like the Nova but just for a bird gun, the tactical with a 4+1 capacity is meager imho at best. 870 pistol grip config is my choice unless you go AOW.

You can?t go wrong with any of the ones you mentioned. Find one you like the ergonomics of and run with it.

Most of the semi autos in your price range are likely going to be gas operated and should run fine whether you have it shouldered or not.

Having not grown up with pumps, I prefer the auto. Benelli works with everything but light target loads. Defensive rounds should prove reliable, and not having to work the action is a plus for me. Benelli M3 is my shotgun of choice, but the M2 or the Versa are great autos. I'd be more concerned about short stroking a pump than light shouldering an auto in a high-stress situation.

Almost 40 years working with 870s has established a few habits I'm not enthusiastic about trying to work away from. I never try to talk others into 870s or out of them. They aren't magic death sticks, but like the Mossberg, parts are everywhere, they are easy to maintain, and if you work it like you mean it, they will get most jobs done. Most importantly, 12 gauge shotguns will do almost anything from 3 to 100 yards, or stop just about anything within a reasonable space.