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.

I see more people screw up working a pump gun in a high stress situation than semis by a long shot.

I would grab a Benelli and train with it.

While I have a short 870 and M2, the Benelli gets used a lot more.

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Originally Posted by CavSct1983

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.

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I have a SuperNova tactical (regular stock) with the ghost rings and a mag extension. Nice gun. I also bird hunt with an SBEII that has never failed me (inertia action). If I had to do it again, I would save for a Benelli auto for a tactical as well.

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Originally Posted by Hoser

I would grab a Benelli and train with it.

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Go ahead and grab one for me too. M2, M4, whatever. Makes me no difference if you?re buying.

I've really enjoyed my 100% reliable Beretta 1201FP over the years. Very light. Used, it's half the price of the Benelli. (Stock photo)


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...036a67fe0d.jpg

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Originally Posted by ray1970

Go ahead and grab one for me too. M2, M4, whatever. Makes me no difference if you?re buying.

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I will buy if you will pay.

Saw this at Shot Show and had to have it. Collaboration with Breda and Salient. Its the Salient GLD. Shoots like a dream. Choke tube system, adjustable comb, ghost shell under the bolt capability, fiber optic site, pic rail section attachment front (not attached on mine yet) and many more features I'm forgetting, Runs fast, smooth, and so far has shot everything from bird shot to slugs. Attachment 77453

I have a JM930 that I have shot thousands of rounds through and have never had the tang safety engage during firing.. didn?t even know that people think this is an issue. I do agree on the placement issue though if using a pistol grip.

I know it?s not one of the listed considerations by the OP, but check out the Beretta 1301 and Aridus Industries. No first hand experience, but they reportedly run smooother than the Benellis and are lighter.


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Originally Posted by Hoser

I see more people screw up working a pump gun in a high stress situation than semis by a long shot.

I would grab a Benelli and train with it.

While I have a short 870 and M2, the Benelli gets used a lot more.

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I've got a Vepr 12, AK style shotgun. Semi auto, same operation as an AK, detackable magazine (hopefully you wont need multiple magazines for home defense), you can get 10, 15, 20, 25 round magazines/drums. As long as you dont get underpowered loads, which home defense shotguns loads usually aren't, I've never had a failure to cycle.

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Originally Posted by Joe_K

check out the Beretta 1301

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That 1301 tactical looks like a great option for under $900.

I have bolth 870&590, I prefer the 590. It is all personal preference when it comes down to it, bolth are legit guns. In the last 30 years I have never had the safety come on from firing on any mossberg shotgun.