Tracing its roots back to the respected and venerable Mossberg 500, the 590A1 keeps the core of what makes the 500-series of shotguns so great and makes it even better. The U.S. military put out a request for a more durable pump-action shotgun that could stand up to the rigors of hard field use, and the 590A1 was born. Mossberg responded by adding a tough parkerized finish, all metal trigger guard, thick-walled barrel, and stronger internals. It is an intuitive and easy to use pump-gun, but it is a bit on the heavy side due to the aforementioned features. The extra weight helps tame the harsh recoil of the 12 gauge round, making the shooting experience a little more pleasant. The ambidextrous tang safety makes the gun easy for all users to operate the gun. Its wide aftermarket also allows you to tailor the gun to your specific wants and needs. While the 590A1 isn’t the smoothest or lightest shotgun out there, it is an absolute tank, and you’d be hard pressed to find any firearm that will last as long and take as much punishment.
The Mossberg 500 has withstood the test of time and is the gold standard when it comes to pump-action shotguns for the everyman. They are reliable, easy to maintain, versatile, have a huge aftermarket, and are extremely affordable. It is likely the most popular shotgun in the United States, and for a good reason.
The Mossberg Maverick 88 is the true everyman’s shotgun. It is affordable, reliable, durable, and is built on the design of one of the most proven shotguns in the world. This is the ultimate bang for your buck in the shotgun world and possibly one of the best deals in the firearms world as a whole.
Usually coming in at under $400, the Mossberg 500 Field/Security pump-action shotgun is one of the most versatile guns you can buy for the money. This gun comes with two barrels, a 28-inch field barrel with interchangeable choke tubes and an 18.5-inch security barrel with a fixed choke. Having both barrels allows you to have a do-all gun that can cover anything from hunting to sporting to home defense. Mossberg makes the barrel change process simple and easy, with a single screw making the barrel swap a 60-second affair that takes no tools. The ambidextrous tang safety makes this gun intuitive for most users, but the rest of the gun is pretty standard fare when it comes to ergonomics. The Mossberg 500 has been the gold standard for basic shotguns since the 60s, and it has the aftermarket to prove that. If you need a shotgun to cover all the bases, this is it.
The KelTec KS7 utilizes a bullpup configuration to give users an 18.5-inch barrel while keeping an astonishingly short 26.1-inch overall length. Capacity remains a solid 7+1 despite how short this shotgun is, and at 5.9 pounds, it feels as light as it looks. The KS7 is a great option for home defense or any other roles that may require a compact, but controllable shotgun.
The Smith & Wesson M&P12 utilizes a bullpup design to deliver high capacity in a short, maneuverable package. Its dual magazine tubes are able to accept six 3-inch shells or seven 2 3/4-inch shells each and also have the ability to use mini-shells. This shotgun also features the ergonomic M&P grip, which includes interchangeable backstraps. Large, ambidextrous controls and downward ejection make this shotgun suitable for both left and right-handed users.
Remington, under new management as RemArms, has reintroduced the legendary 870 Wingmaster. At its heart lies the proven dual-action bar 870 action and a solid steel machined billet receiver. The Wingmaster is a step above its Fieldmaster brethren, sporting a high gloss blued finish and figured American walnut furniture. This iconic pump action is ready to bust clays or hunt birds once again and is available in 12, 20, and .410 guage.
The Remington 870 is one of the most-produced and most well-proven pump-action shotguns of all time. Twin action bars ensure a non-binding, smooth pump operation, and the receiver is milled from a solid billet of steel. Built for defensive use, the tactical models feature an 18.5-inch barrel and either come with a standard 4+1 or 6+1 capacity. A variety of stocks, including wood, synthetic, and adjustable, are available so that users can find a model to suit their needs. A standard non-glare matte finish and a bead sight highlight the simplicity and ruggedness that the 870 Tactical is known for.
The Winchester SXP Defender is a great shotgun for those looking for a solid home defense or combat shotgun. A 5+1 capacity, chrome plated 18″ fixed cylinder choke barrel, and tough matte finish and synthetic furniture make this no-frills shotgun well suited for hard work. Billed as the “world’s fastest pump shotgun”, the SXP utilizes an inertia-assisted action to help speed up the process of cycling the gun. It is available in 12 or 20-gauge and can be had with either a standard stock or a pistol grip version. The speed, reliability, and toughness make this a hard gun to beat in its price range.
