Generally these really short barrel shotguns are not usable for hunting due to the short barrels and either complete lack of choke, or ineffective choke due to length.

So that means its pretty much a close range toy for shooting milk jugs and pumpkins, door breaching, or self defense against aggressive animals in the wilderness. For these purposes a cheap Chinese clone happens to be just fine! I don't need a lot of accuracy for a close range open bore shotgun. All of the above should really be closer than 25 yards.

For that reason I happily suggest a Dominion Arms/Grizzly 12.5" tube fed, 4+1 (clone of remington 870). I know you weren't interested, but I happen to have had excellent success shooting with one of these! Don't shy away just because its made in China. The other thing is if the shotgun is relatively cheap, you won't mind "beating it up" a little. If its not your expensive prize possession you'll happily get it dirty, muddy, wet, scratched and not cry. 🙂

Generally these really short barrel shotguns are not usable for hunting due to the short barrels and either complete lack of choke, or ineffective choke due to length.

I agree with that, shorter barrel and not being able to choke is not ideal in my opinion.

I have no experience with Mossberg unfortunatly. I own and use a Remington 870 WM with a 26" barrel full choke and I love it! If I want I have the option of buying a shorter barrel, and swaping them takes 30 seconds. But like Elrond said dont shy away from Chinese made guns, they are clones but they work great. Cheaper gun means you get to buy more ammo too! 😎

Also, depending on the reason you are buying this shotgun buying a full size shotgun wouldn't be a bad idea. More accuracy and the ablility to choke will help your odds if say you are hunting or even for self defense. But if you are absolutely set on the shorter Mossberg im sure it will be fine, Mossberg is a good brand and I know many who own them and love them. I realize this was probably not the response you wanted to hear but it never hurts to look around a little more.

Hope this helps.

For that reason I happily suggest a Dominion Arms/Grizzly 12.5" tube fed, 4+1 (clone of remington 870). I know you weren't interested, but I happen to have had excellent success shooting with one of these! Don't shy away just because its made in China. The other thing is if the shotgun is relatively cheap, you won't mind "beating it up" a little. If its not your expensive prize possession you'll happily get it dirty, muddy, wet, scratched and not cry. 🙂

I've been looking at the grizzly for use in bear country during hunting season ironically. No issue with the mags getting stuck during reload ie the quality of the product?

thanks

If we took the cost factor out of the equation, would you still go with the Grizzly versus the Mossberg?

With the 870Rem that I bought many years ago, I bought 2 barrels. One was the full choke and the other was the modified field choke, which was shorter. Both were chambered for the magnum, and both had a rail sight with a red lumen sight. In a lowlight situ these work great without blinding you while on target. My 2 favorite rounds is #4 shot and 00. In a survival aspect, a composite round made up of #4 and the 00 together, with paraffin as a binding agent to hold them together longer. This was a favorite shotgun load for the lads fighting in Vietnam, they also used a duckbill choke. 😈

I guess it depends on use. Longer barrel, 26 inch choked mod shotgun will have the edge for a graceful swing shot on a pheasant. But most of the powder is burnt long before it gets to the muzzle. Probably 12 inches before. For other situations trimming off the barrel down to 14 inches will cost you a bit in velocity but you will make good gains in maneuverability. And when I say trim, I mean install a legal 14 inch barrel.
As far as choke, 00 Buck fired from cyl bore will work just fine at short distances.

I heard all powder is burned by 18" even in the hottest loads.

I have alot of different shotguns most of which are tactical. The one i like most is the Hatsan Escort MP. Its light, barrell change is quick, lots of options,very reliable and looks cool lol. Its not the most accurate but with the 18 inch barrell is a great all around gun. Cost was $400 in my hand.

Don't rule out the Stevens Security Pump ( made by Savage) as an alternative. The model 320 comes with Bead OR Rifle sights, 18.5" barrel, 3" chamber, 8 shot capacity , rotary bolt, dual slide bars, cylinder choke and available for $220.00 to $244.00. For all you are going to use the gun they would do very well.
Also, check out the Benelli "Super Nova Tactical", 14" barrel, 3.5 inch Magnum, cylinder choke 12 guage. Priced around $800. I have a couple of Benelli's and I Love them!

Just waiting for that lottery, then I'm building my own range, rifle, skeet and trap.

For that reason I happily suggest a Dominion Arms/Grizzly 12.5" tube fed, 4+1 (clone of remington 870). I know you weren't interested, but I happen to have had excellent success shooting with one of these! Don't shy away just because its made in China. The other thing is if the shotgun is relatively cheap, you won't mind "beating it up" a little. If its not your expensive prize possession you'll happily get it dirty, muddy, wet, scratched and not cry. 🙂

I've been looking at the grizzly for use in bear country during hunting season ironically. No issue with the mags getting stuck during reload ie the quality of the product?

thanks

Hey Dangphool, I recommend the "tube fed" for practical use (when your life may depend on it) and the mag fed version for "blasting at the range with your buddies". To be on the safe side, you should really own both! 😆
The tube fed is every bit as reliable as the authentic 870s. The mag fed has had some reported issues which are likely quality control issues (as they are inconsistent, some guys' mag feds run 100%, some guys get nothing but jams). But if you buy 2-4 mags, most vendors should exchange the mag if its truly defective (the feed angle appears to be inconsistent on these mags - there are other forums where people document modifying the follower to tilt the rounds differently).

The tube fed is 4+1, so 4 in the tube "mag" and 1 in the chamber if appropriate. For bear defense, I'd keep it unchambered, so just 4 in the tube with the pump locked and safety on. (You should practice this at the range to build proficiency: disable the safety, pump the action, shoot). If you can't take a bear down with 4 slugs and its still coming at you, your toast even if you had a removable magazine!

If you're into "tactical shooting" (ie: 3-gun matches) most guys still prefer the tube fed as you can "top up". You never run it dry. You just keep adding one or two to the tube when the opportunity is available (maybe behind cover, from a side saddle or belt strippers) and that way you are never empty (or even near empty).

So summary: Buy tube fed first for practicality and reliability. Buy mag fed when you've got some bonus cash and just want to have loads of fun goofing around.

Thanks for that.
I have the model 88 Defender but found it difficult to reach the pistol grip when it was in my backpack. It sits too low. So I may look at a different pack perhaps or arranging something to force it higher perhaps?

Funtimes = waiting patiently for money to be saved up 🙄

Personally I prefer the Mossberg... Cabellas has a very nice combo on at $299 ...........This shotgun features two barrels. Barrels included are 28" vent rib with fixed modified choke and an 18-1/2" smooth bore barrel with fixed cylinder choke and front bead sight. The black synthetic stock features rubber recoil pad with checkering for improved handling.