I don't know what it is. The $300 +/- $100 price point for a durable and reliable firearm. The satisfaction of working a shotgun pump action in how it further connects you to the firearm by making the user a part of the mechanism. Or the pleasure of the 12-gauge blast - sure there can be recoil - but the sheer boom which is distinct from the sharp report of a rifle round, the rush of hot gasses from the receiver and flame from muzzle, as well as the overall theatrics that culminate with the ejection of the shell and escape of gunsmoke - just wow.
I came to 12-gauge pumps late. A picture of the pair that I have is at the bottom. I particularly like the Mossberg 500, which I bought after advice in a previous thread. Now I feel myself drawn to another. There's no articulable need, but just a slow burning want that I've been trying to suppress, thinking about the holes in my current collection (a bolt action in 308 or a similar longer distance with a 80 gr or larger bullet). It's stupid because I don't have sufficient range time for other firearms that I have. I often try to sell firearms to feel less conflicted about buying new ones as well as open up space. While it gets harder and harder to pick which ones to sell (contemplating selling a Henry lever but that's about it), I've likely sold more than I've purchased this year in terms of dollar amounts.
When I buy a firearm, I try to look at the following. Will it or could it have a practical use and whether it is well suited for the task (e.g. fits me well, reliable, etc)? Will it be easy to operate and maintain with my occasional use? Is the price justified? Is it fun to use or does it have aesthetic appeal? I'll of course sacrifice aesthetic appeal for function and practical utility.
So I've been cruising sales for these three pumps that are all close to $300. I'm aware of the possible maintenance issues with the Remington 870s vs Mossberg 500/590 line thanks to Chad's excellent posts.
1) Another Mossberg 500. Exact model that I already have. I like it that much. It has just the right amount of heft to handle recoil and feels very comfortable for me. It is a pleasure to shoot and I like the sight system. It has suppressed my desire to get the slightly beefier/heavier 590A1(which costs slightly more). Getting another gives me redundancy in case there ever is a problem, and a consistent platform to train with (time dependent). I can find it for $300 not including transfer, shipping, taxes, etc.
2) A used Remington 870 Police Magnum. These have sporadic availability. I nearly made an order today with synthetic furniture that would be $330 shipped. I have a Remington 870 Wingmaster in 20-gauge which has the smoothest mechanism. I feel it could round out my "HD" shotgun collection that already has a Mossberg and Turkish Winchester. (as an aside, I would love an old Winchester Model 12, but don't want to spend that much money for a new addition)
3) A Remington 870 Express Hardwood Home Defense. These can be found for $330 shipped. Like option 1), it comes with an extended mag tube. I might upgrade the extractor and magazine tube spring (inexpensive upgrades) but would leave the plastic trigger guard. I've read that the finish on these might be more prone to rust than the finish on the Police Magnums or Wingmasters, but I like the wood furniture. Here's a pic ...
Thanks for reading. I don't need another, right?
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
I came to 12-gauge pumps late. A picture of the pair that I have is at the bottom. I particularly like the Mossberg 500, which I bought after advice in a previous thread. Now I feel myself drawn to another. There's no articulable need, but just a slow burning want that I've been trying to suppress, thinking about the holes in my current collection (a bolt action in 308 or a similar longer distance with a 80 gr or larger bullet). It's stupid because I don't have sufficient range time for other firearms that I have. I often try to sell firearms to feel less conflicted about buying new ones as well as open up space. While it gets harder and harder to pick which ones to sell (contemplating selling a Henry lever but that's about it), I've likely sold more than I've purchased this year in terms of dollar amounts.
When I buy a firearm, I try to look at the following. Will it or could it have a practical use and whether it is well suited for the task (e.g. fits me well, reliable, etc)? Will it be easy to operate and maintain with my occasional use? Is the price justified? Is it fun to use or does it have aesthetic appeal? I'll of course sacrifice aesthetic appeal for function and practical utility.
So I've been cruising sales for these three pumps that are all close to $300. I'm aware of the possible maintenance issues with the Remington 870s vs Mossberg 500/590 line thanks to Chad's excellent posts.
1) Another Mossberg 500. Exact model that I already have. I like it that much. It has just the right amount of heft to handle recoil and feels very comfortable for me. It is a pleasure to shoot and I like the sight system. It has suppressed my desire to get the slightly beefier/heavier 590A1(which costs slightly more). Getting another gives me redundancy in case there ever is a problem, and a consistent platform to train with (time dependent). I can find it for $300 not including transfer, shipping, taxes, etc.
2) A used Remington 870 Police Magnum. These have sporadic availability. I nearly made an order today with synthetic furniture that would be $330 shipped. I have a Remington 870 Wingmaster in 20-gauge which has the smoothest mechanism. I feel it could round out my "HD" shotgun collection that already has a Mossberg and Turkish Winchester. (as an aside, I would love an old Winchester Model 12, but don't want to spend that much money for a new addition)
3) A Remington 870 Express Hardwood Home Defense. These can be found for $330 shipped. Like option 1), it comes with an extended mag tube. I might upgrade the extractor and magazine tube spring (inexpensive upgrades) but would leave the plastic trigger guard. I've read that the finish on these might be more prone to rust than the finish on the Police Magnums or Wingmasters, but I like the wood furniture. Here's a pic ...
Thanks for reading. I don't need another, right?
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk