11/27/2025
There is a wide selection of great shotguns on the market these days... Beretta/ Benelli/Stoeger, Wi******er, Keltec, Browning, and Mossberg to name a few. All produce great shotguns, from affordable to ridiculously expensive...
However, might I suggest the shot gun that really defined "Tactical Shotgun," the Re*****on 870... I've owned Benelli, Stoeger, Mossberg, Franchi, Sears, Harrington & Richardson(H&R) and Re*****on among others... Both Auto loaders and pump guns have passed through my hands. All have seen the chopping block, with one exception the Re*****on 870...
The 870 Express, 870 Wingmaster, and 870 Tacical have never left me wanting...
As a teenager, the first gun I ever bought was a Re*****on 870 Express...Countless Pheasant, doves, grouse, ducks, and clay targets fell from the sky at the pull of the trigger.
I upgraded in my early 20's to a used 870 Wingmaster which, in my opinion as a kid, was almost too beautiful to carry in the field. Almost... It quickly became the bane of ring neck pheasants...
Then came the 870 Tactical... Adjustable stock, side saddle carrying six extra shells, extended magazine tube, and a Mag Pul MOE forearm. A dream to shoot in competition... Reliable, Robust, and effective...
The 870 has and always will hold a special place in my heart.
In a market dominated by auto shotguns, most of which are excellent in their own right, don't overlook the venerable pump guns that defined and shaped the shotgunning world...
I recognize I may be called a "Fud" or behind the times for this... But hey what do I know...