Mossberg JIC

[MagHooligan]

I'm a newbie,
I just registered to this site. I find myself and my others in the Gila rich in bears, and Cimmeron Canyon, rich in bears and mountain lions, hunting and fishing. Oh, and (hunt'n camp always has, Illustuius folks in camp). I think I need a shotgun. I like the "Mossberg JIC" for camp and home. Anyone have one?

Hooligan Hunter?

[Dozer]

I don't have a "Just In Case" Mossberg 500, but I have a standard 500 with a really long barrel. I also have a Rem 870 with an 18.5 inch barrel that I use for HD and camping. Both of these guns can be easily reconfigured to meet your needs. I believe that either of these two very popular shotguns in the defensive configuration would work well for you. Defensive configuration means (to me) short barrel, high capacity and a short, expanding, folding or simply a pistol grip stock. Either one of these guns will accept 3" magnums and the variety of shells is wide. For going into bear country, load up with slugs first then 00 buck. Rifled slugs will give you a longer range, but you will need to practice with them. You might want to take your .44 magnum with you as a backup if you plan to be in the midst of the big furry boys.

[MagHooligan]

ThanX Dozer, I already have a Remington 870 that I've killed more ducks, doves, quail and one pheasant with. Oh and a bunch of geese too. It has a long, long barrel. I think thats why it seldom misses. I will look for conversion stuff for it. Short barrel, longer magazine for more rounds, a pistol grip and I think I want a flashlite mounted to the tube mag. MIght cost more than a new 500 though.

[capncrunch]

I don't know if this'll help you with your 870 mods, but here it is:

Mag extension - especially if you want to keep the longer barrel:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?p ... ber=131077

Barrel:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?p ... ber=921370

Just a few options for stocks, etc:
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/sear ... ington+870

I once had a Remington 870 Magnum, had a TacStar 6-shell side saddle, the 5-shot extension, 28" vented rib barrel, and Knox Stock setup on it. It was worthless for home defense in the sense that it was SO long that "quick handling" never entered into the description - and I love my shotguns. Heavy as all get out when fully-loaded and completely pointless since you could better outfit a much shorter and lighter version and accomplish the same dang thing with half the weight. I can also share with you that I liked the TacStar side saddle - it took a beating and never cracked, held onto the shells when running, tripping and falling, etc, yet still let go of them without needing hurculean effort. The Knox Stock was ok but in my opinion I'd go with the lightest butt stock you can find that fits you and invest in one of the new Supercell recoil pads from Remington - also check out their somewhat-new screw-in chokes for stand-off/tactical applications. Kinda cool. Also make sure you check the staking on the bars inside your receiver - if stake marks look a little puny give Charlie's a call and see what the gunsmith would charge to restake them - it's worth the $15-$30 to have it done so you don't risk it falling apart when you need it most.

Anyway, there's my input for what it's worth.

-Crunch