Educate me on pistol grip shotguns

[Eddie Gunks]

Not to take the thread off-topic (a little), but is this a good deal (if it comes back in stock) - Mossberg 590A1 Pump Action 12ga 3" Chamber 20" Barrel XS Ghost Ring Sights 9+1 51771

I don't have a shotgun and would like to get one eventually, but also don't want to blow through $400+ on something I won't shoot that often. (yes I know the linked one is $400+, but it has aftermarket sights right?)

I have one in the shop. It is a lightly used/not used consignment gun. Come on up. Lets make a deal.

 

[MikeyCNY]

I have one in the shop. It is a lightly used/not used consignment gun. Come on up. Lets make a deal.

Three hour one-way trip for me, but we'll see. Next full day off (planned) is in December. I'm also in no hurry, since I just bought a 10/22 Takedown my 'gun funds' are depleted at the moment..

 

[Mk44]

The first purchase I made was a mossberg shotgun while I waited for my pistol permit to be processed. Because I was new to firearms and am on the thin side I selected a 20 gauge shotgun instead of a 12 gauge for the reduced recoil. I purchased a standard Mossberg 500 20 gauge shotgun.

That was 5 years ago. I am thinking of upgrading to a 12 gauge shotgun. I am looking at those with a pistol grip such as the 500 ATI, 590 Tactical or 590a1. The purpose is strictly home defense. I am curious if the pistol grip/stock provides more control or what the benefits of the pistol group might be. Feedback/comments are welcome.

I have a 12ga Moss & I' have considered going with a 20ga instead for hunting, target & HD.
For the purpose of "home defense", a 20ga is more than enough to take down an intruder down. A 12ga isn't going to make the intruder any more dead. Save your money & keep the 20ga for HD.
I had a Blackhawk pistol grip stock (similar to the ATI, etc..) on my 12ga. I had it on for a little bit. I wasn't a fan of it. So I put the original wood stock back on it. I prefer the original stock on my shotguns. Everyone has their preference.
(And because the safety is located on top of the receiver (on Mossberg 500/590), one would have to change their grip on the pistol grip stock to deactivate the safety. )

 

[dwa12479]

I had an ATI pistol grip adjustable stock on my Mossberg 500.for a little while, I hated it. It was comfortable to hold and shoot and maneuver with, but running the safety and slide release was awkward, so I put a Magpul SGA on a couple years ago, couldn't be happier.

If you're set on having a PG, go with a Remington 870, the controls are setup much better

 

[Eddie Gunks]

I have a 12ga Moss & I' have considered going with a 20ga instead for hunting, target & HD.
For the purpose of "home defense", a 20ga is more than enough to take down an intruder down. A 12ga isn't going to make the intruder any more dead. Save your money & keep the 20ga for HD.

12s give you more pellets. more pellets=better hit potential=more likely/easily dead

 

[laney50w]

I prefer my shotguns without a pistol grip...tried it a few times, not a fan.

And, my preference is the same, with my AR's. I just find it easier to control my rifles without the PG. Just how I'm used to shooting...though, everyone is different. ..

Now, I do have one of my AR,s outfitted with the Magpul Angled Forward Grip. But, it's not a PG. It does, however, put less stress on my left wrist...Being a guitarist since the early 80's, and now being just one year shy from the big 50, I sometimes get tendinitis in my left hand, and that little angled grip has REALLY helped when I shoot.