VALUE GUIDE: RECENT SELF-DEFENSE SHOTGUN RANKINGS

Mossberg 590 Shockwave Model 50657 20 Gauge, $455

Mar. 2019

A

The Shockwave in 20 gauge substantially reduces felt recoil. We liked the strapped forend.

Mossberg 590 Shockwave Model 50649 .410 Bore, $455

Mar. 2019

A

Loaded with one of the specialty 410 defense loads, this would make a good home-defense choice.

Remington Model 870 TAC-14 81145 20 Gauge, $464

Mar. 2019

A-

If you are a Remington 870 fan, you will not have an issue adapting to the TAC-14.

Remington 870 Youth Model 25561 20 Gauge, $330

Feb. 2019

A-

Our Pick in a match up of youth models suitable for home defense. Ideal weight, a smooth action and trigger.

Mossberg Maverick 88 Youth Model 32202 20 Gauge, $198

Feb. 2019

B+

True youth model with a 12-inch LOP. Only 5.25 pounds. Fast-handling piece for the whole family.

H&R Pardner Youth Model NP1-2S1 20 Gauge, $165

Feb. 2019

B

Best Buy. Aiming rib was as good as the others, and the Pardner was easy enough to fire. Drilled and tapped.

Mossberg 590 Tactical Speedfeed 50665 12 Ga., $480

Oct. 2018

A

The 590 gave us confidence and was the only shotgun tested without any type of malfunction.

Remington 870 Express

Tactical 81209 12 Ga., $729

Oct. 2018

A-

Good shotgun, but are all the 870 Tactical Magpul’s features necessary for home defense? Maybe not.

Remington 870 DM Hardwood 81351 12 Gauge, $324

Oct. 2018

A-

The least-expensive shotgun tested, yet it may be the best suited for home-defense use.

JTS M12AK Semi-Auto

12 Gauge, $450

Oct. 2018

A-

Generally successful, but it does not handle as quickly as the conventional pump-action shotguns.

Mossberg 590M Mag-Fed Pump 50205 12 Ga., $530

Oct. 2018

D

The shotgun did not function as well as the Remington DM or the tube-feds. We would not buy this shotgun.

Mossberg 590 Shockwave

50659 12 Gauge, $455

Oct. 2017

A

Built to last. We’d opt for the OPSol Texas Mini-Clip and pack it with Aguila Mini Shells.

Remington 870P Standard

12 Gauge, $225

Sept. 2017

A

Best Buy. Patterns were good. Experimentation may find a load that does even better.

IAC (Norinco) Wild Bunch 12 Gauge, $300

Sept. 2017

B

Tactically, the design leaves some other shotguns in the dirt. It is fast to load and empty.

Mossberg 505 Youth Pump-Action 57110 20 Gauge, $300

Sept. 2017

A

The Mossberg 505 Youth is an overlooked gem. The fit wasn’t bad for most raters.

Benelli Nova Tactical Pump 20051 12 Gauge, $372

Dec. 2016

A

Best Buy. Lockup is tight. Sights are among the best combat-style units. 10-year warranty.

Tristar TEC-12 No. 25120 Pump/Auto 12 Gauge, $557

Dec. 2016

A

Modern styling and handles just like the expensive Benelli M3.

Mossberg 930 Tactical 85320 12 Gauge, $514

Dec. 2016

A-

The 930 was the lightest kicker and had the highest magazine capacity.

IAC Imports Hawk Model 982

Defense 12 Gauge, $233

Oct. 2016

A

Among the least-expensive 12-gauge pumps we have tested. Never malfunctioned.

Remington M870 Express

Syn. Tactical 12 Ga., $346

Oct. 2016

A

We liked the magazine capacity, and we will take the muzzle brake. Simple bead front sight.