r/canadaguns • u/Various_Piano_8053 • Apr 15 '26

Shooting Tactical Shotgun Dilema

Hi folks!

I'm trying to decide what shotgun would fit my needs. I'm out on a target shooting trip, and as part of the group fun I'm asleep in my camp and get woken up (during daylight of course) by a clay pigeon breaking into my tent or have a timed competition to see who can get rounds off quickest. I need to access from locked storage, load, and chamber shells ASAP. Which would you choose?

1) Mossberg 590RM

+ quick to load (mag stored loaded, rounds cycled out periodically to prevent deformation)

+ AR-type safety is quick (I'm a lefty)

+ more capacity (10 rather than the 20)

+ If I'm in an awkward position or not fully shouldered I won't "limp-wrist" vs a semi-auto

- Slower to get shells off

- potential short-stroke

- Potentially less reliable

2) Reliable Semi-auto like a Beretta 1301

+ quicker to get rounds off

+ don't have to think about/do anything to chamber next shell

- less capacity (5+1 of longest shell)

- potential "limp-wrist" stoppages

- reloading tube mag is much slower

- usually less recoil

I've ruled out the Turkish mag-fed pumps as I don't want to risk a malfunction, even though they do have some very short barrel options. I know most people aren't fans of mag-fed shotguns, but with the right ammo the 590RM seems to be solid from what I've seen. My big sticking point is getting rounds off. Alternatives for reloading the semi are things like a 4-5 shot syringe which if done well is incredibly fast (but may be challenging under duress), or a side saddle. Still not as fast as an external box mag though. If you guys have any thoughts I'd love to hear.

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9

u/Spydude84 Apr 15 '26

I'd pretty much always pick the 1301, I personally believe it's the best semi-auto tactical shotgun on the market.

3

u/DougMacRay617 Apr 15 '26

There is no denying that it is. It's just people with buyers bias that still praise the bulky outdated M4 .

1

u/Spydude84 Apr 15 '26

Yep. Unless I'm doing military procurement for a role where the M4's time-tested durability in all conditions is a critical factor, 1301 every day.

Even then, the 1301 should be great at that too, but it doesn't have as long a pedigree yet.

2

u/DougMacRay617 Apr 15 '26

Yeah i mean its proven itself already for many euro leo's and at this point i cant see why it wouldn't stand the test of time.

2

u/Spydude84 Apr 15 '26

I agree, which is why my edge case is intended to be niche.