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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u/BigBlackCb Apr 15 '26

I have 2 870s. 1 tactical from the freedom group days that has had 0 issues and is smooth as butter. And a new fieldmaster that is just as smooth out of the box as the old one is after thousands of rounds.

I absolutely love my tactical 870. I've since upgraded to a 1301 and like it a lot more.

The reason I mention the 870 is because I own an 835 and have handled/fired a 500, 535, and a 590 and they all feel clunky compared to the 870. They function just as well, some would even say better (I disagree) but they definitely don't feel as nice.

Either way. Just get a 1301. Its delightful.

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u/Spydude84 Apr 15 '26

I have an 870, and one day I'll get a 1301. How many 2.75" shells can you fit in your 1301? 6+1+1? I can get 7+1+1 in my 870.

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u/BigBlackCb Apr 15 '26

I have an extension on my 1301, so it can hold 6+1 2.75" shells. I admittedly have only had it for a short while and I bought it for turkey hunting so I have it plugged to 3 at the moment. Ive read that you can ghost load it for an additional round. But, I dont see the need.

My tact 870 is the 18.5" with the extension. So I believe it is 7+1 2.75" shells. It was my turkey gun for years. I have hardwood furniture on it at the moment. It looks 👌. It was plugged to 2+1 for most of its life. I also have a 28" that holds the typical 5+1.

Out of the box, the Beretta is actually shorter than the 870. But it comes with a couple spacers to adjust the stock length.

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u/Spydude84 Apr 15 '26

The reason to ghost load is for competition, having that extra round at the start is pretty nice, but certainly not necessary for most normal uses.