Tactical Shotgun Dilema

[u/Various_Piano_8053]

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.

[u/Huddy_Bolley]

Mag fed shotguns sound like a great idea but in reality they are less reliable than tube feds. Another thing to consider is with a mag fed you cant top up with a shell and keep going, you have to dedicate to the reload. Also the mags are absolutely huge and hard to carry in a chest rig without severely limiting mobility. In regards to the AR style safety, the standard 500 series are all tang safeties and easily manipulated from either side.

The 1301 is an awesome semi auto choice. Although the limit to 5 shells is pretty bummy. Also can't run mini shells but not much use to minis anyways. Just gotta keep in mind the shell release is another step after a reload before being able to get a round off. Not a huge issue as long as you train enough.