Pistol Grip Shotguns

[garand4life]

It's been a while since I've seen any discussion on the topic, and since I didn't really pay any attention then I figured I would put this out there. I am seriously considering getting on of the Mossberg Cruisers in 12GA. But the question really goes to is there a plausible use for an 18.5" pistol grip shotgun when it comes in self/home defense. Obviously size is a plus but controllability is drastically reduced I figure. So is it worth having as a defensive tool? And are there any other real world utilities for such a design other than breaching a door.

[dipisc]

Hello to all;

     I just bought a riot style shotgun 2 weeks ago and have never seen the need for a pistol grip on any shotgun. My guess is that these newer style "pistol grip" shotgun are here due to so many people buying ar's and ak's with pistol grip's , that it's just "natural" for the gun makers to come out with another selling point like the grip. For me it is something that could get in the way at some point if the stuff hits the fan.

[garand4life]

I'm more referring to the Cruiser models which have a pistol grip only. No traditional stock. I am adding a 500 or 590 with the full adjustable AR style stock with pistol grip soon but am considering getting on of the JIC kits that has a 500 Cruisers

[twyacht]

Good friend has a Mossberg 500 with a pistol fore grip and pistol rear grip. It's fun outdoors for hip shots, and hitting water jugs. I NEVER would do that to my 870 Express Magnum.

I can see the mobility and SD applications, but I can move just fine around halls and doors with my 870 and all I've added is an ATI adjustable rear stock. When fully retracted it provides a very compact package with the stability of a shouldered shot, and ability to have no trouble in target acquisition with increased probability of hits. Especially if using shot instead of slugs.

Accuracy with a pistol grip goes way down from the hip, or off stance, unless you practice. My shots with the pistol Mossberg all were high until I "dialed it in". I guess in a household, across a room it would work, but you better have a good grip on that thing, be healthy with strong hand and arm strength.  I'd rather know most of the shot is on target than having to "guess" in an SD situation, with adrenaline, and a host of other factors...that a pistol grip makes more difficult.

Just my humble opinion.  Looks great in movies. But I don't find them applicable for me. My Stoeger Coach's 12g is even shorter, and is usually the one available as my last resort firearm. That is after, my handgun, and a reload aren't enough.

They are great for blowing up watermelon and water jugs!!

FWIW.

[LoveMyXds]

In my opinion, I think they are better than nothing, but one step away from useless... Unless you are planning to fight on a boat or someplace equally as cramped.... I have a spiral staircase in my house, where if I had to clear the stairwell he extra manueverability may come in handy, but I would sling the long gun and go to pistol in that case anyways.

I have had some folding stock weapons and other than a few times on the range it was fired with the stock folded out... If it is appealing to you from a storage standpoint, then there are several good aftermarket folding stocks for the 'berg....

[Sponsor]

[Solus]

One of the features of a Mossberg 500/590 which is touted as superior to the Remington 870 is the safety which is located on the tang.  It is said to be superior because it can be manipulated with the thumb without requiring the trigger finger to make additional movements under stress.

This is true, but put a AR style stock..or any full stock with a pistol grip...on the 500/590 and it is a pain to work that safety

I used the Knox stock and it also make using the magazine release difficult because of the placement.  Don't know if that would be difficult with other pistol grip stocks..

[Rob10ring]

I'm actually pretty good with a pistol gripped shotgun at common in the house distance. If I have the whole family gathered in one place, I don't need it, but I've got a tight stairway with 2 turns and it is easier to navigate it with the shorter gun, than my longer Benelli.

I've got a tactical cruiser in desert camo. Mostly, it's just fun. I've shot clay pigeons with it just for fun too.

[LoveMyXds]

One of the features of a Mossberg 500/590 which is touted as superior to the Remington 870 is the safety which is located on the tang.  It is said to be superior because it can be manipulated with the thumb without requiring the trigger finger to make additional movements under stress.

This is true, but put a AR style stock..or any full stock with a pistol grip...on the 500/590 and it is a pain to work that safety

I used the Knox stock and it also make using the magazine release difficult because of the placement.  Don't know if that would be difficult with other pistol grip stocks..

EXCELLENT POINT

[blackwolfe]

In Michigan a long gun that meets the federal requirements of 26 inches in length, but is less than 30", is considered a "handgun" and must be registered as such.  If you have a CPL (Concealed Pistol License) in Michigan you could then "carry" the pistol gripped shotgun loaded.  This law applies to folding or telescoping stocked rifles and shotguns if it is operational with the stock closed and between 26" and 30" in length.  There are some advantages to pistol gripped only shotguns.  The problem is trying to find a holster for a Mossberg Cruiser or one of the original wood stocked folding Ruger Mini 14s.   

[twyacht]

Find the review of MB's SERBU.... Even at the range it was so fun, it hurt for two days,....