Saiga 12 vs Remington 870 for Home Defense

[Slugg]

So if you could only own one shotgun. Would it be the saiga 12 or Remington 870 and why? You can customize them both with stocks and such.

[Istvan56]

Ooh, with money not a consideration I'd go with a Saiga 12 and then trick it out. I've carried 870's throughout my career as a cop, eh, just another pump shotgun. But a reliable semi-auto with a side-folder and hi-caps is another animal. As for home defense, a shotgun is a bit long. I prefer my pistol for inside room clearing and a rifle for outside threats. Unless you have a papered short barrelled shotgun, that'd be handy for room clearing.

Now if you are on a budget find a used Remington 870 and take your time upgrading it.

[Finch]

for home defense nothing beats a pump IMO.

NOT because of the "racking noise" I think thats a bit silly but a pump will go bang every time. And if you have a dud you can just pump again.

In the most likely situation a couple of guys break in 8 +1 * rounds of 00 should be all you need the extra 2 in the saiga shouldn't make a difference.

Nothing says get out of my house like a big pointy 590




*any shotgun with less then 8+1 rounds without and "extension" is for little girls

[Jeriah]

Either will work. But I voted Saiga because, if you can only have one shotgun, it might as well be a badass shotgun. Also, you can load it with a low-cap mag for hunting, and a high-cap for defense. That can be done with a Remington but it's more work.

[Gatorfarmer]

The 870 between the two. While I actually use an M4 clone, which looks evil itself, and usually don't fully agree with the evil looking guns are bad in coury theory, I would still be wary of presenting a tricked out Saiga to a jury in any sort of even moderately "gray" shooting.

[arrowolf]

I've got an 870 but my friend has a Saiga 12. I liked it but it was outta my price range.

[Cold_B]

Saiga 12.

Because it has less recoil, and nothing says GTF out of my house like 20 rounds of 00 buck! If you can't stop them within 20 rounds, then I don't know what would.

[ozwyn]

Both are good choices in terms of reliability of design.

But... if you end up in a courtroom after a home defense shooting, which one will give the asshole prosecutor or civil lawyer an advantage in ruining your life?

Take a 870, wood stock and foregrip. You can use fiber optic sights with a tactical light/laser and mag extension, and it still resembles a jury friendly hunting gun.

Its not just the shooting, but what happens AFTER the shots that counts too.

[M1aMatt]

I voted Saiga 12, because I am selling my 870 to get one.........

I use my AR or my 1911 for HD anyway.

[Ronac_the_Brave]

I think that the 870 is more reliable than the saiga. The 870 was designed to be a shotgun. Field repair is easy.

[mr. right-wing]

I think that the 870 is more reliable than the saiga. The 870 was designed to be a shotgun. Field repair is easy.

How so? Ever had brass over expand in the chamber? A lil bitch to get out. Not to mention people who don't shoot often have a more likely chance of short stroking the slide. The Saiga takes human error out of it. And semi auto gives you a faster follow up if you need it.

[Bluito23]

Hi,

I have 2 870's. Both were police trade in. I could have acquired a tricked out Saiga shotgun, but for what I put into 2 both shotguns, would get me 1 Saiga with not much in the way of accessories.

Both are good designs, but I paid less than 200.00 per shotgun. I know a Saiga is going for more than that.

I would not discount a Mossberg 500/590 for Home Defense duties either.

8 rounds or 20 rounds of buckshot and/or slugs would do some serious carnage.

Mark

[Domino]

I think that the 870 is more reliable than the saiga. The 870 was designed to be a shotgun. Field repair is easy.

How so? Ever had brass over expand in the chamber? A lil bitch to get out. Not to mention people who don't shoot often have a more likely chance of short stroking the slide. The Saiga takes human error out of it. And semi auto gives you a faster follow up if you need it.

It really depends on the user when comparing a semi-auto shotgun to a pump shotgun or even a break open shotgun. They are all useable designs each with their advantages and shortcomings. Automatics aren't always better since the gun can always fail too. The reality is, that if the operator is inexperienced then can you really expect them to properly clear a malfunction from an automatic as well? Personally, I know I will do just about as well with either design.

A pump action like the 870 is always going to be more practical and versatile, it would be my choice. Generally a pump is better in terms of price and availablity.

A Saiga 12 is a great combat weapon and all but I feel no real need for it for HD. It is certainly more clumsy to operate and its ability to fire faster isn't large enough to justify IMHO.

[mr. right-wing]

I think that the 870 is more reliable than the saiga. The 870 was designed to be a shotgun. Field repair is easy.

How so? Ever had brass over expand in the chamber? A lil bitch to get out. Not to mention people who don't shoot often have a more likely chance of short stroking the slide. The Saiga takes human error out of it. And semi auto gives you a faster follow up if you need it.

It really depends on the user when comparing a semi-auto shotgun to a pump shotgun or even a break open shotgun. They are all useable designs each with their advantages and shortcomings. Automatics aren't always better since the gun can always fail too. The reality is, that if the operator is inexperienced then can you really expect them to properly clear a malfunction from an automatic as well? Personally, I know I will do just about as well with either design.

A pump action like the 870 is always going to be more practical and versatile, it would be my choice. Generally a pump is better in terms of price and availablity.

A Saiga 12 is a great combat weapon and all but I feel no real need for it for HD. It is certainly more clumsy to operate and its ability to fire faster isn't large enough to justify IMHO.

Whilst I agree, I don't see how the Saiga is more clumsy

[rube79]

This short barreled, because mag changes are easy w/ the add on and its an AK.



Wish i could have this, but its only available in Russia

[Dave_M]

This short barreled, because mag changes are easy w/ the add on and its an AK.



Wish i could have this, but its only available in Russia

Molot Vepr-12. Sexy.

You can make something very close though, if you're willing to spend the money.

Actually, the top shotty is a Saiga-12. Heavily modded, of course.

[Sig_Ocelot]

I say the Remington 870. I like the ability to load one round whenever I want to without taking out the magazine. Secondly, it is MUCH cheaper. About 1/3 price. Yes, you can get a Saiga 12 for $600, but you have to mod the fuck out of it to look cool. (Yes, I am that vane, lol). Also, with the money saved, you get buy a whole lotta 00 buck for the price difference.

That said, the Saiga is an EXCELLENT shotgun by all accounts. I haven't shot one yet, but I'd love to. I don't think you could go wrong with either to be honest.

[Redeyes]

That said, the Saiga is an EXCELLENT shotgun by all accounts. I haven't shot one yet, but I'd love to. I don't think you could go wrong with either to be honest.

+1

If any of yall come down to Augusta GA. and you want to shoot a Saiga 12, send me a P.M.. My work schedule is crazy, but I will try to work something out. If you want to shoot buckshot or slugs you will have to bring your own. The ammo situation is desperate down here.

[152dbs]

my saiga isnt clumsy nor does it fail me. its the HD for my other 1/2. its easy as hell for her to use and she can rack it, pull the trigger, and insert another mag with zero problems. and she is by far a "girly girl". ill usually grab my 1911. 18" barrel and a shark break...

i got plenty of hunting shotguns i could use. but when comparing one to a saiga, its like comparing a stone age weapon to a bronze age weapon....just my .02.

[SamuraiBobX26]

I like my Rem 870. The availability of parts and I find it very easy to use and shoot. Granted I want a Saiga 12, I just can't pony up the cash for one right now, especially whith them going for $800 is my neck of the woods.

[Dave_M]

As long as you know what shells your S-12 will cycle, it will likely be more reliable than your pump (when short-stroking is taken into account) and almost certainly faster.

Regardless, I choose, "neither" so long as other options are available.

[mr. right-wing]

Honestly, I have had luck with both pump guns and semis, but I have literally shot my Benelli Super Sport to the point where the porting was closing up from lack of cleaning, and it still NEVER had an issue. Now granted, a Benelli isn't cheap, but if you are going full with a Wilson 870 of Vang Comp Mossberg, your getting close to the cost as well.

I love semis, and if Benelli could make a mag fed inertia gun, I would be in heaven

[rube79]

With out the correct and highly expensive modifications of the Saiga 12, its not worth it.

1. You will have to have the BC locked back inorder to load a magazine.
2. The magazines are Free floating = dont grab = ftf
3. Unless you convert it to a pistol grip it kicks like a mule.
4. With the modification the magazine changes are 2-3x faster easy.
5. Must be broke in, because it does not like light loads at first.

[Howaido]

870