Need/Want a shotgun

So, I keep saying I'm going to get one, but still haven't done it.
Probably a Remington 20 gauge......no real need for a 12.
Prefer short barrel, since I don't plan to hunt or skeet shoot.
Little help?
The background check thing is only good for 10 days, right?
I'd like to have one picked out before doing that so I'm not rushed.

 

So something like this?

http://www.remington.com/products/f...-870/model-870-express-synthetic-7-round.aspx

Or in a Mossberg?

https://www.mossberg.com/product/sh...al-purpose-500-special-purpose-20-gauge/54300

 

I have an 870 and they are great. You get one more shot with the Mossberg and I like the tang safety. The 870 safety is not as instinctive as the Mossberg. You could flip a coin and come out a winner with either.

 

I had considered the Mossberg too. Toss up between these two?
Mossberg is considerably less expensive.
Maybe I should eventually end up with both.

 

The mossberg 500 and the 870 are both great guns and I have had both of them but I like the 870 better. I ended up selling the 500 and currently have an 870 Express mag and a full cammo 870 Super mag.

 

What's the diff. between the express and mag, and super?

 

No purchase permit needed for shotguns or rifles in MI papadave. Only need a purchase permit (or valid CPL) for a handgun purchase.

I prefer the 870 over the Mossberg, but both are good guns.

 

I know no permit, but they still do a check.
I just want to know which one I'm getting before doing that, so I don't have to rush around finding the one I want in the 10 days the check is valid for.
Am I mis-understanding something?
Rookie here. Last time I had a shotgun was almost 40 years ago and I just walked in and bought it.

 

To the best of my knowledge (and how it worked for me a few years ago) assuming you are buying from a dealer, they run your information through the national background check system at the time of purchase. As long as you are who you say you are, nobody has stolen your identity, and you aren't a wanted man, you're good to go.

Handgun purchase permits are good for 10 days. When I got mine they did the background check at the sheriff's office. I was in and out in 10 minutes, including the 10 question multiple choice test.

If your name is flagged for whatever reason during the instant check, the dealer has to give you a 'yes or no' answer within 3 days.

If buying a long gun from a private party, no check of any kind is needed.

 

Super mag can chamber shell sizes 2 3/4 ", 3" mag & 3 1/2" mag

 

Yup, the Express mag is only good for up to 3" mag. In reality unless you want to shoot 3 1/2" turkey or duck loads there really isn't a need for anything other than a 3" mag.

 

"Handgun purchase permits are good for 10 days"
That's where I got confuzzled.
I also knew I can purchase private party. Ad on the board in the local grocery for a Rem. 20 for $325, but it was put up back in Dec.
My brother offered to sell one of his Rem......for $1000.
What a guy. Aren't brothers great?

 

So, the mags are more versatile in what they can use.

 

Yes for pump action but when you are talking semi auto many shot guns with a 3.5" chamber won't cycle 2.75" rounds reliably.

 

Difference between 3" and 3" mag?

 

We've got a Mossberg 500 12 gauge. I got it for $200 so I won't complain. Might have to get a shorter one for HD.

 

I'm not a firearm expert although I do own several, standard shot gun shell 2 3/4" , mag shell 3" now they come in 3 1/2 " . Magnum shells have more powder behind them thus more powerful, they hit harder. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong

 

IMO, the 870 is one of the best shotguns ever made. I have a 20 ga. that I have had since I was a kid. Very accurate with a slug barrel, and no problem hitting clays.

 

I'll second the 870. In my opinion, the best pump shotgun made. I've had a 12 gauge Wingmaster for 30 years. I can only guess I have put somewhere around 300 boxes through it during that time and never had one problem. Was looking for a used one for my son's first 12 gauge and all I could find where Mossbergs. Ended up buying him a Winchester SXP pump which is much lighter than the 870, shoulders well and after 10 boxes through it, no problems. Purchased new just under $400.