I have had a 870, a Mossberg 500, a old Winchester M12, and I've shot a Winchester 1300 a ton. Here's what I think about them. The 870 is super reliable and durable. You can buy anything you want for it, but the thing is really heavy. The Mossberg seems a little "loose" but shoots well. Its lighter and munerverable. The 1300 is one of my favorites, light weight and reliable, smooth action too. The old winchesters are really cool but I think you have to make your own 18" barrel (with a hack saw). On some you can just hold down the trigger and pump away! I turned mine into a pistolgrip too. The Mossberg and Winchester have a big aftermarket too, but not as much as the 870. The M12 has no aftermarket. If I were going to buy ome today ide buy a Winchester 1300 Defender hands down. PERSONALLY, ide keep to one of the three big manufactures and buy a pump.