Shotguns: The Love-Hate Relationship...

[Spectre.]

The shotgun. Just saying the word makes my shoulder ache and my body prepare for the unforgiving kick that's sure to come from pulling the trigger. I'm talking specifically about tactical pump action shotguns. Athough I dislike pump action shotguns, I never forget the fact that they are extremely reliable and user-friendly (The shotgun, not the kick). My father owns a Winchester Defender Riot Shotgun (No choke and an 18 inch barrel) and despite hating it with a passion, I can say it is the firearm I'm the most effective with. As much as I try to deny my proficiency with it, we all know that actions, firearms, and shot placement speak louder than words. I feel shame using that shotgun mainly because it throws me around like a ragdoll even though the shot lands right where I want it to.

While walking around at the last gun show, I spotted a rather fierce shotgun laying on one of the tables. Knowing it was probably heavy, I put my arm into it, picking it up. I didn't know, however, that the shotgun was an FN Tactical Police Shotgun. Because the shotgun was so lightweight, i whipped it up unintentionally. The sights look like those on an M16. I'm not a big fan of shotguns but this one really caught my eye. Does anyone know more about this very tactical shotgun? I've seen reviews but they're from biased owners and I'd like to hear everyone's opinion on this firearm.

 

[shooter521]

The "kick" of the 12ga can be greatly mitigated through load selection and proper shooting stance/form. Have you taken a shotgun course from Kent Turnipseed, Rob Haught, Dave Armstrong or Louis Awerbuck? Do so; your shoulder will thank you, and you'll be a better shooter for the experience.

As to the FN TPS, it's basically an accessorized Winchester 1300. They are pretty well put together, but I would take a Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 just for the wider availability of parts and support.

My

 

[turnandshoot4]

Those shotguns are very nice.

All that talk about the kick, you should try a semi-auto. If you thought the FN was tacticool. You should check out a converted Saiga 12. Now THAT is amazing.

 

[shooter521]

You should check out a converted Saiga 12. Now THAT is amazing.

Easily the lightest-kicking 12ga I've ever fired.

 

[turnandshoot4]

All that talk about how hard shotguns kick I figured I'd give him another option.

 

[HMMurdock]

I've shot the Saigas before. I want one! How much for the conversion to add the pistol grip and the like? Yes, the recoil on the Saiga was very soft, comparatively speaking.

 

[emclean]

the cheap (and easy) way to convert to replace the stock with a tapco intrafuse stock, for around $60. no drilling pins out, not much work.


there are a few guides to do the work your self if you want to do the 'real' conversion, moving the trigger and FCG up in the recever, so it can be as cheap as your time is.

 

[shooter521]

Yep, the Big Russian Hammer makes an appearance and all heads turn (as does the conversation).

But can we PLEASE get this back on track for the OP's sake?

"so how 'bout them FN TPS's?"

 

[HICKMAN]

man.... I like those Saiga's.

I saw BigCraig shooting his awhile back and realize that's something I need to add to my list.

 

[SavageEagle]

Wow, I had to go look up the FN. That DOES look really nice! Although remember, lighter isn't always better if the kick of a 12Ga is a factor to you. Just my but that FN looks Sweet!

 

[shooter521]

Wow, I had to go look up the FN. That DOES look really nice!

Pic for those who are curious (and to steer the thread back on track):

However, it appears that FNH USA has dropped the TPS line; there is no mention of it on their website, only the SLP semi-autos...

 

[Mr. Habib]

Pic for those who are curious (and to steer the thread back on track):

However, it appears that FNH USA has dropped the TPS line; there is no mention of it on their website, only the SLP semi-autos...

Yeah, but how does it compare to a Saiga?


Sorry, somebody had to do it. And now back to our regularly scheduled program....

 

[SavageEagle]

WHY NO MORE TPS?!?!?!

Sorry, I thought it said SLP on the picture.

 

[NateIU10]

As to the FN TPS, it's basically an accessorized Winchester 1300.

My

I have an accessorized 1300, so I think I'd like the TPS

 

[joshrio]

That looks like loads of fun! I'd gladly take that over my pardner single shot. I'd hesitate to shoot at an intruder with that thing because it stings my shoulder so bad

 

[VUPDblue]

To echo what Shooter521 said, recoil can be greatly diminished by properly shouldering the gun. I just finished YFA's class on Tactical Shotgun where we ran the guns HARD for 3 days. My shoulder is NOT sore and shows nary a mark. If you wanna meet up at a range some time, I'd be happy to pass-on this knowledge.

 

[cce1302]

M-16 style sights on a tacticool shotgun (870 or 590 maybe)...if there were a way of doing it, do you think there'd be a market for it?

 

[Zoub]

While walking around at the last gun show

The gun was "light" because it was unloaded. The gun "felt" great because the stock was shorter. Your Dad's gun is light when empty but I bet the stock is longer. Load'em up, they get heavy.

Based on your post, you are running in circles. You need to get to a point of comparing apples to apples first.

Define the problem, then seek the solution. It seems your definition of hate is pain and recoil, then weight. FYI the FN is no lighter than any other mainstream tac gun.

I am guessing you may be on the short side and not have particularly long arms. (do your knuckles scrape the ground when you walk?) Fit is issue one, be it pump or semi. After fit, if you have money, go semi to help reduce recoil. If not, pump is fine.

Once you know what fits and what action you want, decide on purpose and how you will train/practice with the gun. Then build/buy a gun that will fit your needs. In the long run you will be happier and also save money.

Recoil is a non issue. It can be eliminated many ways but not with a gun that does not fit. That screams FAIL. I have shot 12 gauges that barely move when fired, you just won't see them in this forum and they are not cheap. Reducing recoil is like the 2mph fatser or 2' longer syndrome in boats, it is a function of money but there comes a point where your return on the dollar is low.

 

[Zoub]

M-16 style sights on a tacticool shotgun (870 or 590 maybe)...if there were a way of doing it, do you think there'd be a market for it?

It is already being done

 

[Spectre.]

First of all, The FN TPS is one of those light tactical shotguns. My fathers Winchester Defender isn't as light loaded or unloaded (That's for you Zoub). I was afraid that the lack of weight would increase the amount of felt recoil from the shotgun. I'm skinny so shotguns tend to boss me around the second I pull the trigger. Despite my dislike of being tossed back and forth from recoil, the FN TPS has really made me interested and I think I'd like to own one. My only fear is owning a lightweight shotgun that would be harsh to shoot (Doesn't look like there's much to do about recoil pads and such with that shotgun stock). I've seen those Saiga 12's and I agree that they're very nice especially because they're those diverse and different with all of the goodies you can attach. Thank you all for your comments though. It's interesting to hear the opinions of everyone.