Hey everyone. Was wondering if anyone owns or has used the Mossberg Maverick HS12 "Tactical" O/U?

 

I saw it on Gun Nuts (I think) and they were using it at the Gun Site training facility.

 

What do u think about using this as a quick HD gun. Loaded with 00 Buck?

 

Thanks,

 

Frank

I like O/U in general but I think I would want a pump. The fact that you have more available ammo other than 2 shots is why I would go pump. That being said, the stoeger coach gun is kinda cool.

I would want more than two shots. What if there were more than two home invaders?

The first rule of a gunfight is to have a gun. I don't think it matters whether it is a .22 revolver, a double-barreled coach gun a Glock or whatever. It is a *gun* and now the playing field between you and the bad guy is at the least, even.

 

I don't see many home invaders continuing the invasion after two rounds of 00 buckshot. *They* don't know its not a pump. All they know is that their best friend's head is now a pile of goo and they should really be somewhere else right now.

 

The overall length of the gun should be shorter than a standard pump. The only real disadvantage would be in reloading. You are going to have to practice loading rounds again and again and again. Loading rounds into a breech is a fine motor skill. In combat, fine motor skills break down and you have the rest of your life to load that shotgun.

 

Is it the perfect weapon for HD? I don't think so. IMHO, double-barreled shotguns are farm tools that can be pressed into service as HD weapons. Will it work? Absolutely.

 

If you like it, buy it. Life is too short to only use guns that other people think you should have. If you want it, buy it.

Honestly, I have my reservations about it.

 

With everyone always wanting to join the 'tactical' bandwagon, it was to no surprise that Mossberg came out with this thing (HS12). This came from the same company that also manufactured a damn 'tactical' lever action rifle called the 464SPX, that can be seen here - http://www.mossberg....-464-spx/41026. I am currently guessing their next 'tactical' firearm is going to be producing a 'tactical' muzzleloader, complete with rails, a heat shield, and whatever useless crap they can weigh it down with.

 

Back to the HS12, I actually did see that episode it was on and they were using it at the range. The concept of this shotgun, I can't say it's cool, but I will say that I am not surprised that people have bought it. I think many people think there is a 'cool factor' associated with this 'tactical' o/u.

 

I have to agree with McbethR on this, double barrel shotguns usually play the role of 1 - breaking clays and 2 - bird hunting/hunting. As he stated, they can be pressed into HD guns because they are just that, a gun, a shotgun nonetheless with a devastating impact. But, this is where we get down to capacity, and another part that Mossberg left out that I think really brought down the HS12 even more.

 

Any double barrel shotgun has a 2 shell capacity. Yeah, this is fine for clays or hunting even, but you never know how many intruders are going to be invading your house ready to steal your belongings and possibly kill you. I, like most, want a large capacity of rounds/shells that will be able to deliver what is needed to stop any threat(s). A double barrel shotgun obviously does not offer that. Sure, you can go to your local range and practice for hours every week on becoming a fast and smooth shell reloader on an o/u, but I still don't think it cuts it. We can talk gun defense endlessly, but the fact that you have to reload after every two shots as well as the time it takes to find cover, reload, then get back into the fight, I just think that is too much time, in my opinion of course.

 

And the HS12 also has one weakness that I think would be a necessity for some sort of 'tactical double barrel', ejectors. It does have extractors but apparently Mossberg wanted to keep costs low on this shotgun and not install ejectors. For people who don't have much knowledge about double barrels , extractors push the shell up a fraction of a inch so you can pick them out with your fingers while ejectors push the shell out of the barrel and into the air. I know some people prefer extractors over ejectors or vice versa, but in a fighting gun situation, I'm guessing most people with an o/u would definitely prefer ejectors. This is something that I think they should have included.

 

Overall, I think Mossberg just tried to make some low-cost shotgun that would appeal to the market that is obsessed with black guns that are, do I dare say it, 'tactical'. Can you use a double barrel shotgun for HD, yeah sure. Would I prefer a double barrel shotgun over a pistol, rifle, or semi auto shotgun? No thank you. And quite frankly, if I was to ever want an o/u for a HD gun, you can bet I would just buy a used o/u from the 80's or 90's with really nice wood and possibly shorten the barrels. But to go out and buy some tactical shotgun nonsense, sorry but it's just not for me.

 

I've also read on other forums that some people have not been happy with the build quality of this shotgun. One forum member stated that the picatinny rails are not mil-spec measurements, they are smaller than regular pic's so he couldn't mount anything to them. After contacting Mossberg, they said they couldn't fix it because they are having import issues and can't sell the shotgun with rails anymore. Of course this is 'forum talk', and should always be taken with a grain of salt.

 

As always, I'm sure RayRay will be making his way into this thread and prove how it is a good HD gun as I know he owned/owns an HS12. But of course that's the great thing with forums, we all have our similar or different opinions that we share respectfully! Or not so respectfully sometimes...

Recessed Filter hits the nail on the head, touching on everything that is most important. The extractors may be able to be modified to actually eject. I know when I am shooting clays, I prefer to extract and not eject. I have found that people are changing the spring in the extractors to a lighter spring makes them just extract. Maybe if you put a stronger spring in, you may be able to get them to extract? Without seeing the gun, I can't speculate further.

 

One benefit it does have is it's a shorter gun then most pump/ semi shotguns. With the polymer and short barrels, it probably a light gun and will have a heavier felt recoil. I like SxS and O/U guns because I like them. My preference for a HD shotgun would be a pump.

 

As an aside, a negative to this gun is that I bet it doesn't have mechanical triggers, so if you pull the trigger and it doesn't go bang because of a bad round, your screwed. I bet you could put the safety on and off quick to arm the second barrel though but that is a bad spot to be in.

 

btw, whats the deal with offering two versions? Do they think they will actually get somebody to buy the ic/mod version for hunting?

Recessed Filter hits the nail on the head, touching on everything that is most important. The extractors may be able to be modified to actually eject. I know when I am shooting clays, I prefer to extract and not eject. I have found that people are changing the spring in the extractors to a lighter spring makes them just extract. Maybe if you put a stronger spring in, you may be able to get them to extract? Without seeing the gun, I can't speculate further.

 

One benefit it does have is it's a shorter gun then most pump/ semi shotguns. With the polymer and short barrels, it probably a light gun and will have a heavier felt recoil. I like SxS and O/U guns because I like them. My preference for a HD shotgun would be a pump.

 

As an aside, a negative to this gun is that I bet it doesn't have mechanical triggers, so if you pull the trigger and it doesn't go bang because of a bad round, your screwed. I bet you could put the safety on and off quick to arm the second barrel though but that is a bad spot to be in.

 

btw, whats the deal with offering two versions? Do they think they will actually get somebody to buy the ic/mod version for hunting?

 

You do make a good point, Bryan, in how you could potentially install a stronger/bigger spring to try and pop the shells out. I know guys will do this sometimes to their hunting shotguns, which you are not necessarily defending your life with. But for defense, my hesitation is that you are now changing out a factory part to a most likely aftermarket part and some times aftermarket parts don't always function 100% or possibly as intended, you know? Then that goes back to the, well if Mossy just put damn ejectors in it and raised the price by a fraction, we wouldn't be suggesting stiffer springs!

 

LOL to the 2 versions, smooth barrel and choked. My guess is someone is out there stalking doves at night with a G2 mounted flashlight and a Trijicon RDS with one of these things hahaha.

 

 

LOL to the 2 versions, smooth barrel and choked. My guess is someone is out there stalking doves at night with a G2 mounted flashlight and a Trijicon RDS with one of these things hahaha.

 

Haha, I could see Ray Ray doing his 3am Tactical hunting drills.

 

On the other side, I see that Mossberg actually has a big line of O/U gun that are reasonably priced.

 

My biggest concern about the whole gun would be the inertia driven trigger on the second barrel. While shooting at LVSC, I have seen people pull the trigger and the round not go bang. While it's possible the gun is dirty and the firing pins need to be cleaned but it is a possibility. Now if this were to happen on your first barrel....whew.

I did have one more thought while I was at lunch.

 

If you are a skeet/trap shooter and are comfortable with O/U firearms, and want a gun for home defense, but for whatever reason don't want a pistol, or a pump, this could be a good HD choice. I don't know how many people there are like that, but I'll admit that it's one way of having an HD solution that is familiar to you without having to defend your home with a 36" $2100 Beretta 686.

Ok. I think I was pretty much talked out of it. It's a "cool" idea, but not practical. I already have an 870 with +2 Mag extension and Hogue pistol grip.

 

Thanks for all your opinions.

 

Mossberg has some other O/U's I'd like to check out for Trap. Anyone use any of them?

I am not sure if anyone was trying to "talk you out of it." I think we were all just sharing OUR own opinions on it, be it negative or positive.

 

In terms of the Mossberg o/u's, I have not used any of them so I have no comment. I will say through hearsay (on forums) that they are bottom of the barrel o/u's. I would suggest saving a little bit more money and looking around more. CZ makes a couple good clay shotguns below $700, I know Remington makes one (I think the Spartan?), and you can always check Gunbroker for used ones.

The Maverick is a subsidiary of Mossberg which imports the HS-12. Remington used to import the Spartan, i.e. Baikals which are now imported by USSG. Many of these imports, and there are many, are well made. I have a few in stock if you ever were to visit my shop.

I understand the opinions. I was on the fence and it just doesnt make sense to have that as a HD gun.

 

I actually own a CZ Mallard O/U and love it. Not crazy about the double triggers but I'm used to it now.

 

I'm probably going to look at some of the higher end CZ's and a couple Brownings. I need to save some cash and get something nice.

I have the stoeger double defense. Yeah, it's only 2 shots. But it's short, easy to shoot, easy to load, easy to clean and it's a 12 gauge! Do I use mine for home defense? No, but my sister does. Learn the gun and the rest will follow.

 

I should also add that I'd rather use a double barrel shotgun than a pistol for home defense any day of the week.