Alrighty then....I hope this is the right forum and I also hope I won't open up a huge can o' worms. For some time now our department has replaced our lethal shottys with patrol rifles and transitioned out lethal shottys to less lethals (bean bag guns). We are now by popular demand going to bring back lethal shottys to whoever wants to carry. For years we have carried the Remington 870s. But not the 870P. Some were Mag Express some were Wingmasters. Anyway, the gate has been opened for officers to carry some of the aforementioned re-transitioned and re-equipped for tac use provided by the PD or, they can carry approved personally owned shottys. The choices are from police tactical shottys manufactured by Remington, Mossberg, Bennelli. I have liked the 870 and personally own a Mag Express for sporting purposes. However, the 590A1 looks pretty good to me also plus, it can be had rigged out for somewhat less than it's 870P counterpart. I want to have my own shotty. The 590A1 has also passed the .Mil "toture test" and is currently being used by the gov. I also know the 870P receives some special attention during manufacturing process  and garners the lions share of police employment. I will have the opportunity to try a 590A1 soon but, I would also like the input of some longtime end users of either platform. Any input will be appreciated. Be safe and thanks in advance.

I'd say that the 870 is an almost ideal platform for LE use.  I owned a 590a1 for years (personal), but used an 870 at work and found it worked better.  We used pistol gripped stocks on the 870's, which are damn near impossible to use on the 590 due to the safety and action bar lock placement.  The 870 is also easier to work on (IMHO) and the parts are easier to find.  It's also kinda like the Glock of the shotgun world - everyone makes accessories for it.  You'll pay more, but it sounds like you're already familiar with the platform.

ETA: If you already have an 870 for sporting purposes, may as well keep the manual of arms the same.

My dept kind of took a step backwards....

We had 870's in the patrol vehicles & AR-15's.

We obtained a bunch of Winchester 1200's from the State. (free=they got rid of them for a reason)
These are the Kia's of the shotgun world if you ask me.
Clunky, Heavy, Hard to Cycle.

870's went into the armory, Winchesters went into all of the patrol vehicles.
See, we didn't have enough 870's for all the patrol vehicles but there were enough Winchesters.
The Admin wanted all the shotguns to be the same in the vehicles, so Winchester it is.

In order of desire according to your post:
Bennelli
Remington
Mossberg

Was told I cant carry my own shotgun or AR either, but thats the topic of another post....

Need to get a mag extension & a sling of sorts.

My primary agency still fields the 870. My secondary fields the 590A1. Both are rumbling that they'd like to move away from shotguns now that we have rifles. I hope it doesn't happen. each long gun has its area of usefulness.

Either the 870 or 590 will work but for I think it makes more sense to limit the type to just one or the other for vehicle mounts, training, and maintenance reasons.   I'd also make sure to go over proper loading and unloading during initial familiarization and during qualifications.

+1

Benelli...its more money but its worth it.

870...mack truck of shotguns

I'd go with whatever action the LL shotguns are if you are also assigned or authorized to use one if for nothing other than familiarity.

Remington 930spx  

I believe the 930 is a Mossy.

Admin become admin for a reason.

We have both AR-15 (variants) and 870P shotties, issued to the officer, not the car.  My guns stay with me when I switch cars.  I don't "need" anything different.

I work a plain clothes unit that does a mix of undercover, surveillance, search warrants, and high profile arrests.

I'm a patrol rifle instructor but I find myself using my shotgun more and more lately.

My dept. issues 14" Remington 870s. I've got mine setup with night sight ghost rings, SF light, Speedfeed pistol grip full stock (youth length) and a single point sling.

I've owned a Mossberg 590A1 and just never got use to it.

I have several personal 870s and a Benelli M4 but my duty shotgun is my favorite for work scenarios.

+1

We used to have the 870, we have now switched to mostly 590 A1, I happen to like the 590 alot, I own 870's and 500's for sporting use but the 590 just feels good, we have had some problems with the front sights falling off.

Yea, it is.

How embarrassing

I have always loved the 870.... My dept uses a 870 with a speedfeed stock, and a surefire forend with light...... to me it is the perfect combo for police use.

If they let you go 14" 870's with a +1 mag extenstion.

Those things are really nice to shoot.

I like mine:

I had/have used both.  We currently have 590a1s at my F/T Dept. and 870s at my P/T depts.  Both are fine, but I give a bit more favor to the 870...if configured right.  Try to go with the "P" variety and get ghost rings, surefire light, mag ext., and a good sling.  Call it a day after that.  Many depts. here did the same thing by doing away with shottys and we are trying to turn this around now...there will always be a place for a lethal shotgun even if you have a carbine too.

What are the thoughts on the uses of a shotgun vr rifle?

I would prefer the shotgun when dealing with a vehicle.

If you like double feeds.

That is the only downside the the 870. You need to learn how to clear the double feed and it is a common problem. The 590 will dump the shell out the bottom, while the 870 slides under the bolt and locks up.

870 Police Magnum with a Blackhawk Talon Thumbhole Stock OR Spec Ops Adjustable  Both stocks will reduce felt recoil to bring you back on target faster.  Once of my partners has the later and loves it.

I really appreciate all of the feedback!

How do you like the Mako forend?  I am thinking about a Surefire 618LF but that is a ton of $$ that I don't have and wonder if this works?

They both have their own uses.  I agree with you; I'll take my shotgun on a felony stop.  But, for the longer ranges out east, and an active shooter situation, I'll take my rifle.  I had a suicidal CTW call one night up a mountain road.  Suspect supposedly had a hunting rifle and a shotgun with him.  We never found him, but when I was out of the car on foot searching his favorite camping spot, I didn't think twice about grabbing the rifle.

I haven't had a situation yet where I deployed the shotty, but I will never leave it at home.

Man, I like your setup.   Looks good and you saved some bucks for more ammo.    Nice job Bama.