Just to let everyone know on the final decision. I went over to Cabela's and handled both the Stoeger and a Remington 870 tactical pump w/18.5" barrel, 4+1 load capacity, black synthetic stock. There was no comparison. The 870 won hands down.
The Stoeger felt heavy, clumsy; its thick stock seemed like a club. It was difficult to break open (that can be cleaned up according to a video on the net). The 870 (I have one which I've shot for 35 years) was light, familiar, easy to handle, and with the synthetic stock already having a place for the rear strap swivel; and it cost $200 less. I would have liked a nickel version but a small can of oil is not heavy. So firepower wins again.
Thanks for the opinions and information.
Last edited by Argo44; 06/16/16 06:34 PM.
