Just In Case is the name, and it describes the idea well: a pump 12 gauge that stays in the closet for the night you hope never comes. The Mossberg 500 Tactical here has an 18.5-inch barrel, a 6-round capacity and a black finish, priced around six hundred ninety-nine dollars.

The 500 is a favorite for home defense because it is simple and has a long record. The 18.5-inch barrel is a common home defense length. Six rounds in the tube gives a good supply. Mossberg's tang safety is in a spot that works for left and right hands.

Ask your dealer for the details so you know what you are getting. Spend time at the range with buckshot and slugs, and see how the shotgun patterns. Most buyers find that steady practice matters more than any single feature.

Practice loading the tube and working the forend firmly. Store the gun in a safe place, away from children, and keep it loaded only if you can keep it secured. This shotgun is new. It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer for the background check and transfer.