A wood stock on a tactical pump gives the old-school look, and it feels good in cold hands. The Remington 870 Tactical is a 12 gauge pump with an 18.5" barrel, a six-round capacity, and a blued and wood finish.

The 870 is probably the most widely owned pump shotgun in America, and its basic design has changed little. The receiver is steel, the action runs on twin bars, and parts are easy to find. The Tactical model has a short barrel for use in tight spaces, such as a house. Take a young or new shooter along and teach safe handling before the first shot.

Wood furniture looks better than synthetic, but it needs more care. Keep it dry, oil it lightly, and it will look good for decades. Blued steel shows wear faster than other finishes, but it can be touched up.

A home defense gun should be easy to use under stress. A pump is straightforward, and with practice you can run it smoothly.

New. It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer for pickup and the background check.