The price on this one catches the eye. The 870 Express Tactical is a 12 gauge pump with an 18.5" barrel, a six-round capacity, a matte black finish, and a weight of 7.5 pounds.

The maker's notes call the 870 the standard for slide-action performance for more than 60 years, and describe a receiver milled from a solid billet of steel and twin action bars that prevent binding and twisting. The Tactical model is the short-barrel version made for home defense. Use the right shell for the job, and check your county and refuge rules before you head out for birds or deer.

The shorter barrel handles quickly in a house and fits in a closet or behind a seat. Six rounds gives you capacity in a pump gun.

A pump gun is simple to learn and to maintain. You can run many types of ammunition through it, from light birdshot to buckshot and slugs. Pattern your load before you depend on it.

If you want a first shotgun at a low cost, this is a sensible place to start. New. It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer for pickup and the background check.