No doubt in my mind the Remington 870 is hard to beat for a defensive shotgun.

However I have always wanted a Winchester Mod 12,Take Down, with an 18 or 20" [I prefer 18"], in 12 guage of course.

I like the fact that it breaks down, and could be carried from the vehicle to the motel/hotel, and back with out any Drama.

This would make it a great travel/utility shotgun, IMHO.

Personally I would find a beat up model 12 and make what you want.

I have an Ithaca turkey gun with the pistol grip that I carry taken down lately like what you are talking about. The takedown function is simple with no pieces to loose when it is taken apart.
I saw a short barrel set for a Model 12 years ago that I passed on and have always kicked my self for not picking it up to go along with my dads old long full choked barrel Model 12

i picked up a 20 ga model 12 a couple years ago for $160... the stock had been cut about an inch and the plain barrel has a polychoke...but it makes a good barn gun... i also bought 3 97's for $500 last year... sold the 1 that had been chrome plated for $270 at a gun show last week, gave 1 away ( to my best friend growing up) and sold the other for $200 to a guy that wants a trench gun replica.. still have 2 others... i seem to attract these old guns... i like 'em...

The Model 12 is probably the finest pump shotgun ever made, but for your stated purpose, get a cheap 870. Cut the barrel and get a pistol grip. Very short and damn effective at hotel room distances. Only drawback is they kick---alot. Or you could leave the buttstock alone and still break it down by removing the mag cap. Actually less work/action than the Mod 12.

When I was a kid I saw a whole rack full of M12 riot guns. The neighborhood p.d. had brought them to the local gunsmith for cleaning. I am sure one would work just great. See if you can find one of the originals, no mods required.
C.G.B.

Here you go:
http://www.gunsinternational.c...cfm?gun_id=100365421
C.G.B.

I grew up with relatives who used M12s and then after many moons bought one. The sound of the first shell cycling thru the action was like music to my ears.

The vent rib barrel had been cut to 24" and it throws a brilliant pattern with Federal Tactical 00. I haven't broken out the shot timer but I feel twice as fast as with an M870. The take down feature is easy to use after you've done it a couple times.

If you find one in good shape at a decent price I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I love Model 12's, but don't cut one down. Use an Ithaca Model 37, or even better yet a Browning BPS for a short shotgun.