The MK 1919 Shotgun might not qualify as everyones opinion as " Best ". ( Gas System is based on the Remington 1100 )

BUT... an " AR " type platform makes it very comfortable (familar) for anyone training with an " AR " type of Rifle.

http://www.gunsumerreports.com...kdal_mka_1919_p1.php
" The MKA 1919 Shotgun is a semi-automatic 12 gauge shotgun that maintains the same ergonomics and controls as AR platform rifles and is also fed by a box magazine just like it's rifle counterparts .."

After playing with the stock version.. I would only consider a custom modified/tuned model(s) as " Competition / Combat Reliable "

PAPI

After being in LE for 25 years and as firearms instructor for the majority of those years I have a different interpretation of a defense gun.
One it has to be dependable, it has to be easy to use especially in low light no light, the shooter needs to be able to function the gun with gloves on and also one handed for whatever reason, angle around corner or loss of the use of one of your hands. It is very difficult to do some of these procedures with a semi, a pump however can easily be handled with one hand, but that is just my opinion plus you don't get the result of the mechanical noise generated by pulling back the forearm. We where given several 1187's and a couple of the early Benelli's for testing and most shooters preferred the old 870's maybe familiarity played a part but I have seen some down right filthy 870's which defied being able to function still function after being dropped in water and mud.

Semi-auto shotguns are second preference to pump action because tuning the action for various loads makes the gun less reliable. Remington 870 is the first choice amongst law enforcement and military, followed pretty much side by side with the Mossberg 500.

Short barrel, 12 gauge, extended mag tube for six + one capacity. I like a shoulder stock, but the pistol grip option has its adherents.

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
I managed to squeak thru another 3-gun season with my decrepit (like me) old A5 with zero issues. About five cases of my reloads, slugs and buckshot between practice and matches.

Yeah, But you still buy Bias ply tires too...

I have the Benelli M1 tactical super 90.
It has been spectaculer in all respects.I'm pretty good with most weapons, but not the ultimate when it comes to tactical stuff.
but my benelli was good, fast, and reliable enough for me to take both first place trophies in the Brownsvilee firearms acadimies shotgun compitition. I had never competed before with a shotgun. The second place winner, a friend of mine also used a Benelli M1 tactical. The Rem. 870s placed waaaay down the line as they were just way too slow to used in the 'Rolling Thunder' events.