[Garand]

Granted the 870 was new once upon a time too and if I was there then I would be recommending the Whinchster 1897 as having the proven track record over the newcomer too.

I compete in Cowboy action and 3 gun matches with a 1913 manufactured Winchester M97 and it never skips a beat. While I wouldn't want to take it to a active war zone, for personal self defence I wouldn't feel unarmed with it.