I've been wanting a shotgun for a long time. Just when I thought the COVID-related panic might be dying down and I could get to my local SoCal gun shop to start the process, the riots start up and I'm afraid will have people freaked out to the point that that the lines will once again be long. (And let me say that my frustration with this fact pales in significance to the issues that are actually behind the riots — I know this and I know we have to find a way to stop cops from killing black men — what happened to George Floyd sickens me.)

I think I want a Remington 870 for which I can buy a shorter barrel and keep it set up this way in my safe as another home defense option, then put on the full length barrel when I want to go chase some turkeys or ducks. I've heard that the newer Remingtons are not as good as older ones (barrel quality, perhaps?). A few questions — happy to get input on any/all of them:

1. Is it true that I would get a better gun by buying a used 870 than a new one? Why?
2. If I get an 870, what version/model is the way to go? I don't need the top shelf version but would appreciate understanding key differentiating features.
3. If I buy a used one, how hard is it to locate a good gun and then locate a good shop locally to receive it and do the DROS (background check, waiting period etc) here?
4. What online sites are the simplest / best (and if there are CA-specific issues, which sites make that manageable)?

Thanks!