[dav]

Start off by admitting I got the Mossberg 500 Combo for myself, since it includes two barrels (28" vent rib and 18 1/2"), so I consider it more versatile.

And most everyone agrees that you "can't go wrong" with one of the big four, so it's not like anyone would say I made a "bad" choice.

But now a friend of mine wants to buy an 870. Turner's Outdoors has the Mossberg 500 Combo on sale for $279. He wants to be able to do trap shooting. He has a 6 year-old, so I don't know if he intends the shotgun for home defense or not. It may be locked up, instead.

I want to recommend the 500 Combo instead of the 870.

Just thought I'd ask for some opinions.

We're both fairly novice shotgunners. Used is not a good option, since we do not have the knowledge or experience to shop wisely there.

Thanks.

[Preacherman]

They're both good shotguns. The only pump-guns I own apart from several Remington 870's are both Mossbergs. I think either would be fine. My personal preference (as stated on many threads here) is the 870, for reasons of reliability and longevity: but I have nothing against the Mossberg.

I'd say let him try both to see how they fit him: let him shoot at least a few rounds with both (he can try your Mossberg, and I'm sure someone in your area has an 870 they'd let him try): and make the choice based on which one he feels is the best fit for him, and the easiest to operate in live fire.

[ACP230]

I had a Mossberg 500, with a 20 and 28 inch barrel, for several years. I sold it only to buy a Mossberg 590. The 590 was set up better for bowling pin shooting which I was indulging in at the time.

I didn't shoot trap with the 500 but did use it for hunting. I never had any trouble with it, and the guy I sold it to hasn't either.

[PJR]

I won an Mossberg 500 in a draw not too long ago and promptly sold it. It didn't compare well to my 870 IMHO. That's just one opinion but between the two I prefer the Remington.

[Darrin]

Fit is the biggest factor. As already mentioned, have your bud try both. Don't have to shoot them both, (although that's preferred), but at least try them for fit.

FWIW, I have the Mossberg 590 and love it. However, I see me getting an 870 in the next year or so.

[Dave McCracken]

As anyone who talks to me for more than a minute knows, I'm a hard core, stone cold 870 fan.

But I've never had a Mossy let me down. Owned one for a year or so, sold it because I didn't like changing my "Chops". I've shot others, and they've done just what they're supposed to.

While an 870 may outlast the Great Wall of China, a Mossy will outlast most of us.

The McCrule....

"When all else is equal or nearly so, get the one that FEELS best"...

[ruger357]

Owned them both, prefer the 870.

[foghornl]

I have shot them both over the years, and I feel the Remmy will last longer under REALLY heavy use.

That being said, I currently "own and operate" a Maverick 88 made by Mossberg. Why?, you ask...The Maverick "fits" me better than the Remmy 870. With the same load, I perceive a bit less recoil with the Maverick than the Remmy.

As Mr. McCracken has suggested, "get the one that FEELS best."

[kudu]

Shot the mossys , but don't care for them, but don't like the 870 express' either. sorry:( But I love the 870 wingmasters, very smooth shooting guns, but are more expensive than people are willing to buy for a pump gun.

That said, go for what you like and can aford, they both will last for the long haul.

[dav]

Thanks everybody! :)