[Dynasty]

I know both are a clone of the Remington 870, but are they exactly the same shotgun? I can get a Pardner cheaper than what I can get a Model 982 for (both 18.5" 12 ga). Any suggestions on which I should go with?

[nootimus]

They are both the same. It was discussed here in some length a time back. I can't find the thread now though. There is a poster on here with some good knowledge on them who makes mag-extenders for both (MAX100 is his screen name). I have handled the NEF one. It sure is heavy, but it feels solid. I decided to go with an 870 HD instead. More parts, US made, etc. I own plenty of foreign guns, maybe the NEF/Norinco will be added someday. Good luck with your choice.

KPD

[MAX100]

Same gun with different style receivers and the 982 has ghost ring sights. The Pardner pump is a little heavier because the humpback receiver has more steel. That should help you make up your mind.

Here is a picture of the Norinco 982 18.5" barrel that is now being imported into the US with mag tube extension that is not included, 7+1 capacity.


http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii299/MAX100/GCNOR982-1.jpg


Here is a picture of the Norinco made Pardner Pump Protector 18.5" barrel with mag tube ext not included, 7+1 capacity.


http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii299/MAX100/GCPP-1.jpg




GC

[Dynasty]

Call me slow, but when you say "It has more steel. That should help you make up your mind." Are you implying that more steel = better? So the Pardner is better in terms of build?

[nootimus]

Nice looking pics MAX100. Dynasty, I think he means if you don't mind the extra weight then go with the NEF (less recoil, easy to club the bad guy with, etc..). Really though, they are exactly the same. Which receiver looks better to you? Handle both, and pick one. Have you looked into any other HD shottys?

[novaDAK]

Must...resist...

The more I see these threads the more the thought of getting one of these to keep as a cheap truck gun crosses my mind...

[nootimus]

I agree. Those pics that MAX100 puts up are nice. How would one put a sling on one of these? Did I mention those pics make these look really sweet?;)

[357mag357]

I saw the Pardner today at a Dick's Sporting goods store. It was on sale for 179.99. This was the 5 shot capacity model. 180 dollars, how can you go wrong?

[MAX100]

Same quality. I like the 982 because it is lighter and I like GRS. I also like the 870 style receiver of the 982. That is my choice. Like Nootimus said handle both if possible and decide which fit your needs. The Pardner pump is quite heavy. It feels like it is built like a tank.

Nootimus knows these guns pretty well himself.


GC

[MAX100]

There several ways to mount a sling. The mag tube sling plate opinion is out because these shotguns don't have much threaded mag tube space and a sling plate would reduce that even more making the tube ext less stable. The good thing about the Norinco 870 copy shotguns is, there is plenty of room between the fore end and barrel locking lug to mount a mag tube clamp with sling attachment. You can also mount a tri-rail mount and put a rail mount sling attachment on one of the rails. Both would be a very strong setup.


GC

[stealth]

MAX100,
super nice pics, where are those mag extensions sold?

Forgive my stupid questions but i'm new to shotguns,
do these have chrome lined bores?

Are these the same as on Classic Arms website (far bottom of page) with the red fiber optic rifle sights? http://www.classicarms.us/
I handled one of these century imports (w/ red sights) at a gun show recently, The forestock seemed to wobble back and forth a bit.. is that kind of play normal for an 870 style?
Other than the wobble it was very solid, I was very impressed.

I may pick one of these up from Atlantic Arms for $200, looks like a deal to me.

sidenote: the rear ghost ring housing looks awful sharp and close to the eye, I wonder if it would give you a good jab with some recoil/bad habits.

[Gary A]

I'm not against buying foreign per se, especially if there is no domestic equivalent. But I believe buying a copy of a fine product that is still being produced domestically would be literally shooting myself in the foot in the long run. Not doubting their quality or utility but I'd rather save and pay a bit more for an 870 and I have (more than once). I have a couple of NEF products but they are single-shots made in the USA and I plan on a couple more. Now that Remington has purchased Marlin which owns HR/NEF, if everyone bought the chinese copies, how long would 870s still be produced? Of course, everyone has to make their own call and it's not up to me what anyone else does.

It's kinda like this tax rebate everyone is supposed to get. They'll come up short in revenues; borrow the money from China; people will take their rebate to Wally World and buy Chinese products; we'll never actually repay the debt and China will collect interest forever; the politicians will have tried to buy votes by throwing coins to the crowd; Walmart will make money; the Chinese will make money; and we'll think we got something as we dig the hole deeper. The least I can do is spend my rebate on a firearm and a firearm made in the U.S. <G>

[thegooch]

What percentage of the materials used in a remington 870 or any other US made firearm come from China? My guess would be quite alot.

[okiewita40]

In the same ball park as to what you are looking at is the Maverick 88. It is made in the USA by mossberg. Has the crossbolt safety like a remington though. It is a tad lighter due to the aluminum reciever. I haven't heard anyone that owns one complain about them. Another benfit of the maverick is that you can use Massberg 500 barrel's on them if you wanted to be able to do some hunting or shoot clays.

Just thought I would throw this option out there for you.

[jesse485]

When cheap 500s, 870s, and Maverick 88s exist, I see NO reason to buy a Chinese equivalent. I just got a NICE used 500 for $220, and I don't have to wonder about the quality.

[MAX100]

Marlin NEF doesn't wonder about the quality of these shotguns. They put their name on the Norinco made Pardner Pump and backed them with their excellent warranty. If Marlin is willing to back them you know they are quality.


GC

[Robert Hairless]

What percentage of the materials used in a remington 870 or any other US made firearm come from China? My guess would be quite alot.

Good point.

That thinking in today's economy leads to many good arguments for buying cheap foreign copies of domestic products instead of the U.S. originals. It's all the fault of the unions. U.S. workers need to come off their high horse. They should accept coolie wages, eat rice, and work 12 hour days.

I don't mean me, of course. That would be wrong. I want high wages, paid vacations, short work weeks, and lots of good stuff to buy at low prices. It's the other guys who are spoiled rotten and that needs to stop. :)

[jerkface11]

Remington is owned by a Chinese company. NEF is owned by Remington. The pardner pump is probably going away.

[Snarlingiron]

It just kind of amazes me. The common cry of the American consumer seems to be "A little more cheapness, please." The folks that are eagerly seeking an 870 Chinese knock off for a few dollars less, are the same ones that will be posting things like "What ever happened to those great American gun companies?", and "Those lousy politicians suck, I can't find a job anywhere."

A LITTLE MORE CHEAPNESS, PLEASE!

Nope, for me, I will spend the $50.00 more to support the American economy, the American gun company and in the long run, myself.

[MAX100]

None of that makes any sense when all of the American manufactures are the ones doing the importing of products. Take a close look at all of the Firearm manufactures. They all offer imported firearms in their lineup.

Firearms should be evaluated on their quality and their performance in the field, not where they are made.


GC

[plumberroy]

how can you go wrong?
By supporting chinese military industies

[skinewmexico]

+1. I was going to say buy the Norinco, American gun owners need to do all they can to help fund Chinese military weapons development.

[phoglund]

I tend to lean towards the best product for the best price that will satisfy my needs...however if the cost of a foreign made product is within 10% of a domestic made product I'll most likely take the domestic product. It seems Jesse is right on this one, pick up a good used USA made shot gun or a new one like the Maverick 88.

Example below:


Buds Gun Shop

$195 Delivered
Maverick 88 (Model 31046)
Synthetic Stock
Guage 12
Barrel 20"
Magazine 7 +1

(Oh, I don't think these guys are the cheapest on most products either)

[MAX100]

What is Made in the USA mean anymore. Dose it mean using foreign made parts, imported steel and illegal foreign labor. There are some things beyond my control. I just go for what I like and the best product for the best price.


The Maverick 88 is a less costly to manufacture, simplified version of the pump action, 12 gauge Mossberg 500 shotgun.

Factory Maverick 88's feature a black, synthetic only stock and forearm, cylinder bore (although chokes are available), and cross-bolt safety. Accessories are mostly compatible with the Mossberg 500.

The Maverick line of shotguns are assembled in Eagle Pass, Texas using foreign (Non-USA) manufactured parts, mainly from Mexico; which contributes to their relatively lower price in comparison to the Mossberg 500 series of shotguns which is assembled and manufactured in the USA.

The trigger groups will not interchange between Maverick 88 and Mossberg 500 guns, but the majority of other parts including barrels, stocks, and shell magazines will (the barrel and magazines must be the same length).

Maverick 88 shotguns feature a trigger guard mounted cross-bolt safety as opposed to a top tang safety, which is used on the Mossberg 500 series.

Early Model 88's were equipped with a single slide rail, but this was updated to a dual slide rail in 1990.

Maverick 88's are factory finished with paint (receiver) and steel bluing (barrel/magazine) only, whereas Mossberg 500's have factory paint/blued, stainless steel or parkerized (receiver/barrel/magazine) options.

There are two basic models of the 88, the 88 field and the 88 security. The 88 field comes with a longer 28" vent-rib barrel, whereas the security comes with an 18-1/2" or 20" non-vent-rib barrel. The 88's have a cartridge capacity of 6 or 8 shots and cannot have their magazines easily extended without machining.


GC

[plumberroy]

norinco is part of the chinese military ! if you want to buy import at buy something that is not directly supporting the china military
Roy

[MAX100]

Remington doesn't have a problem giving their money to Norinco (part of the Chinese military) as you say. Maybe if you feel that strong about it you should stop buying Remington, Marlin, Bushmaster, NEF and H&R firearms. They are all part of the same company. You and others should be consistent and really support what you believe.

I leave the Politics up to the ones I vote into office and buy the firearms I like, no matter who makes them.


GC

[plumberroy]

Remington doesn't have a problem giving their money to Norinco (part of the Chinese military) as you say. Maybe if you feel that strong about it you should stop buying Remington, Marlin, Bushmaster, NEF and H&R firearms. They are all part of the same company. You and others should be consistent and really support what you believe.

Matter of fact I just called remington yesterday and politely told them since they are closing the H&R plant in Gardner (according to marlins last public records it made more money than the marlin brand) that they had seen the last dollar from me I am tired of people making $250-$500 an hour telling people making $15-$25 an hour they are making to much when they are making a profit
they don't seem to be passing that saving along to us do they?

[Tomac]

Well, here's my NEF Pardner Pump Protector (made by Norinco). Just got back from the range where it handled 3 dozen mixed field & heavy buck loads w/o difficulty. Max100's +2 mag tube extension was easy to install and worked perfectly at the range. Didn't change the gun much, added a 4-shot sidesaddle, the +2 mag tube extension, fiber optic bead & a Streamlight TLR-1 on a Laserlyte rail mount. Action has smoothed considerably w/just the few dozen times it's been worked and it shoulders perfectly for me (YMMV). Only time will tell if it ends up being as rugged & reliable as the two Norinco Hawk 88 shotguns sitting in my gunsafe but so far I'm a happy camper!
Tomac
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v465/Tomac/ResizeofNEFPardnerPumpProtector002.jpg