Mossy 835 vs. 870 Express

[CZSteve]

Wondering what the consenses is between:

Mossberg 835 3 1/2" chamber 12ga 28" $199.00 New

vs

Remington 870 Express 3" chamber 12ga 28" $219.00 New

Gun will be for general purpose (ie trap/skeet etc.) and home defense.
Will be getting a 20" or so barel for HD use.

Looking at both guns in the Sunday flyer for Academy Sports.
Reality is will probably end up going w/ whatever DEAL I can find used.
But, between the two above options; any thoughts?

Take Care
Steve

[Rat-30]

I've owned both, and now have standardized on the 870 really to have one manual of arms.

My suggestion would be to go and handle both of them, and see which one you like best.

The Mossberg has a easier to release bolt release using your middle finger of the firing hand, and the safety on top of the receiver that you can release with your firing thumb. Some think this is faster than the Remington, I've never run drills with a timer check.

The Remington has the safety at the rear of the trigger guard, can be released with the firing finger, if right-handed, need lefty conversion or use righty safety if left-handed. The bolt release is at the front of the trigger guard, forcing you to release your firing grip to actuate. Pros and Cons around this, with different schools of thought on how it 'should' work.

Both shotguns have their merits, both are well-proven in the field. Boils down to a personal preference, in my opinion.

EDITED to add:
Most obvious difference for HD - if you want an extended magazine capacity over factory, the Remington 870 can be modified, the Mossberg 835 cannot, that I'm aware of.

All the best,

[Darrin]

Can you get a 20" barrel for the 835?

[Dave McCracken]

Both good, the 870 may last longer under heavy use. Either one will last longer than most shotgunners.

Get the one that feels best....