[Rob87]

I'm looking at getting a shotgun, and for multiple reasons:

- I currently don't have one :)
- I want something bigger than my 10/22 for HD/SD purposes
- I'm going to a pumpkin shoot
- I'm going to a car shoot

I know what I want in a shotgun:
- Black color reciever
- Synthetic stock and foregrip
- Short barrel (18"?)
- Magazine tube that matches barrel length
- Ghost ring sights

If I remember correctly, the Remington is the most popular shotgun ever (like the 10/22 being the most popular .22), but Mossbergs have the military and police contracts.

So, what model should I get from either company? Is there any major difference?

[rantingredneck]

Might I gently suggest the search feature. This question comes up 2 to 3 times per week.

[NG VI]

The mossberg 930 SPX sounds like exactly the gun you are looking for.

http://www.gunsandhunting.com/gunlocker_heads/Mossberg.jpg

[Rob87]

That's a purty gun. Is it a semi? I should have said I prefer a pump simply because I could shoot ammo that wouldn't cycle.

I guess I don't care too much either way; I'll just have to make sure I choose the proper ammo.

[Howaido]

870.

[dasanii19]

That's a purty gun. Is it a semi? I should have said I prefer a pump simply because I could shoot ammo that wouldn't cycle.

I guess I don't care too much either way; I'll just have to make sure I choose the proper ammo.

Get a Remington 870 18" HD from your local Big 5 or Sportsmans Warehouse. $299 + tax, plus background. You cant go wrong.

[Rob87]

Is that 870 HD this one? http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model_870/model_870_express_synthetic_7-round.asp

I like that. :)

Edit: I think that or the Mossberg 500 Persuader would fit the bill. I'd have to get ghost ring sights later, but meh.

[MAX100]

The Mossberg 590A1 18.5" shotguns with factory Ghost Ring Sights are the best deal going in tactical pump shotguns. It fits what you are looking for. They run $389 if you can find one. They are for law enforcement sales.



GC

[okienate]

Mossberg's are pretty nice if you are really on a tight budget.

I faced the same question and found a used (barely used) Benelli SuperNova tactical with the pistol grip and ghost ring sights for just over $300.

Nice weight, good handling shotgun, and it has black furniture just like you mentioned.

If you're looking to strap on a lot of aftermarket stuff, Mossberg and Remington both have about the same amount of bolt-ons available. The Benelli, not so much. (For an HD gun I specifically wanted the Benelli for this purpose. The temptation to bolt on stuff was too great and would have rendered a perfectly good HD gun into a dangerous, snag-magnet and pretty much useless when needed to come from storage to deployment when needed!)

[Dave McCracken]

The Search feature is your friend. But briefly....

Much as I love my 870s, the Mossberg is also an excellent choice.

The 870 will stand up to heavy use longer. I've yet to see a worn out Mossberg, though, but I'm only 61.

Get the one that feels best....

[james_bond]

I am a fan of the 870 mine has been nothing but smooth running.
My dad has the Winchester 1200 Defender? it is a nice one too, not as many options as the Mossy and Remmy.

[Blue Brick]

Mossberg 500A combo

[Blue Brick]

http://big5sportinggoods.shoplocal.com/big5/Default.aspx?action=browsepagedetail&storeid=2504049&rapid=561435&pagenumber=3&listingid=-2091361525

[357wheelgunner]

Get the 870 HD if you are worried about cost....If you can spend more, do, and get an 870 Police Magnum. It's the same design with higher quality parts (more quality control, metal trigger guard, better fit and finish) and a more durable parkerized finish.

[publiuss]

I have both the Mossy 500 and the Rem 870. both are good guns but I much prefer the 870. It is much smoother and although I've never had any problems w/either, I have complete confidence in the 870 b/c I've had one forever and have abused it in the duck blind, no problems.

[bowl443]

I have both and prefer the 870...

Higher quality IMHO.

Oh ya, the 10/22 has been outsold in the US by the Marlin 60:)

[Ceemack]

If I remember correctly, the Remington is the most popular shotgun ever (like the 10/22 being the most popular .22), but Mossbergs have the military and police contracts.
You don't remember correctly. The Mossberg 590 (not the 500) has the current military contract, but I've never once seen a police cruiser with a Mossberg in it. Law enforcement uses the Remington 870 almost exclusively.

I have several gripes with the 500. Some of them, like the location of the slide release, are a matter of personal taste. The comes-apart-when-you-least-expect-it design of the safety button is a potential problem, but it can be dealt with. The PITA nature of putting one back together after it's been detail stripped--well, practice helps.

Probably the biggest problem I have is build quality. The roughest chamber I've ever seen on a shotgun was on a 500A that had serious extraction problems. Take a look at the tool marks on the bottom of this bolt:
http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p456/Ceemack/Mossberg500Bolt.jpg
Note that I've actually stoned that down a little bit--those tool marks were originally quite a bit worse. Then check out the cheap quality of the safety block at the far right in this picture:
http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p456/Ceemack/M500SafetyPartsSm2.jpg
And remember that it looks (and feels) a lot worse in person.

Compared to this, the internal parts from a Remington 870 Express--which a lot of Wingmaster snobs say are just too rough--look like they came out of a Purdey.

I see people complain about the aluminum receiver on the 500. Steel is better in a theoretical sense, but the aluminum is one of the few aspects of the 500 I don't mind.

I've owned three different 870s since 1975, and still have two; I've never had to fix anything on any of them. I've got one buddy with a 500A, and I've spent more hours repairing it than I like to think about. Based on my experience, if you want a gun you can rely on, get an 870; if you want a gunsmithing education, get a 500.

[jakemccoy]

870.

[Mossberg535]

Based on my experience, if you want a gun you can rely on, get an 870; if you want a gunsmithing education, get a 500.
Im not sure about the Remingtons, but Ive own a few 500s and most of the folks I have shot with at times have used MBs of one sort or another and honestly, I cant remember a single problem.
My 500's have been pretty reliable.

About the only thing I do agree with is the safety. Its a cheap piece of junk for the most part. But I dont use a safety at all since I dont ever keep a round in the chamber under any circumstances and I keep the action open until Im ready to shoot (works 100 times better than that cheap safety ;) ).

[MCgunner]

Mossberg, the best. :D Why? Cause I said so.

[Regolith]

The difference between a Mossberg and a Remington 870 in terms of reliability is negligible. As Dave stated, the steel receiver on the 870 theoretically extends the life of the gun vs. the aluminum receiver of a Mossberg, but the reality is that unless you're a high volume skeet shooter, either weapon should not only outlast you, but your grandkids as well.

What you should do is go to the store that has an example of both weapons, and ask to handle them. You will find that one or the other provides superior ergonomics or handling for YOU, and that will likely be the one you want to go with. I went to the store dead set on buying a Mossberg, until I handled both the Mossy and the Remington, and found I liked the Remington better. You, on the other hand, could go to the store dead set on getting a Remington and find that you like the Mossberg better. Point is, you won't know till you've handle both guns.

[RP88]

I like my Mossberg 500. Very sleek compared to the remington, in my opinion (but I never owned a Remington - just played with one).

If you think the Mossberg won't last through alot of wear, then get a 590; those have metal safeties, guards, triggers, etc. so they will take more of a beating in those areas. A 590 also comes tac'd out at the same price as you'll pay for a good base-model Remington. So, if budget is key, then the mossberg will be more appealing to your wallet.

handle both and see what feels right, though. I have long arms, so handling was never a problem for me (most people will say how the Mossberg requires a more outstretched fore-gripping arm and has a longer length of pull - niether bothers me).

I honestly don't understand how someone can break a mossberg, though. It is a very solid weapon.

[fwm]

Both good guns. Hold them both and find the one that fits you best. Pay attention to how the controls work for you with each gun, and decide by fit and action to your body. You'll be happy with either of these guns if they fit you good.

[T-Ray]

remington.

[Phil DeGraves]

Remington 870

[j-easy]

The Mossberg 590A1 18.5" shotguns with factory Ghost Ring Sights are the best deal going in tactical pump shotguns. It fits what you are looking for. They run $389 if you can find one. They are for law enforcement sales.


can you link me to this? the cheapest one i have been able to find is $489 plus tax at the gun shop. (i'm looking for the 20" one)

[04JRB]

I have a 870 mag express and a 500a combo. I cant say I like one more than another. its like the small block chevy and small block ford arguments on car forums, may people own either one (870 has more), and there will be opinions for and against either too. The only thing I have to mention is that the moss 500 does rattle a bit, but niether have given me any trouble.

[Blue02Formula]

Remington 870.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v629/blue02formula/rem870mm.jpg

[1KPerDay]

Both great guns. If you or anyone you know may use the gun left-handed, get the mossberg.

[DeerSlayer7600]

870, I wouldn't trust any other. The military and law enforcement also use the 870.

[Shadowangel]

I have an 870 I love.. played with it and a 590a1 before buying, preferred the 870.

[j-easy]

you can't go wrong either way

[Der Verge]

I would go for the 870. I like them better. There is nothing wrong with a 500 though. I am in this eternal battle with one of my buddies. I have all Remington shotguns, he has all Mossbergs. Reliability wise, I would say they are both supurb. It just boils down to which one you like better.

[BullpupBen]

I have the 870 wingmaster (expensive model) and the mossberg maverick (cheap model). The remington is better in just about every way especially in the finish. However, if you dont care about having wood and you dont mind the trigger gaurd being plastic the Mossberg is probably just as good and costs less.

Personally I would go for an 870 Wingmaster, but the wood is at least half the reason why.

[Rob87]

From what I understand about how the bolt and safety work, I'm leaning more towards the 870. I like the idea of getting the 590A1, but I think it's more expensive than I want to pay.

Edit: Some things I don't understand:

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a bead sight vs. ghost ring sights? Is one quicker to get on target?

2. How can I change the iron sights on either the 870 or Mossy?

3. If I want to mount optics on an 870, how can I do that?

[Regolith]

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a bead sight vs. ghost ring sights? Is one quicker to get on target?

The bead sight is faster, but the ghost ring sights are more accurate for slugs. Either works fine for HD applications, and the bead is better if you're going to be hunting or shooting trap with it.

2. How can I change the iron sights on either the 870 or Mossy?

I believe there are some aftermarket kits for them, but depending on how the sight is attached you may need a gunsmith.

3. If I want to mount optics on an 870, how can I do that?

There are two different ways that I know if: You can either have the receiver drilled and tapped for a scope mount, or you can buy a barrel that has a cantilever scope mount attached to it. The barrels with the pre-attached scope mount are usually over $200, though.

There may be a system that uses the pins that hold the 870's trigger group to attach a scope mount, but I don't know for certain about that.

[MAX100]

Remington offers the bare minimum on their shotguns. They don't don't give you anything without charging you a high price for it. That is why you will find most on THR buy their 870 shotguns used. Also the older guns are better quality and have smooth actions because they are broke in.

Mossberg offers ghost ring sights on their shotguns and they come drilled and tapped for a scope mount.

Mossberg shotguns are the best bang for the buck. That said I do like the 870 design better.

j-easy Wrote: can you link me to this? the cheapest one i have been able to find is $489 plus tax at the gun shop. (i'm looking for the 20" one)



The 590A1 20" heavy wall bbl shotguns cost more than the 18.5" 590A1. I have both in stock. The 20" bbl A1 is $449.


GC

[cota]

Out of the two the 870, but if it were me i would be looking at this. You should be able to get one from EAA, or that outfit in canada who have Baikals.
http://www.baikalinc.ru/en/company/97.html

And if you realy must have a true pump because you dont like the dual functionality of the MP154, you can get this.
http://www.baikalinc.ru/en/company/92.html

[MAX100]

Out of the two the 870, but if it were me i would be looking at this. You should be able to get one from EAA, or that outfit in canada who have Baikals.
http://www.baikalinc.ru/en/company/97.html

And if you realy must have a true pump because you dont like the dual functionality of the MP154, you can get this.
http://www.baikalinc.ru/en/company/92.html


Those shotguns are not allowed to be imported into the US with mag tube ext. We have a 922r law that states that no shotgun past 5 round capacity can be imported into the USA.

Remington does import the Russian made semi auto shotguns but they have 24" to 28" barrels and no tube ext. They are heavy shotguns but well made.



GC

[Mr.Sig]

Last week I picked up a new 590A1, Mossberg #51663 for $438 out the door from a local shop. I was considering the 870P, but getting one was going to be difficult and it would cost close to double what I paid for the 590A1.

[BruceRDucer]

After I got my Mossberg 500 it took me over 2 months to shoot it. When cleaning it, I had a surprise.

I decided to remover the trigger housing to do a little "wipe-down" cleaning of bolt etc.

What surprised me, was that once you remove the Trigger, the Primar7 and Secondary Cartridge Stops fall out, and from that point, what essentially happens, is that you have to know how to put the entire gun back together. There is no such thing as "partial disassembly".

One video and a manual, and about two weeks later, I successfully got it back together. Most of that time was just allowing myself to get calmed down. I'm terrible when I'm angry about mechanical stuff.

I just watched a YouTube video on the Disassembly & Reassembly of the Remignton 870, and it looks to me as though the Remington is a little bit easier.

What do experienced people think?

[Don't get me wrong. I love my Mossberg. My wife jokingly says: "Now you think you're a GUNSMITH because you can put a Mossberg back together!"]

Now, the Mossberg seems easy to put back together; but one problem that no book and no video ever shows, is that the "PUMP" part, with the TWO PRONGS which fit into the receiver, need to be lifted up to fit into the slots in the receiver. BUT!....a beginner doesn't realize that if they only go in the first half inch and stop, that this is not the proper position. The Prongs need to be lifted yet again until the "PUMP" slides all the way back to the receiver. I must have reassembled the entire gun 4 or 5 times, with the Action Slide Assembly/"PUMP" not fully installed.

[Allright, allright, so I'm stoopud. Go ahead, take the shot!]:neener:

/

[rantingredneck]

I've owned and disassembled/reassembled both and I can't honestly say that one is really any easier or harder than the other.

[Blue Brick]

It takes me less than 30 seconds to assemble my Mossberg. I have heard that complaint from Remington fans before, but then again I am mechanically inclined and I do all my own automotive and house hold repairs. By the way…. I have never read the Mossberg manual.

[younganddumb]

http://www.remingtonle.com/shotguns/870pmax.htm this is what you are looking for you don't have to o anything to it set up for all your pourposes

[BruceRDucer]

It takes me less than 30 seconds to assemble my Mossberg.--Blue Brick\

How long did it take you the first time?

Did anyone assist you?

:neener:

[Blue Brick]

Nope.

[BruceRDucer]

Well....er....I can reassemble mine in something like...um......hmmm......5 minutes, as long as I have a book, a video, and help from the old lady and 3 Pomeranian attack dogs.......:cuss::cuss::cuss::cuss::cuss::cuss::cuss::cuss::cuss: