maverick, 870, 500, or p350

The 870 or the 500 will be perfect for you. Don't forget to look for used guns too, you can find some great deals.

I got a nice, new looking mossberg 590 for only $212 from gander mountain.

If you want an all-purpose shotgun, I would bet you can find a used 870 or 500 combo for at or under $300. You don't need a rifled barrel, just one with rifle sights and preferably interchangeable chokes on both barrels. If you want a pure hunting gun, I would bet you can find a used Mossy autoloader.

The 590 is heavier and more expensive than a 500, so if you go Mossberg, I would get teh 500 for your purposes. Contrary to popular belief, most of the shotguns being used by our soldiers downrange are Mossberg 500s. I saw no Remingtons and only one Benelli while I was deployed. An SF guy had a Vietnam-era Winchester Model 12, but that is a whole different story.

Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of them. The Stoeger is least known/been around for less time, but it's an autoloader. The 88, while the cheapest, has been GREAT for me. It uses the same chokes and barrels as the 500, so they're easily bought. Mine's never failed me, always ejected, and it feels pretty good when I hold it. If you get the Maverick, you will have more $ for shells, and accessories, if you want them. I cut grass, too. It's pretty good money.

I know it's not on your list, but I would consider one of the NEF single barrel shotguns. They are light, inexpensive and great shooters. Used examples can be found for under $100 and new ones between $100 and $200. They are a lot of gun for the money.

I learned on a 20ga with a mod choke when I was 10. Put a recoil pad on it if it doesnt come with one and use the extra money on shells. I believe they are great first shotguns and great to learn with.

If your range is up to $300 You could get a good condition 500 a lot of shells and extra barrel. You could probably do the same with the 870 just have to shop around a bit more. I have shot both and learned on an 870. I think in your case the 500 will be a better value. Let us know what you get.

If i were you I would wait a little longer. Most stores will begin running some sales just before the gun season for deer. Dicks Sporting Goods usually has a deal on a Mossberg 500 combo in 12 or 20 gauge (2 barrels, two combs, and a scope) for 250.00. Similar 870 and 500 deals can be had at Bass Pro around this time as well.

Either one will serve you well, but I think the 870 has its advantages.

Buy the 870 and keep it for the rest of your life. If you have a Big 5 sporting goods or a Sportsmans warehouse you can find it brand new for $299

k 590 or 500, mgregg85?

Click to expand...

Both of them are great guns, if you could find a 590A1, they are built a bit better than the standard 500.

If I were you, I would go to the store with your mother or father and ask to handle both an 870 and a 500/590 and see which one fits you bets and which pump stroke you like better.

Personally, I prefer the 870 but its really just because I am more accustomed to using them.

I bought my mossberg 500a combo ( 1 x 24'' rifled barrel, scope, 1 x 28'' smooth bore barrel with accuchokes, 1 x modified cyl, 1 x full, and 1 x improved cyl) for less than 300 brand new. Wait around and look at the dicks (big 5, gander mountain, etc.) ads. You will find some good deals coming up as deer season is about to start. The mossy 500 will let you use sabots, shot, slugs, and black powder (there is an inline bp barrel that uses 209 primers for about 100-150) if you wish to expand on it later. The 870 will do everything but the bp that the mossy will. Both the 870 and the 500 are popular guns, and they are popular for a reason. The will last you if you take care of them.

The 500 is generally cheaper and IMO nicer to use than the 870.


Yes its looser feeling, but you really dont notice it unless you handle both side/side and are picky. The 500 is the basic platform for the Military 590A1 (Yes, I own one) and will outlive you with some shooting more than 10,00 rounds and still working.


Nothing against the 870 (The action release is kind of thin), but I like me some Mossy 500's!

I would get an 870. Look for a used one.


GC

I have 3 500s. I have 12-20-410. I have a 28 inch smooth bore, I have used it for everything from clay pigeons to Deer for the last 9 years(no problems what so ever) The 20 is my boys. Bought it used $150 with slug barrel and smooth. He uses it for everything as well (no problems). The 410 is my daughters. Smooth bore. She uses it for squirrel and DEER. Her picture is on the site somewhere of her first deer(10 point) again NO PROBLEMS. I do like the 870 but I am in no hurry to replace my Mossys.

Let us know what you get.

Lonny

Mossberg 500 is my vote because...

The location of the safety, slide release, and shell elevator on the 870 are a PIA.
I purchased mine NIB at Wal-Mart for $219.95 and it's the best 220 bucks I've spent in a long time.

I voted for the Maverick just because of nudgetary reasons and the fact that it will function as well as the others.

I also want to say, without derailing the thread, just how happy your post made me Poppeye. I hope i don't sound paternalistic or anything, but you are everything that is right with this country.
A young kid who already has his priorities straight. Working hard to make some money, and wants to spend it on a great american tradition.
You're not weasling your parents for it, and you have no sense of entitlement, and you're not afraid to address a group of strangers to ask advice on your purchase. I just want to thank you for making my day. I know if you were my kid, I'd be proud as all get out.

I really hope that people like Poppeye are indicative of our future.

Mossberg 500
No getting the shell stuck under the elevator!

I'd choose the 500 because of the safety position. I have a Maverick 88 with an 18" barrel, and it's an awesome gun. Both are great. I can post Pics if you like.

ZeSpectre said:

Mossberg 500
No getting the shell stuck under the elevator!

Click to expand...

Im guessing your referring to the 870? If so, only the older 870's had the problem with a shell getting stuck under the follower.

I picked up my maverick 88 last fall. Zero problems thus far...not bad for a sub $200 shotgun.

Okay here it is: It's got an 18" barrel and an Advanced Technology folding stock. Note the safety position. (and small pics) Enjoy.

Gun: $ 150
Barrel: $85
Stock: $65


Thanks
Sam

I also want to say, without derailing the thread, just how happy your post made me Poppeye. I hope i don't sound paternalistic or anything, but you are everything that is right with this country.
A young kid who already has his priorities straight. Working hard to make some money, and wants to spend it on a great american tradition.

Click to expand...

+1

Make sure you pick up adequate eye protection, hearing protection, some gun care products, and a decent case to protect your investment.

I'm proud of Poppeye as well. Don't hear that too much from kids these days, compared to "I asked my parents to get me one..." I agree with coyotehitman, accys like those he listed are must-haves.