1st Shotgun: Remington or Mossberg

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Well said Ronto and I agree except that I really don't care about any capacity beyond 3 rounds that are legal for migratory birds. I do love the safety location and the fact that I can shove shells in it without getting my thumb pinched, though. It's a fantastic waterfowl gun for the money and I don't believe in spending four digits on a salt marsh gun. For the exact reasons you give is why I prefer it over the wingmaster I had, though. The 870 is a perfectly good gun, to each his or her own. I know better than to think it's a better gun than the Mossberg, though, at least for me.

BTW, duel ejectors or duel extractors????
 
I have used wood-stocked shotguns (both 870 and Mossberg) in Louisiana duck blinds where either got soaked, submerged, nearly frozen, and covered in mud, and neither wood stock gave a single problem. Just cleaned them up when I got to the camp.

Ash
 
I say 500 because the remington's grip is way to thin for my liking and I don't like their matte finish like I do regular blueing. But if the 870 feels better, go for it.
 
I shopped for both a while back. From what I can remember, there's pros and cons to each. I happen to like the feel of the 870 better, but that's my opinion. If you prefer a pistol grip stock, as I do, (http://www.mesatactical.com/ ) then the 870 is probably a better choice.

There's issues with the safety position and the slide release for the Mossberg when using some stocks, like the Knoxx.

If you prefer a regular stock, maybe a speedfeed type or a recoil reduction stock, then the Mossy might be better. You get an extra round with the Mossy. I think the Mossy is lighter. You cannot swap barrels on a Mossy with the higher cap magazines, but the 500 and 590 that are 20 inches have 8+1, and they are sweet to hold. The 590A1 is combat proven in Iraq. Nice LOP. shorter receiver, and different lockup.

The 870 is used by quite a number of Law Enforcement agencies. You cannot go wrong with either. I like them both, but settled on the 870 for myself. To me it feels better. YMMV. try both, because either one is a great gun, and as far as shottys go, it's like Ford or Chevy. Whatever suits you best.
 
There's issues with the safety position and the slide release for the Mossberg when using some stocks, like the Knoxx.
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Hmm, I never thought about that, but add one more reason I don't like pistol grips. I shoot left handed and neither the crossbolt or the tang safety I so love would be very accessible with one of those abominations. Never really thought about that part of it, I just don't like pistol grips in the field, feel slow when mounting the gun, can't easily carry the gun at the ready when in the field. I had thought they might be okay for turkey hunting and, I guess they still would work since you don't need to get at the safety in a hurry when turkey hunting like you do for doves or waterfowl or flushing game. Still, I'll stay traditional. Besides, even if they make 'em, a pistol grip stock on a side by side would look kinda funky, ROFL! I transition from my side by sides to my Mossberg pretty easily as is.
 
I prefer the Mossberg 500 for the following reasons:
(1) The location of the safety.
(2) The location of the slide release.
(3) The shell elevator does not get in the way when loading.
(4) Higher factory standard magazine capacity.
(5) Duel shell ejectors.
(6) "Usually" costs less than the 870.

The 870 may have "heirloom" potential but the Mossberg will last my lifetime.
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+1

I have used both and agree that the Remmy handles like a Mercedes. But to carry the analogy a bit further, the Mossy is like a Lexus...a bit cheaper and just as fun to drive!!

I went with the Mossberg 590A1 instead of the Remington 870. I spent the money I saved on a OKC3S bayonet...just for fun!
 
I wouldn't get the NEF, you can find used 870's for about the same price at many pawn and gun shops.
 
For the same price range of the NEF, the Maverick is proven decent, not great, but decent. A little more will get you your choice of Remington or Mossberg, though. I mean, it ain't like a 500 or an 870 express is gonna kill most people's budget. These things ain't got 5 digit price tags, ya know. They're only marginally higher than a bargain basement Maverick. I think the extra money is wise to spend, personally, to get all metal parts and such. JMHO I know the Maverick shoots fine, have a friend with one. I've never seen the NEF, though.
 
Another argument against the NEF is, let's say 5 - 10 years from now the relations that we are currently enjoying with China go away, it could very well happen. If you need service, repair, or parts who are you going to turn to?? NEF is just the importer...if they can't get parts, you can't get parts....
 
There's been several used WMs mentioned on this very BB recently with prices from $100 to $225.

Look around there's lots of used US made pumps available for a pittance...
 
870 is easier to add stuff to...
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Nonsense. What do you find more difficult about the Mossberg? Turning the barrel attachment screw, or or removing the single bolt that holds the stock in place? Maybe it's the 2 minutes required to mount fiber optic sights on the vent-ribbed barrel? Both guns are equally simple to customize. I have a 500 in 12 ga. with a Knoxx SpecOps recoil-reducing stock, a vent-ribbed 28" smooth-bore barrel, a scoped, rifled slug barrel and an 18.5" home defense barrel. What do you think your 870 can do that my 500 can't do?
 
IMHO this is sort of a Chevy vs. Ford argument (ok.. fine.. mix dodge in there if you need to). At the end of the day either will kill a bird/intruder/deer/zombie/paper target equally well. Get what handles best for you.
 
Nonsense. What do you find more difficult about the Mossberg?
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870 has more available parts and accessories, and they are the same price or cheaper than those for the Mossberg. So it's easier to BUY them.

If you ever want high-end stuff (nice fitted and/or pretty stocks, etc.) the 870 has them, the Mossberg doesn't.

But just to take out and blast lead or to turn "tacticool"? Either gun will do.
 
1. Which one is it easier to change the barrels on?

2. My wife has never fired a shotgun and only fired 22 rifles. Though, she is not small or weak. Should I get 12 or 20 guage?

3. I really like the look of wood, but synthetic stands up to the elements better. Which would be better to get?

4. Considering that I will be paying the same amount for either one (thanks to a rebate), which would you get?
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1. Both equal

2. 20ga

3. I prefer the synthetic for looks as well as durability. The newer laminate wood stocks of the Remington 870s may be the best of both worlds as they look nice (to me at least) and are more durable than normal wood.

4. Rem 870 no question. Just look at used Moss 500 price vs. Rem 870 prices and you will see that the Rem 870s sell for more.

On a side note, my wife just bought one of the new 20ga Youth 870s that has the laminate wood stock and the smaller frame. She loves it and I am very impressed. I am looking for one with a normal length buttstock for myself. For 20 years I have shot nothing but 12ga with a few 20ga singles thrown in. After shooting her 20ga, I am a convert. Busting clays with the 20ga was a pure joy. It has plenty of power and puts enough shot into the air to turn the clays I was hitting into a perfect dust cloud every time. When I shoot my 870 12ga at the same clays, they rarely turn to dust but rather break up into chunks.
 
The 870 might cost more, but the 500 works much better for me. So I saved a little money, hmmm. Even at equal price, I'd go 500 no questions asked. I prefer the action with no elevator in the way of reloading and the tang safety. They both shoot well, as someone said, chevy vs ford. Of course, if I had the extra cash and wanted a pump, I'd move up to Browning (Lexus).
 
Both shotguns will function fine. However if you are paying the same i would buy the 870. Barrels are not hard to remove for either shotgun. Recoil is managable and if its too much kick just use a towel or recoil pad. I have also noticed online theres a lot of aftermarket parts you can buy for it so thats good too. As for synthetic vs wood its really up to you and what you like. Either way if you take care of your gun it was last you a lifetime. I have seen a lot of tests through searching online for the 870 and it has proven itself well.

Also be sure to hold both shotguns before buying them. Whichever one feels better i would ultimatley buy because both of these fine shotguns are some of the most popular in the US.
 
870 has more available parts and accessories, and they are the same price or cheaper than those for the Mossberg.
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Bull. The barrels I have for my Mossberg were all less expensive than their 870 counterparts, and just about every aftermarket vendor who sell accessories for both guns sells them for the same price.

So it's easier to BUY them.
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See above.

If you ever want high-end stuff (nice fitted and/or pretty stocks, etc.) the 870 has them, the Mossberg doesn't.
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More bull. There are lots of vendors selling things like nice wood stocks for 500s (and other Mossberg models as well.)

Based on the posts I've seen from you so far here it seems like you just pull things out of your backside without worrying about whether or not they're true.
 
1. Both equal
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True.

2. 20ga
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Not necessarily. If you're willing to put a good recoil pad on it (like a Sims LimbSaver) or even a Knoxx SpecOps stock (which has the added benefit of being adjustable in length) a 12 ga. can be made to shoot with little or no more felt recoil than an unmodified 20 ga. Then you have the firepower advantage of the 12 at your disposal.

3. I prefer the synthetic for looks as well as durability.
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I don't know about looks, but I agree with the durability assessment. It's nice to not have to worry about dinging up the finish on your glossy wood stock. They're also lighter, which is nice if you're schlepping the thing around all day.

4. Rem 870 no question. Just look at used Moss 500 price vs. Rem 870 prices and you will see that the Rem 870s sell for more.
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Uh, yeah...because you have to pay more for it new. Higher resale value isn't any advantage if it costs you more to begin with.
 
I don't normally jump into threads this late, but this is one I do have a strong opinion about.

The first shotgun I ever bought is a Rem 870 express synthetic. As of now, it looks like it will also be the last. I use it for EVERYTHING. I might feasibly wear it out, but that will take many years. My oldest stepson will inherit a FN Browning A-5 from his father, but as of now, I have no intentions of trading up. A lot of is is because I'm cheap. I don't ever want to buy a gun because it's pretty, and I never want to buy a gun I'm afraid to drag through the sagebrush in a crawl. Maybe when I'm further in my career and I have a bit of cash I'll change my mind, but not for a long time.

I was listening to Tom Gresham a few weeks ago, and he was in a high-end wing-shooting store, talking with the owner, and he discussed how fantastic it is to get guns that are custom-fitted, what a world of difference it makes. It flies to your shoulder and you don't even have to aim, because it is already there. Umm, ok, but I can't keep buying my boys fitted guns as they grow up, and I'm not waiting until they are fully grown before I start them shooting. I'm thinking, if anyone wants to REALLY be a good shot, they should start at the bottom.
 
mljdeckard, it's amazing just how important fit is. My M1400 Winchester fits me like a glove. My Mossy never did. When I heard about shimming the stock to increase drop (what I knew I needed to get it right), I cut some shims from a pop bottle and lowered the drop of the stock. Now, I'm quite hoping the stock won't beat up my cheek bone anymore. I no longer have to crawl the stock to get a good point. I just throw the gun to my shoulder and it aligns itself, AMAZING! You don't have to pay big money to custom fit your gun if you have a little initiative.

My new Remington Spartan SPR220 was short, not enough length of pull. Now, it's a 20 gauge and doesn't really kick, but I stuck a slip on pad on it and it made a world of difference. Shot it last weekend on doves, points natural, great fit! Today, I stopped by a sporting goods store in my rounds and picked up a Pachmayr pad to fit to it, brought it home, broke out the disk sander, and fit it to the gun. Did a pretty decent job of it, too, if I can brag a little on myself. :D Now, all three of my primary hunting shotguns fit like a glove and I'm quite happy with 'em.

Between the 870 and the 500, fit is not a big deal to me. I will MAKE the gun fit if it doesn't. Either can be shimmed and, in fact, there are shim kits made for 'em, or at least the Mossberg, to use if you don't wanna do the pop bottle thing. I just couldn't see spending 20 bucks on a shim kit when I could do it with pop bottles the cheap way.:D
 
When I have time to get to the gun store (working tons of overtime, unfortunately I'm salary), I'll be checking which fits better and be getting that one.
 
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