20ga Pump Winchester SXP vs Mossberg vs (possible) New Production Remington 870

[Mr. Mosin]

Decided that I'd prefer to avoid stepping down to a .410, so I'm going to try my hand at a 20ga. Between the following Mossberg and Winchester pumps (links to follow, both equivalent basic wood stocked compact 20ga's) and the possibility of a new production 870 (if I can lay hands to one and it amounts to snuff). I handled the linked Winchester today, and immediately liked it- it didn't rattle like every Mossberg I've ever handled, it felt solid, shouldered well enough for an off-the-shelf $300 pump, and the manual of arms is similar enough to my 870 for me to not have too steep a learning curve.

Before anyone asks, yes. This purchase would be primarily for hunting, but would pull the traditional double duty of a home defense piece. I've also (on a weird tangent) put slight thought to a Yildiz SxS 20ga from Academy. And before anyone asks (again), yes. I know at least one of my provided options is manufactured at least partially in Turkey. That's life. I'm poor. Gotta buy what you can afford, when you can afford it.

Pardon my slight outburst. Thank you all in advance for your advice.


https://www.mossberg.com/product/500-hunting-all-purpose-field-50136/

https://www.winchesterguns.com/products/shotguns/sxp/current/sxp-field-compact.html

https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/yildiz-20-gauge-side-by-side-shotgun-105280029

 

[Cvans]

Sounds like you have ruled out the Mossberg so that should make it easier to make your decision. I've not owned a Winchester but have owned both the Mossy and 870's in 20ga. For me the location of the safety and not the rattle is the reason the Mossberg has a home here. When hunting with or without gloves the 870 safety was harder to find and use.
Buy what you like as all three guns you mentioned have a good following and are probably as reliable as your going to find in that price range. It's the old Ford vs. Chevy thing.

 

[Skeptic13]

To me you have chosen three guns that are pretty much equals. There are some features that are differences like the placement of the safety or the shape of the handguard but from a performance, quality and reliability standpoint they are equal. So for me I would choose the one that best fits me. Is the length of pull correct for my body type. Do I get the proper sighting when shouldering the shotgun which means that when looking down the barrel do I see the bead but not the top of the rib. A properly fitted shotgun will make far more difference to you in a hunting situation than the brand of shotgun you buy.