I often hear things like "the 870 is the best-selling shotgun of all time" or "the 870 is the world's most popular shotgun", but I was doing the math recently...
Remington introduced the 870 in January 1950. In April 2009, they announced the 10 millionth 870.
Mossberg introduced the 500 in August 1961. In April 2013, they announced the 10 millionth 500.
So, that is 711 months for Remington, 627 months for Mossberg, which means:
Mossberg = av. 191,388 guns per year
Remington = av. 168,776 guns per year
So as far as I can figure, it seems like the Mossberg might be the "best-selling" or "most popular". I suspect that's likely because it's always been cheaper - remember that Remington only introduced the 870 Express in 1987, which could have given the Mossberg a larger head start.
Remington introduced the 870 in January 1950. In April 2009, they announced the 10 millionth 870.
Mossberg introduced the 500 in August 1961. In April 2013, they announced the 10 millionth 500.
So, that is 711 months for Remington, 627 months for Mossberg, which means:
Mossberg = av. 191,388 guns per year
Remington = av. 168,776 guns per year
So as far as I can figure, it seems like the Mossberg might be the "best-selling" or "most popular". I suspect that's likely because it's always been cheaper - remember that Remington only introduced the 870 Express in 1987, which could have given the Mossberg a larger head start.