500 vs. 870

[Revolver Ocelot]

I'm considering getting a new shotgun and was curious which you all thought was better, the mossberg 500 or remington 870, if you have a variation in mind or somthing you think is better let me know.

 

[22LongRifle]

Nova!

Jerry

 

[Valkman]

That's tough - I have a 500 but think you can't go wrong with either.

Well, I voted 500.

 

[dakotasin]

i have a 500, and am on my 2nd 870.

i think the 870 is as good as it gets. no matter how adverse the conditions, the 870 keeps plugging away.

 

[AStone]

Guess which one I voted for.

 

[Skpotamus]

It really boils down to which one feels better for you. I like the feel of my mossbergs.

 

[Lucky]

why do militaries opt for the Mossberg? I've got the 870, but for complicated legal reasons. I like the Mossberg company a lot.

 

[The Unknown User]

I'm guessing price. From what I've heard/read about the two, the Mossberg is a cheaper, but less reliable shotgun. I've heard it feels "cheap" in your hands when you compare it to the 870, which is supposed to be "better" and more reliable.

Again, it's just hearsay.

It's like how the military went with Beretta over Sig simply because of cost even though Sig's are tanks.

 

[Quiet]

Benelli Nova or Super Nova.

 

[AStone]

Words of wisdom:

It really boils down to which one feels better for you.

Keyword: "feels", which has several levels of meaning:

* intellectual from reading many reviews
* tactile from handing several of each several times
* a conviction arising from heart and mind that, "this is the one"

At that point, go with it and don't look back.

Then, BAUUR.



PS: When evaluating 870's,
distinguish express v wingmaster v 870P,
which differ in price, quality & function.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Both are great, I have one of each with extra barrels for each...

 

[Ethereal]

Go with the classic 870. (P.S.--Nice name, Ocelot)

 

[Thin Black Line]

I have used a 590 at home for hunting for years and carried a 500 in Iraq. The
only difference I could tell when it came to the action was that the mil version
had a metal trigger housing and the civilian used some kind of plastic.

 

[aubie515]

The only thing I like about the Mossberg is where the safety is located. It can be used by a LH or RH shooter with ease.

That being said, I find the Mossbergs to feel cheap in my hands. The 870s are solid shotguns and they have been around forever. To me the 870 defines the term shotgun.

Please don't think I am bashing the Mossbergs, I know that there are thousands of loyal fans. I would also suggest going into a gun shop and handling both shotguns at the same time. Decide which one fits your needs and make the purchase. You won't go wrong with either choice.

 

[eliphalet]

I didn't vote and what are you planing on using it for? I've owned at least two of each both were the wood stock models and were for hunting. I have shot both plenty and both are OK. I like the steel receiver of the 870 and walnut, but prefer the tang safety on the 500. So go handle them both and get what you like like both will work fine. BTW I own a 870 but I am seriously thinking of a 500 with the rifled barrel. So you can see why I didn't vote as I feel both are good. Brownings are good too and i think have the tang safety and steel receiver.

 

[Zeke Menuar]

I voted Mossberg. I own one and like it a lot.

I'll be in the market for a HD shotgun soon. Both the 870 and 500 are excellent shotguns. I'll get whichever one is on sale when I have money in my hands.

ZM

 

[Sun195]

That's a tough call. I've owned both a 500 (sold) and now an 870. I liked the location of the slide release & safety on the 500 much better. However, I like the balance and feel of the 870 more. Both are good guns, so it just depends on which one you like better.

I've heard good things about the Nova, but it just doesn't feel right to me. Best gun in the world doesn't mean anything if it doesn't fit you right.

 

[obxned]

Mossbergs are the AKs of the shotgun world - no matter how you neglect or abuses them, they still cycle and fire as intended.

 

[Deaf Smith]

Either one. I have both, 870 and 590, both stainless. The Remington is smoother but the Mossie has a better safety position. Either will do the job and do it well.

 

[torpid]

Try both Mossberg and Remington in your hands at least.

I have owned both, and though they are each just fine, I personally prefer the Mossberg.

 

[Taurus44]

I didn't vote because I have a couple of each.

I read and hear people bash the Mossberg 500 all the time because they "feel cheap and rattle". I have a Mossberg 500 that has hunted just about everything you can hunt with a shotgun in the midwest (for over 15 years). It's also been dropped in just about anything you could drop a shotgun in here in the midwest. Nothing has ever fallen off of it, and it has never once failed to go *BANG* when I pulled the trigger.

It probably gets treated the worst of all my shotguns, mostly because it just runs and runs and runs.

I also have a pair of 870s, a pair of 1100s, a Winchester 1300, a "vintage" Ithaca and a Maverick 88 (Don't get me started on these seriously under-rated shotguns! ). I love them all, but I'd put my 'ole 500 up against any of them any day.

 

[Kid Prescott]

Ithaca model 37, but if I didn't have one I'd go the 870 route...

 

[rino451]

The only thing I like about the Mossberg is where the safety is located. It can be used by a LH or RH shooter with ease.

Unless you go with a pistol grip with a stock. The saftey is a LONG way from the pistol grip.

Others are correct though about them being tanks. Went to a tactical shot gun course a month or so ago and the only gund to go down due to mechanical problems were two 870's - one mine. One was ammo picky and mine had issues with hot barrels. There was a Winchester 1300 there that rocked. I personally want one if I can find someone willing to part with it.

 

[blitzen]

I think the 870 Wingmaster is one of the finest pump guns made. I don't think that can be said of the current crop of 870 Express shotguns. I'd take a Mossberg over a Remington today.

 

[proud2deviate]

Get the 870.

Why?

Because it's 370 more than the 500, of course.