590 vs. 870

[RandKL]

That Mil test didn't have squat to do with sales. Mossberg has outsold Remington for the same reason WalMart has about put everyone else out of business - they're cheaper. If that's your #1 priority, then have at it.

220,000 extra sales in the past three years....that number pushed the Mossy past the 870 for the first time ever....*and*....and this is the big and here....the Mossy 590 as provided to the mil actually cost more than the Remington 870P at that time.

Didn't have squat to do with sales, huh? Should I bother going back and counting the number of times folks have considered those mil tests in their decision to buy the Mossy *in this forum alone*? What is it, ten times in this *thread* alone?

Remington didn't bother to enter a gun.

Because they didn't have a gun to enter. That's simple enough.

rich

 

[Howaido]

870 is my choice.

I chose it because I am a former peace officer and the 870 has a sterling rep among every officer I knew back then. There was really no choice for me. Hardwired into my circuitry at that point:

pump shotgun = 870

 

[Rshooter]

Why the 590 next?

The Remington 870's that I own are one Police Magnum and two older Wingmaster Police models in 2 3/4 only that I picked up on the auction market. I really do love the old Wingmaster guns, they are perfection. A late 50's or early 60's police gun is built to last forever and cycles so sweetly. Recently they are getting very hard to find, it seems that everyone wants a HD gun right now.

When I look at the new guns, especially the Mossberg 590A1, or maybe even the SPX I see a fully loaded combat shotgun. You can have the SPX or ghost ring sights or bead. I would prefer the SPX. The magazine is a straight tube and dedicated to the barrel. Yes I know it has some aluminum and plastic but the Remingtons are now using plastic too. And that aluminum receiver is not holding the boom, the chamber is and that is made out of steel. I am just swayed by the attention to detail and thought put into these guns.

I still agree that the military contract argument does not hold water as far as saying Mossberg is better than Remington.

Within your price range personally I would first look for a new or used 98% Remington Police or Wingmaster Police and then if not lucky enough to find one I would go with the Mossberg 590A1.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=129032232

 

[P.B.Walsh]

Ok, I think I just need to handle them both, and see which one I prefer. Mabey find a used one, but I belive that I just need to handle them both, not just what y'all say, even though I greatly appreciate the opinions, so like I said I just need to handle them both.

Thank you for all of your replies

 

[Dave McCracken]

I prefer 870s, but either will serve.

Do not get caught up in gimmicks. Get your shotgun fitting you.

Then buy all the ammo you can. Use it up. Repeat.

When the pile of empties reaches your ankles, you'll have a better idea of what your shotgun and you really need.

 

[remingtondude58]

I prefer the top safety on the Mossberg.

 

[ScareyH22A]

I prefer an 870 with an oversized Vang Comp safety. As soon as you put your finger on the trigger, the safety will disengage.

 

[inSight-NEO]

This has been somewhat "done to death," but Ill just add that both are somewhat different animals. It will basically come down to feel, fit and features when regarding these two. Both are good guns, but for various reasons, I went with a Mossberg 590 (for HD).

 

[wrs840]

I think the real conundrum here is that the OP only wants ONE shotgun.

I have a bunch of shotguns, including a 590 set up for HD, but it's in the safe now for loaning to a buddy when the zombies come.

Here's my current favorite HD shotgun, the Mossberg 500 Persuader 12 ga 20" bbl cylinder bore, blue finish, the model 50577:

http://www.mossberg.com/images/Mossberg_Guns/930/NEW/50577.jpg

Why? The 590s barrel is heavy to the point that it just feels unwieldy to me for HD use. This 500 holds 7 in the magazine, where my 590 holds 8, but the weight difference is significant enough to make me fine with the 500, especially with a 6-shot butt cuff on it.

The other upside: you'll save some dough buying the 500 for HD, so go buy yourself a used bird gun too (yes, my main bird gun's a used 870).

This one-shotgun compromise solution is just a bad idea! IMHO...

Les

 

[jaholder1971]

all steel milled receiver which makes the 870 a little longer lasting

Really? Has anyone ever seen either an 870 or a 500/590 receiver worn out after "normal" USE?

How about a plastic trigger guard? Seriously, a trigger guard's only there to keep things from hitting the bang switch inadvertently. It takes some work to break one no mater the material and if you do you're simply abusing the shotgun.

I've got both 500's, 590's and 870's. Give me buckshot and slugs and I'll make both do exactly the same thing. It's 110 percent personal preference.

 

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

Which is better?

Both.

It depends entirely on the individual's unique perspective and needs.



Also, the "steel receivers are better" argument is ridiculous.

Barrett manufactures a .50 BMG rifle using an aluminum receiver.

 

[Legasat]

Both are fine. I own the 590, but would just as happy with 870.

Just make sure it is Deer, and not Dear....;-)

 

[C-grunt]

Seriously either will work great. We used Mossbergs in the Army and they performed well with little maintenance. My department uses 870s for our patrol shotguns and the bean bag shotguns. They have lasted for years getting thrown in and out of trunks and always work great.

But I like the idea of getting two shotguns. Get your defensive shotgun then get a nice bird gun. Hell I did mine the other way around. I dont even have my defensive gun yet but I got a nice side by side.