870 or 500

[Hot brass]

I will be buying a shotgun for my son who is 15yrs old. He is 6-2 and 275lbs. I own an 870 Express, Big5 has the 500 on sale for $250, the 870 is $325.

It is a toss up for me, as I had an 870 years ago that had cycling problems, an my cousin has an 800 that had its issues.

Is there a clear advantage to one over the other?

 

[The Ruckus]

None at all, most make their decision based on safety location, ease of loading, weight, etc etc. Just pick 'em both up and see which one fits you best.

 

[TAB]

Its the diffrence between a Ford 1/2 ton and a chevy 1/2. One does one thing better then the other. I'd go with which ever "feels" better.

 

[deebix]

after going to the crossroads of the west gunshow here locally, im buying a 590 tact. my 2 cents. wait 1.94 cents (due to inflation) =D

 

[jmr40]

In my book the 870 is a much better gun. (that will get everybody fired up.) But other than that you already have an 870. There is something to be said for having the same system and being able to use the same choke tubes and accesories in both guns.

 

[okiewita40]

You really can't wrong with either platform. I have a 500 here at the house. At work I use an 870. Both are good guns. I tend to like the 500 a little more because it is lighter and it doesn't have the feed gate that an 870 has.

Both weapons should and probably will out last both you and your son. Both also have a fairly good aftermarket with the 870 having a bit more. Have your son try both and let him decide what feels best for him. I don't think you can really go wrong with either one.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Good lord---how did ya grow 'em so big???


I'm in the 870 camp here---nothing functionally wrong with a Mossberg--I just don't like them.

 

[md7]

i prefer the 870, but like both of them. either one should work, and work reliably. both will probably outlast you.

 

[Striker]

I own both and favor 870s, but I'd let him handle both and choose the one he likes the best.

 

[1/4MOA]

I own two 870's and one moss 500 and i have never have a problem with either cause i take care of them. But the 870s have much less resistance on the slides, they're much easier to break down and clean, and less moving parts to go wrong. Anyway, another vote for the 870.

 

[Mossman]

If price is a big issue I would go with a 500. I own one myself and absolutely love it. My vote goes for the 500 but it is really whichever feels best to him.

 

[ImARugerFan]

For $325 you could get a nice used 870 wingmaster. It's a nicer gun than either of those.

 

[GDW]

I was going through the same thought process and I finally decided on an old Wingmaster after reading a comparison of the two at this site:

http://www.tacticalshotgun.ca/content_nonsub/shotguns/compare_870_590.html

Good luck.

GDW

 

[bensdad]

Coke or Pepsi?

Ford or Chevy?

Chocolate or Vanilla?

The 500 and the 870 are both bullet-proof designs. I have two 870s and one 500. The Express is the only pump shotty I have that has ever needed repair.

 

[EHCRain10]

i have to agree that a used Wingmaster would be a great choice
my first new gun was a Mossberg 500 and i still have it but i grab the 870 alot more often because it has a much better fit and finish.
But definitely have the gun fitted to your son a good fit is more important that anything else

 

[Sergeant Sabre]

I will be buying a shotgun for my son who is 15yrs old.

Uh huh, go on.

He is 6-2 and 275lbs

What did you feed him????


Oh ya, about the shotgun:

I like the Mossberg. The aluminum receiver saves some weight and I like the position of the safety and action bar lock much better than on the Remington.

 

[axeman_g]

a 15yo that is 6-2 and 275lbs... He doesn't need a shotgun he needs a howitzer.

Try a 10g BPS!!!


enough kidding around... He should get the one that fits him better and feels better in his hands. What is the intended sport?

 

[Fred Fuller]

Give your son the opportunity to shoot both, and let HIM pick whichever he likes better. Both are good moderately priced repeaters, there's no real advantages one over the other save that the magazine tube on the 500 is harder to maintain.

lpl/nc

 

[Girodin]

I have a couple 870s and one 500. Neither have had any issues (and one of the 870s is older than I am). I tend to favor the 870 but that may be emotion as much as anything. One was my fathers given to him as a boy by my grandfather. I wouldn't think someone who bought a 500 made a bad choice.

In short I would agree with all those that say it is down to which one feels better and has the little things you prefer.

 

[Taurus92 in KyleTX]

At the risk of getting flamed, what about the Mossberg Maverick 88? Made by Mossberg in the same plant as the 500 (Eagle Pass)-- no longer made in Mexico.

~$50 cheaper than comparable 500 (even cheaper than a comparable 870)

The only differences that I can discern are synthetic stock/forend vs hardwood, tang vs trigger safety, lack of aftermarket mag extension (on Maverick), and forend assembly. Receiver looks to be the same. Barrels are identical, aftermarket grips are interchangeable, etc.

At least when I was looking, the 870s had a single extractor, while the Mossbergs had dual extractors, IIRC (have to go home and look at mine).

just a thought. Save the $50 towards a another gun on down the line (or another barrel, in my case).

 

[EHCRain10]

Taurus92 does bring up a good point about the maverick being of equal quality for less price

 

[dm1333]

Is your son right or left handed?

I'm a lefty and I prefer the 500 for personal use. I use the 870 as a duty weapon and am very familiar with it, but to me the 500 just works and feels better.

 

[Hot brass]

He is a righty.

What do we feed him? He eats what he wants! LOL.

Very good kid, 2 A`s and 4 B`s on his last report card. I gave him the evil eye about the B`s.

Freshman in HS, gentle kid, polite, 3 years of juijitsu, and started on the froshsoph football team.

Loves to huntand shoot with dad.

 

[cleardiddion]

I'll put in a voucher for the 500 here

 

[Milkmaster]

I'd go with the 870 if you want a steel receiver. My choice would be a Win 1300 if you are going with an aluminum receiver. A few new ones are still out there. Ultimately what fits him best is what he should be using. A person his size may actually need a spacer to lengthen the stock for him etc.