help me choose between 2 pump guns

I think both are great designs and I've had both. I prefer the tang safety of Mossy to the crossbolt of the Rem but I like the slide release better on the 870. Personally, I would view "Remington" as a brand-new company making a known & vetted product but I have no idea how well they do it. I'm not usually standing in line to be a beta tester for a new company so if I had to pick I'd go with the 590, although I'd rather have a 500 for my purposes.

 

I have an 870, but I also want the 590 for its look, get both or flip a coin, no wrong decision here in this case.

 

On the subject if aluminum receivers...

The Benelli M4 and M1014 also have aluminum receivers, as do all AR15 types.

Fact is, when the bolt locks into the barrel extension as these all do, the receiver just isn't under much stress...it could likely be made of plastic and still work (but don't give them any more cost cutting ideas).

And yes, there really is no wrong decision here... both the 590 and 870 are well proven.

 

I hav used shotguns in combat and the forend rattle is a non issue. Usually the first shot heard are the shotgun being used to breach doors. And a flash bang or frag grenade is usually the second noise they hear.

I have used full sized shotguns with 18-20 inch barrels along with the short witness protection type shotguns (NFA version of a Shockwave). We used shotguns for two things - breaching operations or guard duty. And no one complained about forend rattle in either situation.

I'll end this by saying that one won't go wrong with either brand. Both have proven themselves in hunting, police, and military use. Go with the one that fits you best.

 

Think I have decided I am going to take a look at this one tomorrow,

 

Solid argument. I would pick up a 590. A lil less money than the A1 and considerably lighter. Can't really think of a good reason for a heavy walled barrel unless you just like the military version and bayonet lug, which is fine. I wouldn't turn my nose up at an A1, I just prefer the 590. I also like the 870 and have seen a few nice newer production 870's and a couple not so nice ones but they were cosmetic things on the Express models. Couldn't speak for their functionality as I've not shot any newer 870's.

I'd probably go with the mossberg. I love both Mossberg and Remington though...

 

I like the retracted shell lifter/open load port of the mossberg, find it's easier to top off with the 500/590 but practice with an 870 makes it a non issue but it is one small plus for the 500/590. I think the 870 is a better balanced weapon and swings and points better. I like both a crossbolt and a tang safety so it's a draw there as I can deal with both. They are really close, I would handle em both if you can.

Man it really is a coin flip....unless you just get both.

 

well I looked at and handled it today and it did have the RA serial number prefix ,
and I bought it , going to shoot it thursday

 

I would pick the Mossberg just because. That said, how much actual shooting do you plan on doing with such a gun?

 

I had to make the same choice. Lots of research. 590 was my bet and it is fantastic piece.

 

As a longtime user of both, either is a well proven shotgun. I have no problems using either one. If I had to pick one for lifetime use it would be clearly the Remington 870. As they wear the action bars on the 500 can twist and bind also the safety can come lose on the 500 and fail. The Remington is heavier but has no weak points.

 

IMO the 870 ejector spring is the weak point and not as easy for you to repair yourself .

 

I was able to compare a 590 that they also had in stock but the 870 felt natural to me , now that I adjusted the magpul stock to fit me like a glove it was a clear winner , fit and finish is great I think the
higher quality control of Rem Arms shows even the action feels good. The extractor looks different then the old express but the mag tube still has those dimples. I have a friend who has the dimple removal
removal tool so I might add a wilson combat plus one extension kit.
I will take it to the range tomorrow and run some home brewed slugs through it see how it runs

 

Hmm...Do you think the military adopted the Benelli M4 shotgun because it is a cheaper alternative to a Mossberg or a Remington?

 

Put 100 slugs through it today and it s still right and tight, was able to keep them within a 4in circle at 20yards target after target smooth bore beed sight
Seems to be a fine shotgun glad I bought it

 

4” at 20 yards is horrible accuracy with slugs. You should be getting that at 75 yards.

 

thanks for the kind words ,
with my eyesight added with I forgot my prescription glasses at home so I just used normal eye protection. I would not be able to see a 4 inch target at 75 yards using a beed only sight 18 1/2 barrel without my prescription glasses so I was happy with keeping them inside a 4 inch circle , I was not shooting for best groups just inside the 4 inch ring and after firing off a string of 20 slugs at a time pretty much the was just a big hole inside
the ring , I shot 5 strings of 20 with posting a new target after each string. To be honest I was just having fun with my new gun not shooting for best groups although my first few shots at a fresh target would be touching
until a big hole develops inside the 4 inch ring I did not bring a tape measure as this was just good times with a new gun

 

The 870 vs 590 A1 choice, debate is akin to the 9mm vs .45ACP caliber war. I had the same shotgun choice a few months ago and having had a Remington 870 years ago, could have gone back in that direction. Went instead to the A1 model with Accu Choke, added a Magpul adjustable stock and have been very happy with my choice. Buy what you want and enjoy.

 

The Mossberg was picked because it was the only shotgun submitted. Remington did not bother to submit a gun in that runoff. The military did not get the Benelli because of cost, it was function that mattered. The military has a habit in previous days of picking the least expensive alternative.

 

Glad you like your gun. I have five Remingtons and like the gun, prefer it over the Mossberg. I hope RemArms has a long run on the classic design.

 

Accuracy varies with slug guns and ammo alot. Your results aren't good, but I am not surprised at all. Poor sights and no stablization tend to have that kind of accuracy. Sabot slugs may be better or not. A rifles barrel or even choke would help. Or just different slugs. For defense you don't need long range anyway. Most houses don't have ten yards of hallway and yards aren't usually don't have long shots.

 

I didn’t mean to insult your shootery, pard. I meant it was bad accuracy for that gun, or rather barrel, and didn’t mean you were the issue. I apologize for the confusion.