Howdy All

[SouthSideDiablo]

Well, to be plain and simple, I'm looking for an all-around shotgun. Kinda hoping you guys can help me out a bit. I've pretty much narrowed it down to Remington 870s and Mossberg 500s, as it seems the norm goes. But I'm looking for a pump shotgun that I'd be able to do a little bit of everything with (Claybird, turkey, crow, etc,etc) with an adjustable or removable choke. I have gone claybird shooting with a side-by-side, but I'd prefer a pump-action. So my main question, which of the two shotguns would I be better off getting, or does it end up just being whichever feels better? I'd like one with a shorter barrel, as the longer barrels don't really appeal to me much. Any help would be great, thanks.

 

[cat_IT_guy]

either one should do the job well. they both have outstanding, well deserved reputations for reliability and durability. I have owned one of each and of the two I would probably pick the 870. Just my $.02.

 

[sbarkowski]

Im a Benelli fan, but out of your choices I'd say the 870. Very versatile, lots of add on parts available and they're usually well priced. Even different barrels arn't too bad on the wallet. Very easy to break down and clean. Newer express models seem to have problems with rough chambers every so often but thats easily fixed. People have also had rust issues because of the finish tends to hold moisture, but it also holds OIL just as well . They also seem to fit the majority of shooters which in the end is what really matters. Not a Mossberg fan for my own reasons, but you really cant go wrong with either. Good luck.

 

[shevrock]

I'm a Mossberg fan myself, BUT. if you plan on doing hunting [not tactical shooting and HD] go for the 870. Mossberg is amazing, but an 870 is a hunter. This is in my opinion by the way.

 

[alaskanativeson]

The 870 has been around so long, and it shows no sign of slowing down, that it has to be doing something right. What that is is to continue to function smoothly and reliably in the field no matter what field you're in or what target is in front of you.

The 500/590 has grown so quickly in popularity that it, too, must be doing something well. Again, it is a case of simplicity and dependability.

Between the two, the 870 has a smoother action. The controls on the Mossberg are a little nicer. If I could get my Mossberg to function as smooth as my 870 does I'd lose the Remington. If my Remington had a tang safety and Mossy's release button I'd lose the 590. Actually, I'd still probably keep both, I just really like both guns.

Go to a store and pick them up. Shoulder them. If possible, go to a range and ask to borrow someone's. Whatever feels best to you, get one. If you can do so the following payday, get the other one and have a pair.

 

[SouthSideDiablo]

Alright, thanks for the help everyone. I'll probably be picking up the 870 synthetic with the 18" barrel once I get some cash.

 

[DaleCooper51]

If you want to do turkey and other things, a barrel that takes choke tubes would add to the versatility. Since you want a shorter barrel, I would look at something like the 870 express turkey gun with a 21" vent rib rem choke barrel.