In Defense of Mossberg Pumps

[32 Magnum]

I bought a lightly used Mossberg 535 (3.5" chamber) a couple years back for $250 - wood stock and 28" raised rib, double bead barrel. I used it for Trap shooting when first getting into that sport and since then fired about 8,000 rounds through it, without any problems. I did have a self induced problem of short stroking when shooting doubles. I was also able to buy a 24" rifled barrel with adjustable rear rifle sights and a 22" threaded turkey barrel with optical light pipe front and adjustable rear sights - both pretty cheaply (around $70 - $75) on one of the gun auction sights. Nice, solid, reliable gun. I also own a Remington 870 Marine Magnum and have owned a Moss. 500A Persuader and still own a Moss. 500E .410 bore Home Security. I like all the pumps - the 535 is very versatile and has proven to be durable.

 

[Taurus44]

I bought my first shotgun, a Mossberg 500 12ga, more than 20 years ago. I got it used for $80 I think. 20 years later, with a broken plastic safety, after two trips to the bottom of the lake, after multiple drops in the dirt/mud and 1000's upon 1000's of rounds down the pipe, it still works great and goes bang every time. I'll keep it forever.

But... I also own a few Winchester shotguns, an Ithaca or two, and a gaggle of Remingtons. All are good guns in their own right.

 

[zhyla]

mossbergs are aluminum,870's are steel.nuff said

If by that you're implying that 870's are inferior because their receivers can rust, well, that may be true but just take good care of them and your 870 should be fine.

 

[joed]

mossbergs are aluminum,870's are steel.nuff said

So what? Anyone ever wear a receiver out on a Mossberg? Not that I've seen and if it did wear out it's simple to replace.

I've owned Mossbergs almost my whole shooting life.

 

[SwissArmyDad]

Is there an aftermarket replacement for the plastic mossberg safety? or is it simply a non-issue? Does the common break with this safety cause any malfunction or simply remove the option of putting it on "safe".

I don't think I every really used the safety on the 870 I sold last year. It was either locked in a quick access longgun safe, or it was in my hands, with no safety necessary. I would just open the action and pocket the round that was in the chamber if I needed to hop a fence or pause during a trap game.

 

[hdbiker]

I have a 60's 870 wingmaster,smooth as silk and flawless.I also have a Mosburg 500,and at todays prices hard to beat the Mossburg.biker

 

[OregonJohnny]

I have nothing against Mossbergs. I simply prefer 870's because that's what I've run tens of thousands of rounds through over the years, and there is no point in trying to change my muscle memory.

However, I was thinking back on the Magpul "Art of the Dynamic Shotgun" video, and remembered something about the mechanics of the 870 vs. the Mossberg.

Can you quickly eject the round in the chamber on the Mossberg without popping the next round out from the mag? I never knew this until watching the video, but you can with the 870. A half pump, then a thumb push on the round in the mag tube until it clicks, then continue the pump and out pops the chambered round without cycling the next round into the action. It works the same in cruiser ready mode if you want to load a round directly into the ejection port without cycling a round out of the mag tube.

I forget, can the Mossberg do this?

 

[Dave McCracken]

Conventional wisdom sayeth that an 870 will outlast a 500.

I've not seen any of either worn out. Has anyone?

 

[ElectrikKoolAid]

The 500 is unlikely to wear out as the major force where the barrel meets the bolt is steel on steel.

The aluminum receiver is lighter weight and rust-free in my opinion, which is a plus, not a minus.

 

[JFrame]

I like the lightness of my Mossberg 500...


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[dak0ta]

Is the Mossberg aluminum receiver 'aircraft grade' aluminum? The M16 uses 7075 Aluminum Alloy, is this the same grade in the Mossberg 500. Perhaps if we found out the type of alloy that would give us a better idea in its comparison to Remington's steel (what grade steel do they use?) And lastly, is Mossberg's aluminum it better or worse than the aluminum receivers used in Benelli, Browning, Beretta autoloaders?

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

You forgot to mention that the Mossbergs have a large choice in barrel options.

Same with Remington Shotguns.

As long as the Mag tube length matches up you're good to go.

Remingtons all have the same length tube, all barrels for an 870 will fit on an 870.

Also the safety can be used by left or right handers.

Same with the Remington shotguns.

and the forearm release is easy to get to without the shooter changing their grip on the weapon.

Mossberg certainly has a good release but I prefer the 870's.

My only gripe about the Mossberg 500 is the plastic safety button. It always breaks, Mossberg knows it breaks, but they refuse to replace it in production with a steel safety button. Other than that, the design is solid and very serviceable for the money.

I actually replaced my grandfathers safety for his 500, his broke completely off.

In the end I prefer the 870, it feels sturdier, its what I'm used to, and its what I'll take.

 

[jmr40]

So what? Anyone ever wear a receiver out on a Mossberg? Not that I've seen and if it did wear out it's simple to replace.

There are quite a few 870's with 200,000 rounds thorough them and still working. When someone does that with a Mossberg get back with us.

Replacing the receiver is hardly a simple task. Since it is the part with the SN it is considered "The Gun" The only way to replace the receiver is to buy a new gun.

There are lots of good pumps out there. I prefer the 870, but can understand why others prefer the Browning, Benelli Nova, Winchester 1300 and the Ithica. All good guns with different features that appeal to different shooters. I've never understood why anyone would choose a Mossberg when these options are available.

 

[straightshooter9]

jmr40......obviously you are a REMINGTON fan, which is fine.

But to state that there Remingtons "out there" that have over 200,000 rounds............do you doubt for a second that there are MOSSBERGS "out there" that have over 200,000 rounds?????

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

I grew up on Remingtons--but right now the only pump I have is a Mossberg 500.

For the $217(at Walmart) I paid for it--its fantastic deal--ported barrel--3 choke tubes--a LOP that fits(13 7/8's---shotgun stocks are getting way too long these days) --- light weight and non-sticky chamber. For another $80 bucks I added 18.5 in security barrel----total combo cost right at $300.

It lives behind the bedroom door most of the time--but can be used as cheap beater shotgun for the nasty stuff I'd rather not take my nicer guns through---can be used as loaner or backup for hunting---and if actually used for HD I'm not out much when the local PD confiscates it.

I wouldn't rule out another 870 but the $650 a new Wingmaster goes for is a bit of a stretch for what it is. Right now the Mossberg just works for my uses.

 

[shockwave]

My only gripe about the Mossberg 500 is the plastic safety button.

And:

Is there an aftermarket replacement for the plastic mossberg safety?

There certainly is - the Vancomp aluminum. This was one of the first mods I put on the gun. Also, the stiff action of the pump seems to really like cordite - after 100 rounds or so it just started running silk-smooth.

When I was out shopping for a shotgun, the Mossberg was the one that whispered, "get me." If you shop for firearms the way I do, you'll know what I'm talking about. At the range, I find that I enjoying shooting it more than any of my other firearms - even the 686+.

 

[Rail Driver]

I owned a Remington 870, and now I've got a Mossberg 500. I prefer the mossberg for one glaring reason that nobody has mentioned... The mossberg is 1-2lbs lighter than the remington 870 I had. The remington had an 18.5" barrel, the mossberg has a 20". The remington didn't have a tube extention, the mossberg does.

Both have synthetic furniture.

 

[benzy2]

This talk about guns with 200,000 rounds through them is all pointless. These shotguns cost ~$300. 200,000 rounds even at $4/25 is $32k worth of ammo. Do you think the cost of a $300 shotgun matters when you spend that much on ammo?

 

[krimmie]

I almost bought a Mossberg in 20 gauge a couple years ago, but I couldn't get past the loose fitting fore end. The express pointed better for me, and felt less bulky, but everyone requires a different fit.
'
Mossberg, Remington Express, they both are not close to the quality of my Winchester model 12 and Ithaca model 37.

 

[JFrame]

I owned a Remington 870, and now I've got a Mossberg 500. I prefer the mossberg for one glaring reason that nobody has mentioned... The mossberg is 1-2lbs lighter than the remington 870 I had. The remington had an 18.5" barrel, the mossberg has a 20". The remington didn't have a tube extention, the mossberg does.

Both have synthetic furniture.

Ahem...EXCUSE me...

I like the lightness of my Mossberg 500...


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[Hocka Louis]

I may very well get yelled at by a Moderator for this now or later but Mossbergs don't need defending and, nowadays, Remington 870's can't be.

 

[lobo9er]

870 works better with a scope because of the safety imho also better with pstol grip. 2 very lil factors. A 590 follows me around sometimes but so does a wingmaster.

 

[mark1616]

I love my Moss 500. A good scatter at a good price.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

I may very well get yelled at by a Moderator for this now or later but Mossbergs don't need defending and, nowadays, Remington 870's can't be.

You mean the rust bucket Express models? Yeah, I have one and don't like it because it rusts but thats it. My brother has a new production Marine Magnum and its a sweet gun, can't really say anything bad about it.

 

[MIL-DOT]

I have a 500 and an 870,and they've both been flawless, but I once had an 8-shot,hard chromed Ithica 37 that mysteriously disappeared many years ago at the hand of one of my brothers,and I think I'd trade both my 870 and 500 for that Ithica back