Mossberg vs. Remington

[Paradiddle]

There is one thing I do like better about the Mossberg - no frigging loading gate to get your finger stuck in while competing and trying to load fast (like in 3 gun).

Frankly the Flite King is better then both of them and would have been the military's shotgun instead of the 870 had not the Remington Propaganda machine convinced the military that you needed 2 slide arms instead of one.

The military shotgun prior to this "choice" was the Ithaca 37 - which has one slide arm as well. And so does the Winchester......

anyway they are both very well made shotguns that have a massive aftermarket support. To say one is more "serious" then the other is just silly.

 

[BADUNAME37]

Uhhhm, Chevy vs. Ford?
Same difference.
I have a Mossberg 500. I USED TO OWN an 870, but sold it years ago.

 

[MCgunner]

There is one thing I do like better about the Mossberg - no frigging loading gate to get your finger stuck in while competing and trying to load fast (like in 3 gun).

That gate HURTS when you're out duck hunting and it's cold and your thumb is numb. Hard to load and not get a glove caught in it until I figured out that I could just hold the thing down with an off hand and load with it up. But, when you're competing or when there's ducks coming and you're in a hurry, that's a little slow.

I agree that this is one of the major ergonomic advantages to the Mossberg along with the position of the slide release and the tang safety. I'm not really worried about any minuscule differences in quality other than if I had an 870, I'd get a camo finish (the rust thing). If either one doesn't work right out of the box, Mossberg or Remington will fix it and as someone said, either will outlast you even if you hunt waterfowl avidly as I do. I know of few serious skeet and trap competitors that would use a pump, regardless of brand. My preference is based only on the Mossberg's superior ergos and that the gun has proven to me that it's a rugged tool for waterfowl hunting.

Most serious clay shooters, the guys that get on TV, use O/Us, single shot trap guns like the Kleingunthers, or perhaps an auto. I'm not sure where you guys are seeing these 870s in international competition. I used an express once (rusty, too, LOL!) to win a trap shoot on the back of a cruise ship. The ship was full of yankees that didn't know which end the shot came out of, wasn't MY skill. LOL

 

[jhuwa]

both are very usable and proven shotguns. i actually have both of them. both of mine are good for hundreds of rounds before cleaning. get it wet drop in the dirt pick it up and shoot it again. unless you shoot a lot i cant imagine you would see much of a difference in them. on a sporting clays course i shoot similar scores with either of them.

 

[22lr]

I like mossberg just because of the safty, its quicker for me to bring my 500 into action than I am able to get a 870. Also the loading gate on the Remington guns drives me nuts, I don't now how many times ive jammed em up. Both are great but I will also argue that the older 1300s, and 37s are amazing guns to.

 

[MCgunner]

The Winchester 1300 and the Ithaca 37 are every bit the shotguns any 500 or 870 ever were, yet you always hear Mossberg vs Remington as if that's the only choices in pump shotguns. I guess it's the price and the fact that the 1300 is no longer made.

I've had that 870 jam from turning the round loose too soon several times, shoots back under the loading gate/elevator and you have to dig it forward with a pocket knife, not fun when the ducks are flying. Something about the shape of the gate on my old 870 Wingmaster, but it just HURT when it pinched a cold thumb. My Winchester 1400 doesn't hurt like that, still a pain compared to not having it in the way, though. Just be sure you hear the "click" before turning the round loose in the magazine.

 

[d2wing]

I have one of each and have owned a few of each. I did have a problem with the safety button falling off one a 500. But other than that both have been good for me. I mostly shoot a o/u now but an pump is good to have
either brand. Some like the top safety of the 500 and slightly lighter receiver.
Some are just the opposite. The 870 feels a little more solid. Good luck.

 

[mossberglad]

Both are great and have withstood the test of time but I'd go with the mossberg. I just really like them

 

[dwave]

The Winchester 1300 and the Ithaca 37 are every bit the shotguns any 500 or 870 ever were, yet you always hear Mossberg vs Remington as if that's the only choices in pump shotguns. I guess it's the price and the fact that the 1300 is no longer made.

I know, my 1300 (speed pump) is a terrific shotgun! I got it about 2 weeks ago brand new for 200. Its a very fast and smooth pump.

 

[Virginian]

Where people are shooting for money, go count the different types of pump guns on the firing line. That is all.

 

[MCgunner]

Yeah, I have often wondered where all these 870s are at big skeet matches. I mean, bubba down at the gun club is one thing, but...... LOL They make fine hunting weapons, though, and are affordable for their level of quality. That's why I've had one most of my life and may buy a few more in the future.

 

[Guero4179]

I prefer the Mossberg Safety, Elevator, and lower cost for parts and the initial purchase. Its been proven that pump receivers can be aluminum and last just fine. Mossy does not make anything as nice as the high polished Wingmasters or 1100s but for a defense gun the M500 does the job and well.

 

[KINGMAX]

Remington 870 express magnum

I paid $239 for mine about 4 years ago, I have never regretted it for a moment. One one the best I have ever had. I lost a BROWNING Sweet 16 Belgium made complete w/ gold trigger in a boating mishap on the LUMBER RIVER. I had a REMINGTON Sportsman that was made like a BROWNING Automatic, and a REMINGTON 1100. Of all of them for the $$$$$, I will stick w/ my REMINGTON 870.

 

[wrs840]

I own one 870, one Winchester 1300, and three Mossberg pumps. They're all great shotguns, reliably and flawlessly functional. I peg the 1300 as #2 (and prettiest) in my book, but I prefer the Mossberg safety position, and Mossbergs just balance better and hop-up onto my shoulder faster, so they get my vote for the most comfortable utility pump shotgun.

FWIW,
Les

 

[shiftyer1]

Getting guns with the same controls is a good idea especially if it will be used for hd. I have both and feel I would spend an extra second or two figuring out which safety or slide release which in that case might matter. If only for hunting try both and pick the best for you.