NEF Protector or Mossberg 500sp

[Storz]

Looking for an inexpensive HD shotgun, these two seem to be the cheapest. Any reason to choose one over the other?

500SP

NEF Protector

 

[il_10]

I don't have any experience with the NEF, but they get good reviews on this forum. I do have the same 500 as that picture, first shotgun I ever bought. I've never had any problem with it, except early on it liked to stick with really light skeet loads. A little elbow grease and it opened up, and that hasn't been an issue past the first 100-150 shells or defense/hunting loads. The NEF will take a mag extension, the 500 won't. OTOH I'd wager there are far more aftermarket and parts options available for the 500. It depends on what you're going to do with it. Safety placement is a consideration as well; I have a pistol grip full stock on my 500 and it makes it difficult to reach the safety. This isn't a huge concern for me since i rarely engage it, but it may be an issue for you. With the standard stock the 500 safety is probably quicker to operate. The military and police use more 500s & 590s than NEFs, for what that's worth. I doubt there's too much of a difference.

 

[RevolvingGarbage]

I have the NEF shotgun. Its got a steel reviever compared to the mossbergs aluminum receiver, so its stronger but heavier.

 

[Fred Fuller]

It pretty much depends which design suits you best personally. I wouldn't feel too deprived with either one. Of course, since my 870 chops are pretty well set, the NEF (an 870 clone) comes more readily to hand for me. But there are multiple examples of both here.

lpl

 

[jlv08]

Well, I would not thumb my nose up at a Mossberg as they are very good shotguns and will out last most folks with normal use.

My experience with the Pardner pumps has neen nothing but positive.
I had a !2 gauge in walnut and blue and it was built lik a tank.

I field stripped the gun to look for any "cheapness" in construction and found nothing.

Every thing was crisp and well machined

I also have a Pardner Pump Compact and sold the 12 gauge Pardner because the gun was a bit heavy for my tastes.

The P.P.Compact is in twenty gauge and built on a smaller frame and fits me well and is a well made shotgun.

The Pardner Protector is a purpose built shotgun and gives up nothing, IMHO, to any other makers out there.

It's preference and I wish you the best in your decision.

 

[Storz]

Thanks for the replies, I'll probably go with the NEF as its a bit cheaper

 

[JNewell]

Where is the NEF made? Actually made, not location of the importer (if it is imported). I was looking at a US-branded but Chinese-manufactured 870 clone over the weekend and was not impressed at all. If the NEF is similar, I'd go for the Mossberg in a heartbeat, which might turn out to be an appropriate unit of measurement for this particular gun.

 

[RevolvingGarbage]

The NEF is made in China. Its all steel and the furniture is sturdy synthetic.

What did you find unimpressive about the chinese clone you inspected?

 

[jmortimer]

I've owned both a Mossberg 590 with Ghost Ring Sights and a Pardner Protector for less than half the money. I liked them both but I have to say the Pardner is a better value. For me I would go with the Remington/Marlin/H&R Pardner Protector - really solid gun.

 

[jlv08]

The Pardner Pump is built to NEF specs and they, the Chinese builders, make a very good shotgun for NEF. ( I'm donning my flame retardant suit for the Chicom haters as I type).
The other variants that come from China are pretty much made to their milspec req's I believe and are not pretty nor were they meant to be.

They are made to go bang and to do so repeatedly very much like their SKS rifles.

I had a Hawk 982 that was fugly but it shot well and still does to this day.

The closest to "bling " status any of the Chicom shotguns have become is the walnut and blue Pardner pumps and some of their camo guns.

I looked long and hard at mine before I bought it and right now they are a bargain, but when folks catch on and these guns continue to prove themselves, they won't be a bargain for long.

 

[janobles14]

while i am an 870 fan for most of my hunting or field guns (except my main turkey gun is an 835) i like the mossy's for home defense simply for one reason. they dont have the shell lifter that can pinch ones finger or thumb in a high stress situation.

 

[MAX100]

The reason why I would choose the Protector.

Steel receiver
Parkerized finish
Clean-out mag tube. The mag tube on the 500 is sealed and you have to remove the whole mag tube from the receiver just to clean it out and change the spring
Protector easier to take down and clean
Cost less
870 accessories and most parts will fit
Can accept a tube extension
Steel receiver is easier to paint if it gets scratch up and worn
Machined aluminum trigger guard, plastic on the 500
Very durable and reliable

GC

 

[nathan]

I ve handled both and would go for the Pardner. The price is right and quality shines.

 

[AcceptableUserName]

i'd go with the Mossberg primarily because Mossberg is a great company and has world class customer service. Bpth guns are GREAT, so if price is the bottom line for you, just get what is cheaper, provided both feel good to you. It's really that simple.

 

[MAX100]

I might would go with the Mossberg 590A1 18.5" over the Protector but not the 500 mainly because of sealed mag tube on the 500.

The 590 cost over twice as much though.


GC

 

[anheiserglock]

Just picked up the Protector this weekend....I love it so far. Can't beat the price either. $219.00 plus tax out the door. Great for HD. Lots of accessories out there. Great gun for a great price.

 

[swampboy]

The reason why I would choose the Protector.

Steel receiver
Parkerized finish
Clean-out mag tube. The mag tube on the 500 is sealed and you have to remove the whole mag tube from the receiver just to clean it out and change the spring
Protector easier to take down and clean
Cost less
870 accessories and most parts will fit
Can accept a tube extension
Steel receiver is easier to paint if it gets scratch up and worn
Machined aluminum trigger guard, plastic on the 500
Very durable and reliable

GC

^^This^^
I have both. Everything Max said is dead on. The only reasons I'd get the 500 would be for the lighter weight or if I preferred the safety location more so than an "870" setup.

Don't get me wrong though. I like Mossbergs too!

 

[deputy tom]

I've handled/shot chinese 870 clones and owned/shot/handled real 870's,and Mossbergs.I like made in USA,cross-bolt safeties and light weight.I own a Maverick.It has all the things I like and none that I don't and they are inexpensive to buy.YMMV.tom.

 

[jmortimer]

Maverick = "Made in Mexico" - Nothing wrong with that but it is not made in USA most of the parts are but not all and it is not "Made in USA"