I'm gonna get a nice pump gun for home defense. The inexpensive ones appear to be the Mossberg 500 and the Remington 870. Frankly, I'd be happy with a used gun. Does anyone think I could actually get one for under $200? If so, how?
Remington 870 for under $200?
- Thread starter Dr_2_B
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It is quite possible to find 870's in that price range. I like used guns and these yuo can find on gunbroker or auctionarms. Better yet, hit your local gunshops or pawnshops.
When the sales are on, you can sometimes find brand new Express guns for close to 200 clams.
I paid around 260 for my first 870. Every one after that was under 200. Two were receivers for less than 50 bucks.
Used 870's (yeah that's plural!) are the way I'd go.
Mike
When the sales are on, you can sometimes find brand new Express guns for close to 200 clams.
I paid around 260 for my first 870. Every one after that was under 200. Two were receivers for less than 50 bucks.
Used 870's (yeah that's plural!) are the way I'd go.
Mike
Fred Fuller
Moderator Emeritus
Should be doable, easy enough- lots of good used 870s around this time of year. Just shop around and bargain/haggle if you need to, to get the price you want. Don't worry too much about surface appearance, usually the rougher a gun looks outside the cheaper it will be. Just make sure the internals are good, to include the bore, and you should do fine. Look for Wingmasters with 2 3/4" only chambers, that's plenty of shell in a 12 ga. Or try to find Police trade-ins, or older Express guns (the pre-magazine tube dimples/plastic trigger plates/locking safeties are older models). You should run across several in your price range.
Mossbergs I don't know that much about, but they generally run cheaper than 870s (there's reasons for that, you know...8^).
lpl/nc
Mossbergs I don't know that much about, but they generally run cheaper than 870s (there's reasons for that, you know...8^).
lpl/nc
Karbon
Member
I've seen several 870's for under 200 at the gun shows this year. I think it should be no problem for you.
Tough to beat the 870...
Tough to beat the 870...
rellascout
member
Paid under $375 for 2 Used Poilce Mags a few years ago.
Look around there are a lot of good used 870s all over the place.
Look around there are a lot of good used 870s all over the place.
Falcontech
Member
I got my 870 at Dick's Sporting goods for $249.00 before tax.
Great gun!!!!!
Great gun!!!!!
well most people will use the arguement that the 870 is better because its a steel reiever vs the mossy's alluminum one. but that doesnt matter since its not a high pressure area. others will claim that the 870 is better built.
on the other side mossy's will point out they are the mil spec gun ect.
take a serious look at both
on the other side mossy's will point out they are the mil spec gun ect.
take a serious look at both
The 500 and the 870 are both very good pump guns. I don't think there is much difference other than personal preference. Either gun will do more rounds than your shoulder. Look at both and get what fits. The fit is much more important than the quality difference between the guns which is slight if any. Big 5 usually has this on special:
http://big5sportinggoods.shoplocal....gle&storeid=2503899&rapid=276813&pagenumber=2
It would be nice to have a gun for HD and hunting/clays. I believe the "combo" has both barrels (20" and 30"?).
az
http://big5sportinggoods.shoplocal....gle&storeid=2503899&rapid=276813&pagenumber=2
It would be nice to have a gun for HD and hunting/clays. I believe the "combo" has both barrels (20" and 30"?).
az
The opinion of guys I know with 100+ guns and decades of experience seems to be close to unanimous: get the 870.
My opinion (not worth as much as theirs): get the 870.
Easy to clean, infinitely customizable, beyond reliable. I know someone who shot a 500 to death in the field; it just fell apart, though it took a lot to do it. I have shot a couple old 870s that probably have 100,000+ rounds through them, and they're like new.
It's not Ford vs. Chevy.
However, since you won't shoot the gun much by shotgunning standards, the Mossy should be fine and you might find a decent HD gun for $100. If you lived here, I could tell you where there's one on a shop rack.
My opinion (not worth as much as theirs): get the 870.
Easy to clean, infinitely customizable, beyond reliable. I know someone who shot a 500 to death in the field; it just fell apart, though it took a lot to do it. I have shot a couple old 870s that probably have 100,000+ rounds through them, and they're like new.
It's not Ford vs. Chevy.
However, since you won't shoot the gun much by shotgunning standards, the Mossy should be fine and you might find a decent HD gun for $100. If you lived here, I could tell you where there's one on a shop rack.
redneck2
Member
I worked in a gun shop. There were considerably more Mossbergs that came back for repair than 870's, but I'm not sure of the ratio of new sold from one brand to another.
I personally prefer the 870, but maybe it's more opinion than fact.
I personally prefer the 870, but maybe it's more opinion than fact.
Fred Fuller
Moderator Emeritus
Mossberg did win a military contract once upon a time- in a proposal where Remington didn't enter. And they had to redesign the 500 to do it- that's where the 590 came from. If you want a Mossberg, get a 590 so you have easy access to the magazine tube for maintenance- with the 500 you have to unscrew the magazine tube from the receiver to get to it, since it's essentially closed at the front. BTW, the current military contract shotgun is a Benelli.
Remington seems to be behaving toward the 870 pretty much as the US government is treating the formerly almighty dollar- doing everything they can to squander a long-time reputation for superiority. Quite frankly, Remington has reached the point where I can no longer recommend the purchase of ANY new 870 these days, to include the much-vaunted 870P. There are too many problems surfacing with new 870s that just shouldn't be there. It pains me to say this, I have used 870s since childhood and prefer them to any other pumpgun. But until Remington gets their big green house in order, I'll not be buying any new 870s. I suggest you find a good used 870 (older Express, Wingmaster or Police), look for an extra barrel from 18- 21" if the gun doesn't come with one (a Police, riot, slug or turkey barrel), make sure the gun fits you and has a premium recoil pad, and practice with it until it is as familiar as a body part.
Stay safe,
lpl/nc
Remington seems to be behaving toward the 870 pretty much as the US government is treating the formerly almighty dollar- doing everything they can to squander a long-time reputation for superiority. Quite frankly, Remington has reached the point where I can no longer recommend the purchase of ANY new 870 these days, to include the much-vaunted 870P. There are too many problems surfacing with new 870s that just shouldn't be there. It pains me to say this, I have used 870s since childhood and prefer them to any other pumpgun. But until Remington gets their big green house in order, I'll not be buying any new 870s. I suggest you find a good used 870 (older Express, Wingmaster or Police), look for an extra barrel from 18- 21" if the gun doesn't come with one (a Police, riot, slug or turkey barrel), make sure the gun fits you and has a premium recoil pad, and practice with it until it is as familiar as a body part.
Stay safe,
lpl/nc
byf43
Member
Finding an 870 for $200 or less is doable, but, you need to look around.
For the longest time, I couldn't find a deal on anything.
BAM!
New Remington 870 Express Super Magnum w/ 26" bbl on sale from $299 at Dick's, down to $239.
I had two coupons that the manager allowed me to use, which totalled another $50.00 off. Now at $189.
On top of that, there was a $50 mail-in rebate.
Bottom line - - - $139.00 (but that didn't include tax on the sub total of $189! And, I had to wait for the rebate check.)
Went to a local gunshow looking for an 870P (Police) shotgun a couple of weeks later.
New 870P was going for $595. $575.00 for CASH. (Not in my price bracket.)
Just before leaving the show, I saw a guy about 40 feet away, holding up a pump scattergun, and that little gun caught my attention. (What is it, I thought?)
As I walked toward the vendor, I was saying to myself (nothing aloud), "Put the shotgun down and just back away. Put the shotgun down and just back away. Put the shotgun down and just back away."
Well, this guy must have heard me saying this to myself. He put it down, retrieved his son and left.
By this time, I am reaching for this shotgun.
Remington 870 Wingmaster with a 20" cyl bore barrel!
It didn't appear to have been fired more than twice. (The vendor was selling the shotgun on consignment for a lady whose husband had died.)
Bottom line.. . . . out the door. . . . $210!!!!!!
Called Remington with the serial #. I quote, "Remington 870 Wingmaster 'Police' gun, built in 1980, 2-3/4" chamber (doesn't bother me). . . left the factory with a 20" cyl bore barrel."
$200 plus MD tax. This 870 is gorgeous!!!!!!!!!! Absolutely flawless!
Deals can be 'had' IF you are patient and shop for them.
For the longest time, I couldn't find a deal on anything.
BAM!
New Remington 870 Express Super Magnum w/ 26" bbl on sale from $299 at Dick's, down to $239.
I had two coupons that the manager allowed me to use, which totalled another $50.00 off. Now at $189.
On top of that, there was a $50 mail-in rebate.
Bottom line - - - $139.00 (but that didn't include tax on the sub total of $189! And, I had to wait for the rebate check.)
Went to a local gunshow looking for an 870P (Police) shotgun a couple of weeks later.
New 870P was going for $595. $575.00 for CASH. (Not in my price bracket.)
Just before leaving the show, I saw a guy about 40 feet away, holding up a pump scattergun, and that little gun caught my attention. (What is it, I thought?)
As I walked toward the vendor, I was saying to myself (nothing aloud), "Put the shotgun down and just back away. Put the shotgun down and just back away. Put the shotgun down and just back away."
Well, this guy must have heard me saying this to myself. He put it down, retrieved his son and left.
By this time, I am reaching for this shotgun.
Remington 870 Wingmaster with a 20" cyl bore barrel!
It didn't appear to have been fired more than twice. (The vendor was selling the shotgun on consignment for a lady whose husband had died.)
Bottom line.. . . . out the door. . . . $210!!!!!!
Called Remington with the serial #. I quote, "Remington 870 Wingmaster 'Police' gun, built in 1980, 2-3/4" chamber (doesn't bother me). . . left the factory with a 20" cyl bore barrel."
$200 plus MD tax. This 870 is gorgeous!!!!!!!!!! Absolutely flawless!
Deals can be 'had' IF you are patient and shop for them.
Karbon
Member
Still the 870.
Easy to mod and clean.
It's well supported in the aftermarket.
Most importantly, to me it just feels like it is built a little more solid and can fit nearly everyone.
I have also seen some 870 SP's new for $230 at the local gun shows. I think you should have no problem finding one at one.
my .02
Easy to mod and clean.
It's well supported in the aftermarket.
Most importantly, to me it just feels like it is built a little more solid and can fit nearly everyone.
I have also seen some 870 SP's new for $230 at the local gun shows. I think you should have no problem finding one at one.
my .02
I have never seen a Mossberg fall apart that was properly maintained. I like the 590, I like the 870, I like the Ithaca model 37 much better than either the 590 of the 870. Finding a model 37 for under $200 may be a challenge but would be the best choice IMHO.
az
az
SSN Vet
Member
<$200
Go down to the Kittery Trading Post with $200 in your pocket and pick out the one you like best....
They have several listed on their used guns listing for <$200.
You'll have to beet me to it though
Actually this won't be all that hard, as I don't have the $200 (yet).
Go down to the Kittery Trading Post with $200 in your pocket and pick out the one you like best....
They have several listed on their used guns listing for <$200.
You'll have to beet me to it though
Actually this won't be all that hard, as I don't have the $200 (yet).
Doesn't it seem interesting that THE BEST home defense weapon is so inexpensive? Plus, it's one of the most versatile weapons ever devised. Well, you guys have me salivating now, so I may have one of these guys really soon. Thanks for the help.
cyphertext
Member
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2006
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As others have said, it can be done. I have purchased two used Wingmasters, one for $160 and the other for $150. The $160 one is capable of 3 inch shells, and has a 28" vent rib barrel with rem chokes. Great gun. The $150 one is 2 3/4 only, with some finish wear, but smooth as silk.
Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
Mat, it's amazing how little one can pay to achieve mechanical immortality. One can put together a group of 870s set up for everything from Skeet to WWIV and pay less than for a decent name brand O/U.
Number Six was bought about 3 years past for $178 out the door. Near new, it shows a bit of finish wear on the receiver and came with a 30" Full Choke un- ribbed barrel choked wondrous tight. I paid a bit more for the LC barrel now on it than for the shotgun.
Friend anapex lucked into a TC with hard case, five chokes and nice wood for $250. Oh, yes, it has the overbore barrel so sought after.
Lee Lapin has bought some recently at bargain prices.
There's bargains out there, one has to persevere....
Number Six was bought about 3 years past for $178 out the door. Near new, it shows a bit of finish wear on the receiver and came with a 30" Full Choke un- ribbed barrel choked wondrous tight. I paid a bit more for the LC barrel now on it than for the shotgun.
Friend anapex lucked into a TC with hard case, five chokes and nice wood for $250. Oh, yes, it has the overbore barrel so sought after.
Lee Lapin has bought some recently at bargain prices.
There's bargains out there, one has to persevere....
ACP230
Member
The latest Shotgun News has police turn-in 870s for $169.
You'd have to have your dealer order you one which would bump that price a little.
You'd have to have your dealer order you one which would bump that price a little.
as a matter of fact i found 3 870 w/extended mags for $200 each yesterday.
wood is ratty and some rust speckling and scratches galore on the metal but
barrels were very clean. just shop around. thats half the fun of looking for gun bargains................
wood is ratty and some rust speckling and scratches galore on the metal but
barrels were very clean. just shop around. thats half the fun of looking for gun bargains................
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