Remington 870 Vs. Mossberg 500

[sroc112 24]

Looking for a pump action shotgun, something that will be fun to shoot at the range and also have on hand for home defense. I am comparing the two models above and have gotten a lot of mixed opinions on preferences. Not looking to spend all that much on this gun, maybe $600 as a max. Thinking I want a shorter barrel like 18-22 inches, and possibly 20ga over 12ga.

 

Since it's a pump action, does the nj law of max 6 round capacity apply?

 

Interested in hearing some feedback on opinions and experience with the two. Thanks!

[Krdshrk 3,877]

They're pump action so anything goes.  No capacity limits - only standard federal length limits.

 

Newer Remington 870s can have QC issues.  I personally prefer Mossberg over Remington in terms of pump SG.  If price is a factor, look to the Mossberg Maverick 88.  Shares most of the same parts as the Mossberg 500.  You can get different length barrels as well.  Most standard field barrels are 28" and home defense barrels are 18.5".

[fishnut 2,358]

500 for the win. I still regularly shoot my 500 that I got 21 years ago. She has been used and abused and still shoots perfect

[sroc112 24]

Thanks! I'm not sure I need it as long as 28 inches, but I'll do some more research to see what will be best for me.

[Krdshrk 3,877]

Thanks! I'm not sure I need it as long as 28 inches, but I'll do some more research to see what will be best for me.

28" is a standard field barrel - if you're shooting clays it's good.  Don't really want shorter than 22-24" for actual field use.

[AlDente67 563]

The Mossy 500 Mariner comes in a waterproof tube, if the need arises.  Just saying.  Purely close quarters, not clays.

[Vlad G 345]

Of those two, 500. 

 

If I was buying a pump shotgun I would look at a Benelli Nova. They should be about $400. 

[dajonga 396]

Both are solid guns, but I like Mossbergs over the Remingtons for the following reasons...

 

-Ambi safety on the tang. Mine are upgraded to metal enhanced safeties

-Shell lifter does not interfere with loading

-Action release button is in a better position behind trigger guard instead of in front of it like the 870.

-A broken extractor can be replaced by me (I think the Remington needs to go back to the factory for repair)

 

Mossberg makes a combo 20 guage with an 18.5" security barrel and a longer field barrel/deer slug barrel.

 

Mavericks are budget 500s..... button safeties on the trigger guards, and the receivers are not tapped a drilled.

[Ricky_Bobby 130]

Your budget is great if its up to $600 - You can pick up a Mossy 500 for $300-350 depending on model - as was mentioned the Maverick 88 is also good, but it has a really cheap action slide tube - you can get one from Mossberg for $50 and you'll need it if changing out furniture on it

 

My 500 has Hogue 12" LOP stock and OM forend, and Mossberg Heat shield and 18.5" Security barrel - great HD weapon and fun to shoot - and I agree with above, I would choose Mossberg over Remington nowadays - no max capacity on pump shotguns. 

 

If you have a budget of $600, get yourself a Mossberg 590 (doesn't need to be the A1) - they will have the added magazine capacity of 8+1 with 20" barrels.

[GrumpyOldRetiree 38]

I own both. Both bought in the early 1980's. Both still function flawlessly.

If I had to buy one today, I would go with the Mossy.

Advantages of the Mossberg (at least on my guns):

1. Ambi safety that you can see where the gun is cheeked.

2. Don't need to be a gunsmith or machinist to replace the ejector spring.

3. Thumb or glove won't get jammed in the shell elevator when you reload.

4. Can use 3 inch shells. (this may also be true on modern 870's)

[GrumpyOldRetiree 38]

Both are solid guns, but I like Mossbergs over the Remingtons for the following reasons...

 

-Ambi safety on the tang. Mine are upgraded to metal enhanced safeties

-Shell lifter does not interfere with loading

-Action release button is in a better position behind trigger guard instead of in front of it like the 870.

-A broken extractor can be replaced by me (I think the Remington needs to go back to the factory for repair)

 

Mossberg makes a combo 20 guage with an 18.5" security barrel and a longer field barrel/deer slug barrel.

 

Mavericks are budget 500s..... button safeties on the trigger guards, and the receivers are not tapped a drilled.

Sorry for what appears to be a copy of your post. I'm a very slow typist. Great minds think alike.

[Hairless_Ape 76]

Mossberg 500 for me. For the same reasons listed by dajonga & GrumpyOldRetiree.

 

I looked at those Field/HD combos when I bought mine, but didn't want the tacticool pumpkin puncher. I purchased the all purpose 28" field 500 and also bought the normal 18.5" barrel. Doing so also saved me $50 compared to the price of the combo.

[bhunted 887]

590 is a great shotty. Bought mine years ago in Marinecote.

Still kicks arse today.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[sroc112 24]

Love that pic. Can't decide if I like the marine or the black better.

[sroc112 24]

Actually looking at the 590a1 now, may try and stop by the store to check them out this weekend.

[Old School 611]

590 is a great shotty. Bought mine years ago in Marinecote.

Still kicks arse today.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

OMG John ...  Such a Ninja.... Oh sorry I forgot you live in the hood.  Does that get heavy carrying it around the house all day?

 

Only having fun with ya buddy.  That is a nice set up for walking point.

[bhunted 887]

LOL, I don't usually leave the sling on... it was just for the photo shoot. But that is actually my 2nd flr choke point weapon....

 

OMG John ...  Such a Ninja.... Oh sorry I forgot you live in the hood.  Does that get heavy carrying it around the house all day?

 

Only having fun with ya buddy.  That is a nice set up for walking point.

[sroc112 24]

Main differences between the 500 and 590a1?

[JackDaWack 2,895]

Both are solid guns, but I like Mossbergs over the Remingtons for the following reasons...

 

-Ambi safety on the tang. Mine are upgraded to metal enhanced safeties

-Shell lifter does not interfere with loading

-Action release button is in a better position behind trigger guard instead of in front of it like the 870.

-A broken extractor can be replaced by me (I think the Remington needs to go back to the factory for repair)

 

Mossberg makes a combo 20 guage with an 18.5" security barrel and a longer field barrel/deer slug barrel.

 

Mavericks are budget 500s..... button safeties on the trigger guards, and the receivers are not tapped a drilled.

[Vlad G 345]

Main differences between the 500 and 590a1?

 

It used to be very clear, the 590 had a metal safety, metal trigger group and heavy walled barrel. Now, it isn't so clear .. they have a lot of versions, and I mean a LOT of versions of the 500/590 platform and some of the features from both sides of the line are creeping across. It used to be that the 590A1 also had ghost ring sights, and some still do but some don't soo ..

 

Yeah same gun, a few features packaged differently.  My recommendation is no matter which model you buy make sure it has replaceable chokes, do not get one of the fix cylinder or IC models,

[checko 180]

Main differences between the 500 and 590a1?

 

 

It used to be very clear, the 590 had a metal safety, metal trigger group and heavy walled barrel. Now, it isn't so clear .. they have a lot of versions, and I mean a LOT of versions of the 500/590 platform and some of the features from both sides of the line are creeping across. It used to be that the 590A1 also had ghost ring sights, and some still do but some don't soo ..

 

Yeah same gun, a few features packaged differently.  My recommendation is no matter which model you buy make sure it has replaceable chokes, do not get one of the fix cylinder or IC models,

 

 

Those are the main differences still, I believe.  They do have ghost ring, ghost ring with pic. rail, 3 dot, and bead sights.  There is only 1 model designed to use a choke.  Keep in mind the 500/590 barrels will NOT work on A1 models unless you switch out the mag tube as well, at that point you can just buy a used 500. 

[Ricky_Bobby 130]

Unless you are doing heavy military use I don't think you need the heavy walled A1 barrel, just adds more weight to the front and the factory 500/590 barrels are extremely stout - I also think the Metal safety and trigger groups now come on the 590A1's only, the 500/590's get polymer safeties and triggers which work well and are very stout -

[Vlad G 345]

BTW, I have one of "tactical" 500's with the thinner barrel and I never felt that it didn't have a steam heating pipe kind of solidity to it. I have no idea what purpose the heavy barrel serves, short of prying crates or something.

[checko 180]

I have a 20" a1.  Traded it for a savage .30-06 a while back.  I agree, unless your throwing it around, breaking doors down with it, you probably dont need the heavy wall.  You can always buy the metal parts on midway or brownells if you really want it.  

 

All that said I really do like it and the extra weight has never been an issue.  Hell I can beat someone unconscious with it.  Plus I can put my bayo on it  

[sroc112 24]

Paying for the 590 marinecote as i type : )

 

Bhunted what brand is your sling

 

Do they sell mountable lights to put on this gun?

[bhunted 887]

Bought it awhile ago so not sure. Think it was a Blackhawk. As far as mounts, there are a bunch, but I chose to swap out the forward with one that is built in. Believe it was a Fab Defense.

The side saddle is a GG&G...

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sroc112 24]

Did you also change the location of the front pivot for the shoulder harness?

[bhunted 887]

If you are talking about the sling studs, no. Everything on the gun is where it should be except added the forearm and side saddle. All else is original equip.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk