gfl216 233 Posted October 26, 2013 I just read an article on Guns N Ammo online and the author ( Don't remember who wrote it) stated that in his opinion the Mossberg 500 is the best overall pump action shotgun for home defense. It was a well written article and even though I prefer my Remington 870 to the Mossberg I can't argue with any of the authors views and reasons for his opinion. So, What do you think? What is the best overall H D pump action shotgun, and why? If I can find the article I'll post a link. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alec.mc 180 Posted October 26, 2013 the one that goes bang every time and you are comfortable using. the 500 and 870 are the top dogs in that game, use which ever one you are more comfortable with. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vjf915 456 Posted October 26, 2013 the one that goes bang every time and you are comfortable using. the 500 and 870 are the top dogs in that game, use which ever one you are more comfortable with. Yup. I prefer the safety on the 870 over the 500. That's the biggest, if not the only difference regarding operation. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TOMMY R 24 Posted October 26, 2013 When most people compare the Mossi 500 to the Rem 870 they are both great and pretty indestructible. The really big difference is Mossi receiver is aluminium the Rem is receiver is steel . Either one will outlast you . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CommonSense 0 Posted October 26, 2013 I've owned, fired and/or handled many 870's over the years; Wingmaster, Express and Police Magnum models. I was always an 870 guy. Just the other day, I handled a no-frills 18" 500 in a store. I was very favorably impressed with the smooth action, light weight, location of the safety and slide release and the way the stock fitted my body. If I was currently looking for a new pump, I would get the 500. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Njbanshee 9 Posted October 26, 2013 My vote is the 870 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rifleman1 32 Posted October 26, 2013 870 with some mods. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk - now Free Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NicePants 58 Posted October 26, 2013 Pick whichever one feels better to you. As long as it's reliable you're golden. That said, I vote for the 500. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Malice4you 627 Posted October 27, 2013 Remington 870 Mossberg 500/590 Ithaca 37 Benelli Nova/Supernova I'd be happy to pick any from that list to trust my or my family's lives. My current HD shotguns are a Benelli Supernova and a Stevens 320, though I hope to add one of each of the above to my collection... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BMWR12 35 Posted October 27, 2013 I would prefer either the Mossberg 500 factory Bullpup but the 870 Police with old school Remington top folding stock is a close second. The Bullpup is just above the legal OAL and is well balanced. It is very maneuverable, has lower recoil than a regular 500, and has 2 pistol grips. The 870 Police is a very good shotgun and the addition of the original top folding stock makes it pretty maneuverable and easy to control. It can also accept 2 and 3 shot extensions also. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lalo 13 Posted October 28, 2013 I prefer the safety location of the Mossberg 500 safety because I can reach it easily with my thumb when shooting righty or lefty. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Old Glock guy 1,127 Posted October 28, 2013 Yup. I prefer the safety on the 870 over the 500. That's the biggest, if not the only difference regarding operation. I agree with you about the safety location being the biggest difference, my preference being exactly the opposite. And now with three Mossbergs, I don't even want to get a Remington (even though I kind of like them), because if I have to reach for one in the unlikely event of a critical incident, I don't want to have to figure out where to look for the safety. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Clintoon Eastwood 2 Posted October 28, 2013 How about both one on each side of the bed! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smokin .50 1,907 Posted October 28, 2013 the one that goes bang every time and you are comfortable using. the 500 and 870 are the top dogs in that game, use which ever one you are more comfortable with. ^^^^^THIS^^^^^ To the OP: Alec has the right answer, lol! And while I'm "at-it", don't be the idiot who takes the gun outta-da-box and fires it till it jams-up from being soaked in packing grease! Clean the gun and lube it up, especially the rails and sleeve where metal-to-metal contact is being made. This will reduce friction and help to keep you from "short-stroking" the pump when seconds count! Then practice, practice, and practice some more. When you can pump-off 5 rounds in 4 seconds and hit something, at that point you can rely on both your skills and the shotty. When you can get off 5 shots in 2.5 sec's and knock-down pepper-poppers, then you're really decent. One of the worst sounds at a range is a dry shotty that needs lube. I can hear it from quite a distance away and tell you to lube yer gun without even having to look at it. My ears are "tuned" to it. Rem Oil and a paper towel is your friend, lol! Which ever one you decide to get, have fun and be safe! Dave As far as a safety goes, WHAT'S THAT? I don't ever use mine. I just keep the booger hooker off the bang switch...... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RecessedFilter 222 Posted October 28, 2013 Come to our shotgun shootouts. There's a reason why out of 20 shotguns, you see many many more Mossberg's than Remington's! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Purple Patrick 638 Posted October 28, 2013 Come to our shotgun shootouts. There's a reason why out of 20 shotguns, you see many many more Mossberg's than Remington's! Plus one more benelli;) I'll have to bring the mossberg out next time so it doesn't get jealous but I just got the 28"barrel for the snova. Clay killing time Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gfl216 233 Posted October 29, 2013 ^^^^^THIS^^^^^ To the OP: Alec has the right answer, lol! And while I'm "at-it", don't be the idiot who takes the gun outta-da-box and fires it till it jams-up from being soaked in packing grease! Clean the gun and lube it up, especially the rails and sleeve where metal-to-metal contact is being made. This will reduce friction and help to keep you from "short-stroking" the pump when seconds count! Then practice, practice, and practice some more. When you can pump-off 5 rounds in 4 seconds and hit something, at that point you can rely on both your skills and the shotty. When you can get off 5 shots in 2.5 sec's and knock-down pepper-poppers, then you're really decent. One of the worst sounds at a range is a dry shotty that needs lube. I can hear it from quite a distance away and tell you to lube yer gun without even having to look at it. My ears are "tuned" to it. Rem Oil and a paper towel is your friend, lol! Which ever one you decide to get, have fun and be safe! Dave As far as a safety goes, WHAT'S THAT? I don't ever use mine. I just keep the booger hooker off the bang switch...... I appreciate yours and everyone else's advice but I'm not in the market for a HD shotgun ( I have both an 870 and a mossy 500).I prefer the 870, maybe because I have more experience with it. I was just commenting on an article I read on G&A online and wondering which of the two most people prefer. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smokin .50 1,907 Posted October 29, 2013 I appreciate yours and everyone else's advice but I'm not in the market for a HD shotgun ( I have both an 870 and a mossy 500).I prefer the 870, maybe because I have more experience with it. I was just commenting on an article I read on G&A online and wondering which of the two most people prefer. O-K, but from the looks of it, the entire thread appears to be answering which one to get, lol! I don't own either gun. My wife bought me a Winchester Model 1300 Featherweight close to 30 years ago....with nuthin' but S and H Greenstamps! So that's what I use. At 2 rounds per second........lol. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
virpacalis 1 Posted October 30, 2013 Why not also consider an autoloader, like a Mossberg 930? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jm1827 284 Posted October 30, 2013 Both are great choices, I have a 50 year old 870 that still to this day runs fine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MidwestPX 172 Posted October 30, 2013 I've got both an 870 and a 590. The safety placement makes the 870 my go-to shotgun. They're both great boomsticks though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PK90 3,573 Posted October 30, 2013 Shall I dare recommend the UTS-15. Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladtepes 1,060 Posted October 30, 2013 if we are going to start to recommend non pump shotguns.. then why not just name the best HD gun there is.. AR15... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Purple Patrick 638 Posted October 30, 2013 Shall I dare recommend the UTS-15. Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk 2 Why not? The best gun is one your the most comfortable handling and familiar with This signature exceeds the 15 character capacity Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lunker 274 Posted October 30, 2013 O-K, but from the looks of it, the entire thread appears to be answering which one to get, lol! I don't own either gun. My wife bought me a Winchester Model 1300 Featherweight close to 30 years ago....with nuthin' but S and H Greenstamps! So that's what I use. At 2 rounds per second........lol. The Winchester 1200/1300 shotguns have the best and smoothest racking action I have ever felt. The Ithaca 12 gauge comes in 2nd because even though it is nearly as smooth, it seems to require more force to rack with certain brands of shells so there is more variability. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulnj088 9 Posted October 31, 2013 a cheap new england shotgun .. if you shoot a intruder the gun is state evidence Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gunguy1960 2 Posted October 31, 2013 Mossberg, better pump variety as well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Parker 213 Posted October 31, 2013 G&A Perspective: Why the Mossberg 500 is the Best Home Defense Shotgun of All Time http://www.gunsandammo.com/2013/10/21/ga-perspectives-mossberg-500-best-home-defense-shotgun-time/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Underdog 1,593 Posted October 31, 2013 I favor an Ithaca 37, and in particular a 20 gauge, with a shortened barrel. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lunker 274 Posted October 31, 2013 I favor an Ithaca 37, and in particular a 20 gauge, with a shortened barrel. Great gun. I've never seen one with shorter than a 26 inch barrel though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites