Need some help with first gun choice

[Dustin C.]

Hey guys and gals!

I've always been into guns and shooting, but I've never actually owned a firearm for myself. But I'm ready for that to change. I've decided, after long talks and a lot of thinking, that I want to start off with a 12 gauge shotgun. Just based on prices and functionality and all, it seemed like the best choice.

I have also decided that my first should either be a Moss 500, an H&R Pardner Pump, or a Rem 870, and I doubt that many people would argue otherwise. But I have had a tough time picking one gun over the others. They all seem pretty evenly priced, with the 870 usually being a little more expensive. And they all appear to be very tough, quality built guns, and this is backed up from reviews and opinions by various owners, including some of you fine men and women.

To help me decide, I need a few questions answered by owners and more experienced shooters about the guns' adaptability to mix and match parts like barrels, stocks and grips, magazine extensions, etc. I really want it to be an "all-in-one" kind of gun with interchangeable parts to fit the scenario. So, here are the questions:

1. Which gun has less expensive replacement barrels as an average? And which barrels can be swapped out easier?
2. Which gun has the cheaper/easier to install magazine extensions?
3. Which gun is easier to completely disassemble and clean?
4. Which gun has the less expensive and easier to install accessories like pistol grips and other tactical accessories?

Thank you to all who answer. And, just because I know it matters, whatever gun I get will be a new model. I hope to get some good replies!

[Cali-Shooter]

Hi Dustin
Glad that you are going to become a 2A practitioner (gun owner) like most of us here! For your first gun purchase, I believe you are going the way most gun owners have gone (I have gone this way also) with getting a pump shotgun as your first gun. The Mossberg 500 series is really good, and so is the Remington 870.

For a 12 gauge, my personal favorite is the Mossberg 590A1 w/ the Ghost Ring sights and the bayonet lug. If you are going to go with a Mossberg, the 590A1 is probably the best choice, as it has a metal triggerguard, which is more durable than the plastic ones of other M500 series.

Another thing to look for in your shotgun choice, make sure that you pick one that has the ammo capacity you want. Most shotguns have a max capacity of 8 or 9 shells with the extended mag tube (many shotguns come with this capacity), although, there are some shotguns that are more suited for hunting and have capacities of 5, 6, 7, or less. I recommend you get a shotgun that has a high capacity around 9, 8, or 7 shells, and it could be a great gun for home defense if it ever came down to it.

If you want a good shotgun that is probably the best deal per dollar out there on the market, get a Mossberg Maverick 88 'Security' Model. It has a 9 shell capacity (8+1 in the chamber), is fairly lightweight (lighter than a Mossberg 590A1), has plenty of accessories out there in the aftermarket, and it only costs like $200 (but expect to pay $260-$280 because of DROS fees and such).

I hope this helps with your decision. I guarantee that your first gun will not be your last

[jonni]

the mossberg 500 combo seems to be the best bang for your buck

[Dustin C.]

I was thinking that, too. But I heard from a friend that the Remington has a slightly better fit/finish. Is that true?

[damndave]

I picked up a Moss 590A1. A little more pricey but has a metal trigger guard and is all parkerized. The ghost ring sights are badass. Also has a 8+1 capacity.

[Noraku81]

It'll come down to 870 vs. Moss 500. I'd say go to the range and shoot both and see which one you like best. They're both great SGs.

[tmncali]

My 500A 's barrel screws into the end of the magazine tube, so unless I am totally incorrect, I can't put a magazine extender on it for add rounds. Might consider that into your equation if you are gonna want larger capacity.

I love shooting it though!

[bambam8d1]

i love my mossy 500... holds 5+1... but i figure if i cant stop a threat in my home by then... I should be running away as fast as I can. I like that it came with 18 and 28 in barrel... or 27in? i dont remeber... but i love it.

[TurnersGunslinger]

Dude! No question about it! Hands down! REMINGTON 870!!!!!! No matter what anyone sais the 870 is the best pump shotgun ever created. Moss is ok and fairly reliable but its half plastic and the new actions are getting rougher and rougher every month. The Pardner well its heavy and nobody makes anything cool for it.
The 870 on the other hand is solid steel, the most reliable track record of any of them, everybody and their mother makes parts and upgrades for them! There is a reason 95 percent of all police departments use them. I am the store manager at Turners in West Covina and I have been with Turners since 2003. I have sold thousands of shotguns and the only pump shotgun that has never come bace for reapair, not even once is the Remington 870. you do the math......

[Dustin C.]

My prob with Rems is the cost. They start out more than the Mossbergs and the add on parts cost more too. I basically want a gun I can switch barrels on, and that's it. Just so I can mix up how I use it (H.D., hunting/clays, slug gun). Different stocks and mag extensions would be cool, but I don't need them or have the money for them. So would the Remington really be worth the extra cash? I only make a few hundred a month right now and have some other costs to deal with, so I'm not sure it'd be worth the money.

And in the event of repairs, I got friends and friends of friends and family that would help with any issue.

[jonni]

go with the mossy combo

it seems to fit exactly what youre looking for at a decent price

[Dustin C.]

That's what I was thinking. Now I just have to be sure Big 5 has one with a choke on the hunting barrel I can change:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=152036

[larryratcliff]

+1 on the mossberg 500 with 2 barrels 279 bucks! you get a hd barrel 18.5" and a 28" barrel if you decide to go hunting. Pull out the plug and you can stuff 5 00 buck shells in for home defense. Hard to beat that for 279. (+ tax and fees of course)

[Argonaut]

Find a good used 870 (Wingmaster) that has a Rem Choke system. They are better fit and finish than the newer ones and can be owned for probably around 300-350.00. It will be versatile for anything you will want to do and is pretty enough to be proud to own.

[Dustin C.]

To be continued...

It'll come down to 870 vs. Moss 500. I'd say go to the range and shoot both and see which one you like best. They're both great SGs.

I guess I need to take this advice first. From what I see on this site and others, the 870s on average have a better fit/finish and a smoother action. But, is it really worth the price for how much I'll be using it? I'll do some more exploring and look beyond the prices and paper statistics.

In other words, I'll be at the range. I'll let everybody know what I decide. Thanks for all the help and advice, gents. I will return to this thread for a final review of your opinions before I make my final decision.