Help me choose. Remington or Mossberg?

[shooperman]

So I'm thinking of getting a new pump action shotgun. I just don't know which one to get. I'm leaning towards the 870 tactical, but have also seen some really nice 500's. I'm mostly looking for one for home defense, and perhaps the occasional skeet shooting. Hopefully you guys can tell me the pro's and con's of each one and help me make a more educated decision. Thank you.

[luchador768]

Get both. I have a 20+ year old 590, and a 10 year old 870, both have been flawless over the years.

[Thefeeder]

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Flip a coin....

Find out what you can use at the local ranges. Most just sit the closet without a place to go and use it.

Then buy one with choke tubes.

[blakdawg]

I have a 590 that I've been happy with.

One of the differences I've seen discussed is the location of the safety - people who like to use a pistol grip sometimes dislike Mossbergs because the safety is on the tang, not on the trigger guard, so you can't maintain a firing grip and manipulate the safety at the same time.

[negolien]

If you want one for both go to big 5 when they have the 500 combos.

[mase1b]

1) Both are great guns that will get the job done, so you won't go wrong wither way.

2) The controls (safety, slide release) are slightly different on each, so handle one of each and see if you have a preference. Many think the 500's are easiest to operate, but with any sort of pistol grip that advantage goes away.

3) Mossbergs are usually a little cheaper, and/or have more bells and whistles for the $, but I think that 870s seem to have smoother actions and are more well built. (the Mossy forearm rattle/ wiggle drives me nuts)

Here would be my recommendations:
- If you really want a multipurpose shotgun (i.e. ONE gun for skeet, hunting and defense) pick up one of those Mossberg 500 Combos with 2-barrels. Super duper value.
- If money is a concern, 500's are the most inexpensive
- If you are going to set it up with a tactical pistol grip stock (i.e. Knoxx Spec OPs) go with an 870. AVOID 500s with pistol grips (you'll thank me later!)
- If you want all the tactical bells and whistles, get a Mossy 590
-If you want the better made, more refined weapon (IMHO) get the 870 model with the features you want.

Personally, I just like the feel, looks and function of 870s, but the value of Mossbergs are hard to ignore. (PS-I own and both)

Hope that helps!

[stix213]

If you want one for both go to big 5 when they have the 500 combos.

+1 Good starter shotgun you can use for both home defense with the 18" barrel, swap in the longer barrel to shoot some clays with your buddies, and all in the $300 price range. Its built with "good enough" quality, though its no 590.

I own one and don't regret it. Though I use my Saiga 12 more often today.

[alfred1222]

I have an 870, it is one of the most reliable guns ever, and it will do just about anything you ask of it.

[joelj320]

I have a mossberg I bought in 2004 that I have honestly not cleaned since the day I bought it. I wiped it dry once because of the rain. I have not had a single issue with it and I shoot about 100 rounds every outing. They are great guns

[Richard Erichsen]

So I'm thinking of getting a new pump action shotgun. I just don't know which one to get. I'm leaning towards the 870 tactical, but have also seen some really nice 500's. I'm mostly looking for one for home defense, and perhaps the occasional skeet shooting. Hopefully you guys can tell me the pro's and con's of each one and help me make a more educated decision. Thank you.

Nice try, but the which is better fight has been done to death.

The Rem 870 is a fine implement, as are the Mossberg 500 and 590 series. You really can't go wrong with either.

R

[jyo]

I consider myself an 870 guy, but either is good to go. Consider a used, good condition shotgun to save money---check Calguns for sale threads.

[greent]

You can google 590 vs. 870 and see the differences there, thats what I did about a week ago when I sold my 870 express tactical to buy a 590A1 # 51517, gonna pick it up Thursday. I do know there both great pumps and it pretty much comes down to ergonomics and if you want to put a pistol grip on your gun. Flip a coin and buy, you will probably end up getting the other one down the road anyway so you can have both.

[TacticalPlinker]

I'm in the same boat. I hit my local Big5 and a few gun shops checking out shotguns (again). I'm also torn between Mossberg 500 and Remington 870, but another I found today is a Weatherby (not sure of its model) which reminded me a lot of the 870.

The 500 feels cheap. The 870 and Weatherby felt solid. Obviously the 870 is the better of the two, but is it worth an extra $80?

As of earlier today, the 500 was $300 at Big5, the 870 was $380 and the Weatherby was $300. I'm going to DROS one of them Thursday, I just can't decide which. I sometimes hate having options... Speaking of which, there is also an H&R for $200. Gah!

[9mill]

I'de go semi

[off grid]

I have had several Remintons & mossbergs over the past 40 years Both are very good choices. I would get the one that feels the best for you.
Side note I just picked up a moss 930 SPX & 590 A1, IMHO I like the safty were it is on these weapons.