Mossberg vs 870

[hunteran]

So one of my buddies is looking at buying a shotgun and he's trying to decide between the mossberg that I've linked below, and the remington 870 that I've also linked to below. He's looking to use it for some casual trap shooting and home defense. Which one would you guys go with? I'm not really an expert on shotguns but I know the 870 is a very solid choice. However, the mossberg does come with two barrels so its more versatile in that regard. How much would it cost to buy a longer barrel for the 870 and how easy would it be to swap out (I'm assuming its pretty easy). Thanks a bunch guys.

http://big5sportinggoods.shoplocal.com/big5/default.aspx?action=detail&storeid=2503823&rapid=0&listingid=-2074556824&offerid=

http://big5sportinggoods.shoplocal.com/big5/default.aspx?action=detail&storeid=2503823&rapid=0&listingid=-2074556800&offerid=

[shellslinger]

Barrel swapping is very easy on both guns. If money aint a issue I would go with the 870. If money is tight, can't go wrong with the Mossberg. Either way, your friend is going to get a reliable shotgun that will serve him well throughout the years. Both are nearly indestructible.

BTW- Remington listed in the Big 5 Ad is pictured wrong. The picture is of a 590.

[jasonnorcal]

I got the 870 because of the position of the safety. Down by the trigger, like a rifle. Other than that, not much difference I think

[LikeAllGuns]

870 for me, Own the 18'' barrel also..it cost about $130 (18'' barrel)

Just an opion I think the 870 is the best shotgun in the world...

[Capybara]

If you were buying an AOW based upon the 870 or the Mossberg, would you put a VFG on it? I have heard that putting a VFG on either of these is a bad idea because the bars that link the pump handle to the receiver can become bent if you are a little rough with cycling the pump. Anyone heard this before?

[negolien]

If he's looking at a HD/Trap get the mossy combo from big 5 and save some money . You can't beat the price I don't think. The Mossies are also cheaper in general so if that's a consideration ...

[AAShooter]

If you want a pistol grip, the placement of the safety becomes a big issue.

[aippi]

Correct Capybara, Never put a Vertical forend on a pump. We all tend to torque the forend when racking the shotgun. The Vertical forend acts as a lever and increases this torque and this will twist your actions bars. Soon you are wondering why you weapon is not as smooth as it once was and you don't realize the action bars are starting to bind some in the receiver. The weapon will also function but not like it did untill you replace the forend tube assembly. You could bend the action bars back in place but with all metal that is bent like this they will return to their twisted state after a few range sessions.

AS for the question of versitility the OP mentioned. You can get Combo's in either the 870 or Mossberg. The 870 is far more versitile as there are $110 barrels offered for the 12ga on the Remington parts list and I only find 11 offered for the Mossberg on their web site. An 18.5" factory parkerized I/C bead sight barrel for the 870 12ga (came barrel that comes on the 870 Police) is only $101.00 on the Remington retail parts list.

[shooperman]

I purchased an 870 after going thru the same dillemma. Ultimately it came down to which one felt better in my hands. The 870 just felt sturdier. It all depends on what feels best in YOUR hands.

[TZL]

As someone that owns a couple moss500s and 870s, I'd get the 870, more solid and stable platform

The aftermarket is better for the 870, not that it's bad for the 500

You can't easily extend the mag tube of the 500, but you could on 870s until recently

However the 500 is lighter and the safety is better for leftys

[TZL]

Aippi, totally true...however I have a fwd pistol grip on a moss500 AOW anyways, the action tube with bars costs $12, so easily replaced once it starts to bend...makes the AOW so much easier to shoot

Correct Capybara, Never put a Vertical forend on a pump. We all tend to torque the forend when racking the shotgun. The Vertical forend acts as a lever and increases this torque and this will twist your actions bars. Soon you are wondering why you weapon is not as smooth as it once was and you don't realize the action bars are starting to bind some in the receiver. The weapon will also function but not like it did untill you replace the forend tube assembly. You could bend the action bars back in place but with all metal that is bent like this they will return to their twisted state after a few range sessions.

AS for the question of versitility the OP mentioned. You can get Combo's in either the 870 or Mossberg. The 870 is far more versitile as there are $110 barrels offered for the 12ga on the Remington parts list and I only find 11 offered for the Mossberg on their web site. An 18.5" factory parkerized I/C bead sight barrel for the 870 12ga (came barrel that comes on the 870 Police) is only $101.00 on the Remington retail parts list.

[1d0ntkn0w]

here we go again
feels like deja-vu.

[The War Wagon]

I own a Mossberg 500. Works great, never failed on me, nice weapon.




Tell him I said to buy the 870 - it's a better built shotgun.

Oh - and I ALSO have the M1 Super 90. Backup, ya' know...

[jdewolf]

Both are fine shotguns.

I prefer the Mossberg due to the location of the safety. I like it due to the fact you never have to take your finger off fire control. If you introduce a pistol grip into the equation then that advantage is moot.

[AAShooter]

I believe the Remington has a steel receiver compared to Mossberg. Can be an advantage depending on if/how you mount a side saddle.