Looking into a 12 Gauge...

[smittty]

I suggest looking for a used 870 Wingmaster. They start at about $200.

I would shop in this order:
- Used 870 Wingmaster
- New 500
- new 870 express

[mikajo39]

I suggest looking for a used 870 Wingmaster. They start at about $200.

I would shop in this order:
- Used 870 Wingmaster
- New 500
- new 870 express

Smittty nailed it.

[odslim]

Isn't there a capacity difference between the 500 vs the 870?

OP.. I was on the exact same search as you but never came to a conclusion, i was wanting an all around shotgun as well (skeet, trap, HD). For me though, I wanted capacity and thats where I got lost and stop searching. But what I did do was go to my local gun store and handled both the 500 and 870. To me the 870 was a little bit more well built, considering it was a display, I racked both gun relatively hard a few times and the 870 was just a bit more sturdier.

Does anyone know how to if possible get the most capacity out of the 500 and 870 with aftermarket parts? I thought I saw a high cap kit for the 500 from brownells that had a 20" barrel and a magazine that carried 8 shots?? Does Remington have a kit like that?

[mikajo39]

If I can remember correctly Remington puts dimples in their magazine tubes to limit capacity on the lower end models. Police 870s have the larger capacity tubes. Mossbergs allow for the attachment of magazine tube extensions.
Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

[CK_32]

If you go 870 new buy an express and add the junk your self.. Remington over charges for the stuff added on like the added labor to putting on the after market stuff to the MSRP..

If you want used look at a wing master or express.. Don't get caught up in all that tactical stuff buy a 28/26" and buy a tactical barrel for around 100 and the. Later add a ext tube and what have you..

Also don't get ghost sights such a waste unless you plan on shooting slug 95% of the time. It's just a tacticool feature guys swear buy the preformance but have no clue they aren't got normal shot just slugs.. It's just a look more than preformance.

[Legasat]

The "Big 5 special" Mossberg 590 holds 9 shots, and is under $400.

[Sicarius]

First question. Are you left handed? If so, mossberg is the best way to go because the safety is located on the top back of the receiver. If not, you can go whichever way fits your budget. I personally like the 870 more because it feels more solid in my hands and I like the ability to add an extension tube as to where the mossbergs are pretty fixed without buying a new barrel and extension tube. I believe the new 870s are going to that form factor too though...
Kevin

[AK all day]

Okay, I'm digging the 870 express tactical 18 1/2 barrel. Next on the list is the regular 870 express with 7+1 capicity. I'm not sure if I'm on the right track or not... I understand these are not ideal for hunting and or trap, but am I on the right path here? I would like a wingmaster, but don't want to by used.

[AK all day]

I will go and look at both guns and decide if they feel different in quality.

[Newshooter]

Bass Pro has the Weatherby Semi-Auto SSA-08 on sale right now for just a little over your budget ($479.99). Great for skeet, doubles trap, hunting and sporting clays.

[repubconserv]

Better make sure it's unloaded first, 'orwise things can get messy.

First thing I thought when I saw the thread title

[repubconserv]

OP, my vote is for the Moss 500

[CK_32]

OP the best value 870 is an old wing master or new express.. I was in the same boat after selling my first 870 and wanting the best one for my buck.. The express is the best for your buck the rest is all over priced stuff you can do your self cheaper..

I looked at the tactical and everything done to it is about $150 more expensive if you just bought a express and did it your self. Your money.. But personally I went express they aren't bad if younger them in decent shape.. And get a 28/26" if you plan on skeet or anything because barrels for 26+ inches go for $170+ 18" go for $100.. So youll spend more in the long run starting with an 18" barrel.

[Lumpia is sarap!®]

A side by side coach gun is what's on my mind right now...reloading is a pain with only two shots. Go for the Wingmaster.

[AK all day]

Thanks for all the info guys, it's helping. Okay, here is links to guns I have my eyes on. Not looking to buy from CTD, just using to browse.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/2-REM82104

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/2-REM25077

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/95568