870 vs 500 recoil

[static808]

went to the desert this past weekend and was able to finally break-in my big 5 mossberg combo. both the 870 and 500 are outfitted with 18.5 HD barrels and magpul sga stocks with limbsaver pads. oh, and the 870 has the extended magazine tube, where the 500 does not. otherwise, fairly identical setups.

i know that the 870 is heavier, with the steel receiver vs the aluminum one of the 500, but it surprised me to feel the significant difference in recoil! shooting a variety of shells, from bird/target loads, low recoil buck, full power buck, and slugs, when shooting the 870 and 500 back-to-back, the difference was pronounced. every shooter there with me felt the exact same way.

this is not to say that the recoil from the 500 is not manageable, because it definitely is. all i know is, if i have to use full power buck or slugs, i know which shotgun im reaching for! guess i've been spoiled all these years with my 870!

gotta say though, the 870 had some growing pains during her break-in period, whereas the 500 ran like a top, and was smooth as silk.

so, do you guys also notice the difference in recoil between the two?? i didnt bring the longer barrel for the 500, but i'll try that next time to see if the extra weight up front helps with the recoil.

[JMP]

Bro, it's 12g. Unless you are talking an AOW, it's all fluff.

[static808]

not complaining about the recoil, just wondering if anyone else notices a difference between the 870 and 500? a buddy also brought his benelli nova, and the recoil between that and the 870 was the same.

lets just say that i can shoot full power bucks and slugs all day with the 870. after roughly 120 with the mossberg, i called it quits.

[land locked]

I had both now I only own the Mossberg. Recoil for the Remington was improved once installed a proper length stock and recoil pad. Same thing with the Mossberg once I installed a hogue standard length stock. I just happen to like the mossberg better for reliability reasons.

[static808]

I had both now I only own the Mossberg. Recoil for the Remington was improved once installed a proper length stock and recoil pad. Same thing with the Mossberg once I installed a hogue standard length stock. I just happen to like the mossberg better for reliability reasons.

thanks for sharing your experiences. i think i understand your choice with the mossberg. the action on my 500 is smoother than on the 870, despite the fact that the 870 has much more shells thru it. and the shells absolutely fly upon ejection with the 500. the shells kinda dribble out of the 870 ejection port. both ran flawlessly this weekend, but from the results, i'd lean towards the mossberg as well for reliability.

[2shotjoe]

Note recoil=better.
500
Bruce wished he owned a Droid RAZR.

[BajaJames83]

same recoil just the forened on the mossberg rattles like a can of spray paint

[Canucky]

Op felt recoil is also on how the gun fits you. We have a inexpensive over and under. For me it feels harsh because it doesn't fit me well.

[tmh1]

I think you hit the nail on the head regarding the weight difference between the guns, especially since they have the same barrels and stocks (fit). Since they are all pump actions, all of the forces of shooting a specific weight of buckshot at a specific speed will be transferred into the gun, and then into your shoulder. A heavier gun will absorb more of the forces to get it into motion, before they impact your body.

[customiiguy]

had both.. i prefer 870