Remington 870 Express or the Mossberg 500A?

[The Mad Crawdad]

Mossberg all the way. I own both, and would pick the Mossberg 10 times out of 10.

Dual extractors (less prone to FTEs like 870)
Alloy receiver (lighter weight and won't rust)
Less expensive firearm itself and replacement / upgrade parts
Shell lifter retracts into the receiver (easier and faster loading)
Deburred receiver (won't cut your finger during cleaning)
Utilizes barrel locking detent system (unlike the Express's crappy mag cap system)
Tang mounted safety (easier access with traditional stock types)
Increased magazine capacity (5 vs 4 on traditional models, 8 or 7 vs 6 on tactical models)
Passed stringent military standards, unlike the 870
Mossberg customer service has been nothing but great in my experience (ordering upgrade parts)

[Malaprop14]

I also own both and prefer the 870, but both have been very reliable thus far and no complaints about either really. As someone else here mentioned, the action feels much more sturdy and smooth compared to the 500. SO, basically go to a LGS and try them both out and see which one you like prefer the feel of because it is a coin flip IMO. The ONLY difference in the safeties IMO is the fact that the one on the Moss is prominently visible. Other than that, you practice with either and get used to the controls of the one you buy. Both are similar to take down and maintain as well.

[SoCalEnthusiast]

I also own both and prefer the 870, but both have been very reliable thus far and no complaints about either really. As someone else here mentioned, the action feels much more sturdy and smooth compared to the 500. SO, basically go to a LGS and try them both out and see which one you like prefer the feel of because it is a coin flip IMO.

Would you go as far as saying that the Mossberg seems like its for little kids? A starter gun if you will?

[Malaprop14]

Would you go as far as saying that the Mossberg seems like its for little kids? A starter gun if you will?

With it being lighter and slightly shorter LOP, yes, probably a better starter shotgun, but I would not that I'd say it feels "cheap" in any way. My Moss was over $100 less than the 870 at the time (I have a Tactical). After shooting both, the little lady prefers the 500, and she also likes the tang safety.

Another option might be the CZ612, which is an 870 clone. A friend on here has one and it handled well, felt very similar to the 870, but we didn't get a chance to shoot it because the range closed.

[SoCalEnthusiast]

With it being lighter and slightly shorter LOP, yes, probably a better starter shotgun, but I would not that I'd say it feels "cheap" in any way. My Moss was over $100 less than the 870 at the time (I have a Tactical). After shooting both, the little lady prefers the 500, and she also likes the tang safety.

Another option might be the CZ612, which is an 870 clone. A friend on here has one and it handled well, felt very similar to the 870, but we didn't get a chance to shoot it because the range closed.

So long story short, the Remington has more of a professional feel to it?

[Malaprop14]

So long story short, the Remington has more of a professional feel to it?

I suppose you could sum it up that way. When looking at them at the shop, the guy basically said the same thing and expressed the same preference and I know these guys pretty well.

[-hanko]

Would you go as far as saying that the Mossberg this thread seems like its for little kids? A starter gun thread if you will?

Fixed, somewhat.

[Gem1950]

I am sure that there must be shops that customize the Mossberg, I'm just not familiar with them. I do, however, know about Wilson Combat (Scattergun Technologies). They build their own 1911s, ARs, and for their custom shotgun work they choose the 870 as the base gun of choice. That says something to me about the efficacy of the 870 design and why Wilson chose it.

http://wilsoncombat.com/new/shotgun-remington-steal.asp#.U9lq1ECClFs

http://wilsoncombat.com/new/shotgun-border-patrol.asp#.U9lmNUCClFt

[UnoShotUnoKill]

Just tells me that's their preference. Just like the whole debate lol

[DArBad]

I was walking this same decision last month..... the Remington 870 or the Mossberg.

Went to several gun stores and several Big 5 Sporting Goods store. The Remington 870 felt solid and heavier that the Mossy 500 which I really like, and made plans to buy the Remington.........until I did more reading/researching.

Finally, I was able to examine a Mossberg 590A1, and decided to buy the " US Service Model " variant. I will be able to pick it up on Saturday.

Still, next on my list will be a Remington 870. Life is too short not to have BOTH.

[Gem1950]

http://www.rem870.com/forum/index.php

http://www.rem870.com/2014/07/11/the-best-remington-870-how-to-videos-and-posts/

[SoCalEnthusiast]

How about the Benelli starter package? I think its around $400 plus tax and DROS. Any feed back on those bad boys?

[-hanko]

How about the Benelli starter package? I think its around $400 plus tax and DROS. Any feed back on those bad boys?

No problem other than the Benelli has no "street cred".

[SoCalEnthusiast]

Well then obviously I don't want it.

[Che762x39]

I enjoy shotguns but I am out of the loop. When I got my 870 the only other choices were Western Auto, Sears or a Ted Williams. I picked Remington because who wants a gun with Ted's name on it?