first time buying a shotgun

[BadMatt]

My view of the 500 vs. 870 debate: get one of the other, start practicing, and once you get comfortable with, it will be the best in your favorite. I have the 500, it is no-frills but it works well. If I got the 870 instead, I'm sure I would feel the same.

I'm not a fan of the Big 5 set up because you get barrels with fixed chokes. The gun is more versatile if you can change chokes. Get the 24 inch or 20 inch barrel with the choke system in it.

[HighWildFree]

870 or mossy 500 combo, if you go 500 get the combo that has the barrel with removable chokes.

I have an 870 , and a 500, I vote 870. 500 is find but to loose for my liking.

Also take a look at the 870 sportsman, better sight and wood.

[Sabesimpson]

Well I agree with everyone before my post! Good luck

[Sunday]

Shotguns are great for bird hunting. No doubt a load of buck shoot makes a big hole.

[Oldasdirt]

I own a Mossberg 500 and please don't get me wrong because I have used both. The Remington 870 seems to be a little bit better on the construction side, both shoot well but, I went with the Moss berg because of its tang safety, its ease of maintenance, the location of action tube release, and it is only one of two shotguns that have passed the mil spec testing by the armed forces. Its action slide assembly does have a little wobble to it but that is intentionally built into the gun, it is an identifying feature that exists with the mossberg, it has dual extractors vs a single for the Remington 870. Also if one extractor were to fail on the moss berg you would still have one left to extract the spent shell and if I am not mistaken if the extractor on the Remington fails you have to send the receiver in to get a new one installed but with the Mossberg you can replace them yourself, another just in case cost item you should figure in when purchasing. I do like both but the Moss berg is a more practical gun when it comes to repairs and cost of repairs should that ever come to be. Both are very dependable guns for the money.

[Novak77]

I grew up with a 2-3/4 870 police wingmaster in my closet. Great gun if you see one for a good price buy it.

[John Joseph]

Will you be hunting? If so you'll need chrome bores for steel shot in California (maybe not right now, but sometime soon.)
FWIW, I don't think the new 500s AND 870s are the guns they once were. They work, sure but not like the older ones.
I suggest you look for an old Wing Master from the 60's or 70's. Should cost less than that Mossy from Big Five . When you want to go a-hunting pick up a new chrome barrel for it.

[Thefeeder]

Will you be hunting? If so you'll need chrome bores for steel shot in California (maybe not right now, but sometime soon.)
FWIW, I don't think the new 500s AND 870s are the guns they once were. They work, sure but not like the older ones.
I suggest you look for an old Wing Master from the 60's or 70's. Should cost less than that Mossy from Big Five . When you want to go a-hunting pick up a new chrome barrel for it.

Negative, chrome bores are not needed for shooting steel shot.

[sanjoseskater]

Maverick 88 7+1 20 inch barrel is 199.00 at Big 5 on sale!!! Get it a great price on a great shotgun. Own on and it's the same as the 500 with a different safety.

[Rosereader]

how many more in the tbe are we talking about?

From 5 in the tube to 7.

[pterrell]

Big 5 special is where it's at for the Mossberg. I have one and it does exactly what I need it to on a daily basis. Sit next to my bed, faithfully holding buckshot.