870 or 500

I had a 500 American Field Grade, with 28" ribbed barrel and 24" rifled (which I didn't know was exclusively for sabot slugs and used only foster style or rifled slugs). It is a very good gun for the money, as in like a Marlin 60. After handling many of both models would have to say IMO the 870 is superior, and if the price is that close I would go with a Remmy. Just a smoother action, etc. The Mossberg safety really grows on you though, The Remington is probably what you have been used to since you were a kid with a BB gun, but I dunno, kind of liked the position of it on a Mossberg after a while. They're both good choices that won't let you down.
I had a Winchester 1300 Marine Defender and did not really care for it. I found it to be pretty savage in recoil compared to 500 and 870 riot style SG's. The forearm tried to break my pinky every shot as well. Even the looks of it, which was the selling point, got to look pretty stupid to me. I will say it was a little easier to strip down than a Mossberg, for me at least, after the first time.

For chokes if you want something really tight you may want to look at the Patternmaster tubes. From what I understand they catch and separate the shot cup, (therefore a sabot slug should not be used). Vang comp barrels might be of interest also, but would cost half as much, or more, as the new shotgun. But I have heard nothing but good about them.
 
Both good choices. I personally have chosen Mossberg over the years because it's easier for me to work the pump release button (or whatever it's called) on it than the 870.
 
"The US Military chose the Mossberg over the Remington, and every other entry. Bill T."

This tidbit is used by mossberg to tout their guns. The truth is that the Army's specifications called for a safety mounted on top rather than the trigger guard safety ala Remington. Remington was not about to change the design of their guns. So they never submitted guns for testing.

This was the same period that the Army had M16's made by Hydra Matic corp. Ask a GI who actually had to use one about them.:barf:
 
When you toss around "870" you must specify "Express", "Wingmaster", or "Police" Model. There is a BIG DIFFERENCE! The "Express" is a cheap budget gun with a lot of plastic and MIM parts. The "Wingmaster", and "Police" Models recieve a much higher degree of fit, finish, and inspection. They also contain zero parts made of plastic or MIM. You just can't say "870", because your talking about 3 different guns with a lot of difference between them. This gets forgotten about too often. Bill T.
 
This is my first post...

I own both the 870 and the 500 imho, there are advantages and disadvantages for both:


Heavier gun due to the all metal/steel reciever - a few foot lbs less of recoil, seems a little heavier when all day bird hunting. The 500 has an aluminum reciever, a little less heavier and seemingly more comfortable when carrying around. The recoil difference is barely noticable.

Safety location. The location of the safety on the 500 seems more comfortable to me, but it is just a matter of preference.

The 870 has a noticably better pump slide action, but then again its a matter of opinion.

Do a search on ebay for both, you'll find more options for the 870 (374 for 870 and 221 for the 500)...the barrels for the mossberg are cheaper in cost. However, you can get a mossberg made barrel for the 870 at a cheaper cost than from remington.

Ease of dissassembly for cleaning is the remington. Being in the military I have much more exposure to the mossberg 500.

I do not like one more than the other, they are both great guns. IMHO the only difference is the steel vice aluminum reciever.
 
Having shot both, I find that the 870 feels better and smoother but the 500/590 always goes boom. Friends with 870s love them and rarely have problems. My 'clunky' feeling 500s/590s have never failed. I would recommend that you go with the one that feels/fits you the best and learn it well.
 
The "Express" is a cheap budget gun with a lot of plastic and MIM parts. Bill T.
Click to expand...

I have a few nice Wingmasters, Bill, as well as a coupla Expresses. I disagree with you saying the Express is a cheap budget gun. It is a very good quality gun that comes rougher than a Wingmaster, but cheap it is not...less expensive is more appropriate. I know about the polymer trigger guard that no one has had a problem with. Tell us where all the other plastic parts and MIM parts are in the gun, as well as the problems people have had with them. I would like to know so I can be aware of potential problems.
 
The Express Model has:
A plastic trigger group.
The dimples in the mag tube and the new style plastic magazine retention system, EXCEPT on the extended magazine version, which does NOT have the dimples. Dimples prevent a magazine extention to be added.
A rougher finish inside and outside, with machine marks and some burrs left.
A rougher, bead blasted blue job.
A less polished bore.
A two piece barrel. (not 100% sure about this)
Hardwood or synthetic stock, with a sporting-length fore end and pressed-in checkering.
The Defense version has 18", Cylinder bore barrel, with a bead sight.
Some Metal Injection Molded (MIM) parts, like the extractor.
Has the locking safety button, although Remington MAY have discontinued it.

The Wingmaster has:
An aluminum trigger group.
The old style magazine retention system.
A much smoother finish inside and out, no machine marks or burrs.
The Wingmaster gun receives a higher level of inspection and finishing.
A fine, commercial polished blue finish.
A polished bore.
A one piece barrel.
Walnut stocks with the famous "Bowling Pin" finish in gloss or satin. and better checkering.
Wide choices in barrel lengths and choke options.
No use of MIM parts, the extractor is milled.
The Wingmaster is the full top-of-the-line commercial Remington pump gun, and is priced accordingly.

The 870 Police has:
An aluminum trigger group.
The old style magazine retention system.
A much smoother finish inside and out, no machine marks or burrs.
The Police gun receives a higher level of inspection and finishing.
A military-grade parkerized finish.
A polished bore.
A one piece barrel.
Walnut or synthetic stock, with a short police-length fore end.
Choices in different stocks, including Speed-feed, and others.
18" to 20" improved cylinder barrel, with a wide choice in sights, including rifle, ghost ring, and luminous.
Heavy-duty magazine spring.
Heavy-duty trigger-sear spring.
Sling swivel mounts.
No use of MIM parts, the extractor is milled.

The Express is a "bottom of the line" budget gun, the Wingmaster is a "top of the line" sporting gun, the Police is the top-of-the-line in defense guns.
The 870's are generally considered to be the finest quality pump gun made.

Bill T.
 
I made up my mind I am going with the 500 and will get it this Fri. For the reason on sale its like 180 and comes with a Mod. chock. My brother had the 535 and I have shot his a lot, and really liked it. Not too sure what the diff. are btw the two but I doubt it is much. The 870 although are also nice, I would rather a wingmaster than the express, and the express on sale is I believe 220, not a huge difference but it does not come with a Choke tube, and I own an older mossberg, all my father and grandfather used, so I fig I will one too.


Like said before, heck I can always go get something else later in life.
 
I hAVE THEM ALL; THE 500, 870 AND THE 11-87(pREMIER).
They all have their own characteristics. The Mossberg 500 is a great gun for the price. If your choice is between the 500 and the Exptress, go with the 500. It takes a lickin' and keeps on ticking. Mine is about 30 years old.
 
Wow, the military went with the Mossberg

...and (after 21 years in the military) I know what smart shoppers they are.

Hell, they're spending our money, not theirs.:rolleyes:

They probably spend no more than $750 per copy for something you could buy at Wal Mart for $189 or so (without the buying power of several hundred thousand on one order).

Good thing they didn't buy the Remington...would have cost the taxpayers $1500 per copy. :mad:
 
Bill T, I know the differences in all 3 guns, but I still fail to see where it has "lots of plastic parts" other than the trigger guard (which no one has had trouble with), and lots of MIM parts other than the extractor. It is the bottom of the line among the three, but it is far from being a cheap gun. The interior finish will clear up with a little use, and it will last a very long time. There is nothing wrong with it at all. The Express is still the best pump out there other than the police models and the Wingmaster.
 
I do agree with you, Bill about the Wingmaster. It is one fine, lovely baby. It deserves a lot of fondling, protection, and caressing.
 
"The 870 although are also nice, I would rather a wingmaster than the express."

The Wingmaster will run you a couple hundred more than an Express and is worth every penny of it. If your on a limited budget your making the right choice in the 500. They are a very rugged dependable shotgun for the money. Bill T.
 
"They probably spend no more than $750 per copy for something you could buy at Wal Mart for $189 or so."

The Army just purchased 14,814 Mossberg 500's for approx. $316.00 per unit. Bill T.
 
Mossberg 500. Enough said. I got mine as a belated 12th birthday gift and it has never failed me and never will. :)
 
People talk about the Wingmaster costing $500, but it is still a bargain even at that. It is one fine piece of reliable machinery, and it looks good enough to eat, and certainly good enough to kiss and fondle.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top