remington 870 vs. mossberg 500

H

HALLAUSTIN

New member
I am looking for a shotgun for ducks, turkey, and hogs. It would not be a problem to have to buy a rifled barrel for slugs. I have heard a few bad things about the 870's quality control but I sure do like the feel of them. But at the same time the mossy 500 has never displeased me. Im wondering if anyone has some input on which one would be a better choice and also what, if any choke should be used.
 
use what feels better to use, both the remington and the mossberg are tried and true firearms... personally when using a pump a use my 870 with IC choke
 
Having owned and worked on both I find the 870 easier to clean and the 500 a better design. I'm not impressed with how the 870s usually end up with a mark on the receiver from extractor drag.

Personally I'd take the Mossberg.
 
The 870 is a better built shotgun. For me, the Mossburg shoots better. Both of them will outlast you.
If there is an Academy or Big 5 near you, they put them on sale sometimes with two barrels.
 
I own both but the 870 is the most favored. My 870 is a old wingmaster and it has always shot great, produces great patterns with shot , good groups with slugs and swings and feels/fits better than my Mossberg!
 
I grew up shooting 870s, and I shoot them well (Klawman can attest to that)... I bought a used Mossberg 500A with a wood stock, roughly a year ago and have put many rounds through it since but at the range and in the field... Although I shoot it well, I do not feel that it handles as well as an 870... They do feel cheap too... The 500 does go bang even time, it just doesn't feel as good in my hands as a wood stocked 870...
 
Go with whichever fits you better. I have an 870 and I don't care for it too much because it just doesn't really fit me. Both are tremendous guns and a decision should be based entirely on your personal preference not anything someone on here says. As mentioned before both are going to belong to your kids one day.
 
I've owned and shot both. never had a problem with either functionally. The 870 stayed and the 500 left for two reasons. the 870 handled better for me, mine is the left hand model, and being a southpaw certainly tipped the scales for me.
IMHO you should choose the one that fits you best.
 
Get the 870. Problems with them are greatly over-reported.
Click to expand...

Agreed.

In fact a couple few months back I googled "Remington 870 malfunctions" and "Mossberg 500 Malfunctions". Found many more folks on various gun forums complaining about Mossbergs not working right than Remingtons. But for some reason the word on the street is the opposite. Having owned both my personal experience is that the Remington is the better gun.
 
Quit screwing around and get both. :rolleyes: .

I'm a huge mossberg fan, because I bought one as my first shotgun. If an 870 was the one on sale, I would be a Remington guy. :)
 
Lefty?

If you are a left handed shooter, as I am, than definitely go with the Mossberg and it's easy to reach safety.
 
Consider the one that fits you better. I enjoy owning both but am partial to the 870 because I started out with one many decades ago so it's what I know. As the man said, you won't wear out either. I suggest shopping for a used but mint 870. In Central Texas I see mint Wingmasters for $325-355.

I can live without screw-in chokes, especially if the barrel is improved cylinder, which I consider the most useful choke.
 
The 500 is $229 at Walmart. The 870 Express is $269. If you are going to get new, I would say maybe the Mossberg because of the price. I have one and I like it.
 
I have an older 870 Wingmaster. Love it and always has been a good gun, NEVER any problems. I have a few friends that have 870's as well ( Wingmasters and Express) and to my knowledge no problems. Also have some friends with Mossbergs as well and most have not had any major problems but a few have had some cycling problems. Mossbergs are tough but I just like the feel and quality of the Remington better. The Mossberg does feel kinda cheap to me as well and doesn't appear to have the quality the Remington has. I also agree that the proclaimed problems with the 870's are over exagerated as well.
 
"The 500 is $229 at Walmart. The 870 Express is $269. If you are going to get new, I would say maybe the Mossberg because of the price".

You would choose one over the other because of a $40 price difference???
 
I've had my 870 Express with two barrels since about '85. I also shot an 870 riot shotgun quite a bit in the military. I don't know about the quality of either being manufactured these days but back then, the 870 was a much higher quality weapon than the Mossberg. And I would take mine over a Mossberg any day.
 
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