mossberg 535 ATS

I love my Mossberg 535 ATS. It shoots 3.5" Hevi Shot #5's in super tight patterns out to 55-60 yards. Turkey's don't care for it too much though

 

yup thats the exact one im looking at, with the fingerhole grip thing. i think i might have to pull the trigger on that bad boy

 

Do it, it will last you a lifetime.

 

ok well I went to Mel Cottons (our local gun/fishing store) and he was talking all kinds of crap about the mossberg... He said that they didnt even carry any because of the quality control issues they experienced with them. He went on to reccomend the benelli novas. Hes charging $550 for one of them. whats your input on that?

 

well is the nova worth the $150 more??

 

Benelli is a supreme name in shotguns, no doubt. Mossbergs are FAR from junk though. I'd almost buy two Mossbergs though for the price of that Benelli...

 

well the mossberg I was looking at is $399 and the benelli is $550. Your saying its not worth the extra $$?

 

jesus im more confused than when I started. I really liked the feel of the nova, I held the remington 870 and it felt ok but not nearly as good as the nova, and I still havnt gotten my hands on the mossberg yet. I guess I jsut need to do more research huh?

 

yea thats sounds like my plan as of now. what sucks is here around the bay area theres maybe 5 gun shops within 30 miles.

 

550 is a reasonable price for a Benelli. Benelli's are the premium shooters as far shotguns go. Mossy's, Rems and Benellis are all fine guns and anyone of theme will last you a lifetime. You have to look at what you want though. Mossbergs are cheaper because they use aluminum receivers, plastic trigger housings and looser fitting parts because they are milspec approved. Benellis will feel smoother and generally be better ergonomically than the Rem or Moss. They will also always be more expensive. So it's really up to you. How often are you going to shoot it? If you shoot it once a week you'll probably like the experience of the Benelli better. If you shoot it every few months, then I'd say a Mossberg. You can also find used Benellis in the 4s if you shop around and pump guns are basically indestructible so there's no need to worry about it as long as it cycles fine and extractor looks good.

 

Comparing the entry level of either the Mossberg or Remington to the Benelli is like comparing a Kia to a Toyota. Benelli being the Toyota I don't think you would want to make that comparison. As I don't know as much about the Mossberg 500 I will address the Remington. The Special Field is a matted version of the Wingmaster (in Toyota terms Corolla to Camry). Benelli is a great gun. They don't sell a particularly cheap entry level and the price you have seen is a reasonable price for the gun plus or minus say 50 bucks.
Which will outlast? IMHO the Benelli will outlast either entry level gun.
That said, I am a Remington Fan, but not of the Special Field (300 range) but the Wingmaster is in the (450-550 range). Awesome gun but I'm not trying to sell you one. I am just trying to provide you with entry level info.

Get a good gun. Pay a couple of bucks more for quality. Impress your buds. Ken

 

It probably is but here's the thing. Of any type of firearm, shotguns are one's I don't mind picking up used. It's nearly impossible to ef up a well-made shotgun. Every shotgun I own is used. I picked up a 500cruiser(7+1) for ~$185. My Mossberg 835 is 20 years old and has been to hell and back (I know 'cause it was my father-in-laws and he beat it to death over the years and never cleaned it) and it is an awesome shotgun to this day.
So I guess what I'm saying is, if you can afford the Benelli, get it. But if you want to save some$ and still have a go-to killer shotgun, I'd consider buying a used whatever or finding a better deal online on the 535 if you want it new. You must make up your own mind. But just know that a cop and a dedicated hunter say the Mossberg is a great shotgun even if you don't buy one.

 

I appreciate the input. Iv never been one to buy many things used if I can avoid it, but it might be something to look into. thanks everyone!

 

There are only two types of guns that I buy used with confidence. Glocks and pump shotguns. Everything else I buy new.

 

Same here.