Mossberg 500 or Remington 870

I am looking for a good general purpose inexpensive shotgun. I want to be able to hunt bird and deer. I have it narrowed down to these two.

 

Both are good guns for the price. I own both and are happy with them.

 

Pick the one that fits you best.

 

Either one. But I like the safety placement on my Mossbergs.

 

I'm leaning towards the Mossberg, it is similar to the one I used in the Navy.

 

Six in one, half dozen in the other. Both are inexpensive and reliable. Both have unlimited aftermarket parts available. Even though it doesn't look quite as nice as the Remington, I'd get the Mossberg. I've never been a Remington guy. I've never particularly disliked them but it always seemed like something else was always just as good or better for less money.

 

Benelli Super Novas have come down in price. I have one in 12 ga. and like it just fine.

 

I love the Super Novas but if one is interested in aftermarket parts, the Benelli is not the way to go.

 

Either will suit you fine as everyone has mentioned. If you do go for the Remington Express, make sure you don't get one with the stupid J-lock installed.

 

I agree with the rest of the guys here. Either one should suit your needs. Just make sure the Mossberg can accept different choke tubes so the gun will be more versatile for different types of shooting. You want to be able to change the chokes for trap and skeet and different types of hunting. Happy shooting!!

 

If you're really looking for a cheap shotgun, check out the Maverick line (made by Mossberg) usually sold at places like Wal-Mart. My brother bought one and likes it. Not as nice a finish as the Mossberg or Remington, but functions just as well. . .and quite a bit cheaper.

http://www.maverickarms.com/

David

 

Either choice should serve you well, though I personally prefer Mossberg over Remington when it comes to pump shotguns.

I recently sold my my tried and true Mossberg 500 (12 gauge) and 'upgraded' to a Mossberg 535. The 535 can take 2.75", 3" and 3.5" shells where as my 500 could only take 2.75" and 3" shells. I mainly use the Mossberg as a dedicated turkey gun and it serves this purpose very well.

My Mossberg 535:

 

go mossberg. for some reason remington is dropping in quality in some rifle ..like the 770 models .. can you say crap

 

You'll be happy with either. Personally I own a 870, but either would be just fine for you!

 

I have a Mossberg 500 and it's been the best shotgun I've owned... But there's probably not a dimes difference between the quality of the two, go with the one that fits you the best.

 

I have one of each. I've had the Mossberg 500 for about 13 years, and the Remington 870 for almost that long. I use them each for different reasons, but will tell you that the Remington is a much better shotgun. The post above about getting the one that fits you better is the right choice, but all else equal, get the Remington. There's a reason it's the most popular selling shotgun in the world. Not long ago they hit the 10,000,000 mark in units sold. The proof is in the puddin'! On a side note, I think the older ones are better looking - much nicer wood grains and more durable coatings. I personally would find a used 870 in good condition on gunbroker.com or some other firearm trade site.

 

Thanks guys for all the input. I appreciate the feedback. the true test will be at the gun shop when I hold them.

 

I love my 870 express I have 2 and one syn and the other is a laminate thay are both awsome

 

I love my 870. The steel reciever on the 870 vs. the aluminum on the mossberg was the deciding factor for me.

 

Type of construction material alone does not necessarily mean anything. The grade of said materials plus manufacturing processes (stamped, forged, milled, etc), tolerances, and quality control are what make the difference. A well assembled high grade aluminum receiver can be many times stronger than a low grade steel put together by a third world country.

With that being said, it probably makes no difference in these two guns. They have both been beaten to death by military, law enforcement, and sportsmen. They have both survived the abuse just fine.