870 or 500

jeff45 · 09-17-2007, 05:00 PM

So I am in the market for a new shotgun. I am stuck between the rem 870 and the mossberg 500. I am going to use it for HD, small game, plinking, and maybe duck. I like the one piece receiver on the 870. Does the 500 have this?
Thanks a bunch.
Jeff

jerry · 09-17-2007, 06:33 PM

Yes it does.

That said, they are both good guns, I reckon it runs 50-50 on the popularity scale here and elsewhere.

IMOHO. I like the 870 WINGMASTER. I'm not a big fan of the express. They both have good accessories. I guess it boils down to what you want to lok at for the next several decades. I've had my 12ga Wingmaster for 24 years and still treasure it like gold. Iv'e gone through a few Mossy's. Like 'em, yes emotionally attached to any of them, not yet.

BattleRifleG3 · 09-17-2007, 08:49 PM

I represent the opposite position. I started with Mossbergs and thought that Remington was a step up, but I ended up happily going back to Mossbergs. For pump actions I currently have three Mossbergs, one Remington, and one Browning. They'd all be Mossbergs if Mossberg had a non ported slug barrel, a 3.5" platform that could use older 3" barrels, and a 10ga pump.

ArkansasHunter · 09-17-2007, 09:22 PM

jeff45 I feel like a broken record But are you aware Mossberg has another Pump Action offering ?
Go to Mossbergs web site and check out the New 535 ATS model Pump Shotguns I think you'll be very well pleased and check out the redsigned reciever on them.

They have more features than the 500 and prolly are going to replace the 500's.
A.H

BattleRifleG3 · 09-17-2007, 09:34 PM

The 535 won't replace the 500 because people need something to use 500 parts and accessories on. For example I like poly choke barrels. They haven't been made for a while and screw on poly chokes cost as much as a barrel, while a used barrel can be pretty cheap.

The Rem 870 ESM can still use older 870 barrels, and this is it's main advantage over Mossberg.

Now for a dedicated gun with new barrels purchased for it, the 535 is great. But I'll keep my 500 too, and recommend it as long as it's out there.

dave375hh · 09-18-2007, 01:00 PM

I'd have to rate them like this.
#1 870 wingmaster, a great gun.
#2 Mosburg 500 a very close second to the wingmaster, and a winner on price between them.
#0 870 express I wouldn't own one on a bet! Gritty clunky and stiff as all get out. I realize they wanted to make a cheaper 870 but they didn't have to ruin it

ArkansasHunter · 09-18-2007, 01:14 PM

I forgot to mention the 535 ATS will handle 2 & 3/4...3" and 3 1/2 shotgun shells.
They also come with spacers to adjust the butt to fit the user if needed.

Idaho Dave · 09-18-2007, 01:32 PM

own a 870 wingmaster in 16 gauge owned for 20+ years
own a 870 express mag in 12 gauge for at least 15
Never had a lick of problem with either one.
the only mossberg I have ever owned was a maverick (the low end) never had a lick of trouble with it either. all of our guns are utility guns and work hard (1000nds of rounds through them in their lifetimes) shooting all types of shot at all types of game and targets in all types of conditions. I would say in my most humble opinion, you cant go wrong either way. Im sure that there are others who have had different experinces. But if you really want to step up to a higher quality I must say look into Beretta especially like the silver mallards or a browning gold (belgum made if you can get it)

Dallas · 09-18-2007, 01:38 PM

I also own a Mossberg 500 I got the combo two barrel deal. An 18.5 inch home defense barrel and a 26 inch ported hunting barrel. I have had no problems with the gun. I originally bought the Mossberg because of the price difference between it and the Remington.

silentknight · 09-19-2007, 04:36 PM

For me it came down to the placement of the safety. Mossberg has a slider on the top of the reciever just in front of the stock, while Remmington uses a cross push button right behind the trigger. I went with the Remmington and I do not regret it.

SilentSoul · 09-19-2007, 06:03 PM

I bought a mossberg 835 because I got a good deal and for some reason it was cheaper than the 535 which is what I wanted. Only problem is since it is overboard I can shoot everything except slugs. I have to buy a special barrel for that. But it shoots 2.75 to 3.5 inch shells, fiber optic rifle sights and extra full choke. Its also mossy oaked out. I love the gun, just wish I could shoot slugs out of it. I would buy another mossberg.

Bravo · 09-19-2007, 06:14 PM

I own both. The Mossberg is in 20ga, and 870 is in 12ga. The 870 is actually my brothers, and we started to have extraction problems. I asked him if he'd cleaned it...his response was no.

It turns out 500 rounds without cleaning will cause an 870 express to malfunction. I don't know if the Mossberg has this problem, because I clean it every 25-50 rounds.

I like the feel of the Remington better than the Mossberg, but I like the Mossberg's safety better on top of the receiver, rather than next to the trigger (only in shotguns..I find it easier to quickly remove the safety while raising it to my shoulder).

Honestly, I'd go for whatever is cheaper. Both have after market accessories, both are very reliable under normal conditions. The Remington is made in the USA, the Mossberg is not. Maybe that point would help you decide...it's helped me in the past.

BattleRifleG3 · 09-19-2007, 07:01 PM

I too prefer Mossberg's safety, as does my wife.

missharpshooter · 09-25-2007, 03:32 PM

I had both shotguns and I really liked the 870 12ga. the best. You just can't beat a REM 32' barrel especially if you want to go duck hunting it is great for birds. Easy to clean....just a spring and o ring...and I used a cotton swap to clean the ports. I loved my 870..one of the best pump shotguns I ever had.....The Mossberg 12ga. is the gun I first started shooting with. They say if you learn on a pump shotgun you can be just as fast as a semi-auto....I just think it makes a better shooter out of you to learn with a pump..... of course I shoot mostly O/U now...but I still like my Beretta's..Lady Di

samuel · 09-25-2007, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by missharpshooter

I had both shotguns and I really liked the 870 12ga. the best. You just can't beat a REM 32' barrel especially if you want to go duck hunting it is great for birds. Easy to clean....just a spring and o ring...and I used a cotton swap to clean the ports. I loved my 870..one of the best pump shotguns I ever had.....The Mossberg 12ga. is the gun I first started shooting with. They say if you learn on a pump shotgun you can be just as fast as a semi-auto....I just think it makes a better shooter out of you to learn with a pump..... of course I shoot mostly O/U now...but I still like my Beretta's..Lady Di

Where did you find a spring and O-ring on or in an 870 Rem.?Maybe I have missed something and you can enlighten me.There is a spring in the mag.and springs in the hammer-trigger mech. but those dont have to be removed from the mechanism to clean. sam.

Dennis · 09-25-2007, 07:45 PM

I have had both,... and I like the model 12 winchester.
IMHO the model 12 is the smoothest pump action shotgun ever. they discontinued production of the mod 12 because they where too expensive to make
the polished and fitted parts the immaculate construction the effortless action and the lack of a disconnector makes the model 12 take the taco
mossy's are good remmy's are a little better BOTH ARE VERY ADEQUATE
ya gotta get away for them and explore some of the older designs to experience what a truly smooth pump action shotgun is.
the old stevens where good as where the venerable 1897's winchesters too

N2914J · 09-25-2007, 08:11 PM

We bought an 870 Express a couple months ago, and I truly like it a lot. For a while, I thought I was going to have to buy my own shotgun, so I was planning on the Mossberg Maverick 88. Then my Dad got me an 870 for my birthday.

Anyway, having handled both, I think the 870 feels a bit more solid, but honestly, you'll have a great shotgun either way. I'm planning on buying the 20", 8 shot Maverick here in a couple weeks for a HD gun, since Remington barrels are about as much as a Maverick anyway. (On a side note, if you want a HD shotgun, the 28" barrel is kinda awkward in a hallway; you might want to invest in an 18" or 20" barrel).

The two main differences are the location of the slide release, and location of the safety. Personally, I like the location of the slide release better on the Mossbergs, which places it behind the trigger guard, easily reachabel with your index finger. On the Remington, its in front of the trigger guard, which I find a little awkward, but how often do you actually use it? On the flip side, I like the safety location better on the Remingtons, right behind the trigger. I keep my 870 with the slide back, ready for a shell, so it really doesn't affect me anyhow. What it comes down to is how it feels for you, and if the Remington is worth the extra money. Either way, you won't be disapointed.

Death Metal · 09-25-2007, 08:59 PM

id say go for the 870. great firearm, always a pleasure to shoot. never had anyprobs.

damage855 · 09-27-2007, 06:51 PM

have both. If I had to chose one I would chose my Moss. 500

toolman · 09-27-2007, 11:14 PM

I shot a 500 for several years and then sold it because I had no place to hunt within 250 mi. Now I'm back where I have access to 1\2 section of land to hunt on so I've been using my FIL's Rem 1100. The 1100 is a nice gun but doesn't fit me right, so today I bought a used 835 Ultra-Mag that feels really great. I really liked my old 500 though.

09-17-2007, 08:49 PM	#3
BattleRifleG3 Retired Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Western PA Posts: 11,681 Images: 13	I represent the opposite position. I started with Mossbergs and thought that Remington was a step up, but I ended up happily going back to Mossbergs. For pump actions I currently have three Mossbergs, one Remington, and one Browning. They'd all be Mossbergs if Mossberg had a non ported slug barrel, a 3.5" platform that could use older 3" barrels, and a 10ga pump. __________________ Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf

09-17-2007, 09:22 PM	#4
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas. Posts: 17,217	jeff45 I feel like a broken record But are you aware Mossberg has another Pump Action offering ? Go to Mossbergs web site and check out the New 535 ATS model Pump Shotguns I think you'll be very well pleased and check out the redsigned reciever on them. They have more features than the 500 and prolly are going to replace the 500's. A.H __________________ IN GOD WE TRUST NRA MEMBER

09-17-2007, 09:34 PM	#5
BattleRifleG3 Retired Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Western PA Posts: 11,681 Images: 13	The 535 won't replace the 500 because people need something to use 500 parts and accessories on. For example I like poly choke barrels. They haven't been made for a while and screw on poly chokes cost as much as a barrel, while a used barrel can be pretty cheap. The Rem 870 ESM can still use older 870 barrels, and this is it's main advantage over Mossberg. Now for a dedicated gun with new barrels purchased for it, the 535 is great. But I'll keep my 500 too, and recommend it as long as it's out there. __________________ Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf

09-18-2007, 01:00 PM	#6
dave375hh Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 586	I'd have to rate them like this. #1 870 wingmaster, a great gun. #2 Mosburg 500 a very close second to the wingmaster, and a winner on price between them. #0 870 express I wouldn't own one on a bet! Gritty clunky and stiff as all get out. I realize they wanted to make a cheaper 870 but they didn't have to ruin it __________________ Dave 375 H&H

09-18-2007, 01:14 PM	#7
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas. Posts: 17,217	I forgot to mention the 535 ATS will handle 2 & 3/4...3" and 3 1/2 shotgun shells. They also come with spacers to adjust the butt to fit the user if needed. __________________ IN GOD WE TRUST NRA MEMBER

09-17-2007, 05:00 PM	#1
jeff45 Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: I'm a troll in MI Posts: 70	870 or 500 So I am in the market for a new shotgun. I am stuck between the rem 870 and the mossberg 500. I am going to use it for HD, small game, plinking, and maybe duck. I like the one piece receiver on the 870. Does the 500 have this? Thanks a bunch. Jeff

09-17-2007, 06:33 PM	#2
jerry Short Time Shirt Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 13,229 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	Yes it does. That said, they are both good guns, I reckon it runs 50-50 on the popularity scale here and elsewhere. IMOHO. I like the 870 WINGMASTER. I'm not a big fan of the express. They both have good accessories. I guess it boils down to what you want to lok at for the next several decades. I've had my 12ga Wingmaster for 24 years and still treasure it like gold. Iv'e gone through a few Mossy's. Like 'em, yes emotionally attached to any of them, not yet.

09-18-2007, 01:32 PM	#8
Idaho Dave Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Idaho Posts: 560	own a 870 wingmaster in 16 gauge owned for 20+ years own a 870 express mag in 12 gauge for at least 15 Never had a lick of problem with either one. the only mossberg I have ever owned was a maverick (the low end) never had a lick of trouble with it either. all of our guns are utility guns and work hard (1000nds of rounds through them in their lifetimes) shooting all types of shot at all types of game and targets in all types of conditions. I would say in my most humble opinion, you cant go wrong either way. Im sure that there are others who have had different experinces. But if you really want to step up to a higher quality I must say look into Beretta especially like the silver mallards or a browning gold (belgum made if you can get it) __________________ Living the life

09-18-2007, 01:38 PM	#9
Dallas PUKHA DAWG Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C. Posts: 3,692	I also own a Mossberg 500 I got the combo two barrel deal. An 18.5 inch home defense barrel and a 26 inch ported hunting barrel. I have had no problems with the gun. I originally bought the Mossberg because of the price difference between it and the Remington. __________________ Those who forget History are condemed to repeat it.

09-19-2007, 04:36 PM	#10
silentknight Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,118 Images: 3	For me it came down to the placement of the safety. Mossberg has a slider on the top of the reciever just in front of the stock, while Remmington uses a cross push button right behind the trigger. I went with the Remmington and I do not regret it. __________________ Sic Vis Pacem Parabellum

09-19-2007, 06:03 PM	#11
SilentSoul Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 631	I bought a mossberg 835 because I got a good deal and for some reason it was cheaper than the 535 which is what I wanted. Only problem is since it is overboard I can shoot everything except slugs. I have to buy a special barrel for that. But it shoots 2.75 to 3.5 inch shells, fiber optic rifle sights and extra full choke. Its also mossy oaked out. I love the gun, just wish I could shoot slugs out of it. I would buy another mossberg.

09-19-2007, 06:14 PM	#12
Bravo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 2,294	I own both. The Mossberg is in 20ga, and 870 is in 12ga. The 870 is actually my brothers, and we started to have extraction problems. I asked him if he'd cleaned it...his response was no. It turns out 500 rounds without cleaning will cause an 870 express to malfunction. I don't know if the Mossberg has this problem, because I clean it every 25-50 rounds. I like the feel of the Remington better than the Mossberg, but I like the Mossberg's safety better on top of the receiver, rather than next to the trigger (only in shotguns..I find it easier to quickly remove the safety while raising it to my shoulder). Honestly, I'd go for whatever is cheaper. Both have after market accessories, both are very reliable under normal conditions. The Remington is made in the USA, the Mossberg is not. Maybe that point would help you decide...it's helped me in the past.

09-19-2007, 07:01 PM	#13
BattleRifleG3 Retired Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Western PA Posts: 11,681 Images: 13	I too prefer Mossberg's safety, as does my wife. __________________ Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf

09-25-2007, 03:32 PM	#14
missharpshooter Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 994 Images: 2	I had both shotguns and I really liked the 870 12ga. the best. You just can't beat a REM 32' barrel especially if you want to go duck hunting it is great for birds. Easy to clean....just a spring and o ring...and I used a cotton swap to clean the ports. I loved my 870..one of the best pump shotguns I ever had.....The Mossberg 12ga. is the gun I first started shooting with. They say if you learn on a pump shotgun you can be just as fast as a semi-auto....I just think it makes a better shooter out of you to learn with a pump..... of course I shoot mostly O/U now...but I still like my Beretta's..Lady Di __________________ IF IT DOESN'T GET HOT..IT DOESN'T HAVE ENOUGH FIREPOWER....DBL TAPP IS NOT DANCING..

09-25-2007, 07:45 PM	#16
Dennis Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 1,929	I have had both,... and I like the model 12 winchester. IMHO the model 12 is the smoothest pump action shotgun ever. they discontinued production of the mod 12 because they where too expensive to make the polished and fitted parts the immaculate construction the effortless action and the lack of a disconnector makes the model 12 take the taco mossy's are good remmy's are a little better BOTH ARE VERY ADEQUATE ya gotta get away for them and explore some of the older designs to experience what a truly smooth pump action shotgun is. the old stevens where good as where the venerable 1897's winchesters too __________________ Submitted with respect to all

09-25-2007, 08:11 PM	#17
N2914J Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Little Rock, AR Posts: 391	We bought an 870 Express a couple months ago, and I truly like it a lot. For a while, I thought I was going to have to buy my own shotgun, so I was planning on the Mossberg Maverick 88. Then my Dad got me an 870 for my birthday. Anyway, having handled both, I think the 870 feels a bit more solid, but honestly, you'll have a great shotgun either way. I'm planning on buying the 20", 8 shot Maverick here in a couple weeks for a HD gun, since Remington barrels are about as much as a Maverick anyway. (On a side note, if you want a HD shotgun, the 28" barrel is kinda awkward in a hallway; you might want to invest in an 18" or 20" barrel). The two main differences are the location of the slide release, and location of the safety. Personally, I like the location of the slide release better on the Mossbergs, which places it behind the trigger guard, easily reachabel with your index finger. On the Remington, its in front of the trigger guard, which I find a little awkward, but how often do you actually use it? On the flip side, I like the safety location better on the Remingtons, right behind the trigger. I keep my 870 with the slide back, ready for a shell, so it really doesn't affect me anyhow. What it comes down to is how it feels for you, and if the Remington is worth the extra money. Either way, you won't be disapointed. __________________ God Bless America

09-25-2007, 08:59 PM	#18
Death Metal Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Fredericksburg, VA Posts: 224	id say go for the 870. great firearm, always a pleasure to shoot. never had anyprobs.

09-27-2007, 06:51 PM	#19
damage855 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 956 Blog Entries: 1	have both. If I had to chose one I would chose my Moss. 500 __________________ If total goverment control will make us all safer, then why are prisons so dangerous?

09-27-2007, 11:14 PM	#20
toolman Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: abilene,tx Posts: 7,135 Blog Entries: 25	I shot a 500 for several years and then sold it because I had no place to hunt within 250 mi. Now I'm back where I have access to 1\2 section of land to hunt on so I've been using my FIL's Rem 1100. The 1100 is a nice gun but doesn't fit me right, so today I bought a used 835 Ultra-Mag that feels really great. I really liked my old 500 though. __________________ cosmoline is an aphrodisiac!