View Full Version : To Mossberg or not to Mossberg? Better shotgun for $300?
glockbanger
06-05-2012, 17:18
Should I get a mossberg 500 or would my money be better spent somewhere else?
Thank ya very much
Angry Fist
06-05-2012, 17:20
Get a Cruiser.
257 roberts
06-05-2012, 17:28
I would rather have a Rem. 870 Express for the money
plouffedaddy
06-05-2012, 18:16
I'm an 870 kind of guy. That said, Maverick 88s sell for $210-250. I don't know if there's a better deal out there. :dunno:
ive had my 500 for over 5 years now and have shot countless rounds through it and never had a problem. the 500 does feel slightly lesser in the quality department than an 870 but i have no complaints or regrets about buying the 500.
Sam
Two_Clicks
06-05-2012, 18:45
I have a home defense 500 and a 500 crown built into a slug gun for deer. Ive hunted with the slug gun for 5 years or so and have mixed feelings. Theyre a little sloppy compared to others and seem to require a little more TLC when cleaning. For 300 bucks I would probably go grab an 870
Mossberg is tough to meet at that price point in terms of price for performance.
Rem 870/Moss 500 performance is nearly identical, so any price difference = win for the lower.
Unless there is a needed feature or something else - hard to argue not to get the cheaper of the two.
Depends on what you want to do. The Mossberg was designed from the ground up as a law enforcement / military shotgun. The 870 was designed for sport. The Mossberg can pass for a sporting shotgun, but is best in its intended role. The 870 can pass for a self defense shotgun, but is betrayed by its sporting background.
jakebrake
06-05-2012, 20:21
go mossberg!
Angry Fist
06-05-2012, 20:22
Unless there is a needed feature or something else - hard to argue not to get the cheaper of the two.
Depends on how you like your controls set up. I also heard that the Maverick is not the same as a 500.
Big Bird
06-05-2012, 20:29
I have and like both an 870 and a Mossturd. Between the two I prefer my 590A1 buts that's simply because it has all the controls in the right place and the 870 doesn't The safety on the top rear of the receiver is just perfect. The slide release is in a natural position unlike the 870 which is in front of the trigger guard and on the wrong side for a right hander.
The Mossburg has dual extractors which the 870 does not. It also is lighter owing to the alloy receiver which doesn't bother me one bit. Hell I shoot Benelli's with allow receivers, I shoot AR's with alloy receivers, I shoot handguns with alloy and plastic receivers. The Mossburg bolt locks into steel receiver lugs on the barrel just like an 870. The only thing the steel receiver does on an 870 is add weight.
The 500 only has one pin for the trigger group while the 870 has two. The 870 detail strips a tad bit easier but its no big deal to take apart either gun anyhow.
The Mossberg has been around forever and the 870 has been around forever. Pick your poison and you won't be wrong either way.
firefighter4215
06-05-2012, 20:34
I've had my 500 for years. I specifically bought it because I liked the location of the slide release compared to the 870. I'm definitely happy with the gun.
I grew up with a pile of 870's laying around to choose from, with the newest being a 1981 model 20 ga. I think... I've handled a few new ones lately, and in fear of sounded like a geezer I must say the new ones don't feel like they have the substance and tightness of the older models... This saddened me because I was raised on 870's, and 700's and they both have semed to slip a bit...
I'd probably look for an older 870 if you go remington, but two other of my favorites are the winchester 1300 and the Browning BPS... I've never owned a Mossberg, but I've heard a ton of good things from happy owners...
Not looked at the 870s recently, but I consider the 500 to have an advantage over some in that the shell elevator on the 500 does not block access to the magazine. You can add shells without having to press the elevator out of the way. Much easier to add shells, even wearing gloves.
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Dual extractors.
True ambidextrous tang safety. See the red dot at the safety? = red hes dead. (he meaning the bad guy)
Non-spring loaded load gate that retracts into the receiver and does not snag your thumb.
Light weight aluminum receiver. (AR15's, jet landing gear and racing engine blocks use aluminum so save the steel argument.)
Slide release "behind" the trigger guard, not "forward" of the trigger guard.
Whats not to like? Just buy the features you like and try not to focus on brand only. Both brands are good, just buy what fit your needs/wants/desires.
glockbanger
06-05-2012, 22:05
Thanks guys, this helps a lot. The features of the mossberg seem more appealing. Is anyone concerned as is K. Kiser with the build of the new 870s?
Which gun looks better in wood and has a nicer finish?
Does anyone make a Long Tube in wood?
Is the debate solely between the 500 and 870 or are there other contenders?
I should've outlined this earlier, but I'm looking for something, not too short, hunting mainly, but may serve for SD as well, like to have long tube.
glockbanger
06-05-2012, 22:45
I like the field/security combo from mossberg.
I'm a Mossberg guy. My last mossy was stolen, and I went out and bought another Mossberg. Between the 870 and the 500 the 500 wins out for having the dual extractors, thus much less chance of jamming, and the shell elevator pulls up and out of the way when you're reloading, meaning easier and faster reloads with no pinched thumbs.
the pump feels a little looser than an 870 but that's by design. Plenty of other guns are built to loose tolerances. I assure you it's not going to rattle apart on you, it's meant to be like that. A certain other reliable gun is also known for loose tolerances.
The tang safety is great for a traditional straight stock but if you like a pistol grip or thumbhole it's going to be hard to reach. There's also the Mossberg Maverick which has a crossbolt safety and the receiver of a 500 if you want a pistol grip though. I've used both, and find either one works well.
Depends on what you want to do. The Mossberg was designed from the ground up as a law enforcement / military shotgun. The 870 was designed for sport. The Mossberg can pass for a sporting shotgun, but is best in its intended role. The 870 can pass for a self defense shotgun, but is betrayed by its sporting background.
I'm a mossy fan, but that is just plain wrong.
The Mossberg 500 was designed as a hunting gun just like the 870 was.
It wasn't until 30 years later that they built the 590 around the same action as a military shotgun.
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Roostmonkey
06-06-2012, 16:14
I prefer the Mossberg simply for the tang safety.
I love my mossberg 590a1 and the 500's are hard to beat for the price. I shoot leftie on long guns so I like the safety location on top ( quick and easy with thumb for righty or leftie)
I wish there were as many accessorize options as the 870 though. After watching the magpul shotgun dvd a while back it has me thinking about how to switch out the chambered round though.
Buffering
06-07-2012, 08:00
870 or Mossberg. What to do?
Think of it like girls bewbs. You can see them online, in magazines and listen to everyone else describe them but to really know, you need to spend quality time handling them.
My work here is done.
Gixxer23
06-07-2012, 22:33
Is the debate solely between the 500 and 870 or are there other contenders?
I should've outlined this earlier, but I'm looking for something, not too short, hunting mainly, but may serve for SD as well, like to have long tube.
I have a 500, 590A1. and several 870's. They are basically equals. I prefer Mossberg for SD tho but it's all about what deal is available at any given time. Can't go wrong with either so don't be picky and find the best deal available for both.
glockbanger
06-08-2012, 15:21
Does the 870 come in a security combo? How is Remington's Parkerized finish vs Mossberg blueing?
Also in regards to extending the mag tube. The way the barrel attaches in the 500, the screw doubles as a cap so you can't put an extension on the tube the way you can with an 870. If you want to increase mag capacity you have to replace tube and barrel (which they make a set to do just that), but it's easier just to search out the 8 shot model to begin with. It's a little harder to find but cheaper than buying a6 shot and modding it.
The 590 I don't own but I've heard it however DOES have an extendable tube, but at the expense of a more difficult to change out barrel. the 500's whole shtick is its easy to change barrels. For people who like various lengths, or to swap out for slugs.
There is a slight advantage here though. By buying an 8 shot model or by getting the longer tube/barrel combo instead of putting an extension onto a tube, you have instead of a 2 piece tube, a single piece which means no potential barbs or bends where shells or the spring can get hung up and prevented from feeding properly. Instead just one clean linear tube for easy feeding.
RYT 2BER
06-08-2012, 19:29
Mossberg guy here as well. I have 4 of them....
Like others have said... Mossberg pumps can be a bit rattley but that's how they're built..
Love my mossys. Wouldn't have it any other way.
Depends on how you like your controls set up. I also heard that the Maverick is not the same as a 500.
That would be a needed feature, wouldn't it. And it only matter if you have a preference/experience.
Personally, I think the Maverick is the best of both worlds.
eaglefrq
06-08-2012, 20:42
870 or Mossberg. What to do?
Think of it like girls bewbs. You can see them online, in magazines and listen to everyone else describe them but to really know, you need to spend quality time handling them.
My work here is done.
:perfect10:
The best advice and greatest post ever!
I have a Maverick 88 (by Mossberg) and for the price ~$230 I think it's an awesome choice for HD.
I would rather have a Rem. 870 Express for the money
+1. the safety next to the trigger guard is in a better spot than on the reciever, imo.
there's pawn shop finds all day for $200-$230. getting a wood 12ga mag myself for $230
^ not really (imo). With a tang safety you can push the button forward and with a simple glance down you can see a red dot meaning "red your dead!"
With a cross bolt safety you cant glance down to visually check the safety without tilting the gun and taking your sights off target.
Its not a big deal since all you have to do is feel it, but the debate here is about visual safety check.
Technically the Mossberg is more efficient. (cough..and ambidextrous)
I think its more helpful to the new guy shopping around if he gets an opinion with logic behind it. Simply saying "I like so-and-so better imo" doesnt really help.
^^^
ok, the logic is in you don't have to change your grip on the weapon to disengage the safety then move your finger up to pull the trigger.
the mossberg system requires thumb manipulation of the safety, reposition the grip, then pull the trigger.
the remmy is faster to bring to bear on those pesky zombies:supergrin:
besides anybody who's used any power tools will automatically know push right to left to activate
Bob Hafler
06-09-2012, 05:56
Mossberg Crusier 20Ga. has been my HD shotty for the last 15+ years. Very good dependable gun. Tang safety is a plus not a negative. As it's right in front of your face.
Had mossbergs in the past and then got a 870......now I went back to the mossberg and got a 590A1 "51663" and want to get rid of my 870 cause the system...mossbergs platform makes sense.
the finish on the 870 is too rust prone though but they may have resolved it with this
http://www.remington.com/product-families/firearms/shotgun-families/pump-action-model-887.aspx
a deal for $400ish, imo
Buffering
06-09-2012, 09:08
The 887 is universally panned as being a horrible POS. You can find countless youyube vids pointing this out.
The safety position does not make a damm bit of difference, imo.
The both work, they can both be learned. I suspect a number of us can use either. I know i can.
I PREFER the Mossberg. But other than that, let's stop acting like it matters unless you are left handed.
And here is a tip: Step one - safety off. Step two - bad guy removed from this dimension. Step three - safety on. It does not matter how long you spend on step two. Until you get to step three the safety stays OFF. imo...
step one should happen while mounting the gun either way. In less than 1/2 a second.
I repeat - the position of the safety does not matter, unless you are a left handed shooter, and choose to shoot left handed.
imo
But YOU need to decide for yourself.
I would take an older Winchester 1300 over either Mossberg or Remington.
I went looking for a new SD shotgun and ended up with an 870 - no regrets - if Mossberg would have been a better deal that day I would have one.
I don't use the safety on a HD shotgun so where it is located means nothing to me -
countrygun
06-09-2012, 14:37
The safety position does not make a damm bit of difference, imo.
The both work, they can both be learned. I suspect a number of us can use either. I know i can.
I PREFER the Mossberg. But other than that, let's stop acting like it matters unless you are left handed.
And here is a tip: Step one - safety off. Step two - bad guy removed from this dimension. Step three - safety on. It does not matter how long you spend on step two. Until you get to step three the safety stays OFF. imo...
step one should happen while mounting the gun either way. In less than 1/2 a second.
I repeat - the position of the safety does not matter, unless you are a left handed shooter, and choose to shoot left handed.
imo
But YOU need to decide for yourself.
And unless your deer rifle, your upland game gun, and many of your other guns have the safety in the same place, or if you can shoot from either shoulder.
Not that I am saying it's critical, but we shouldn't act as though another persons prefrences are immaterial.
glockbanger
06-09-2012, 17:17
I'm going with the Mossberg. The security/field combo is too good to pass up for the price. And since everyone seems to think that Mossberg quality is comparable, it eases my mind. Personally I'd rather have all steel, I don't mind the 870 controls. If I were to buy extra parts for an 870 to match the Moss combo, it'd be almost $200 more.
Buffering
06-09-2012, 18:05
You're going with the Mossberg but you personally want the Remington? Seems like a case of buyer's remorse before you even plunk down coin.
Stated another way, I own the shotgun you personally want. Isn't that weird?
I'm going with the Mossberg. The security/field combo is too good to pass up for the price. And since everyone seems to think that Mossberg quality is comparable, it eases my mind. Personally I'd rather have all steel, I don't mind the 870 controls. If I were to buy extra parts for an 870 to match the Moss combo, it'd be almost $200 more.
you can get a used 870, keep the bbl and sell the reciever and break even. you'd have your (better) combo
The safety position does not make a damm bit of difference, imo.
Good point. I recently took an advanced firearms class and had to run my 870 police magnum completely left handed (Im a righty) on a certain course of fire and I did fine.
Just learn to run what ya brung. But I still prefer my 500 for the record.
Safety is just not that difficult of a skill. Won't even get into the strategy factor.
It is ALWAYS better to
- Use consistent controls
- Use the best ergonomics (not that any of you really understand that. Ergo is way more than "feels good"
- Match your intended use to the weapon AND it's controls.
But seriously - Safety is not that tough. a few hundred rounds and you should be golden whatever/wherever the switch is.
cyphertext
06-10-2012, 22:21
I don't use the safety on a HD shotgun so where it is located means nothing to me -
Glad I am not the only one. We have both, an 870 and a Mossberg 500 for HD and they are both kept with empty chamber, tube full, trigger pulled so it only takes working the pump action to put them into action.
Buy either one. I have purchased two used Wingmasters from a pawn shop for less than $300 total. The pretty one is set up for birds, and the one with wear had the barrel cut down to 18 1/2" and is for home defense.
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