Mossberg Vs. Remington, the ongoing battle
#22
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,445
My 500 combo is about 20 years old. It cost about 225-250 then as I recall. It is pretty beat, but still functions flawlessly. It comes completely apart with the removal of one pin. There are about 5 parts, not including the trigger. I can clean everything and reassemble in about 5 minutes.
My buddy just used it in Ohio and shot a nice buck with the smoothbore/rifle sight barrel. I've shot deer, turkey, rabbit, a few ducks, grouse, woodc ock, pheasant, etc. with the barrels that came with the combo. I kill turkeys out to 35 yds easily with a newer accuchoke barrel using the standard full choke. Cheap and reliable, and you don't mind the inevitable nicks and dings. What else do you want for a hunting shotgun?
The same could probably be said about the 870. I have heard some bad things about recent 870 chambers being rough and ejection/jamming problems. There were some recent 500s that I just didn't care for the forestock design or the stock color in general.
My buddy just used it in Ohio and shot a nice buck with the smoothbore/rifle sight barrel. I've shot deer, turkey, rabbit, a few ducks, grouse, woodc ock, pheasant, etc. with the barrels that came with the combo. I kill turkeys out to 35 yds easily with a newer accuchoke barrel using the standard full choke. Cheap and reliable, and you don't mind the inevitable nicks and dings. What else do you want for a hunting shotgun?
The same could probably be said about the 870. I have heard some bad things about recent 870 chambers being rough and ejection/jamming problems. There were some recent 500s that I just didn't care for the forestock design or the stock color in general.
#23
Spike
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 75
I have, will, and continue to shoot both. Both are almost dead nuts similar for accuracy. Mossbergs that I got where just a tad bit cheaper ( in price ). I would not second guess either brand to bring hunting with me. I do notice the pump and slide are a bit rickety and rattle on the mossberg, but for the people who can't afford a more expensive pump shotgun, there is NOTHING wrong with mossberg. I also own Ithaca 37's, Browning BPS's ( both exceptionally fine guns ) As well as a slew of other (good) pump shotguns. All seem to shoot about the same (accuracy wise) I do however feel some are better made than others and some have better ( more thorough ) designs.
#24
Spike
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 5
Detailed gun info
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#26
I have an 870 (I think everyone does... ). My bro-in-law has a Mossberg. Occasionally we will switch when out skeet shooting at the range, just for kicks. I like the rear safety on the Mossberg, but, it just doesn't feel right to me. I don't know why... I guess it's just one of those things...
#27
IMO, mossberg is about the lowest quality shotgun available, and they definitely shouldnt cost 300$. They usually run about 199$ at walmart and gander mt. The grip is as thick and blocky as a tree trunk, the forend rattles somethin awful, and the trigger is sloppy as hell. Ive owned a couple, one was given to me, one I bought, I gave them away after I bought better stuff. I wouldnt ever own one again, at least not for anything except home defense. an 870, although not the best pump, is a far more solid weapon, the only thing a mossberg has over it, is its a bit lighter.
The only pump I now own is a old Ithaca 37 . I carried it around in the snow all morning today, it carries and shoulders like a dream! Its amazing how much better quality, guns made decades ago are ,compared to whats available now.
The only pump I now own is a old Ithaca 37 . I carried it around in the snow all morning today, it carries and shoulders like a dream! Its amazing how much better quality, guns made decades ago are ,compared to whats available now.
Last edited by DeerandbearhoG; 01-01-2011 at 11:41 AM.
#28
Well,both are fine shotguns IMO iv'e handled & shot both. Good things about the Mossberg 500,i like the top tang safety & the slide release right behind the trigger guard,and the Mossberg is a little lighter. Things i don't like about the 500,they just "feel" cheap made & the action rattles something terrible! Pros on the 870,more sturdier built and the just "fit" me better. Cons on the 870,the safety is right behind the trigger guard & the slide release is in front of the trigger guard. Now thats just my $0.02 but id prefer a Remington 870 Express but the Mossberg is a good shotgun too.
#30
Spike
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 36
I have the Remington 870, and actually prefer the safety on the rear of the trigger guard. As I bring the gun up to shoot, I push the safety with the center of my index finger. As the gun reaches my shoulder, the tip of my index finger reaches the trigger. After shooting, I lower the gun and push the safety back on. I have done it this way so many years that I do it without thinking about it.
I find that a tang safety is not likely to be placed back to the safe position without thinking about it, (at least for me).
I find that a tang safety is not likely to be placed back to the safe position without thinking about it, (at least for me).