Noob looking for advice.

[marcdanarc]

Hi guys,
I spectated at an IPSC shotgun match last week.
Got me thing about a "tactical" shotgun.
Which would you guys choose between a Remington 870 or a Mossberg 500. Also, what else should I be looking at?
Thanks,

 

[Stevebot-7]

Between the 870 and 500 seems to boil down to personal preference. One has the action release in front of the trigger guard, the other has the release behind the trigger guard.

I've heard that the 500s ejector is easier to fix yourself if it breaks.

The Benelli M4 also has lots of fans, as well as the Supernova. Some people say those are the best they've tried.

Personally, I'd go for a Mossberg 590A1, because I'm a fanboy like that.

 

[Silveragent]

To me having the action in the rear of the trigger guard makes a lot more sense than moving your finger forward over the trigger guard.

 

[River runner]

I had a 590a1.... with a 20" barrel and 9 shot capacity. That shotgun was butter smooth! The Mossberg controls were more ergonomic too. But it was brutally heavy due to its bombproof and durable all metal construction. I suspect it would perform excellent for competition, as the matches are limited in time, and weight would be a non issue and possibly even an asset in helping control recoil.
I sold it. I don't compete and wanted a smaller shorter 12g, and unfortunately finding a short barrelled mossberg here in Canada is very expensive as they are very rare and highly sought after.

 

[b_w.]

My 590A1 could also be described as buttery smoothe lol controls are great and it eats anything. Only thing I would do different is not get the ghost ring sights.

 

[stoop14]

I prefer my 870, just seems more natural to me.

 

[kennymo]

Between the 500 and 870, go with whichever fits you best. I prefer the stock shape and length of an 870, just seems to point more naturally for me. Lots of aftermarket parts for either of them and the price point is pretty close. Plenty of tacticool variants straight from the factory for both too. Always wanted to try a 590A1, nothing beats a shotgun with a bayonet mount.

 

[Guyintoga]

After working the warranty for a firearms store, I have to say between the two go with the 870, but I agree with stevebot, b-w. out of the three the 590 I have never seen come back in about the 65 months I did that position

 

[marcdanarc]

Thanks Guys!

 

[SoBored]

Between the 870 and 500 seems to boil down to personal preference. One has the action release in front of the trigger guard, the other has the release behind the trigger guard.

Yup, also the Remington one is a very narrow serrated release that almost feels sharp compared to the Mossberg one, (at least my old 400 Lakefield has a nice fat smooth release button). It's a joy to release the slide on a mossberg compared to a remingon IMO.

I've heard that the 500s ejector is easier to fix yourself if it breaks.

Yup, one screw in the receiver that is removed through the ejection port. Also, the Mossberg has dual extractors compared to the Remington 870's single one.

Try both and see what you like. Keep in mind the mossberg 500 has a tang safety so if you are going to use a straight stock it's fine but if you are serious about a pistol grip maybe lean towards the Remington. Also, note that the Maverick 88 is a cheaper version of the Mossberg 500 with a cross bolt safety on the trigger guard.

The mossberg will be less money than the remington, and keep in mind that the 500's magazine can't be extended without replacing the tube and barrel. If you want a longer mag, go with an 8 shot persuader/security/cruiser, (whatever the hell they call it), or a Mossberg 590 or a Remington 870.

And as always if you know your prices, buying used can be good, if you take good care of it, you can usually get most of your investment back if you want to sell it.

 

[Nestor]

Both shotguns are just fine.
870 offers slightly longer service record (shotgun of choice for most LE agencies in North America for the last 50 years) with easier customization available.
Higher trims also offer a bit slicker action than Mossberg products IMO. Some people don't like the controls on 870s though.

 

[Nestor]

The Benelli M4 also has lots of fans, as well as the Supernova. Some people say those are the best they've tried.

It's worth to remember though, that finding any parts or aftermarket accessories for these shotguns are very difficult and prices are absolutely ridiculous.
Supernova while nice (magazine cut off option, chrome lined barrel) isn't really much of improvement over 870 in the end.
For some people Benelli doesn't shoulder very well.
However if You are thinking about any social work...the forend will cover loading gate while in the rear position on Supernova...not very wise design on the combat designated shotgun.
In the end it's a very nice shotgun that doesn't offer much options to customize and still need some improvements to the original design...well at least IMO.
Good luck!

 

[muscles1000]

I would also recommend a mossberg 590A1 18.5" compact model. Mossberg model #51520.

I've got one of these with a hogue short lop stock and an S&J +1 mag tube extension on it. Love it. Built like a tank and slick as glass.

 

[gwhysow]

If you're thinking of shooting 3-gun - and the regs allows - I'd grab a semi. But, if we're sticking with the 870 vs. 500 discussion, I'll say this: You can't go wrong with either. Pretty well every point above can be considered valid.

The Mossy: Has better layout in regards to release and safety (as long as you don't run a stock with a pistol grip). The dual extractors are great, but no necessary. And yes -- they are pretty well bomb-proof, especially if you grab one with the heavy barrel (590a1). They are heavy, and seem to profile a little larger than the 870. Despite having an aluminium receiver, I believe that it's a little bit larger. People usually praise the 500 series because there is no tilting ramp in the loading port; it's not a deal breaker, it's just different. Keep in mind that that are going to be JUST a few less accessories and variety.

The Remington: Is one slick piece of machinery. Though the safety and release aren't as well laid out, they can get pretty darn quick. It's true, the release on the 870 can be a little sharp...but that can be smoothed out with time, or elbow grease. The gun balances well, and they typically won't die. I know people that have 20 years on their 870s, with wet-season hunting, and more rounds than I can count. The complaint I hear is 'The new Express guns aren't smooth at all'. Truth, but neither was that Wingmaster 20 years ago. I purchased another 870 a couple of months ago, and it already runs about as smooth as my old Wingmaster. It all takes love. But I went off on a tangent there. What I was trying to say is that I hear junk about MIM parts, and the fit and finish...never about them quitting, or an extractor actually dying. That tilting ramp I was talking about - that some people hate - is there partially to keep all of the junk out of the gun.

At the end of the day, they FEEL different. That is the most important part. I would get yourself down to a shop, and go hands-on. You will know which shoe fits. I have both 870s and 590s, and I will say that I like the feel of my 870s more. That isn't to say that I don't like the 5's.