rem 870, mossberg 500, or maverick 88 for newer hunter

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gumbellion

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I am in the market for a 12 gauge for waterfowl. I currently have a really nice citori that was given to me from a family member who passed away.
The last 2 years i used it for hunting the couple times i went out, but i dont want to beat the gun up as it has sentimental value.
So the options that i am looking at in my price range are
Used Remington 870
New Maverick 88
New Mossberg 500

So where I am at is this
the 870 seems like it is a higher quality unit than the mossberg products, but since i would be looking for a used one is it worth the savings and getting a firearm that might be a bit beat up, probably have a lot of shots fired etc. I see them for very wide price ranges, and there would be the additional shipping expense if i purchase a used firearm on here

For the 88 and the 500 from what i have read they are basically like the exact same gun. If i went with the 500 i would most likely get the combo type that has the 18-28 inch barrels. I dont know why i would but it seems like why not?
But if the 88 and 500 are that identical i would take the 100 dollar difference and put it into some goose decoys to set myself up better for hunting

Any ideas or suggestions are appreciated.
Also if there is another 12 gauge that is in about that same price range that i dont know about i would like to hear it

Thanks!
 
It won't matter much; if you're new to waterfowl hunting, the actual shotgun used is the least important variable in the equation. Time and money are best spent with a bit of shooting practise and as much scouting as you can manage. That said, in your position I'd lean toward an older 870 Wingmaster, as its design and construction is well proven. If you encounter one with a full choke, it's a simple matter of having it reamed out to modified or light modified. Then, pattern the thing with a few different types of shells to see what works best, and shoot within your limits. This should keep you within a reasonable budget.

My main waterfowl guns for the upcoming season will be a '46 Ithaca Model 37 that's been opened up to light modified, and a '56 Wingmaster with a modified choke. I wouldn't describe either one as being in pristine condition...
 
I use my mossburg 500 3 barrel camo, Browning BPS and a weatherby SA-08, they all work, pattern and practice is the best thing to you and what will fit you best for length of pull.
As for my mossburg 500 i have about 6000 rounds down the tube and its in for warranty for the plastic fore end as it cracked and pulled apart, i dont treat them easy either as i have slipped a few times on some ice while hunting and smacked the gun off the ground(i think thats what broke it). It has a ton of sand and dirt and water in it and has functioned flawless. Double extractors in the 500 are also nice for making sure shells get extracted. also a 10 year warranty i cant complain.
 
This is probably uncommon but here is why i am somewhat resistant to buy a used shot gun
Last year my father in law decided that after a 10 year hiatus he was going to get back into bird hunting. He bought a used 20 gauge wing master from ellwood epps
He basically got the gun to come out partridge hunting when he comes to visit us. He got interested in hunting again after we went out a few times
Last year we went out after he first got the shot gun, and i figured i would let him do the shooting since i do enough.
After he successfully missed about 5 birds the wind was out of his sails, so from as close as 15 feet probably
So we went to a pit and shot a few paper targets and boxes to find out that his gun shoots high and to the left. He measured the barrel after some research and thinks the barrel was modified from some markings on the end
So now he has just ordered a new barrel-putting him at the price of a new gun i would imagine
I like to think most people are pretty honest but i would be bummed if it happened to me

Man that was a long story
 
Maritime Storm said:
The gun didn't fit him. Gun fit is the number 1 most important element in shotgunning, if it doesn't fit you, you won't hit anything with it.
Click to expand...

Not the case, this 20 gauge i mention definitely does not shoot straight.
On a rest no bb's hit where the gun is aimed. All high and to the left
 
Start by taking it back to Epp's. Mind you, I think they state used stuff is sold 'as is', but talk to 'em anyway.
About your shotgun, it's mostly about how much money you want to spend.
A Maverick and a 500 are the same thing. The Maverick is just a lower end gun. Fit, finish and stock materials aren't the same. Innards are. And a 'Combo' is the best deal. Gives you a slug barrel(usually rifled) and 2 bird barrels with changeable chokes for $600 at Epp's.
If you think you'll ever want aftermarket stuff, the 870 is the one to buy. Not much stuff available for Mossbergs, but there's all kinds if it for the 870. Doesn't really matter which 870 either. Express, etc. Except for the initial price.
 
I think its settled that i will go get my hands on them and then make the decision
I am up at work right now so thought it would be sweet to arrive home to a new toy, but seeing what one feels best sounds like a better idea. Then i will figure it out
I will post back when i figure it out
 
Maritime Storm said:
The gun didn't fit him. Gun fit is the number 1 most important element in shotgunning, if it doesn't fit you, you won't hit anything with it.
Click to expand...

Agreed. Gun fit it paramount for shotgun's and successful wingshooting. Pick up a few guns and choose the one that fits the best.

sunray said:
Start by taking it back to Epp's.
Click to expand...

I've had the pleasure of dealing with Ellwood Epps more times then my credit card can handle. They have some of the best customer service I've ever encountered in the shooting/hunting business. I have had personal experience with them that demonstrated their brutally accurate honesty, even if it was to their own detriment. They have always made good on their promise to make things right for me....and that usually happened before I even had a chance to make a suggestion that would have been a satisfying resolution for me. Always an excellent experience on my end.

krchov said:
try the Mossberg 835 great gun and not much more
Click to expand...

Agreed. The 835 would be my first choice with regards to the pumps listed by the OP. The overbored barrel of the 835 throws excellent shot patterns that I doubt will be matched by any other pump shotgun mentioned on this thread.
 
As a hunter if I gave a gun to someone. I'd hope they use it as a hunting gun. Just my opinion

However of your choices I'd go mossberg 500. Personally I like them and older Ithaca 37 pumps
 
The mossberg 500 combo is an excellent first gun, it was my first. Start off the season on waterfowl, swap to the rifled barrel for deer and be good to go for Turkey in spring... Very easy gun to use and shoot
 
I would go with whichever you find a better deal on.

I find some pros/cons of the choices are:

870's are heavy compared to the moss/mav. This is a pro for recoil, con for carrying.

870's recievers are steel, Mossbergs aluminum alloy, since steel is heavier, see above.

Mossbergs safety is by your thumb and is ambidextrous, the 870 and mav are push button on the trigger guard, Pro for Mossberg for me, but many prefer the 870/mav style.

All of the Mossberg 500 buttstocks will fit the maverick, but not the forends, some modification or extra parts are needed to make it fit, pro 500, con mav, same goes for the trigger assemblies, slightly different between 500/mav.

There are tons of accessories that will fit both 870's and 500's, so both pro's there.

What it really comes down to though is which feels better when you hold/shoot it, and if you find a better deal on one or the other that would probably make up my mind.
 
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