Remington 870 v.s Mossberg 590. for wild animal defence.

Boomer
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Thanks for that excellent advice, I think I can feel a little more confident that what ever shot gun I choose, be it a Remington, Mossberg, or just my old Winchester fitted with sights and a stock, should do the trick. I'll let my sister in law give it a go with a few choices of slug, and I'll give her a few 000 buck 3"mags for in the tent.
I'll pass on all advice you have given, including stuff in regards to the harsh northern environment. So she can be a little more prepared, I have advised her as well, that the university that is funding her trip, should seek professional help, and not from the "Bear Spray only" idiots you have described in the past. But a true outdoor riflemen. We'll see what they say to that, I hope they have common sense, but I find that sort of sense is often lacking among intelligent university folk. LOL.
 
I can't speak for the different models, barrels, choke threads, etc...but here's my 0.02.

Over the past number of years of working field in either forestry or mining exploration, my nod goes to the 870. Among my field-crew coworkers, we've had two instances where a mossberg had been temporarily rendered inoperable (an 88 and a 500). The 88 became absolutely gummed up in mud, and the 500 needed to go to the gunsmith for repair after someone fell on it. Granted, he was a pretty stout fellow. My 870 (sportsman 12...the 80's version of the Express) has suffered heaps of abuse and neglect, but has never given me a hiccup.

If you're seriously looking at spending money on bear defense, I'd recommend reading some James Gary Shelton (Bear Attacks: The deadly truth, Bear Attack 2: Myth and Reality, etc) as well.

+1 for the lack of faith in bear mace only ideals.
 
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Like I mentioned early in this thread, it's a question of tweedle-dum or tweedle-dee. Both the M870 and the M590 meet MILSPEC which should be good enough for anyone as I can't imagine too many of us having more dire needs or stringent performance standards for shotguns than does the military.
 
purple said:
Like I mentioned early in this thread, it's a question of tweedle-dum or tweedle-dee. Both the M870 and the M590 meet MILSPEC which should be good enough for anyone as I can't imagine too many of us having more dire needs or stringent performance standards for shotguns than does the military.
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I tend to agree with that. However I cant affort the Reminton that HAS passed Mil-spec. the Desert recon. $700

Or the Mossberg that has passed Mil-spec. the 590A1 $675

Not to say that the base modles are anything to complain about. Its just chooseing between them thats tough.
 
purple said:
Like I mentioned early in this thread, it's a question of tweedle-dum or tweedle-dee. Both the M870 and the M590 meet MILSPEC which should be good enough for anyone as I can't imagine too many of us having more dire needs or stringent performance standards for shotguns than does the military.
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On that note, the M37 Ithaca was mil-spec enough for US Navy SEALS during the Vietnam War. There are just not as many parts, and other add-ons, as the other two more popular brands.
 
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