Remington 870 vs Mossberg 535

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Boyes50

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I am looking to buy my first shotgun to go hunting with. Since I plan on hunting Turkey, Canadian Geese and Deer with it, I am considering some of the trio packages a lot of firearms stores offer. I am looking at a Remington 870 12 Gauge, which comes with a 28" Vent Ribbed Barrel, a 21" Slug Barrel, and a 23" Cantilever Barrel. The only issue I am having with buying this shotgun is I am hearing a lot of people telling me not to waste my money on a 3" chamber if I am going to go goose hunting. This package will end up being about $500 plus tax, which is reasonable.

The other gun I am considering is the Mossberg 535, which is camo in colour. I maybe like the camo better than the black on the Remington, but am not considered about the colour. The Mossberg comes with basically the same barrels as the Remington, but features a 3 1/2" chamber, making me wonder if it makes sense to spend the money to buy this shotgun. The Mossberg is $600 with the three included barrels, so it ends up being about $100 difference between the 3" Remington and the 3 1/2" Mossberg.

From what I read both are very good value for their money, but I am having trouble picking exactly which shotgun to buy. Any opinions you guys have would be appreciated.
 
I love my mossberg 535s. I have a camo synthetic 3 barrel set and a combo wood and blue. I rarely ever use 3.5" shells. I prefer the mossberg over the 870 because I beat on my pump guns. They're hunting guns and they taake abuse. Mossbergs ejector is a single screw to replace and the mossy has dual extractors. The safety is also better on the tang. Mossberg offers the 500 is a 3 barrel set as well
 
Thanks for your input. I have the option of the Mossberg 500 as well, although with Canada Geese hunting being in my plans, I am seriously considering the benefits of buying a 3.5" now, just in case I decide I need it down the road. I figure you can always just use 3", but you can't stuff a 3.5" into a 3" when its too late!
 
I'd suggest you handle both. The 535 has a longer receiver and some find it a reach to the pump. Add late season hunting clothes and it may not fit. I have no issues with mine. But some friends don't like it If you want 3.5" get it. At least if you run out of ammo you can borrow from a buddy. I have 1/2 flat of various 3.5" shells collecting dust. 3" shells work just fine if you decide on a 3" gun. Good luck
 
Thanks a lot for the reply! I am very sure I am gonna buy the 535. I am 6'4 and 280 pounds so I find most of the guns I've held too small to handle anyways. Nice to hear that the 535 has a big frame, should be of comfortable size for me!
 
I love both of my 535s. I use my wood and blue version the most. Even shoot formal trap with it. The pump handle can bite as it overlaps the receiver and the plug rattles a bit but for what they are they are greaaaaaat guns. I'm 5'9"ish 150lbs. Both the 500 and 535s fit me and 2oz turkey loads in the synthetic stocked version with a 4x full choke kick like deer.
 
I bought the 870 as a do everything gun in 12ga 3.5". I have used 3.5 inch shells for Turkey and will for geese, 3.5" shells kick like an SOB. Saying that I am looking at getting a semi auto with only a 3" chamber because that is what I will mostly use. If I want to specialize in large bird hunting I would go with a 10ga with 3.5" chamber as that is ideal for it. The 3.5" 12ga shell was designed to make the 10ga obsolete. More powder and shot in a smaller gauge. They are usable but at a cost, more felt recoil to the shooter especially with a tighter choke. I would shoot a 3.5" shell before buying any shotgun and see if it is something you want to deal with (I personally hate using them - its not like a 3" shell isn't going to kill what you are shooting at). Despite not liking the 3.5" shells, I do like the option of using them. Just some thoughts/arguments to think over. Good luck
 
It's crazy the opinions I am getting from all kinds of people! My friends have told me that they kill hundreds of geese with 3", while others tell me I wouldn't bother goose hunting with anything other than a 3.5"
 
I own the 535 3 barrel set. Paid $595 + tax for it and it's very good value. I find I rarely use the rifled barrel it came with though.

It is true that it is a bit of a reach to the pump. I'm 5'9" so it is definitely better suited to taller folks or guys with big long monkey arms. I solved my ergo issue by removing the standard stock and installing a collapsible one so my LOP is perfect after the minor modification.
 
They are very similar in many ways, though different. The newer Remmis have lost in quality control, but older hold up very well. Mossberg is cheap but also reliable. Rack the slide on both of them at the store and see which you like most. Remmi was my first gun but then I racked Mossy and fell in love :)
 
I am a smaller guy at 5'5 and 145. I love my 500. I have no problems racking this little beauty. I also bought the 3 barrel combo. Got a hell of a deal on it I might add. I completely agree, Remington's quality has drop a lot in the past 3-4 years but the price has sure stayed the same. And for all that I have done 3 inch shells have proven themselves.
 
I just bought the 535 3barrel set last summer paid
$489. new at Longs in bewdley, for the price you can't beat it, it's lighter than my Browning deer special and a bit lighter than my
Old 870 wingmaster.
although the quality isn't close to the other 2 it seems to be well built and goes bang when needed
 
I can't speak to the hunting aspect but I've had the opportunity to take 870s, 500s, 590s, some super high dollar semis, a few single shots, and even some chinese copy guns out skeet shooting. Out of them all I prefer the 500 (same as a 535) with the top mounted safety and feel of the action.

I didn't buy til I tested everything. If it's possible, I'd recommend you find a friend with a 535 and give it a whirl!
 
I have a remingtion 870 3.5 camo bought it a few years ago its called a waterfowl additon so it came with a 30' barrel. Its by far the most relible gun in the safe. Hasnt failed me yet!
 
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