Suggestions for an entry level pump action shotgun?

Gylar

Gylar

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I've been checking out some Mossberg combos and seen some 870 combos as well.... Just a wee little bit of a price difference but can't decide...

Any thoughts b4 i go purchase?

BTW, this shotgun will be an all around use type gun.... Everything from deer, turkey and waterfowl, to skeet and trap. Hence a barrel combo package.


Thanks for any suggestions, they sure help! :)
 
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The Rem 870 Express combo would be somewhat superior (to the Mossberg) in terms of build quality and finish. Admittedly, I do not own/use a pump but I have had opportunities to closely inspect/compare the two makes.

A 12ga 870 combo will be ideal for the sort of hunting that you have in mind.

The smoothbore barrel at 26in length may be better (maneuvering perspective) since Turkey is also in the equation. On the other hand, that length won't seriously compromise your performance during Waterfowl or Range activities. The deer barrel should be a rifled bbl with rifle sights or a cantilever bbl.

Both Rem and Mossberg do offer good value in their respective price range as far as hunting implements are concerned and will easily take the abuse usually associated with hunting.
 
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Keep your eyes open for a good used combo. Either the Remington or Mossberg would meet your needs, go with the best deal.
 
Another vote for the 870 ... I have an uncle who bought a Mossberg 500 once, it lasted him 2 seasons, he brought it to the Smithy when it started giving him issues, internals were just ground to bits and the gun ended up getting scapped.
 
Nobody ever went wrong starting out with an 870. It was my first gun. I've had two friends get into hunting (as adults, not coming from hunting families:dancingbanana:,imagine that), and they have all started out with 12 ga. 870s. They have had no reasons to doubt their choices.

RG

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martinbns said:
I would recommend an 870, tough guns. Stay away form Winchester `1300's junk and terrible reliability issues.
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The only reliability issues with a 1300 is the user. Now, I'll admit, mine didn't open all the way when I purchased it, but a little sanding, polishing, never had a problem other than once with the action frozen at -30f (my fault type of oil). 20 yrs and one freeze with multiple thousands of rounds through it, I highly recommend the Winchester.
 
I had the same choice and went for mossberg 500 despite the popularity of the 870.

Reasons I did,
1) Safety on tang (its where you’re thumb sits, so for left and right hand shooters it has a natural feel)
2) Barrel verity (for around 200$ you can get a rifled slug barrel, that is amazing for deer hunting apparently, stock barrel has 3 chokes for all shot/game).
3) Easy take down and clean up (youtube mossberg 500, its super simple to clean)
4) more ergonomic loading (the 870's have this levor that basically nips you’re thumb when loading up, you get pretty sick of it when you’re flinging skeet loading 100 rounds a day)
5) price... I got mine for around 260$ at wholesale sports.

After trying both guns the mossberg does feel cheeper, I was willing to accept it cause worst case scenario... I only spent 260$ and I can always buy a new gun next paycheck that “feels” better. But have noticed no performance difference in them.
 
JonnyK said:
I had the same choice and went for mossberg 500 despite the popularity of the 870.

Reasons I did,
1) Safety on tang (its where you’re thumb sits, so for left and right hand shooters it has a natural feel)
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You're right, that's one benefit.


2) Barrel verity (for around 200$ you can get a rifled slug barrel, that is amazing for deer hunting apparently, stock barrel has 3 chokes for all shot/game).
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As for the rem 870...


3) Easy take down and clean up (youtube mossberg 500, its super simple to clean)
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The rem 870 is 1 step easier to disassemble and clean. Less specific knowledge is required.

4) more ergonomic loading (the 870's have this levor that basically nips you’re thumb when loading up, you get pretty sick of it when you’re flinging skeet loading 100 rounds a day)
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I've never had this problem. Besides, it helps keeps the dirt and debris out of the action. It also stays in the "up" position when you reload if you pop it up all the way. The mossy leaves the entire action open to sand, rocks, dust, you name it.

5) price... I got mine for around 260$ at wholesale sports.
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Yup, the mossy is cheaper.

After trying both guns the mossberg does feel cheeper, I was willing to accept it ...
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Case in point :)

Besides, a gun is something you buy once. It doesn't really depreciate, and they rarely break down (unless you have a mossberg haha joking :) ). You have it for life, usually. It's not like a car that you have to replace every 5 years or whatever.

The rem 870 is superior in most ways (except the tang safety), which is why 99% of police/military forces use it.

They're both good guns, but the 870 is better.
 
I own an 870. I like it. I considered buying a 500 or 590.

The deciding factor for me was the availability of aftermarket parts.

Both the Remington and Mossy are good values if you ask me. I don't think that you'd regret either one.

Buy one, buy lots of ammo, and ENJOY!
 
If you have an 870 you have all you "need". You may however find yourself "wanting" fancy walnut stocks, or maybe super tactical shotties. Eitherwway an 870 is a good all around every day use shottie.
 
Ok...... wow! Lots of info to think about before i purchase! I must say i've handled both (in the gun shop) and i thought the 870 did feel a little better... With that said, I think i would prefer the 870, just got a little spooked after my friend bought one and is now having ejection issues. From what i've read, a few others have spoke about that as well. Just a little concern, but not to much since it is one of the most popular pump actions ever built......

Errrrr i hate when i start getting indecisive!
 
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Applefarmer said:
The only reliability issues with a 1300 is the user. Now, I'll admit, mine didn't open all the way when I purchased it, but a little sanding, polishing, never had a problem other than once with the action frozen at -30f (my fault type of oil). 20 yrs and one freeze with multiple thousands of rounds through it, I highly recommend the Winchester.
Click to expand...

I've dealt with three of those things.
The first was a POS, but managed to fix it sorta.
The second was martinbns's gun.
Three or four GOOD gunsmiths went at it, it would still jam after modifying, polishing, replacing, etc.
The third? I ran like H$LL and didn't look back!:D
Cat
 
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