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It’s like evaluating 9mm to .45 ACP, or strikers to hammers. Maybe even evaluating the GLOCK to the 1911 — however right here, the contestants are extra alike in type and performance: The Mossberg 500 versus the Remington 870. These two legendary shotguns boast practically an identical lifespans and models manufactured. Each are virtually as fashionable as the opposite, and each serve the identical roles. Naturally, this has led many to endlessly argue that one shotgun is objectively higher than the opposite. But when opinions and anecdotes are outdated by information, does one actually reign supreme? Let’s begin with fundamental specs.

Mossberg 500 & Remington 870 Protection on AllOutdoor

Mossberg 500 Specs

Pictured: Mossberg 500 Retrograde

Out there Gauges: 12, 20, .410
Out there Barrel Lengths: 18.5″, 20″, 22″, 24″, 26″, 28″
Receiver Materials: Aluminum
Set off Pull: 8.5 lbs
Weight: 7.0 lbs*

Weight primarily based on 500 Area, 20 ga., 26″ barrel, 5+1 rounds

Remington 870 Specs

Pictured: Remington 870 Fieldmaster Totally Rifled Deer

Out there Gauges: 10, 12,16, 20, 28, .410
Out there Barrel Lengths: 18″, 20″, 21″, 23″, 25″, 26″, 28″, 30″
Receiver Materials: Metal
Set off Pull: 5.5 lbs
Weight: 6.25 lbs*

Weight primarily based on 870 Fieldmaster, 20 ga., 26″ barrel, 4+1 rounds

At a look, these two shotguns are principally an identical. They every present myriad barrel lengths and the frequent gauges any shotgunner needs for safety, searching, or plinking. Each weigh rattling close to the identical, with receivers, shares, magazines, and slide assemblies that every one look alike, too. However there are, certainly, some key variations between these two weapons. Whether or not these variations are vital sufficient to justify wholly backing one over the opposite is one other query that I’ll reply primarily based on private expertise with each pump weapons – however, spoilers: it’s practically a toss-up. Let’s evaluate.

Mossberg 500 vs. Remington 870 Receivers: Does Steel Matter?

When you ask Remington guys this query, some will resoundingly declare that the Mannequin 870’s strong metal receiver is “leaps and bounds extra sturdy, rugged, and dependable” than the Mossberg 500’s receiver. Remington even leans into this, plastering the very fact the 870 does sport a machined metal receiver atop its product web page:

However having had the pleasure of fielding an M500 within the service, and having beat up a Mossberg 500 JIC and a Remington 870 over the previous decade, I’m right here to inform you this explicit distinction doesn’t matter one bit. Sure, the Mannequin 870’s metal receiver is objectively stronger. However the Mossberg’s receiver can also be greater than robust sufficient to face up to no matter you’re going to make use of both pump gun for. Drive a automotive over it, throw it towards a wall, or do typically silly, not-gun issues to the Mossberg, and its receiver will maintain up simply in addition to the 870’s metal workings.

The Mossberg additionally advantages from the truth that its receiver will received’t rust or pit. It’s superficial however, over time, the end on both shotgun will take some nicks, scratches, and dents. With out a coating of some form – and when left to take a seat in a darkish protected or humid basement – naked metal will begin to corrode. The load distinction between these two receivers additionally isn’t vital sufficient to make the heft nor felt recoil of 1 gun appear extra advantageous than the opposite. On this comparability, contemplate it a sensible tie.

One- vs. Two-Piece Slide Assemblies

Nevertheless it’s right here that issues really feel noticeable: The Mossberg 500’s slide meeting (backside) makes use of a two-piece development, separating the motion bars from the slide that interfaces with the journal and forend. The bars connect with the slide through two pins and a collar. The 870’s slide meeting (prime) is a monolithic design, combining the motion bars with the slide, foregoing any mechanical connections and fasteners. The result’s that the 870’s pump motion is objectively higher. It’s crisper, tighter, smoother, and wobbles lower than the Mossy’s pump. The five hundred may also begin to rattle after awhile, because the slide pins’ connections put on in.

Does this meaningfully impression biking for the Mossberg? No. However is it one thing {that a} neurotic shooter – like myself – will discover irritating sufficient to doubtlessly contemplate one shotgun over the opposite? Sure. The Remington handily wins on this entrance.

Single vs. Double Extractors

The Mossberg 500 compensates for its inferior slide motion with a superior bolt and extractor meeting. The Remington 870 depends on a single extractor, whereas the Mossy sports activities two claws for grabbing spent shells on both aspect of its bolt face. The Mossberg 500’s extractors are additionally milled from bar inventory, whereas some 870s’ extractors are MIM-manufactured, or “metallic injection molded”. That is simply one other identify for casting metallic, which leads to a considerably softer alloy. Some customers have reported points with 870 MIM extractors rounding out and failing to seize brass, and loads of aftermarket retailers have begun providing machined, “non-MIM” extractors constructed from hardened metal as an improve for these biking points.

Safeties & Slide Releases

The position of each shotguns’ safeties and slide releases might or might not impression your capacity to reliably deal with both gun. When you’re a left-handed shooter, like this author, you’ll drastically recognize the Mossberg 500’s security and slide lock. The five hundred’s security rests atop the tang of the receiver, offering really ambidextrous perform and comparatively quick access – although it’s much less ergonomic than the button-pressed security on the 870, positioned simply behind and to the left of the set off, on its guard.

The 870’s slide toggle is simple to seize and ergonomic for any rightie, however lefties will discover that it’s merely not handy to succeed in with out wrapping your hand across the receiver and squeezing it. This forces you to eradicate your taking pictures stance and alter your high-ready grip totally. The five hundred’s slide toggle rests the place the 870’s security sits, simply beside the set off guard. I at all times discovered it straightforward to depress it with my left index finger.

Nevertheless, the detent on the Mossberg’s tang-top security can put on in over time. In excessive circumstances (after hundreds of rounds), the protection can loosen as much as such an extent that recoil alone can reengage the protection. I’ve by no means seen this on any M500 nor my very own shotgun, although. On this entrance, the higher gun’s decided by your handedness: For lefties, the Mossberg’s controls are extra ergonomic. For righties, the 870 offers a greater match.

Journal Capacities

All 870s, save for one (the Particular Goal Marine Magnum), come fitted with a 4-round journal tube, whereas 500s come optioned with a minimal 5-round tube. However a key distinction that may impression capability resides in each weapons’ journal caps: The Mossberg’s cap capabilities as a fastener that secures the barrel to the journal and receiver. As soon as eliminated, the barrel is now not related. This eliminates aftermarket assist for putting in magazine extensions on the Mossberg.

In the meantime, the Remington’s journal cap merely threads onto the journal. It isn’t additionally liable for securing the barrel to the motion. When it’s eliminated, the journal and barrel stay seated to the receiver. This permits the 870 to simply accept aftermarket magazine extensions, just like the Wilson Fight Extension pictured above. From the manufacturing facility, the five hundred wins on journal capability – nevertheless it loses to the 870 in terms of including extra tube for further shells.

Set off Really feel

The Remington 870’s set off wins, arms down. Its metallic set off housing and general development is greater high quality, and its lighter set off weight and really feel is throughout superior. The five hundred’s set off guard (which doubles because the set off mechanism housing) is constructed from polymer, providing a sloppier really feel. Coupled with its greater pull weight, its set off simply doesn’t really feel as crisp nor constant.

Feeding, Loading, and Ejecting

These statements might trigger controversy. However too dangerous; I converse from years of expertise with each weapons: I want the Mossberg 500 on this class. The ‘Berg’s service (you may name it an elevator, or lifter) and spring have merely carried out higher for me, and others report the identical when evaluating each weapons’ manufacturing facility internals. That is additionally one thing that retailers have endeavored to repair on the 870, producing aftermarket spring upgrades and reshaped carriers for individuals who report feeding points. I additionally just like the Mossberg’s bigger ejection port. It merely mitigates some jam dangers, and it makes port loading in a rush simpler.

So, Is One Shotgun Superior?

No. Like I discussed earlier, evaluating the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 is principally a wash. One gun will not be universally higher than the opposite. It’s the use case that’ll decide which shotgun is superior to your explicit wants. I just like the Remington’s high quality. It merely feels higher within the arms and its controls, set off, and motion are crisper and cleaner. However the Mossberg’s received a leg up – no less than, from my very own taking pictures adventures – in terms of consuming up and spitting out all types of shot shells with none fuss, and its left-handed ergonomics higher swimsuit my wants. Despite its mushier set off, wobbly motion rods, and “cheaper” accoutrements, I want the five hundred as my home-defense pump gun for its greater capability and dependable biking.

Nevertheless, if I have been inclined to do any form of searching with my shotguns, I’d seize my 870 with out hesitation. Its set off and pump make for higher consistency when dropping birds and large sport. Now, that’s to not say the Mossberg isn’t an appropriate duck or turkey gun – it positively is, particularly when paired with a Holosun optic. Take a look at these camouflaged, optics-ready 500s. In fact, the Remington 870 DM (paired with a removable field magazine) additionally makes for some nice hen and boar searching.