Cheap but Reliable Shotgun???

Rjeezie · November 27, 2010, 09:20 PM

Hey everybody,

I'm looking to get somebody a cheap but reliable shotgun for Christmas. They don't want anything with fancy bells and whistles. Reliability is the biggest thing.

I was looking around and saw a Mossberg Maverick for cheap. I know Mossberg is good, but I've really heard anything on this model for a shotgun. What do you think? Any other suggestions?

hogdogs · November 27, 2010, 09:23 PM

Maverick... Basically a Mossberg 500 but with a crossbolt safety rather than a top of tang safety tab.

Brent

**Shane Tuttle** · November 27, 2010, 09:27 PM

The Remington 870 is just about as basic as you can get for a pump shotgun. There's umpteen different models/setups for it and you can probably find a good used one for about $250.

the rifleer · November 27, 2010, 10:20 PM

870 or mossberg 500. my preference is the 500. This is simply going to be another mossber vs. remington debate and the simple truth is that both are so ridiculously reliable that it doesn't matter which one you get.

Rjeezie · November 27, 2010, 10:26 PM

I guess a better question may be are there any specials for Mossberg or Remington then, hahaha. Thanks for the input

youngunz4life · November 27, 2010, 10:27 PM

no debate but I could see it going that way too. the maverick or 500 are both very reliable&I like them better than the 870, so it sounds like you have found a great gift. If you hadn't mentioned the mossberg in your OP I wouldn't have known exactly what you were looking for. A double barreled shotgun is also a great gift and you can get one for a real good price also that looks real nice with the wood finish and such. Its double barreled but shoots one shot at a time - very reliable like the mossberg.

jmortimer · November 27, 2010, 11:58 PM

For $200.00 you can get the H&R Pardner Pump which is a 870 clone - all parts interchange except barrel and receiver. Owners are very happy and gun is "depend on your life reliable" - here are 10 reviews from law enforcement officers from Police link and as you can see they all love their Pardner Pumps
http://policelink.monster.com/produc...pump-protector. Here is an extensive review from Shotgun World linking the review from Survival.com http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/view...p?f=7&t=120913 We should all thank Remiongton/Marlin/H&R for importing such a great gun for only $200.00

Borakar · November 28, 2010, 12:40 AM

The Maverick is a fine choice. An 870 would be OK too.

Smoke Screen · November 28, 2010, 01:04 AM

Both are amaz-za-zing in terms of reliability. If its a good price you're after, Sportsmans Warehouse has a sale on a brand new 870 field model OR tactical version both for $229 (after a $30 remington mail in rebate). I personally like the way the Mossy feels in my stance, but at $229 for a new 870, you can't go wrong!

zippy13 · November 28, 2010, 02:06 AM

Hey Rjeezie,
Nobody stopped to ask what kind of shotgun you were after, or if if you're buying for an adult or a child, male or female. When it comes to a basic repeater, the choice typically comes to a debate between Mossberg and Remington. However, pump guns are known to jamb. If you want something that is ultra dependable and also inexpensive, have you considered a single shot break open type shotgun?

Smoke Screen · November 28, 2010, 02:38 AM

+1 to zippy. I have a sweet single shot 16 ga. that is light to pack around, simple to use, and an awesome bird gun. My pops has several in 20 and 12 ga and swears to them as functional survival tools.

silvercorvette · November 28, 2010, 03:09 AM

Quote:

However, pump guns are known to jamb.

In my opinion a good quality gun such as the 870 or 500 is fine and won't jam, it's the operator that will cause the problem by short stroking the gun, not the guns problem. A single barrel takes practice to fire multiple shots I would opt for a double barrel.

You still need to practice loading the double barrel but at least you get two shots.

How much you are willing to pay for a home defense gun depends on how much value you place on your life.

Shadi Khalil · November 28, 2010, 03:32 AM

I pretty new to shotguns, I just got my first a few months ago. Its a Mossberg 500 my wife bought me for our anniversary and it's great. Easy to operate, utterly reliable and inexpensive. I think she paid a little over 300 with tax and a case. I would highly recommend the 500.

Deerhunter · November 28, 2010, 08:14 AM

First I never saw in the post where the OP was looking for a HD shotgun. The OP doesn't wnat bells and whistles. I own both the 500 and the 870. I have had the 500 for about 21 years and the 870 for about 14 years. They are both great guns. I prefer the 870 over the 500 though. Go out and handle each one. What fits you and feels good to you may not for someone else.

silvercorvette · November 28, 2010, 09:00 AM

You can probably flip a coin between the 500 and 870 and not go wrong either way. I have an 870 because that is what my department used. They were abused poorly maintained but never failed. Some of the other guns mentioned besides the 500 and 870 may be even better, but I like the fact the 870 has a proven track record with my old department, and the 500 also has a proven record.

I paid around $300 when I bought my around 8 to 10 years ago and judging from what other people wrote they managed to keep the price down.

$300 plus a few dollars doesn't seem like a lot when a persons life is at stake, go for either of the two guns.

As far as a break open single shot I personally would want more than one shot and a double barrel is only going to give you two shots but will cost as much as a good pump.

A pump will malfunction if you short stroke it so be sure to become familiar with the gun you choose and practice using it.

oletymer · November 28, 2010, 10:07 AM

If you are looking at reliable then your only choices are Browning BPS or Ithaca 37. The rest manufactured today are far from satisfactory.

hogdogs · November 28, 2010, 11:17 AM

Quote:

The rest manufactured today are far from satisfactory.

And exactly what aspects of the Mossberg or Maverick offerings seem to limit this reliability?

I am not hearing of any reliability issues with either of these American Made guns...

Please expound on your claim please...

Brent

silvercorvette · November 28, 2010, 12:28 PM

Quote:

And exactly what aspects of the Mossberg or Maverick offerings seem to limit this reliability?

I am not hearing of any reliability issues with either of these American Made guns...

Please expound on your claim please...

Brent

Thanks for posting that, I would like to add Remington 870.

When I retired from my department back in 1990 we had Remington 870s that had been in use for 30 years and I bet those guns that are now 50 years old are still being used today. These guns were rarely cleaned and were fired every day of the year at the range for training with the exception of a few holidays. Each gun had at least 50 rounds a day run through it without a failure. That does not fit anyones definition of unreliable

38superhero · November 28, 2010, 12:31 PM

Mossberg ftw

youngunz4life · November 28, 2010, 12:46 PM

OP - dont worry about the jam. just remember the shotgun likes it rough and you'll never short stroke it. I like double barrels, so get at least a double barrel otherwise the 870 or moss is fine. I don't know anybody that has had problems with a mossberg, but I do know some who have had issues with the 870. Personally, I would trust either with my life+they are great firearms. I paid low $200's for my mossberg 500 and that was 2009

MarbRed88 · November 28, 2010, 01:28 PM

IMHO Mossberg is the right path. How much money are you looking to spend? If you like double barrels Stoeger make a nice Coach Gun for around $300.

John L. Smith · November 28, 2010, 03:22 PM

Mavrick Arms makes most all of Mossberg's shotguns except the O/U I beleive.

Walmart has Mavrick 88's for less than $ 190.00 + tx. I have had one for a couple of years, no problems. The only thing about it that I don't like is the cross bolt safety. I think they have 500's for around $ 240.00 + tx. My 12 year old grandson is taking it away from me so I just bought a Mossberg 535 from Dick's for under $ 300.00 + tx. Like the safety on it a lot better. The Maverick is a working man's gun, not fancy just gets the job done.

John

hogdogs · November 28, 2010, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Mavrick Arms makes most all of Mossberg's shotguns except the O/U I beleive.

Actually, Maverick is JUST A NAME... Sort of like Rustler is to Wrangler...

Mossberg has a second plant located in Texas. That plant does assembly and repair work.

Some parts are built in Messy-Cola and brought into texas to be joined with parts from their Conn. plant and Texas plant.

Brent

sserdlihc · November 28, 2010, 03:57 PM

870 Remington!!

Webleymkv · November 28, 2010, 03:57 PM

For what purpose will the shotgun be used? If you're just wanting a sporting/fun gun then a NEF single-shot is about the most affordable and reliable shotgun you can get. If you're wanting a self-defense type gun, however, you may want more than one shot and thus would want to look into a repeater (pumps are going to be the most affordable repeaters).

In a pump, I've used both Remington 870's (both wingmaster and express) and Mossberg 500's and could see no problems with either. While I have no personal experience with them, I've heard nothing bad about the NEF Pardner Pump, Maverick 88, Winchester 1300 (discontinued), or Benelli Nova either.

November 27, 2010, 09:20 PM	#1
Rjeezie Senior Member Join Date: July 21, 2010 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 232	Cheap but Reliable Shotgun??? Hey everybody, I'm looking to get somebody a cheap but reliable shotgun for Christmas. They don't want anything with fancy bells and whistles. Reliability is the biggest thing. I was looking around and saw a Mossberg Maverick for cheap. I know Mossberg is good, but I've really heard anything on this model for a shotgun. What do you think? Any other suggestions?

November 27, 2010, 09:27 PM	#3
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	The Remington 870 is just about as basic as you can get for a pump shotgun. There's umpteen different models/setups for it and you can probably find a good used one for about $250. __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

November 27, 2010, 10:20 PM	#4
the rifleer Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2008 Location: Sunny California Posts: 1,281	870 or mossberg 500. my preference is the 500. This is simply going to be another mossber vs. remington debate and the simple truth is that both are so ridiculously reliable that it doesn't matter which one you get. __________________ There is no such thing as a stupid question, only stupid people.

November 27, 2010, 10:27 PM	#6
youngunz4life Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2010 Location: United States of America Posts: 1,877	no debate but I could see it going that way too. the maverick or 500 are both very reliable&I like them better than the 870, so it sounds like you have found a great gift. If you hadn't mentioned the mossberg in your OP I wouldn't have known exactly what you were looking for. A double barreled shotgun is also a great gift and you can get one for a real good price also that looks real nice with the wood finish and such. Its double barreled but shoots one shot at a time - very reliable like the mossberg. __________________ "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" -Admiral Farragut @ Battle of Mobile Bay 05AUG1864

November 27, 2010, 11:58 PM	#7
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,763	For $200.00 you can get the H&R Pardner Pump which is a 870 clone - all parts interchange except barrel and receiver. Owners are very happy and gun is "depend on your life reliable" - here are 10 reviews from law enforcement officers from Police link and as you can see they all love their Pardner Pumps http://policelink.monster.com/produc...pump-protector. Here is an extensive review from Shotgun World linking the review from Survival.com http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/view...p?f=7&t=120913 We should all thank Remiongton/Marlin/H&R for importing such a great gun for only $200.00 Last edited by jmortimer; November 28, 2010 at 12:58 AM.

November 27, 2010, 09:23 PM	#2
hogdogs Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 31, 2007 Location: Western Florida panhandle Posts: 11,069	Maverick... Basically a Mossberg 500 but with a crossbolt safety rather than a top of tang safety tab. Brent

November 27, 2010, 10:26 PM	#5
Rjeezie Senior Member Join Date: July 21, 2010 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 232	I guess a better question may be are there any specials for Mossberg or Remington then, hahaha. Thanks for the input

November 28, 2010, 12:40 AM	#8
Borakar Junior Member Join Date: November 24, 2010 Posts: 10	The Maverick is a fine choice. An 870 would be OK too.

November 28, 2010, 01:04 AM	#9
Smoke Screen Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2006 Location: Cold Rocks Hold, Aiel Waste Posts: 186	Both are amaz-za-zing in terms of reliability. If its a good price you're after, Sportsmans Warehouse has a sale on a brand new 870 field model OR tactical version both for $229 (after a $30 remington mail in rebate). I personally like the way the Mossy feels in my stance, but at $229 for a new 870, you can't go wrong! __________________ Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.

November 28, 2010, 02:06 AM	#10
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	Hey Rjeezie, Nobody stopped to ask what kind of shotgun you were after, or if if you're buying for an adult or a child, male or female. When it comes to a basic repeater, the choice typically comes to a debate between Mossberg and Remington. However, pump guns are known to jamb. If you want something that is ultra dependable and also inexpensive, have you considered a single shot break open type shotgun?

November 28, 2010, 02:38 AM	#11
Smoke Screen Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2006 Location: Cold Rocks Hold, Aiel Waste Posts: 186	+1 to zippy. I have a sweet single shot 16 ga. that is light to pack around, simple to use, and an awesome bird gun. My pops has several in 20 and 12 ga and swears to them as functional survival tools. __________________ Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.

November 28, 2010, 03:32 AM	#13
Shadi Khalil Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2006 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 5,210	I pretty new to shotguns, I just got my first a few months ago. Its a Mossberg 500 my wife bought me for our anniversary and it's great. Easy to operate, utterly reliable and inexpensive. I think she paid a little over 300 with tax and a case. I would highly recommend the 500.

November 28, 2010, 08:14 AM	#14
Deerhunter Senior Member Join Date: April 15, 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 607	First I never saw in the post where the OP was looking for a HD shotgun. The OP doesn't wnat bells and whistles. I own both the 500 and the 870. I have had the 500 for about 21 years and the 870 for about 14 years. They are both great guns. I prefer the 870 over the 500 though. Go out and handle each one. What fits you and feels good to you may not for someone else. __________________ My idea of fast food is a mallard. -Ted Nugent

November 28, 2010, 09:00 AM	#15
silvercorvette Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2010 Location: Anderson SC Posts: 466	You can probably flip a coin between the 500 and 870 and not go wrong either way. I have an 870 because that is what my department used. They were abused poorly maintained but never failed. Some of the other guns mentioned besides the 500 and 870 may be even better, but I like the fact the 870 has a proven track record with my old department, and the 500 also has a proven record. I paid around $300 when I bought my around 8 to 10 years ago and judging from what other people wrote they managed to keep the price down. $300 plus a few dollars doesn't seem like a lot when a persons life is at stake, go for either of the two guns. As far as a break open single shot I personally would want more than one shot and a double barrel is only going to give you two shots but will cost as much as a good pump. A pump will malfunction if you short stroke it so be sure to become familiar with the gun you choose and practice using it. __________________ I am broke, I spent my money on fast cars, guns, reloading equipment and ammo, the rest my money was wasted on nonessential stuff

November 28, 2010, 10:07 AM	#16
oletymer Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2005 Posts: 338	If you are looking at reliable then your only choices are Browning BPS or Ithaca 37. The rest manufactured today are far from satisfactory.

November 28, 2010, 12:31 PM	#19
38superhero Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2007 Posts: 561	Mossberg ftw

November 28, 2010, 12:46 PM	#20
youngunz4life Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2010 Location: United States of America Posts: 1,877	OP - dont worry about the jam. just remember the shotgun likes it rough and you'll never short stroke it. I like double barrels, so get at least a double barrel otherwise the 870 or moss is fine. I don't know anybody that has had problems with a mossberg, but I do know some who have had issues with the 870. Personally, I would trust either with my life+they are great firearms. I paid low $200's for my mossberg 500 and that was 2009 __________________ "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" -Admiral Farragut @ Battle of Mobile Bay 05AUG1864

November 28, 2010, 01:28 PM	#21
MarbRed88 Member Join Date: November 25, 2007 Location: CT Posts: 44	IMHO Mossberg is the right path. How much money are you looking to spend? If you like double barrels Stoeger make a nice Coach Gun for around $300.

November 28, 2010, 03:22 PM	#22
John L. Smith Member Join Date: March 3, 2010 Posts: 40	Mavrick Arms makes most all of Mossberg's shotguns except the O/U I beleive. Walmart has Mavrick 88's for less than $ 190.00 + tx. I have had one for a couple of years, no problems. The only thing about it that I don't like is the cross bolt safety. I think they have 500's for around $ 240.00 + tx. My 12 year old grandson is taking it away from me so I just bought a Mossberg 535 from Dick's for under $ 300.00 + tx. Like the safety on it a lot better. The Maverick is a working man's gun, not fancy just gets the job done. John

November 28, 2010, 03:57 PM	#24
sserdlihc Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2008 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,454	870 Remington!! __________________ Familiarity breeds contempt, while rarity wins admiration. Aupleius If someone doesn't like you, that's their problem! Milton Childress

November 28, 2010, 03:57 PM	#25
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	For what purpose will the shotgun be used? If you're just wanting a sporting/fun gun then a NEF single-shot is about the most affordable and reliable shotgun you can get. If you're wanting a self-defense type gun, however, you may want more than one shot and thus would want to look into a repeater (pumps are going to be the most affordable repeaters). In a pump, I've used both Remington 870's (both wingmaster and express) and Mossberg 500's and could see no problems with either. While I have no personal experience with them, I've heard nothing bad about the NEF Pardner Pump, Maverick 88, Winchester 1300 (discontinued), or Benelli Nova either.