defensive shotgun selection

siloshooter · April 27, 2012, 09:16 AM

will purchase soon . models considering are ...

remington 870 express or police models
mossberg 590 tactical , or 590A.

give me the differences in these models and any strong/weak points of the choices.

have owned and fired the remington and liked it well . am leaning toward the mossberg ones , like the top safety and metal trigger guard and the metal safeties .
the remington police issue ones are hard to find in used and very good condition .

have got my eye on a mossy blackwater edition for $475 brand new and it has a light with it . would this be a good price and is is about the same as a 590 model ?

comments on build quality , pricing and any other info appreciated .

thanks silo

PetahW · April 27, 2012, 09:32 AM

The unique top safety not-withstanding, I'd recommend a Remington 870 over ANY Mossy - anytime, anyday, anyplace, and at any price difference.

I've owned several different specimens of each, and can honestly state that I've never met a Model 870 I didn't like.

.

Lee Lapin · April 27, 2012, 12:23 PM

Get the one that feels best to you. The differences are relatively minor, and the 870 and 590 are the best of the widely available US made pumpguns. Buy a plain jane riot version of either, not some fancy name branded "special edition" version, and spend the extra $$$ on ammo and training.

Rampant_Colt · April 27, 2012, 01:15 PM

Don't forget to check out Maverick Model 88s which retail right around $200, with extended magazine versions available as well

jmr40 · April 27, 2012, 01:41 PM

I like the 870 better, but the 590 is the best of the Mossberg offerings and it wouldn't be a bad chioce . Wouldn't recommend a 500 or the even cheaper Maverick.

Dave McC · April 27, 2012, 02:54 PM

LIke Lee said, get what feels best.....

ojibweindian · April 29, 2012, 06:18 AM

I second what Lee said.

TheKlawMan · April 30, 2012, 05:00 PM

Just get the plain Jane riot gun. I went with the 870 short barrel for HD. When I got interested in shooting clauys I bought a used long barrel and shot clays with it for a year. Now that I have an o/u, it is back in its short barrel configuration for HD, but if I take my son shooting he uses it for clays. I got it at after a rebate for about $300. I don't hunt, but may give it a whirl. If i do, it's back to the 28" vent rib barrel.

LSnSC · April 30, 2012, 06:29 PM

I'll vote for the 870. I shot a 3 gun yesterday with mine. A plain jane Express with a 22" vent rib Rem choke barrel and a mag tube extension. I went through the match without a hiccup. Every other gun in my rotation except a Benelli M2 and a tricked out open class 1100, choked and puked at least once.

FrosSsT · April 30, 2012, 07:04 PM

I like the 870 but prefer the mossberg 590. Like others have said you dont really need one labeled as "special". I own the 590A1 and from what I understand the only diference is that the A1 has a thicker barrel which was designed for milirary/LE who were boarding large ships (the thicker barrel could withstand being dinged against the side of the ship)

MikeGunz · April 30, 2012, 07:29 PM

I have the 590a1, great shotgun no complaints. I like where the safety is on the mossy's, very natural movement with the thumb. but if you want a pistol grip go 870 because with the pistol grip the thumb safety it just awkward.

You wont go wrong with either, thats for sure.

badge851 · May 1, 2012, 09:38 PM

• Mossberg® has a ten 10 year warranty; Remington has a one (1) year warranty.
• Mossberg® has an ambidextrous safety; Remington® does not.
• Mossberg® comes with sling & swivels; Remington® does not.
• Mossberg comes with multiple (3) choke tubes, Remington only one (1).
• Mossberg® is the shotgun the US Military uses.
• Mossberg® is ¼-½lb lighter.
• Mossberg® is less expensive by $25-$40.

ohiomossyoak · May 2, 2012, 12:38 PM

Quote:

. Wouldn't recommend a 500 or the even cheaper Maverick.

Could you explain this?Maybe im missing something here..Every pump gun I ever owned functioned all the time every time..My old wingmaster was a lil smoother an prettier..My current beat up 835 is ready to rock and roll anytime/all the time..

IMTHDUKE · May 2, 2012, 02:30 PM

Am considering this one: Mossberg 930 SPECIAL PURPOSE - HOME SECURITY

Good? Bad? or Ugly?

Strafer Gott · May 2, 2012, 02:49 PM

If you go with a pump, get one with dual action bars as absolute minimum.
Go shoot some trap with it. Shoot it until it smoothes out. Knock a little paint off the moving/bearing surfaces. Don't think the gun will carry the day by itself. Low end products like cheap shotguns are okay if you prove them out.

Dave McC · May 3, 2012, 05:43 AM

Duke, no personal experience with the 930, but there's little bad stuff on them in cyberspace.

To the OP....

ANY of the shotguns mentioned in this thread will do a more than adequate job IF they are well known to the user.

Learn to run the gun. Use it until it's a body part, not a tool.

Take your pick of shotguns, then....

magnum777 · May 3, 2012, 11:28 AM

I am a big fan of the Remington 870 express, for a defense gun. This shotgun will last forever and is reasonably priced.

shortwave · May 3, 2012, 12:42 PM

Again, +1 on what Lee said...and...

Welcome to TFL.

doctor_brevic · October 7, 2012, 10:36 AM

870's are nicer guns. Mossberg's are in my opinion more of a tactical firearm. I have had several 870's I still have two mossbergs. 500 persuader 20" 7+1 and 590a1 Blackwater edition. (ghost rings, tri-rail forearm, speed feed stock.) all great fine guns. Make you're pick and let us know

JIMBOINVA · October 7, 2012, 06:22 PM

I've had both makes - currently have the 870. I agree u shld go with what "feels" best -- maybe a local range has the models for rent? IMHO

TheKlawMan · October 9, 2012, 04:25 PM

I don't believe anyone, including myself, mentioned an issue that you may want to consider. Look into what barrels the 590 and 590a will accept. (Same problem with the newest 870 tactical models)

ripnbst · October 9, 2012, 04:42 PM

Buy what feels best but if you do opt for an 870 I would not buy an express. I would buy one of the higher end models with the stronger internals. The Police or LE models for sure would be a solid buy. They are more $$$ but you get a better gun.

The Mossy 590A1 is a real solid choice and dollar for dollar a better scatter gun than the 870 IMO. Like I said, dollar for dollar. The 870 Police is probably what I would buy. You can be guaranteed there will always be an aftermarket for the police model.

scottd913 · October 9, 2012, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Learn to run the gun. Use it until it's a body part, not a tool.

here here!!!! .....BEST QUOTE OF THE DAY.....

Pistolgripshotty · October 10, 2012, 05:29 AM

Both the 870 and 590 are great firearms however Mossberg is more of a defensive shotgun. I own 3.

publius · October 12, 2012, 10:37 PM

I have both and are both great guns. I have been shooting an 870 for 30 years so it is part of me so that's what I use. Get whichever one you like, you have made two great choices.

April 27, 2012, 09:16 AM	#1
siloshooter Member Join Date: April 27, 2012 Location: central indiana Posts: 78	defensive shotgun selection will purchase soon . models considering are ... remington 870 express or police models mossberg 590 tactical , or 590A. give me the differences in these models and any strong/weak points of the choices. have owned and fired the remington and liked it well . am leaning toward the mossberg ones , like the top safety and metal trigger guard and the metal safeties . the remington police issue ones are hard to find in used and very good condition . have got my eye on a mossy blackwater edition for $475 brand new and it has a light with it . would this be a good price and is is about the same as a 590 model ? comments on build quality , pricing and any other info appreciated . thanks silo

April 27, 2012, 12:23 PM	#3
Lee Lapin Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2004 Location: SE NC Posts: 1,239	Get the one that feels best to you. The differences are relatively minor, and the 870 and 590 are the best of the widely available US made pumpguns. Buy a plain jane riot version of either, not some fancy name branded "special edition" version, and spend the extra $$$ on ammo and training. __________________ Mindset - Skillset - Toolset. In that order! Attitude and skill will get you through times of no gear, better than gear will get you through times of no attitude and no skill.

April 27, 2012, 01:15 PM	#4
Rampant_Colt Senior Member Join Date: March 17, 2006 Location: Parts Unknown Posts: 1,478	Don't forget to check out Maverick Model 88s which retail right around $200, with extended magazine versions available as well __________________ member of an elite paramilitary organization: Eagle Scouts

May 1, 2012, 09:38 PM	#12
badge851 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2005 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 326	• Mossberg® has a ten 10 year warranty; Remington has a one (1) year warranty. • Mossberg® has an ambidextrous safety; Remington® does not. • Mossberg® comes with sling & swivels; Remington® does not. • Mossberg comes with multiple (3) choke tubes, Remington only one (1). • Mossberg® is the shotgun the US Military uses. • Mossberg® is ¼-½lb lighter. • Mossberg® is less expensive by $25-$40. __________________ Only two defining forces have ever died for you: 1. Jesus Christ. 2. The American Soldier, Sailor, Airman, & Marine. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

May 2, 2012, 02:30 PM	#14
IMTHDUKE Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2004 Location: Sweet Home Alabama Posts: 1,475	Am considering this one: Mossberg 930 SPECIAL PURPOSE - HOME SECURITY Good? Bad? or Ugly? __________________ http://www.treasureislandbedandbreakfast.com Ed Brown Alpha Carry\| Sig P238, P938, P232, 1911 C3 \| Colt Defender, Mustang Pocketlite, 1911 \| Rohrbaugh R9 \| Browning, Buckmark 22LR(suppressed) \| Kahr PM9 Black Rose \| S&W\|M&P C.O.R.E RMR Trijicon \| Dan Wesson ECO

April 27, 2012, 09:32 AM	#2
PetahW Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 4,678	The unique top safety not-withstanding, I'd recommend a Remington 870 over ANY Mossy - anytime, anyday, anyplace, and at any price difference. I've owned several different specimens of each, and can honestly state that I've never met a Model 870 I didn't like. .

April 27, 2012, 01:41 PM	#5
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,805	I like the 870 better, but the 590 is the best of the Mossberg offerings and it wouldn't be a bad chioce . Wouldn't recommend a 500 or the even cheaper Maverick.

April 27, 2012, 02:54 PM	#6
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	LIke Lee said, get what feels best.....

April 29, 2012, 06:18 AM	#7
ojibweindian Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2000 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 1,198	I second what Lee said.

April 30, 2012, 05:00 PM	#8
TheKlawMan Junior member Join Date: June 23, 2009 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 2,149	Just get the plain Jane riot gun. I went with the 870 short barrel for HD. When I got interested in shooting clauys I bought a used long barrel and shot clays with it for a year. Now that I have an o/u, it is back in its short barrel configuration for HD, but if I take my son shooting he uses it for clays. I got it at after a rebate for about $300. I don't hunt, but may give it a whirl. If i do, it's back to the 28" vent rib barrel.

April 30, 2012, 06:29 PM	#9
LSnSC Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2010 Posts: 514	I'll vote for the 870. I shot a 3 gun yesterday with mine. A plain jane Express with a 22" vent rib Rem choke barrel and a mag tube extension. I went through the match without a hiccup. Every other gun in my rotation except a Benelli M2 and a tricked out open class 1100, choked and puked at least once.

April 30, 2012, 07:04 PM	#10
FrosSsT Senior Member Join Date: July 17, 2011 Location: NJ Posts: 595	I like the 870 but prefer the mossberg 590. Like others have said you dont really need one labeled as "special". I own the 590A1 and from what I understand the only diference is that the A1 has a thicker barrel which was designed for milirary/LE who were boarding large ships (the thicker barrel could withstand being dinged against the side of the ship)

April 30, 2012, 07:29 PM	#11
MikeGunz Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2011 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 195	I have the 590a1, great shotgun no complaints. I like where the safety is on the mossy's, very natural movement with the thumb. but if you want a pistol grip go 870 because with the pistol grip the thumb safety it just awkward. You wont go wrong with either, thats for sure.

May 2, 2012, 02:49 PM	#15
Strafer Gott Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Location: New Mexico Posts: 1,315	False economy If you go with a pump, get one with dual action bars as absolute minimum. Go shoot some trap with it. Shoot it until it smoothes out. Knock a little paint off the moving/bearing surfaces. Don't think the gun will carry the day by itself. Low end products like cheap shotguns are okay if you prove them out.

May 3, 2012, 05:43 AM	#16
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	Duke, no personal experience with the 930, but there's little bad stuff on them in cyberspace. To the OP.... ANY of the shotguns mentioned in this thread will do a more than adequate job IF they are well known to the user. Learn to run the gun. Use it until it's a body part, not a tool. Take your pick of shotguns, then....

May 3, 2012, 11:28 AM	#17
magnum777 Member Join Date: May 2, 2012 Location: upstate New York Posts: 90	I am a big fan of the Remington 870 express, for a defense gun. This shotgun will last forever and is reasonably priced.

May 3, 2012, 12:42 PM	#18
shortwave Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2007 Location: SOUTHEAST, OHIO Posts: 5,970	Again, +1 on what Lee said...and... Welcome to TFL.

October 7, 2012, 10:36 AM	#19
doctor_brevic Member Join Date: August 19, 2011 Posts: 74	870's are nicer guns. Mossberg's are in my opinion more of a tactical firearm. I have had several 870's I still have two mossbergs. 500 persuader 20" 7+1 and 590a1 Blackwater edition. (ghost rings, tri-rail forearm, speed feed stock.) all great fine guns. Make you're pick and let us know

October 7, 2012, 06:22 PM	#20
JIMBOINVA Member Join Date: October 6, 2012 Location: Dulles, VA Posts: 31	I've had both makes - currently have the 870. I agree u shld go with what "feels" best -- maybe a local range has the models for rent? IMHO __________________ Old Fed LEO-now Chairborne Sherlock Holmes Former USNR Intel Geek for SEALS-East Coast "Do you want information from the Records Section or the Truth Section?"

October 9, 2012, 04:25 PM	#21
TheKlawMan Junior member Join Date: June 23, 2009 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 2,149	Limited Barrel Selection I don't believe anyone, including myself, mentioned an issue that you may want to consider. Look into what barrels the 590 and 590a will accept. (Same problem with the newest 870 tactical models)

October 9, 2012, 04:42 PM	#22
ripnbst Senior Member Join Date: November 24, 2010 Location: Spring, TX Posts: 1,552	Buy what feels best but if you do opt for an 870 I would not buy an express. I would buy one of the higher end models with the stronger internals. The Police or LE models for sure would be a solid buy. They are more $$$ but you get a better gun. The Mossy 590A1 is a real solid choice and dollar for dollar a better scatter gun than the 870 IMO. Like I said, dollar for dollar. The 870 Police is probably what I would buy. You can be guaranteed there will always be an aftermarket for the police model.

October 10, 2012, 05:29 AM	#24
Pistolgripshotty Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2012 Location: Somewhere out there Posts: 184	Both the 870 and 590 are great firearms however Mossberg is more of a defensive shotgun. I own 3. __________________ *12 Gauge Fury!*

October 12, 2012, 10:37 PM	#25
publius Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2005 Location: Mississippi/Texas Posts: 2,505	I have both and are both great guns. I have been shooting an 870 for 30 years so it is part of me so that's what I use. Get whichever one you like, you have made two great choices. __________________ "Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself." Mark Twain

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