870, 500, 590, or 37

[shoop66]

Ok I want to buy my first firearm. I want it to be 12 gauge, be either a Remington 870, Mossberg 500/590 or Ithaca 37. I want to be able to hold up to 8 rounds. I am going to be using this for trap shooting, possibly hunting small animals like quail, squirrel, etc., and I want a price under $500.

[Juhosaphat]

For 500$ you could get an 870 and a mag tube extension to increase your capacity and have money left over.

[hogdogs]

Or you can get a mossberg 590 that already has the high capacity, 500 Mossberg with the extension... It comes down to what you like more. I prefer the mossberg for several reasons such as Family run business and top of receiver tang safety Just outright reliable too.
Brent

[Juhosaphat]

We're all biased to what we're biased to I have no problems with 500's at all. I just prefer the 870's. But he's right, it all boils down to what you like more. You should never buy a gun based solely off what others tell you. Always make the decision based on what you like/want the most.

[Firepower!]

I have heard a lot about 870, but never seen or used it. I handled 1100 but I consider it purely a hunting rifle since barrel length. Nevertheless a fine gun to have and can do HD on ranch.

However, my recomendation is 590, specifically 590A1 Compact Cruiser.

[Scorch]

I want it to be 12 gauge, be either a Remington 870, Mossberg 500/590 or Ithaca 37. I want to be able to hold up to 8 rounds.

Of those options, I would always choose the 870. Not that the others aren't OK shotguns, the 870 is just better than the others. There's a reason it has been around for 50 years.

If you really like the Ithaca 37, take a look at the Browning BPS. It is an update of the original JMB design, and like the Ithaca, it loads and ejects out the bottom.

As far as holding 8 rounds, you will have to get a mag extension no matter which one you get, but last time I checked you didn't need 8 rounds for trap and small game hunting.

[hogdogs]

50 years VS. 47... I reckon them 3 years make the world of difference?
Scorch... the 590 is a 9 rounder from the factory so you won't need a mag extension no matter what you git... Mossberg always advancing...
Brent

[rantingredneck]

Indeed.

If you want one shotgun that can "do it all" you can hardly go wrong with an 870.

I have owned several 870's over the years but have thinned the herd down to one. I've got the parts to configure it for different purposes though.

As it stands now in the closet it has a +2 extension and 20" RS barrel on it for HD. Total capacity 7 rounds including 1 in the chamber. I can swap barrels, drop the extension, install regular spring, cap and plug and be on the way to a dove field or trap range in less than 15 minutes.

I also have a Mossberg 500 in the closet with an 18.5" accuchoke barrel. I could swap to a 28" barrel on it and be on the way actually a little faster, but my capacity for that shotgun is fixed at 5+1 (2+1 if I drop a plug in). No extensions for the standard 500, unless you buy a whole new mag tube for the persuader length guns. Of course that means a different barrel too.

Either way you go you have a fine shotgun. The easiest way to a "do all" gun though is the 870 route.

.

[hogdogs]

DoubleR, The easiest way how? A mossberg is a fine huntin' gun as well as fine for HD plus the svaings in cost allows you to practice with a bunch of ammo with the left over money... Now that is easier Both are decent guns, the mossbergs safety location and location of the action release is paramount to me for HD. Prospective buyers would do well to see which one suits them ergonomically.
Brent

[rantingredneck]

Brent,
I like Mossbergs too . I even own a couple of them (500 and 835)

That being said, considering the features he's looking for in the OP:

I want to be able to hold up to 8 rounds. I am going to be using this for trap shooting, possibly hunting small animals like quail, squirrel, etc., and I want a price under $500.

The easiest way (meaning least parts swapping) to do all that with one gun is with an 870. Two barrels, mag extension kit, standard mag cap kit and he's good.

With a 500 he can't have 8 rounds unless he has the long magazine tube of the pursuader length (20") guns. OK, does Mossberg make a 28" barrel with chokes to fit that? If not he's stuck with the cyl bore barrel for trap and hunting. Not ideal by a long shot. Depending on how handy he is and what tools he has available he may not even be able to remove the 500's mag tube. Without a strap wrench and possibly a torch to break the locktite free.......

With the 590, does mossberg make longer barrels with chokes?? I have no idea, never owned one. Also if it has ghost rings on it that makes trap shooting a little hard.

We all have our preferences, I like both Remingtons and Mossbergs personally so I don't get overly emotional about these things. Looking at the parameters he set forth in the OP, my recommendation stands at the 870.

.

But I have two really cool Mossbergs.

RR

[djonathang]

I have owned an 870. A very nice hammer. Delivers what it promises.

I looked at the Mossberg yesterday. I was underwhelmed to say the least.

The 870 you'll have for years. The 500 you can leave in the field when you're too tired to carry it home.

DG

[tech4061]

Ok I want to buy my first firearm. I want it to be 12 gauge, be either a Remington 870, Mossberg 500/590 or Ithaca 37.

Despite some of the nonsense you'll get from brand loyalists, all the guns you listed should serve you well, if you do your part. You should handle each one to see which fits you best. In addition, there are plenty of great deals to be had on used shotguns as well.

[Shiner Bock]

You want a trap gun that holds 8 rounds?

[mikenbarb]

Go with the model 37. Their all good but Ithaca will proably go up in value more in the long run. And you dont want a trap or hunting gun that holds 8 rounds. I bought a new 870 and all it does is rust every time it gets damp or wet. And thats with it being cleaned after every use. And yes, I use good oil! For some reason it just likes to rust up in certain spots and my old 870's never have this problem. I have to totaly tear it down every time to make sure its clean and oiled up good.
A Mossberg 500 is also great for the money.

[Ruger4570]

Ithaca 37's don't have extended magazines. Not possible without serious mods (read,,, expensive) meaning, near impossible to have extended mags without working on the barrel lug and magazine. Certainly not worth the funds required.

[kozak6]

There are some riot Ithaca 37's that hold 8 shells, if I remember properly.

It's a shame the original poster wants high capacity, though, as that will indeed make it difficult to find one.

I think it's a better shotgun than the 870. It's lighter, smoother, the slide release is on the right side of the trigger guard, and bottom eject is super cool.

The Mossberg is probably going to cost the least, especially if you go with a Maverick.

[hogdogs]

While the slide release is in the same spot on the Mav88 as the 500, Keep in mind you lose the tang style safety... The tang safety is the main feature that keeps me using my 20ga for hd. I will be buying a mossberg 535 for Turkey deer and HD this fall. But until then my Mav88 might get used for doves
Brent

[mikenbarb]

Ruger, Why would he want an extended magazine for trap shooting? Im making a logical choice for the uses he stated. Plus, You cant hunt with an 8 shot magazine unless you put a BIG plug in it. You only need 2 shells for trap if your shooting that style, otherwise its 1 shell. And for small game hunting, You can only have 3 shells in most states and 3 shells for waterfowl is mandatory.

[hogdogs]

In Fla we can have as many shells/rounds as we want 'cept during duck season...
Brent

[rantingredneck]

Granted the OP wasn't terribly clear about it, but I took his meaning to be that he wanted a shotgun that could hold up to 8 shells, that he could still take trap shooting and hunting in some other configuration. That was why I recommended the 870 due to it's modularity and wide range of accessories and such. I doubt anyone needs 8 rounds for trap shooting.

Here in NC the only magazine capacity restrictions are for migratory birds. Everything else carry as big a mag as you like. When I deer hunt with my 870 I typically just leave the +2 extension on it. Usually don't load it all the way due to the weight though.

[Kreyzhorse]

Can't go wrong with either the 870 or the 500. I prefer the 500 but either one will serve you well.

[chickenman]

I have owned 3 500's and 1 870. After dealing with Mossberg customer service and the problems I have had with the 500 I will never buy another one. 870 all the way and you wont be disapointed.

[NC4x4]

I just purchased a barely used 870 Super Mag yesterday for right at two and a half. Had looked around, and from some really good friends' advice and experience, went with that hands down over any of the others.

[darkgael]

Ithaca 37
"I think it's a better shotgun than the 870. It's lighter, smoother, the slide release is on the right side of the trigger guard, and bottom eject is super cool."
+1 on that.

Forget the extended mag idea (it is the one detail that does not fit with the other ideas in your description). Go find a used Ithaca 37 Featherlight and buy it. You will never be sorry.
Pete

[Caeser2001]

I own an 870 and used the 590 in Iraq, you can't go wrong with either, trust me.