I'm thinking Mossy.......

[blackscot]

Time for a new scatter-blaster.

My two prior were both Remingtons: first an 870, and then an 11-87, both now fond memories.

I definitely want to return to some kind of pump. Sure, the semi-auto could scream lead faster than I could pull the trigger, but as fun as that sounds, I really missed that satisfying ker-chunck of cycling the action on each round. Guess I've seen too many 70's-era action shoot-em-up flicks.

Also, I want to keep this fairly plain-jane. This would be for HD and occassional laid-back type matches -- nothing too racey. Also nothing too pricey: I want to feel confortable getting a basic tool that is worth what I am paying for it.

So I checked in at the local purveyor yesterday to see what's available: of course several variations on the 870, but also a number of the Mossburg 500's. Although having never owned one, I've looked over enough Mossy's before and am familiar with their reputation for reliability, long record of police service, and design particulars (aluminum receiver, thumb-operated safety, etc.).

I got to handling a few, and really liked the feel of an 20-inch version with extended mag tube and plain-bead front sight (stocks were basic black plastic). Had a real nice balance, whereas the 18-inch version felt actually too light, probably because of the aluminum receiver (I always liked the balance of the all-steel Remington in 18-inch).

The biggest surprise though was that the Mossy actually fit me better. On the Remington, I have to really scrunch down for a proper line on a plain-bead sight, which would put the boney part of my cheek square on the stock and lead to some fairly brutal beating. Not so with the Mossy, which must have a higher comb. I was just snapping the gun naturally in place -- with the stock on the lower and more fleshy part of my cheek -- and the bead was right there where needed.

I am probably going back for the 20-inch Mossy 500 after work today. Shall report back with outcome.

[FMF_Doc]

I have Mossy 500, with the 18 in bbl and extended mag, I like it better than the 870P I used to own.

You wouldn't be disappointed with a Mossy.

[blackscot]

P.S. Price ain't bad either -- roughly $100 less than similarly configured 870.

[DMR]

If they have a 835 on hand take a look at it also. The 835 is a Mossberg sleeper, with the versitility of the 870 and the action of a 500/590 and it takes 3.5 inch shells (not that I use anything other then 2 3/4").

[ST911]

First choice and gold standard remains the 870P, though. All others thereafter. You can find these used for what you can expect to pay for a new Mossberg.

If you buy a Mossberg, buy a 590A1, followed by a 590 SP, all others thereafter. Recommend you pass on the Maverick altogether. I would also pass on the 835 unless you must have 3.5".

20" or 18" barrel is personal preference. I have and use both. I prefer the shorter for size and weight efficiency. I've run the 20" gun in classes, and it gets a bit heavy at the end of the day/week. It is also the farthest thing from "size efficient."

Recommend you buy several replacement OEM mag springs with your gun. Mossberg springs leave a lot to be desired, especially in the 20" tube. Getting a premium replacement mag spring (CS, or XP SS) is a good option, too.

If you buy a 590 SP or 500-series, recommend you order a replacement safety button as well, preferably an aluminum or steel one. The OEM plastic will break if you subject it to any intensive use.

Mossberg has shorter stocked youth/bantam/tactical options that improve handling and balance of the gun. Check those out.

Mossberg produces a serviceable shotgun at a reasonable price point. Some models incorporate features at a lower price point than their competition.

[blackscot]

Thanks for the feedback.

I always thought of myself as a Remington guy, so was surprised yesterday by the favorable impression from the Mossy. Will probably engage in some more tire-kicking before taking the plunge on a decision.

[Beat Trash]

Ever since I felt one of the Mossberg 590A1's with an 18" barrel, I have wanted one. I much prefer the feel of the 18" 590A1's to the 20" version.

It's on my "to get list".

[ST911]

Thanks for the feedback. I always thought of myself as a Remington guy, so was surprised yesterday by the favorable impression from the Mossy. Will probably engage in some more tire-kicking before taking the plunge on a decision.

They're highly serviceable. Like much else here we talk about, buy the ones that are built to last. Go in with both eyes open.

[austinN4]

Having owned several different brands (Mossberg, Remington & Winchester) of HD or "combat" shotguns at the same time I'll chime in with my 2 pesos worth.

Of the 3, I thought the Mossberg (20" M590A1, in my case) had the best controls for high stress situations:
1. Safety is easy to get to and ambi. I also like the thumb operated safety better than finger operated.
2. Slide release is much better located for me (a righty) and easier to use.
3. Shell lifter does not stick down and get in the way of reloads.

In 870's defense, I will say that it is easier to field strip.

The 18" Winchester 1300 kicked like a mule and I sold it.

Even though I liked the controls of the M590A1 better, I ended up selling it also as with the heavy barrel and 8 shells in the mag tube and 1 in the chamber that sucker was way too heavy.

I kept the 870 as the other 2 were already sold, but I should probably sell it also. I would be better off with a non heavy barrel 590 in 18.5".

I have decided that for the house, a 14" is probably ideal for me - a good combination of capacity and short - but, so far, I have been too cheap to go the SBS route. Besides, my carbine is my go to house gun anyway.

[Alaskapopo]

Time for a new scatter-blaster.

My two prior were both Remingtons: first an 870, and then an 11-87, both now fond memories.

I definitely want to return to some kind of pump. Sure, the semi-auto could scream lead faster than I could pull the trigger, but as fun as that sounds, I really missed that satisfying ker-chunck of cycling the action on each round. Guess I've seen too many 70's-era action shoot-em-up flicks.

Also, I want to keep this fairly plain-jane. This would be for HD and occassional laid-back type matches -- nothing too racey. Also nothing too pricey: I want to feel confortable getting a basic tool that is worth what I am paying for it.

So I checked in at the local purveyor yesterday to see what's available: of course several variations on the 870, but also a number of the Mossburg 500's. Although having never owned one, I've looked over enough Mossy's before and am familiar with their reputation for reliability, long record of police service, and design particulars (aluminum receiver, thumb-operated safety, etc.).

I got to handling a few, and really liked the feel of an 20-inch version with extended mag tube and plain-bead front sight (stocks were basic black plastic). Had a real nice balance, whereas the 18-inch version felt actually too light, probably because of the aluminum receiver (I always liked the balance of the all-steel Remington in 18-inch).

The biggest surprise though was that the Mossy actually fit me better. On the Remington, I have to really scrunch down for a proper line on a plain-bead sight, which would put the boney part of my cheek square on the stock and lead to some fairly brutal beating. Not so with the Mossy, which must have a higher comb. I was just snapping the gun naturally in place -- with the stock on the lower and more fleshy part of my cheek -- and the bead was right there where needed.

I am probably going back for the 20-inch Mossy 500 after work today. Shall report back with outcome.

Both Mossberg shotguns I have owned int he past had extraction problems with buck and slugs. No thanks to Mossberg. Stick with Remington or Benelli.
Pat