"Marine" Pump Guns

[wintermute]

I'm looking to get a marine pump gun and was wondering what everyone likes around here. Pros and cons as I sees 'em:

Rem 870: Pros: familiar (I own a Wingmaster), plenty of aftermarket parts, reliable, The Standard. Cons: Spotty Rem QA/QC in recent years, possibly built to Express specs, possibly with plastic parts (blech)

Mossy 500/590: Pros: better positioning of controls, reliable. Cons: Aluminum receiver (or not a con, especially in this forum ), may have plastic parts, less aftermarkets

Browning BPS: Pros: Supposedly the best made of the three nowadays, bottom eject (esp. since my wife is lefty and may use it), Cons: less shell capacity, zero aftermarket support.

[Elkhound]

Browning is supposed to be coming out with an "all weather" BPS soon. I also understand from my conversations with the guys at the Ithaca custom shop, that there may soon be an Ithaca marine shotgun. So, if you are not in a rush, your choices may increase significantly in the near future.

I have handled the Escort/Hatson/legacy marine shotguns, along with the Charles Daly marine shotgun and they did not feel as substantial as your other choices. Plus, aftermarket parts/upgrades are an issue with the Turkish imports.

Another option is to buy an 870 police and have it custom plated by Fords, or some other such shop.

[ST911]

I have a bunch of Mossberg 500/590s with the maritime finish. I would offer my usual observations of Mossbergs overall. As for the finish in particular, it has been quite satisfactory. The guns lives in cars in all weather extremes and are often quite neglected. I have seen similar results with the Remington marine models of others in similar roles.

Depending on your particular environment and maintenance habits, the maritime finish may not have any benefit over a properly maintained parkerized gun.

For a working/fighting gun, I'd pass on the Brownings in favor of the above.

[Armati]

My wife likes the marine coating because they are 'shiny'.

I would just get a good 870 and put your favorite wonder coat on it (NP3 ect).

[MattNificent]

I'm looking to get a marine pump gun and was wondering what everyone likes around here. Pros and cons as I sees 'em:

Rem 870: Pros: familiar (I own a Wingmaster), plenty of aftermarket parts, reliable, The Standard. Cons: Spotty Rem QA/QC in recent years, possibly built to Express specs, possibly with plastic parts (blech)

Mossy 500/590: Pros: better positioning of controls, reliable. Cons: Aluminum receiver (or not a con, especially in this forum ), may have plastic parts, less aftermarkets

Browning BPS: Pros: Supposedly the best made of the three nowadays, bottom eject (esp. since my wife is lefty and may use it), Cons: less shell capacity, zero aftermarket support.

the plastic trigger group on the 870 express is more durable then the older pot metal ones, and theres only 2-3 parts different on the express then the police, dont believe the hype surrounding the police....go with the 870..

[Vlobb]

I'm looking to get a marine pump gun and was wondering what everyone likes around here. Pros and cons as I sees 'em:

Rem 870: Pros: familiar (I own a Wingmaster), plenty of aftermarket parts, reliable, The Standard. Cons: Spotty Rem QA/QC in recent years, possibly built to Express specs, possibly with plastic parts (blech)

Most people don't know that Remington make two different Marine Magnum 870's (Not including the discontinued XCS MM). The first and most common is the Special Purpose MM, model # 25012 which is an Express 870. They also make a Police Marine Magnum model # 25047. If the 870 is your choice, go with the 870P MM (25047). They can be ridiculously hard to find and most gun shops don't know they actually exist. I know a great source, if you want, PM me.

I have no experience with Moss or Brown SG's but I do have a 870P and I love it. It's so much stronger and more well built than the Express models and mine has been great so far. Another great marine SG to look at is the Benelli Nova H2O (model # 20090). I had one of these few years ago and it was a terrific SG. It's chambered in 3 1/2'' so you can shoot just about anything through it and it has a one piece stock and receive. The down side is extra parts and accessories are almost nonexistent and/or ridiculously expensive. It was the main reason why I got rid of mine. It is most certainly worth a look though. Good luck.

[wintermute]

Most people don't know that Remington make two different Marine Magnum 870's (Not including the discontinued XCS MM). The first and most common is the Special Purpose MM, model # 25012 which is an Express 870. They also make a Police Marine Magnum model # 25047. If the 870 is your choice, go with the 870P MM (25047). They can be ridiculously hard to find and most gun shops don't know they actually exist. I know a great source, if you want, PM me.

I have no experience with Moss or Brown SG's but I do have a 870P and I love it. It's so much stronger and more well built than the Express models and mine has been great so far. Another great marine SG to look at is the Benelli Nova H2O (model # 20090). I had one of these few years ago and it was a terrific SG. It's chambered in 3 1/2'' so you can shoot just about anything through it and it has a one piece stock and receive. The down side is extra parts and accessories are almost nonexistent and/or ridiculously expensive. It was the main reason why I got rid of mine. It is most certainly worth a look though. Good luck.

Thanks Vlobb, PM sent. I looked at the H2O, but the two things I don't like about it besides the already mentioned dearth of spare parts are that it comes with a shortened stock (according to the website) and I'm a lanky fella, and the barrel has rifle sights. I was hoping for bead or ghost ring (or that big honkin' fiberoptic on the BPS All-Weather).