paratroop23

I've been looking around for a good defensive/offensive shotgun. I need one that I can take to the range and beat up a bit, and one that is rugged and dependable. I don't mind paying for quality, but I don't want to break the bank. I don't know much about any of these particular brands/models, but they've all been highly recommended. Which one would you recommend, and why?

Paratroop23

PackerfanXD

I recommend a Mossberg 590. I have the 590 and an 835. Both are tanks. But Remington makes a fine scatter gun also.

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Geezer

I don't think you can go wrong with either one(s). I keep a 590A1 in the storm shelter with the survival gear. My house defense gun is a 18.5 in 870 . For hunting ,a wingmaster 870 and a rem 1100 (with extra barrals). You'll get your quality no matter which you choose. None will break the bank.

whamonkey

I prefer the Remy but the Mossberg is a fine weapon as well.

I feel the Remington is the benchmark as far as pump guns are concerned, much like the Martin D28 is the acoustic guitar which others are measured by.

Raider39a

can't go wrong with either of them. "American Rifleman"in its current issue has a write up on mossberg military shotguns both the 500/590 permutation. I like both but have used the 500/590 more. I prefer the the safety mounted on top of the scattergun because I don't have to move my trigger finger while its in register and instead flip the safety forward with my thumb. the 870 uses a bar that you pushed to the left I believe. this is a personal quirk though. the 590 carries more rounds compared with the 870 (9 vs. 7).

try them on for size. work the safety and the pump action. I guess it all comes down to personal preference.

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bones

I have one of each-
For Home Defense-
Remington 870 Marine Police stainless receiver and barrel, 18" barrel, ghost ring sights, blued barrel shroud, Choate standard butt stock with pistol grip, Remington limb saver butt plate, Choate fore-end grip, GG&G tactical sling, Surefire 6P light mounted under end of barrel, 6 round ammo carrier mounted on left side of receiver. I carry 1 in chamber, 4 in magazine and 6 in carrier of #1 buckshot. Stays mounted in lockable police type gun mount rack in bedroom closet. Rack is unlocked when I'm home. I lock it when I leave.
For Field Use-
Mossberg 500, standard wood stocked shotgun, painted camo, stays in the gun safe.

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SloMo228

I have a Mossberg 500 for HD; my dad has an 870. They're both solid guns and have never given any trouble. I chose the Mossberg for two reasons: I preferred the location of the Mossberg's safety, and I preferred the way the shell lifter stays up with the bolt closed instead of down like the Remington's does. I find I can feed shells faster in the Mossy than the Rem, but your experience may vary.

Edit: Here's a site with a decent comparison between the two guns: http://members.tripod.com/~jth8260/870.html Really, though, you can't go wrong with either one. They're both great, economical choices.

Stetson

I prefer the remington 870 as I had mine for better than 30 years
with no problems.

paratroop23

Thanks a bunch you guys, you are really helping me narrow my decision!!

Keep em coming!

Here's a sidebar question------> What's the difference between the 590 and the 500?

SloMo228

Not a whole lot, really. The 500 and 590 share the same reciever. IIRC, the 590 has a steel trigger guard on some models, has a bayonet lug, and different sling swivel positions. It's also rumored to have thicker steel in the barrel, but I have my doubts about that.