Mossberg 500 vs. Remington 870: Which Pump-Action Shotgun Reigns Supreme?
The Mossberg 500 and the Remington 870 are two titans in the pump-action shotgun world, each boasting a rich history and a devoted following. For decades, these firearms have served in countless roles, from hunting and sport shooting to law enforcement and military applications.
Choosing between them can be a daunting task for newcomers and experienced shooters alike. Both shotguns are renowned for their reliability, durability, and versatility, making the decision deeply personal and often dependent on individual needs and preferences.
This comprehensive comparison aims to dissect each firearm’s strengths, weaknesses, and unique characteristics, providing the information necessary to make an informed choice. We will delve into their design philosophies, operational mechanics, aftermarket support, and historical significance.
A Legacy of Reliability: The Mossberg 500
Introduced in 1961, the Mossberg 500 is a testament to enduring design and American manufacturing prowess. It quickly established itself as a workhorse, valued for its robust construction and straightforward operation.
Its ambidextrous safety, located on the receiver, is a key feature that appeals to a broad user base. This placement makes it accessible for both right-handed and left-handed shooters without requiring any modification.
The Mossberg 500’s dual extractors ensure positive shell extraction, a critical component for reliable cycling under stress. This dual-action system contributes significantly to its reputation for dependability.
Design and Ergonomics
The Mossberg 500’s receiver is typically constructed from aluminum, which contributes to a lighter overall weight compared to some competitors. This can be a significant advantage for those who carry their shotgun for extended periods, such as hunters or law enforcement officers on patrol.
Its fore-end is often secured by two action bars, providing a solid and stable connection to the bolt. This design minimizes fore-end wobble, ensuring a consistent shooting experience with each pump.
The stock and fore-end are usually made of durable synthetic materials or traditional wood, offering a balance of resilience and aesthetics. Many models feature interchangeable stocks, allowing for customization to fit the shooter’s physical dimensions and shooting style.
Action and Operation
The pump-action mechanism of the Mossberg 500 is characterized by its smooth and predictable operation. The twin action bars work in tandem to cycle the bolt, feeding new shells and ejecting spent ones with efficiency.
One of the most distinctive features is the top-mounted tang safety. This safety is intuitive to operate, allowing for quick disengagement when bringing the shotgun to the shoulder.
The bolt itself is robust, featuring a substantial locking lug that engages the barrel for a secure lockup. This solid engagement is crucial for managing the pressures generated during firing, contributing to the shotgun’s safety and accuracy.
Versatility and Configurations
The Mossberg 500 is available in an astonishing array of configurations, catering to virtually any conceivable application. From 12-gauge to .410 bore, and in barrel lengths ranging from short home defense models to long-barreled hunting shotguns, the options are vast.
Its modular design allows for easy barrel swaps, enabling a single receiver to serve multiple purposes. A hunter can easily switch from a rifled slug barrel for deer season to a smoothbore bird barrel for upland game.
This adaptability extends to accessory mounting, with many models featuring drilled and tapped receivers for optics or accessory rails. This makes it a highly customizable platform for tactical or sporting use.
Aftermarket Support and Customization
The aftermarket support for the Mossberg 500 is exceptional, reflecting its immense popularity. A vast ecosystem of manufacturers produces a wide range of accessories, from pistol grips and adjustable stocks to specialized chokes and magazine extensions.
Upgrading or customizing a Mossberg 500 is relatively straightforward for the average shooter. Many parts are designed for easy installation, allowing for personalized enhancements without specialized tools.
This extensive availability of parts and accessories means that a Mossberg 500 can be tailored to an individual’s exact needs, whether for competitive shooting, home defense, or specialized hunting scenarios. The sheer volume of options ensures that almost any modification is possible.
Pros and Cons of the Mossberg 500
The Mossberg 500’s primary strengths lie in its affordability, widespread availability, and extensive customization options. Its lighter weight, due to the aluminum receiver, is also a notable advantage for many users.
However, some users find the dual action bars to be slightly less “slick” than the single action bar of its main competitor. The tang safety, while ambidextrous, can be less intuitive for those accustomed to a receiver-mounted safety.
Despite these minor points, the Mossberg 500 remains a highly capable and reliable firearm that offers tremendous value for its price point.
The Enduring Icon: The Remington 870
The Remington 870, introduced in 1950, is arguably the most successful pump-action shotgun ever produced. Its design has remained largely unchanged, a testament to its brilliance and effectiveness.
It is a firearm that has seen service in virtually every major conflict and law enforcement agency worldwide. Its reputation for ruggedness and reliability is legendary.
The 870’s receiver is typically constructed from solid steel, contributing to its substantial feel and inherent durability. This steel construction is a hallmark of its robust build.
Design and Ergonomics
The Remington 870’s steel receiver provides a weightier feel, which some shooters prefer for its stability and reduced felt recoil. This heft can also contribute to a more solid lockup and potentially greater accuracy with certain loads.
Its single action bar system is renowned for its smooth and fluid operation. This design contributes to the characteristic “Remington slide action” that many enthusiasts admire.
The classic lines and traditional aesthetics of the 870 appeal to many, especially those who appreciate classic firearm design. The wood-finished models, in particular, exude a timeless elegance.
Action and Operation
The Remington 870’s pump action is exceptionally smooth, thanks to its single, lengthy action bar. This design allows for a very fluid and rapid cycling of the action, which is highly desirable in dynamic shooting situations.
The bolt features a robust rotating bolt head that locks directly into the barrel’s extension. This creates a very strong and secure lockup, ensuring consistent alignment and reliable ignition.
The safety on the 870 is a cross-bolt mechanical safety located on the receiver, just behind the trigger guard. While effective, it is not as immediately ambidextrous as the Mossberg’s tang safety and requires a slight shift in grip for left-handed shooters to operate as smoothly.
Versatility and Configurations
Like the Mossberg 500, the Remington 870 is available in a vast array of models and gauges, designed for every conceivable purpose. From compact tactical versions to elegant waterfowl hunting shotguns, the 870 family is incredibly diverse.
The ability to easily swap barrels is a significant advantage, allowing for quick adaptation to different shooting disciplines. A shooter can transition from bird hunting to deer hunting or home defense by simply changing the barrel assembly.
Many Remington 870 models come with pre-drilled and tapped receivers, facilitating the easy installation of optics and other accessories. This modularity enhances its adaptability for modern shooting needs.
Aftermarket Support and Customization
The aftermarket for the Remington 870 is arguably the largest and most comprehensive of any pump-action shotgun. Enthusiasts have access to an unparalleled selection of parts, accessories, and customization services.
From trigger upgrades and extended magazine tubes to custom stocks and specialized sights, virtually any modification imaginable is possible. This vast selection ensures that the 870 can be tailored precisely to the user’s requirements.
This deep well of aftermarket support means that a Remington 870 can be transformed into a highly specialized tool for competition, defense, or hunting, making it a truly adaptable platform.
Pros and Cons of the Remington 870
The Remington 870’s core strengths are its legendary reliability, incredibly smooth action, and robust steel construction. Its massive aftermarket support also makes it a highly customizable firearm.
On the downside, its steel receiver makes it generally heavier than the Mossberg 500. The cross-bolt safety, while functional, is not as universally intuitive or ambidextrous as the Mossberg’s tang safety.
Despite these considerations, the Remington 870 remains a benchmark for pump-action shotgun design and performance.
Head-to-Head: Key Differentiators
When comparing the Mossberg 500 and the Remington 870, several key differences emerge that can influence a buyer’s decision. These distinctions often come down to design philosophy and material choices.
Receiver Material and Weight
The most apparent difference lies in their receiver construction. The Mossberg 500 typically utilizes an aluminum receiver, making it lighter. The Remington 870, conversely, is built around a solid steel receiver, resulting in a heavier firearm.
For those who prioritize maneuverability and ease of carry, especially during long hunting trips or tactical operations, the lighter Mossberg 500 might be more appealing. The reduced weight can also translate to less fatigue over extended periods of handling.
However, the added weight of the steel-constructed Remington 870 can be beneficial for some. It can help absorb recoil, making follow-up shots feel smoother, and the increased heft can contribute to a more stable shooting platform.
Safety Mechanism
The placement and type of safety are significant ergonomic considerations. The Mossberg 500 features a tang-mounted safety, located on the receiver’s top strap, which is easily accessible for both right and left-handed shooters.
The Remington 870 employs a cross-bolt safety situated on the receiver, just behind the trigger guard. While functional, it typically requires a slight adjustment in grip for left-handed shooters to operate as smoothly as a right-handed shooter.
This difference can be a deciding factor for left-handed individuals or those who frequently switch between firearms with different safety designs. The ambidextrous nature of the Mossberg’s safety is often cited as a distinct advantage.
Action Bars
Another subtle but important mechanical difference is the action bar system. The Mossberg 500 uses two action bars to operate the fore-end and bolt assembly.
The Remington 870 employs a single, longer action bar. This design is often praised for its exceptionally smooth and fluid cycling action, which contributes to its reputation for speed and reliability.
While both systems are robust and reliable, the single action bar of the 870 is frequently described as feeling more refined and less prone to binding, especially under rapid manipulation.
Lockup Mechanism
The way the bolt locks into the barrel is crucial for consistent performance. The Remington 870 features a rotating bolt head that locks directly into a recess in the barrel extension, creating a very strong and precise lockup.
The Mossberg 500 typically utilizes a bolt with two large locking lugs that engage recesses in the receiver. This system is also very strong and reliable, though some argue the 870’s direct barrel lockup offers a slight edge in rigidity.
Both designs have proven their mettle over decades of hard use, demonstrating excellent durability and contributing to the overall reliability of each platform.
Practical Applications: Where Do They Shine?
Both the Mossberg 500 and the Remington 870 are incredibly versatile shotguns, but their inherent characteristics can make them slightly better suited for certain roles.
Home Defense
For home defense, both shotguns excel due to their reliability and stopping power. The Mossberg 500’s lighter weight can be an advantage in navigating tight indoor spaces and for quick shouldering.
The Remington 870’s solid construction and smooth action can provide a sense of confidence and control during high-stress situations. Its aftermarket support for tactical accessories is also immense, allowing for extensive customization for defensive purposes.
Ultimately, the choice for home defense often comes down to personal preference regarding weight, safety operation, and the availability of specific tactical accessories.
Hunting
In the hunting world, the Mossberg 500’s lighter weight can be a significant benefit for upland bird hunters or those who stalk game through dense terrain. Its wide variety of configurations, including specialized waterfowl and turkey models, makes it a strong contender.
The Remington 870, with its slightly heavier build, can offer a more stable platform for long-range shots and may feel more comfortable for shooters who prefer a more substantial firearm. Its reputation for reliability in harsh weather conditions also makes it a favorite among serious hunters.
Both platforms are highly adaptable for hunting, with interchangeable barrels and chokes allowing them to be used for a vast range of game and shooting conditions.
Sport Shooting and Competition
For clay sports like trap, skeet, and sporting clays, the Remington 870 often gets the nod from serious competitors. Its smooth action, weight balance, and the availability of specialized competition barrels and stocks are highly valued.
However, the Mossberg 500 is also a capable platform for sport shooting, especially in its more tactical configurations or when customized with aftermarket parts. Its affordability makes it an excellent entry point for those looking to get into shotgun sports.
The sheer volume of aftermarket support for both shotguns means that they can be extensively modified to meet the specific demands of various competitive disciplines.
Which One Reigns Supreme? The Verdict
The question of whether the Mossberg 500 or the Remington 870 “reigns supreme” is subjective and depends entirely on the individual user’s priorities and intended use.
The Mossberg 500 offers exceptional value, lighter weight, and a more ambidextrous safety design. It is a highly adaptable and reliable platform that is accessible to a wide range of shooters.
The Remington 870 stands as an icon of durability, boasting a legendary smooth action and a robust steel construction. Its unparalleled aftermarket support and proven track record make it a benchmark in the industry.
Neither shotgun is definitively “better” than the other; they simply offer different strengths and characteristics. A hands-on evaluation, considering factors like ergonomics, weight, and personal preference, is the best way to determine which firearm is the right fit.
Both are excellent choices that have served millions of users reliably for decades, and either will likely be a faithful companion for years to come.