870 Express or 500 Mossy

[KAS1981]

18", 7-shot 870 Express

or

18", 6-shot Mossberg 500 (blued model)

I already have an 870, so it would be nice to have two of the same gun for parts interchanging. I think the fit & finish on the Mossberg is much nicer. Seems like the 870 is easier to take apart.

Decisions, decisions.

 

[mljdeckard]

Which safety do you prefer?

 

[smokeyandthebandit05]

Personally I like the 870 better. They just feel better to me than the 500

 

[gunnutery]

The Mossberg should be able to accept 3" shells, if you're into that.

I've always prefered the top tang safety of the Mossbergs because it's visible while shouldered and it seems easier to manipulate.

 

[limpingbear]

Both are pretty easy to take apart. I have owned both and like them. Look at the Maverick 88, made by mossberg and as far as I can tell identical to the 500 but almost 300 dollars cheaper. All 3 say made in the USA if that matters...

 

[paintballdude902]

im an 870 fan... no real reason i just am.


the 870 has a steel receiver vs the 500s aluminum IIRC, its that or maybe the 500 is cast and the 870 is forged. something like that


the 870 has a standard style safety and the 500 has the handier tang style.

theyre pretty much the same gun...... but not

 

[gpb]

I'd take a Mossberg 500 over a 870 Express.

However, I'd take an older 870 Wingmaster over a Mossberg 500.

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

i have them both i like the safety on the mossy a lot more but that about
it. if you can get use-to were it is on the 870 i always seem to have to look for it. but i think that the 870 is a better made

 

[Guvnor]

The 500 has better ergonomics in my opinion, as far as the safety and the slide release location. But the 870's seem like they are better built and more reliable in my experience. Also I like that you can easily remove the magazine spring and follower on the 870, this isn't possible on the mossberg unless you remove the entire mag tube which is screwed into the receiver with loctite.

 

[jmr40]

I've always prefered the top tang safety of the Mossbergs because it's visible while shouldered and it seems easier to manipulate.

The 870 safety is in a better spot and faster to manipulate. If the Mossberg safety were on the tang I'd agree with you. It is on top of the receiver where it is in the way, easily bumped to the wrong position and easily broken.

If it were between a 590 and an 870 for this type of gun then it would be a virtual tie. The 590 addresses some of the 500's shortcomings in a fighting shotgun. Since you already have an 870 you will struggle with 2 guns with very different operating controls, particularly the safety. Go 870, if you already had a 500 as a hunting gun I'd advise the 590 for you.

 

[PabloJ]

Both are "bottom shelf" offers. For what it's worth the 870 is newer design the 500 being poor mans copy of Remington 31 shotgun. If one has patience they could do a whole lot better. Not long ago I have seen little used Ithaca 37 police 'Deerslayer' with iron sight from early 70s for only $279. It is far superior weapon to both shotguns previously mentioned.

 

[Uniquedot]

I think the fit & finish on the Mossberg is much nicer.

Depends on which 500 you're looking at. If it's the classic it does have a nice finish, but the standard 500's don't. Even the inside of the bore is finished on par with those ultra cheap single shots. The fit and finish of the 500 and the 18.5" accessory barrel are my main two gripes about the 500 i recently purchased. A wingmaster has a mirror smooth finish inside and out, but of course you were asking about the express in comparison.

Since you already have an express you could just buy a police barrel for it for around a hundred bucks. If you are just wanting another shotgun check out the 500 and the 88 (i like the safety position on the 88) and see how they feel in comparison to you're 870 and decide from there.

 

[FMF Doc]

I have much more time on a mossy than a Remmy, so that is my preferance. I like the top mounted tang safety a lot more too!

 

[Isaac-1]

One thing to keep in mind, there are 2 870's, the cheaper 870 Express, and the upper line 870 Wingmaster (the 870 police model is a matte finish version of the Wingmaster, the 870 Tactical is a tacticoolized Express)