Is the 870 still the gold standard?

[Smith357]

I have been out of the pump gun realm for many years concentrating on vintage S&W wheelguns. I have a Citori for clay games and I am currently thinking about a good pump gun that will be set up as a tactical gun. I know the 870 used to be the one of the best guns for that job, but that was 10-15 years ago. is it still the gold standard or has something new come along that I should be aware of.

Also I have heard that Remington has made some changes, but don't know exactly what they are and how they impact the gun. Though generally when they make a change it's to cut costs which is never good. So is older better?

thanks for any help

 

[Animal Mother]

I think most people still consider the 870 the gold standard, although the Mossberg 500 has gained quite a bit in popularity as well.

 

[zombienerd]

Having shot both the 870 and 500 on numerous occasions, I prefer the 500. That's just my opinion, though

The 870 is a great gun. The 500 is a great gun... I just like the "feel" of the 500 a little better.

If you're in the market, check out both of them, find what "feels" right

Also, the 500 has just as many, if not more, available "Tactical" add ons as the 870 does.

 

[jmr40]

Yes!

 

[stalkingbear]

The 870 is the better built/designed shotgun. I don't understand how anybody could like a 500 better except for the tang safety. The 500s fore ends just fit too loose and rattle too much for my tastes-that makes them feel really cheaply built. Also I've gotten too many 500s to repair vs 870s to have faith in them.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Yes.....

 

[Big Daddy Grim]

I like the 870 and I have both

 

[travistheone]

I have owned 500 and 870's. It is my opinion that the 500 is quicker to use, safety and action release. This is further appreciated if a lefty by nature, or circumstance.

 

[Vicious-Peanut]

No...

 

[inSight-NEO]

I cant speak about the 870 as I own a Benelli SuperNova tactical. Personally, compared to all of the other sub-$500 shottys out there, this gun has no equal IMHO. However, my next shotgun will be a Remington 870 Police as I am looking for an even "heavier duty" weapon for regular use. Plus, the Benellis are quite expensive when it comes to replacing parts.

 

[Dday]

Hard question to answer - they both are solid performers. I guess it comes down to personal preference and intended use. Here are a few 870 facts that might help you. (I'm partial to 870):
* Continous production since 1950
* The most popular shotgun in firearms history
* Since initial release, hundreds of variants produced
* Over 8 million produced/sold
* 39 model variants currently in production (hundreds more if your consider various barrel lengths, gagues, chokes, etc.)
* A variant to meet any shooters needs
* Proven fundamentally reliability - when you pull the trigger, it goes bang
* Spare parts universally available
* Moderately priced
* Many 1950's built 870's are still in use today
* A distinctive sounding action - home intruders seem to vanish when they hear it cyclying

 

[ShowMe2]

Yes...Remington has made millions and millions of them for a reason. It is THE law enforcement shotgun at every level in the U.S. by a wide margin.

 

[Smith357]

I know about the Mossberg 500 and I am not really interested in it unless Mossberg has improved their quality over the last 10 years or Remington quality has dropped, I looked at an express today and it was a hunk of junk. I'm going to have to find a 500 to handle.

I wanted to get an 870 Police, but they have become collectible, and therefore very expensive for a gun I plan on using hard. I'm thinking about an older gun to save money for add on parts, and older guns seem to be better made. I plan on shooting the snot out of it, and not worrying to much about how pretty it looks, but it has to be a quality piece of gear.

 

[mljdeckard]

I bought a 870 Express synthetic a several years ago to have a gun to beat up. I have done so. Cases of S&B birdshot, muddy in the back of the truck, cold, hot, wet, dirty, doesn't matter. Chik-chek, BANG!, every single time.

I don't mind the Mossberg, but I actually grew up with my dad's old 760 .257 Roberts, so I was already used to the Remington controls.

 

[nekwah]

I have a Rem. 870 supermag so I can shoot 3 and a half loads. I originally bought it to make into a tactical although i have only got as far as a pistol grip. Abuddy of mine has a 500, its a nice gun and i love the safety but its low quality and has a surprising numper of plastic parts. I have a powder coat on mine though and im dissapointed to find it rusts quit easily but it might have been because i put in a gun carrier that could have contained moisture.

 

[BP44]

I have a wingmaster and I love it but my new gold standarg\d is my Super Black Eagle II

 

[RP88]

I like my Moss 500. I will admit that 870's beat out the 500s, but when compared to the 590s...well, my opinion changes.

 

[inSight-NEO]

I guess it all depends on what "grade" of 870 you are referring to. From what I understand, older 870's along with current Police models and possibly the marine magnums, are very well made. However, as I mentioned before, I think when looking at typical "consumer" shotguns, Benelli takes the prize. Once you go above this range, its all up to speculation and preference. Here you are dealing with the likes of military grade Mossbergs, Remington Police 870's and any of the Benelli "M" series, to name a few. At this point "nostalgia" takes a back seat to "state of the art".

 

[AndyJ]

"At this point "nostalgia" takes a back seat to "state of the art". Second thread I have seen you bash the 870 platform.

Hmph. I can't even consider a Benelli for these reasons.

It does not have a proven track record-- maybe in 20 years.

Replacement parts are beyond ridiculously high. $500 for a used barrel? Christ.

Semi-autos will not hold up in a harsh environment. That from my boy who has been to the Desert 2X.

Nostalgia vs state of the art? You need to get your hands around a vintage Wingmaster or even an M37 if you want a blast from the past. Newest is not always best.

The beauty of the 870 platform is that it is everyman's shotgun. Modularity --easily interchanging parts; configurations to suit every need, ready parts availability at a decent price, a simple operating system and the biggest factor is that it just runs and runs.

 

[inSight-NEO]

Second thread I have seen you bash the 870 platform.

I dont remember bashing the 870 platform in general. I was only referring to the current rendition of the 870 Express. Look closer...its there.

Replacement parts are beyond ridiculously high. $500 for a used barrel? Christ.

I will agree...I do not like this fact as well. This is why I will soon be adding an 870P to my collection.

Semi-autos will not hold up in a harsh environment. That from my boy who has been to the Desert 2X.

Benelli also makes pump shotguns. This is what I have (supernova tactical). Your reference to semi-autos is a blanket statement...Its a known fact that semi-auto weapons, of any brand, are more prone to malfunction(s) than "manually" operated weapons. Say what you will, Benelli makes fine products. There is no reason to dismiss the brand simply because it doesnt have a "track record" of decades. I obviously stepped into the Remington fanboy club on this one.

 

[AndyJ]

Yeah, I drink the 870 kool-aid. Before you do the 870p deal, check out an older Wingmaster-- one with the chrome bolt and shell carrier. They are still around for less than $300. You can easily upgrade them to Police standards. Heavier sear spring, carrier follower dog spring and maybe a steel extractor. $15 bucks worth of parts there. 18.5 or 20" barrel and you have a multi-purpose beauty that will last another generation.

 

[inSight-NEO]

I will consider that. After all, saving a few $$$ is always nice. BTW- I have seen NEW barrels for my gun going for roughly $450. Heh, its still a bad show either way. I believe the price is due to the fact that the Benelli barrels are chrome lined and more importantly, imported from Italy.

 

[single stack]

Is the 870 still the gold standard?

No. The 870 Wingmaster has slipped from first place in the pump shot gun world.

The Browning BPS has passed it by, not by advances in quality but
by maintaining quality. Sadly, Remington has suffered a setback in
quality control over the years. An older 870 or Model 12 will give the
BPS a run for the money, not a new Wingmaster.

The 870 Express and Mossberg 500 are a good shotguns for the price.
They still can't measure up to a Wingmaster.

SS

 

[Smith357]

Before you do the 870p deal, check out an older Wingmaster-- one with the chrome bolt and shell carrier. They are still around for less than $300.

After seeing the new models I have made the choice to go with a vintage 870, I was leaning this way in the first place, but after hearing the feedback and seeing one up close it solidified my position. I saw a vintage Wingmaster 12ga. 20" rifle sights on GunBroker that was well in my price range. The wood was beat to crap but I'm planning on replacing that anyway.

I'm going to have to get my hands on a Browning, but I'm guessing there are not to many tacticool ad ons for it. And building a tacticool pumper is my main goal here.

The Bennellis are fine firearms but initial cost and aftermarket parts availability cut it from my list.

 

[c5_nc]

This is probably not going to go over well, I've shot a single 870 and only handled the norinco 87 ultra (Chinese copy of 870 that police issue there) but it has a extended tube to fit a extra shell and fiber/night front an rear sights. Didn't shot it but seemed solid for $149 new. The 870 I shot only had a front iron sight, which is just odd to me being a handgun and rifle user. I don't hunt, I was thinking of picking up one. It would be for rare shoting at the range and home defense (where the sights and extra round are a big plus). There is a used Charles Daly Semi for $225 used locally, trying to deside between those two.