Mossberg 500 vs Remington 870 (Don't Buy This)

Published on December 18, 2022
Duration: 12:27

This video provides a detailed comparison between the Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 shotguns, focusing on their differences in controls, actions, materials, magazine tubes, extractors, ejectors, and shell lifters. It highlights the Mossberg 500's ambidextrous safety and user-serviceable parts, while praising the Remington 870's smoother action and steel receiver. The analysis is geared towards helping viewers make an informed decision for home defense, hunting, or other applications.

Quick Summary

The Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 are top contenders for home defense shotguns, each with distinct advantages. The Mossberg 500 offers an ambidextrous safety and easier repairability, while the Remington 870 boasts a smoother steel receiver and action. Key differences lie in their safety controls, action bar designs, receiver materials, and magazine tube modification capabilities.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 870 vs 500
  2. 00:37Similarities and Differences Overview
  3. 01:35Controls: Safety and Slide Release
  4. 02:52Action Bars and Pump Feel
  5. 03:59Receiver Material: Steel vs. Aluminum
  6. 05:04Magazine Tube Extensions
  7. 06:31Extractors and Ejectors
  8. 07:54Shell Lifter Design
  9. 08:49Smaller Considerations: Optics, Mini Shells, Barrel
  10. 09:48Price Comparison
  11. 10:00US Army MIL-SPEC Testing
  12. 10:26Customizability
  13. 10:50Which One is For You?
  14. 11:05Remington Quality Concerns
  15. 11:23Key Considerations for Choice
  16. 12:00Final Summary and Decision

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference in safety controls between the Mossberg 500 and Remington 870?

The Remington 870 uses a traditional push-button safety on the trigger guard, while the Mossberg 500 features an ambidextrous sliding safety located on the tang of the receiver. The Mossberg safety is generally considered more universally accessible, especially for left-handed shooters.

How do the actions of the Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 compare?

The Remington 870 has a one-piece action bar and pump assembly, leading to a tighter and smoother feel. The Mossberg 500 uses two pinned action bars connected to a separate slide assembly, which can feel looser but is easier to repair if a bar becomes bent.

What are the material differences in the receivers of these shotguns?

Remington 870 shotguns typically feature steel receivers, offering a more substantial feel. Mossberg 500 shotguns utilize aluminum receivers, which are lighter while still maintaining robust durability for most applications.

Which shotgun is easier to modify for increased magazine capacity?

The Mossberg 590 series and older Remington 870 models are generally easier to modify for increased magazine capacity. Standard Mossberg 500s often require a new barrel and tube, while newer Remington 870s may have dimpled mag tubes that need modification.

What makes the Mossberg 500's shell lifter design advantageous?

The Mossberg 500's patented shell lifter is skeletonized and remains in an 'always up' position. This design facilitates smoother loading, allows for easier malfunction clearance by reaching through the bottom, and prevents pinching compared to the Remington 870's standard lifter.

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