Remington 870 vs Mossberg 500: Battle of the cheap shotguns

Published on May 31, 2020
Duration: 11:00

This comprehensive review from Backfire compares the popular Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 shotguns, highlighting key differences in ergonomics, reliability, and maintenance. The hosts, drawing on personal experience and range testing, detail issues like the Mossberg's long trigger reach and the Remington's sticky action and rust susceptibility. They also cover weight, recoil, control placement, and ease of modification, offering practical insights for potential buyers.

Quick Summary

The Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 are popular budget shotguns. Key differences include the Mossberg's lighter aluminum receiver and more ergonomic tang safety versus the Remington's steel receiver and easier magazine extension upgrades. Both can have action issues on budget models, and the Remington's finish is more prone to rust.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 870 vs 500
  2. 00:44Mossberg 500 Trigger Reach Issues
  3. 01:54Remington 870 Sticky Action Problems
  4. 02:58Weight and Recoil Comparison
  5. 06:08Controls and Ergonomics: Safety & Release
  6. 07:34Magazine Extension Compatibility
  7. 09:03Remington 870 Rust Susceptibility

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main ergonomic differences between the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500?

The Mossberg 500 typically features a tang-mounted safety and an action release located behind the trigger guard, which many find more intuitive. The Remington 870 uses a cross-bolt safety and a forward-mounted action release, which can feel less ergonomic to some users.

Which shotgun is lighter, the Remington 870 or the Mossberg 500?

The Mossberg 500 is significantly lighter due to its aluminum receiver, compared to the Remington 870's heavier steel receiver. However, the Mossberg often compensates with a better recoil pad, making perceived recoil comparable.

Are there common reliability issues with the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500?

Newer, budget Remington 870 models can sometimes exhibit a sticky action requiring a firm cycle. The Mossberg 500's trigger reach can be long for some shooters, and its magazine capacity upgrades are typically more complex than the Remington's.

Which shotgun is easier to modify for increased capacity?

The Remington 870 is generally easier to modify for increased magazine capacity because its magazine tube is threaded on the outside, allowing for simple screw-on extensions. The Mossberg 500 often requires replacing the entire magazine tube and barrel assembly.

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Backfire

View all →