Remington 870 vs Mossberg 590: What Gun Stores Won't Tell You

Published on October 31, 2025
Duration: 10:55

This video provides an expert comparison between the Remington 870 and Mossberg 590 shotguns, focusing on reliability under adverse conditions. Luke from Line45 emphasizes the Mossberg 590A1's out-of-the-box durability and Milspec pedigree, while highlighting the Remington 870 Police variants' potential with upgraded parts. The guide focuses on essential field fixes and part swaps for ensuring continued function when it matters most.

Quick Summary

The Mossberg 590A1 excels in out-of-the-box reliability for neglect and abuse, featuring Milspec construction, a heavywalled barrel, and twin action bars. While the Remington 870 Police can be made equally reliable with upgraded carrier dog and extractor springs, the 590A1 is often the preferred choice for immediate, rugged performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Reliability Under Stress
  2. 00:37Mossberg 590A1 Durability & Features
  3. 01:07Remington 870: Forged Steel & Reputation
  4. 01:36Action Feel & Controls Comparison
  5. 02:02Neglect Tolerance & Predictability
  6. 02:27Hands-On Controls & Ergonomics
  7. 03:01Remington 870 Controls & Feel
  8. 03:43Mossberg Safety Updates & Thumb Access
  9. 04:05Ammunition Capacity & Reload Speed
  10. 04:44Reloading Mechanics: Elevator vs. Lifter
  11. 05:09Cruiser Ready Staging
  12. 05:32Patterning & Ammo Selection
  13. 05:59Fixing Failures: Parts & Kits
  14. 06:39Mossberg Upgrades & Field Fixes
  15. 07:09Essential Go-Kit Components
  16. 07:33Battle Proven: Mossberg 590A1 Milspec
  17. 08:07Remington 870: Law Enforcement Legacy
  18. 08:45Real-World Track Records & Context
  19. 09:23Final Verdict: Which to Grab?
  20. 09:27Mossberg 590A1: Stash & Forget
  21. 09:55Remington 870: Upgrades for Reliability
  22. 10:25Conclusion: Out-of-Box vs. Upgraded

Frequently Asked Questions

Which shotgun is more reliable out of the box for neglect and abuse?

The Mossberg 590A1 is generally considered more reliable out of the box for neglect and abuse due to its Milspec construction, heavywalled barrel, parkerized finish, and twin action bars, which are designed to withstand harsh conditions and minimal maintenance.

What are the key differences in controls between the Remington 870 and Mossberg 590?

The Mossberg 590 features an ambidextrous tang safety and twin action bars, often preferred for ease of use under stress and with gloves. The Remington 870 has a crossbolt safety behind the trigger and a single action bar, which some find less intuitive in adverse conditions.

Can a Remington 870 be made as reliable as a Mossberg 590A1?

Yes, a Remington 870, particularly police variants or Wingmasters, can be made highly reliable by upgrading critical small parts like the carrier dog spring and extractor to service-grade components. This addresses common failure points found in some production models.

What are essential field fixes for pump-action shotguns?

Essential field fixes involve practicing quick swaps of weak springs (carrier dog, extractor) and replacing worn extractors. Carrying a small parts kit with these components, a punch, and thread locker allows for on-the-spot repairs to maintain functionality.

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