Best All Around Win 1300, Moss 835 or Rem 870?

3 degree hunter · 01-29-2005, 08:20 PM

I'm currently looking for a good all around pump shotgun for small game, upland game birds and turkey. I'm leaning toward the 1300; simply because it shoulders the best for me. Which is the most reliable in all weather conditions?

12 pointer · 01-29-2005, 08:25 PM

My vote goes to the 835 although all 3 are great guns. I have an 835 and love it, and I have been around the 1300 and I like it a lot too. My neighbor has an 870, and I dont really like it that much. It shoots good, but it is very uncomfortable for me to shoulder. If you can, shoot all them and see which you like best.

Nunk · 01-29-2005, 08:27 PM

Although not listed, I would vote for a Browning BPS. Great gun!

bigbulls · 01-29-2005, 08:30 PM

I have a 1300 and 500 and have shot the 870 plenty. I like the 1300 better. I have had it for 18 years and it has never had a single problem and I have drug that thing every where in all kinds of weather.

The 500 and 870 use essentially the same type of locking mechanisim in that a block rises up through the bolt body and locks into either the receiver or the barrel.

The 1300 has a rotating bolt head with lugs that rotate and lock into the barrel's breech. Much superior IMO.

The 870 does have a steel receiver which is a plus but in a pump shot gun it isn't at all necessary to have a steel receiver over an alloy receiver.

Virginia7 · 01-29-2005, 08:47 PM

My vote = Rem. 870 12ga. I've had one for near 25yr. now, and no problems.

Having fun now · 01-30-2005, 06:21 AM

I've had both and they are both good all around guns. I had the 1300 in the NWTF edition and it would kick the u know what out of you with high velocity loads. I did like the feel of the 1300 better but didn't like the kick. Shoot them all if you can and you'll know which gun is for you.

johnch · 01-30-2005, 09:48 AM

I have all 3 .
The 1300 is the quickest to pump ,but extra barrels and acceseryes are few and will not hold up as well as a 870 in the long run.

The 835 shoots 3 1/2" shells ,if not into long range water fowel so what, The 1 I have feels klunky after shooting my 870

The 870 is the best IMO
Extra barrels and other stuff is easy to get .
Dads 870 is 30+ years old and has had 10s of thousand rnds thru it ,and still going strong.
I replaced a exstractor 10 or so years ago ,thats the only thing other than cleaning that has been done to it.

IMO buy the 870 ,your Grand kids will thank you when they use it in 40+ years

stubblejumper · 01-30-2005, 10:04 AM

My grandfathers 870 was made in 1950 and it still functions perfectly despite a lot of use.They may not be fancy but they sure are dependable.

losthwy · 01-30-2005, 12:30 PM

I have a 1300 and like almost all pumps it is reliable. If it fits you the better thats what I would go with.

ShootStuff88 · 01-30-2005, 12:33 PM

i have 2 870's and my dad has 1, i use my 20 for small game and deer (slugs) and the 12 for turkey, and sometimes for birds.

The 870 will shoot forever, has TONS of accessories out there for it, chokes, barrels, sights, scope mounts, etc.
The 870 is also REALLY easy to strip and clean, to completely strip the gun to the pieces, clean, and reassemble takes about 10 minutes.

We also have a 1300, and i will agree it cycles a little faster than the 870, but the release for the slide is awkward to use, and the safety is a little different, and kinda noisy (for something like turkey, it clicks loudly). It is also tougher to disassemble and clean than the 870, and theres more nooks and crannies where dirt and powder residue can get into, and never come out.

Its probably just b/c im more familiar with the 870, but it just seems more user friendly to me.

Mat