I have had a Mossberg 835 and am planning on getting another Mossberg. I spent a few months at USMC Receruiting Depot Parris ISland and found out the USMC is only buying Mossberg shotguns now. They were having problems with the other brands when they would get a little sand in them. They are issuing Mossber 500's with a 18in barrel that hold 6+1. They are either stainless or parkerized. Ive had plenty of time handling them and M-16's in the last few months.