I don't have much experience with the mossberg guns but I have had an 870 20 ga. for about 8 years now and have had no problems what so ever. My wife just bought me a 870 supermag 12 ga. for christmas (synthetic), she got it for $270 from Wal Mart. Wal Mart was more expensive but they price matched the store Academy Sports. I got it for a great price and I love the 870's.