RE: 500 vs. 870
Very true Mossbergs aren't as pretty as the Remmington, but they do take a lickin and keep on tickin. I personally have a Moss 500, I like the location of the safety too. If I had to it probably wouldn't take to long to get used to the Rem cross bolt saftey though. Either will serve you well so get the one that feels the best to you