Well,both are fine shotguns IMO iv'e handled & shot both. Good things about the Mossberg 500,i like the top tang safety & the slide release right behind the trigger guard,and the Mossberg is a little lighter. Things i don't like about the 500,they just "feel" cheap made & the action rattles something terrible! Pros on the 870,more sturdier built and the just "fit" me better. Cons on the 870,the safety is right behind the trigger guard & the slide release is in front of the trigger guard. Now thats just my $0.02 but id prefer a Remington 870 Express but the Mossberg is a good shotgun too.