Hey guys i am about to get a new gun. I am debating whether or not to get the remington 870 exp or the mossberg 500 12 gauges. I have been told the 870 is better but wanted a few more opinions. Also would it be a better deal in the long run to get the super mag(3 1/2 inch) for the 870?
thanks

First of all, I'm not a serious shotgunner. Well, not yet anyway.
I've got a moss 500 20", 7 round for the house and it feels good to me, but I just went out the other night for my very first round of trap ever. I shot 2 of my buddy's 870s. The 870s were tighter and smoother in the forarm and felt like a more precisely built action.

As far as 3.5" shells go, I've heard you would really only need them for geese. Just repeating what I've heard. Good luck.

Keep 'em all in the Bull.

The Mossberg 500 are a good shotgun.IMO the Remington 870 is the best pump gun.Very reliable, well made and reasonably priced.I like the double slide bars.I've had a 870 for many years and never had any problem with it.Dollar for dollar it's the best for the money.Ruger Redhawk

I got a remington 870 and i like it won't find a better pump for the money. I got a 3in chamber and it does the job and it gets used on geeese and ducks. 3 1/2 in is BIG you will never need it don't waste the money.

I own both Mossbergs and 870's. 870's are the best you can buy.

As far as the 3 1/2"???? Like someone else mentioned, it's for long range goose hunting. Yet it basically turns your 12ga. into 10ga performance capabilities. Neat invention.

870's are much better shotguns than the Mossbergs. The Mossbergs are alright if you want a nononsense shotgun that might be used for occasional use, but if you plan on using it alot, get the 870.

AS for 3 1/2 magnums, I'm not convinced that they are worth it. I've killed many ducks and geese over the years with a 2 3/4" 870 wingmaster and finally got a 3" shotgun a few years ago. The 3 1/2" shells would probably work well if you have the discipline to use them, but by in large people use them as an excuse to sky bust at longer distances. Because of the longer shot column, 3 1/2" magnums string more than 10 Guages and I don't believe they are nearly as effective as 10 Guages for longer range shots. The 3 1/2 would make really good turkey guns though as stringing isn't a problem when shooting at a stationary target.

mossberg forearms rattles 870 dont an dthe turkeys can hear it. im speaking from experience. buy the 870

I own a Mossberg 835 and I use it for every thing from turkeys to quail and rabbits.I use light 2 3/4 loads for trap and 3 1/2 loads for turkey hunting.Personally I would not trade it for a Remington any day and I am a big Remington fan.

I own a Moss.500 as well and have the same forend rattle.Does anyone know if this can be fixed??(perhaps aftermarket stocks) My friends shoot 870's.Which is better....I would probably go with the 870,although the Moss 835's are worth looking at too.

PS: I have to wonder,doesn't the U.S. military use the Moss. 500??

XTP, sounds like your friends have good taste. Love the 870. Can go with finer Wingmaster, the utilitarian Express, or any of the specialized SPS models. The common denominator is the rock solid action.