Which Shotgun To Buy?
 

I am trying to decide between a remington 870 express or a Mosberg 835 crown grade ulti mag shotgun.
the remington is listed as-$369.99
and the mossberg- $386.99
thanks!

RE: Which Shotgun To Buy?
 

Hello,
For starters, I think you're being overcharged for these shotguns, because a Remington 870 express' retail price is $332, I don't know about the Mossberg's price.
As far as the shotguns themselves, they're both great, it comes down to the features you want. A Remington is only chambered in 3" shells, but can shoot slugs. The Mossberg can shoot 3 1/2" shells, but can't shoot slugs due to the overboring.
Both have lots of aftermarket products readily available. However, if you want to add a magazine extension, than neither of these shotguns will work. While Remington magazine extensions are made by Tac-Star, they don't work on newer Remington shotguns. The magazine tube has dimples that block the shells from moving in the magazine tube, this can be solved by drilling them off. But you probably don't want to take a drill to your new shotgun. And as far as I know, the Mossberg doesn't have any magazine extensions. If you want a mag. extension, you'd have to go Winchester.
The Mossberg comes with a 10 year warranty, the Remington with a 2 year. Both are good quality though.
Good luck deciding.

RE: Which Shotgun To Buy?
 

I have the 835, I brought years ago, I got the combo package, barrel with 3 choke tubes, and the cantilever rifled barrel for somewhere around $320. It shoots great, but is heavy, I don't even use it for deer anymore, I use my Remington 11-87 SPS

RE: Which Shotgun To Buy?
 

Here, the Academy has 870 express super magnums for $277.87 and mossberg 835 for $338.86 (in shadow grass). I think you have a little room to negotiate prices down some. And the 870 listed here will shoot 3.5" magnums according to the ad.

I have never used a Mossberg, so I can't comment there. Remington has made the 870 for about 50 years, without much change. There's a reason for that. The 870 is about the most durable gun I can think of. It is next to impossible to make one not function properly.

Here is the link if you want to see the ads:

http://www.academy.com

The guns are listed in the weekly ad a couple of pages deep.

RE: Which Shotgun To Buy?
 

I have hunted with Mossberg shotguns for about 20 years and they have never failed me in any way. I don't have alot of expirience with 870s but I believe them to be equal to Mossbergs in quality. Either one is good but I definitely recommend getting one that shoots 3.5"mag if you plan on using it for turkey or waterfowl.

RE: Which Shotgun To Buy?
 

Out of those i would have to say the remington, but have you ever thought of the browning Bps? i have one and i love it, its not only for left handed shooters. i love the bottom projection it keeps you from getting distracted form ejecting shells.

RE: Which Shotgun To Buy?
 

Nearly 30 years ago I had to choose between a Remington 870 and a Mossberg 500. The Remington was much prettier and a bit more expensive, the Mossberg plainer, less expensive but equipped with a Moly Choke.

I ended up buying the Mossberg. My buddy bought the Remington. We often traded guns when out hunting or shooting clay birds, and I found some interesting differences. I discovered that I really prefer the Mossberg's tang safety to the Remington's cross-bolt safety. The tang safety is natural and quick; I actually missed a couple of quail using his Remington because I was fumbling with the safety. I'm sure I could get used to a cross bolt, but...

On the other hand, the Mossberg is a much "looser" gun than the Remington was. It rattles, and there is considerable twist in the slide. My buddy's Remington was solid as a rock. Still, I have never had any failures with the Mossberg that weren't a result of me not cleaning mud and dirt out of the action. It is not a very pretty gun, especially lately, but I keep it because it fits me well and I can hit with it.

I really doubt that you would go far wrong with either choice.

RE: Which Shotgun To Buy?
 

I like them both.

I guess out of the two that you list. I would go with the Mossberg.

I think that it is a better buy.

hunter338

RE: Which Shotgun To Buy?
 

For that kinda dough (I'll reiterate what others have said---the prices seem high) you may want to look at Benelli, Beretta, or Ithaca.

I would personally rate those 3 higher than Rem or Moss, and are within that $350-500 price range...

RE: Which Shotgun To Buy?
 

I would go witht the one with 2 slides. when doing some heavy pumping a gun with 1 slide the slide can bend and you have to spend time bending it back stright. with 2 slide you dont have to worry about it. Look at the browning

RE: Which Shotgun To Buy?
 

Rem.870 - is there anything else? ;)

Okay, I know, Mossberg makes a pretty good gun, and I've owned a couple of Ithaca's in the past that were really good too. But I've had a Remington 870 for over 25 years
now, and no problems. :D

RE: Which Shotgun To Buy?
 

I hate to say it, but again, if your going to spend that money... spend an extra $20 bucks and get a browning or benelli... You'll be mutch happier.

As for your actual question... I think the 870 is a more durable gun. Three of the guyz at my deer camp hunt with 870's and two with mossberg 500's. These guyz with the 870's put those things through hell and they still work like a charm. They pump losens up a bit on them but i guess thats pretty common. With the mossberg 500's (which have a very similar action as the 835) the pumps have a lot of twist to them. My father-in-law has the 835 ultamag turkey special (or soemthing like that) and he loves the gun except for the tang safety. He says when he click over the safety while turkey hunting it's too loud.

The stock is a bit short on the 870. I think it's good if you do alot of hunting with your winter coat but for me, i think i couldn't do much upland shooting with a stock this short. It doesn't seem to swing for me well at the range.

I like the grip and the forearm on my BPS. It's a lot thicker and feels better in my hand then the 870 or 835.

Anyways, these guns you mention kind of have different purposes, the 870 being more of an all around gun. But, they can both be pretty versitle. All in all, i'd say get which ever one fits you better!

Good Luck!

RE: Which Shotgun To Buy?
 

I own an 870 myself. Never had a problem with it. Used corn stalks for plugs, dropped in the mud, cleaned it in a lake, just keeps on kicking.

The only thing I would sugest is to stay away from the 3 1/2" pumps. Two of my buddies have them and, due to years of shooting other pumps, short stroke them and jam shells. Both use the Benelli but neither think it has anything to do with the gun just the length of the slide.

Also one of the guys is a small dude and he traded his in for a Beretta 390. $500 at gander mountain.

RE: Which Shotgun To Buy?
 

I have both a mossberg and a remington 870 express magnum with a fully rifled slug barrel. In my opinion I like my remington 870. I have more expensive guns and cheaper guns, and that one for me does the best job. I use 2.75 federal slugs and i shoot around a 2 in. group at 100 yards. I know every gun shoots differently, But for me the 870 does a damn fine job. It knocks the deer flat on ther ass!