There have been more Remington 870's sold than all other shotguns combined. Period, end of story. The 870 holds it's value a lot better than the Mossberg 500.

Absolutely with all due respect, personally, I'm not worried about a $269 (This week at Cabelas) Remington 870 Express holding it's value. Not worried about a Mossy 500 or 835 holding their value either. They all work, and work pretty well... Line up all three models, close your eyes and grab one and go with it...

Advice from an old f(a)rt -
Go Remington! Yes, I did have a Mossberg 835 and for only one season. My first magnum shotgun was a Wingmaster that is probably older than you are. It is in such good condition my son wouldn't use it when his shotgun was not working right. He had a problem with the slide not functioning on his 870 Express Super Mag, but that was from an assembly issue from when he had it camo dipped. He shoots many shells every year and has never had a problem.
I believe most of the issues with the Express are from people comparing it to the Wingmaster. The differences are more like a Chevy and a Cadilac. Both are fine cars and both are fine guns.

Here's a picture of his 870 after being dipped.

Stoeger m2000 with the wood stock. It cost $500 and is a probably a little above your price range but its a great semi-auto. It is pretty much a Benelli.

either one will serve you just fine. I've got an 870 express super mag I bought when they first came out and have never had any problems whatsoever with it. from the lightest skeet loads to full blown 3.5" hevi-shot turkey loads. she just keeps booming and shucking them out. probably 10,000 rounds and counting so far. My father has had two mossy 500's as long as I can remember and cannot think of a bad thing to say about them either. flip a coin and get shooting.

Remington 870 or if you're still not convinced , flip a coin !

i bought the Nitro Mag last month.
394.45 ....tax included !

GREAT GUN................

light
balanced weight
durable
decent fiber sights
holds all shells.......2 3/4, 3's, and 3 1/2s............which eliminates the chance you'll ever run out of shells. Meaning availability on the fly.

I looked at several, and it beats the same price range Bernelli(gawky, cheap feeling)

AND you can pop slugs through it if need be !

You need to look no further, unless you want a comparable pump or gas op. for 1300.?

Didn;'t think so.

i got the m200 for under 500 from gander great gun durable and made by benelli just with out the name. came with the max for camo.

Both guns have been workhorses for hunting for many years. I've been shooting a 500a for over 5 years. I've never had any problems with it and it's been the the bottom of the lake several times. never jamed or failed to eject a shell.

The 870's are great guns as well but if your going to buy one go to a pawn shop and get an older one. not many people have problems with the older ones.

Also you could buy a older name brand used shotgun that is ALOT nicer in your price range than either of these guns. You could get a used benelli nova for under $400.

If that price range is dead set I'd go with an 870. If not save up a little more and get a Stoeger Model 2000. I've had mine for 8 years and have put it through hell and still works just as good as when I bought it. Next shotgun will definitely be another M2000.