Alexei Volkov
The Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 are two of the most popular pump-action shotguns in the world. While both have been used in the military, law enforcement, and hunting, there are some differences between the two. One of the biggest differences is the receiver — the Mossberg 500 uses an aluminum receiver, while the Remington 870 uses a steel receiver. The Mossberg 500 also uses more plastic parts, which bring down the cost and weight of the shotgun. The Remington 870 has a thicker barrel and uses a single extractor that grips the rim of the shells and rips them outwards, while the Mossberg 500 uses two extractors, ensuring reliability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Price | $400 (excluding tax) |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs - 7.5 lbs |
| Magazine capacity | 5 shells (basic model) |
| Barrel length | 14 inches - 30 inches |
| Effective range | 40m |
| Maximum range | 50m for shot, 70-80m for slugs |
| Cartridges | 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410 bore |
| Safety | Thumb-operated safety on top of the receiver |
| Receiver | Aluminum |
| Trigger housing | Plastic |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic parts keep costs low
The Mossberg 500 is a cheaper alternative to the Remington 870. One of the reasons for its lower price is the use of plastic parts, which bring down the cost and weight of the shotgun. The Remington 870, on the other hand, uses a steel receiver, which makes it heavier and more expensive.
The Mossberg 500 has been described as a "bulky hybrid of plastic and brass". It has an aluminium receiver, which is lighter than steel, and various magazine capacities. The basic model holds five 2.75-inch shells and is called a six-shot model. It also has interchangeable barrels, with lengths varying from 14 to 30 inches. The Remington 870, in comparison, has a barrel length between 18 and 30 inches.
The use of plastic parts in the Mossberg 500 has been a point of contention for some. One reviewer noted that they broke the plastic trigger housing on their Mossberg 500, and that the company would not send them a replacement. They also mentioned that the Remington 870 has a steel trigger housing with two pins holding it in place, compared to the single pin in the Mossberg 500.
Another reviewer noted that Mossberg stopped using metal for the top safety and switched to plastic, which was not well-received by some customers. However, others have praised the Mossberg 500 for its versatility and value, with the company offering extra barrels and promoting the gun's adaptability.
In the 2000s, Mossberg and Remington competed directly on price, with the Mossberg 500 consistently undercutting the Remington 870 by a few dollars. As the guns got cheaper, the quality of the Remington 870 suffered, with some reviewers noting that shells would get stuck in the chambers or hang up. During this time, the Mossberg 500 began to gain more appreciation for being a cheap yet reliable gun.
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Steel receiver makes Remington 870 heavier
The Remington Model 870 is a pump-action shotgun manufactured by Remington Arms Company, LLC. It is widely used for shooting sports, hunting, and self-defence, as well as by law enforcement and military organisations worldwide. The Remington 870 was introduced in 1950 and has since become the best-selling shotgun of any type in history, with more than 13 million sold.
The Remington 870 has a steel receiver, machined from an 8-pound billet of steel, and a thicker barrel. This makes the Remington 870 heavier than comparable shotguns, such as the Mossberg 500, which uses an aluminium receiver. While steel is stronger than aluminium, there is likely never going to be a time when a user could break a Mossberg 500's aluminium receiver. The weight difference between the Remington 870 and other shotguns, such as the Mossberg 500, can range from a pound to half a pound.
The weight of a shotgun can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the context. For example, when stalking deer, a lightweight shotgun is preferable, while for skeet shooting, a heavier shotgun can provide a smoother swing. The Remington 870's weight, combined with its reliability and durability, have made it one of the most popular shotguns ever, with dozens of configurations available to suit hundreds of applications.
The Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 are both pump-action shotguns that come in 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and .410. They are both American-made and can be used for home defence, hunting, and police and military use. However, they have several differences, including the materials used, with the Remington 870's steel receiver making it heavier than the Mossberg 500's aluminium receiver.
The Remington 870 has undergone several upgrades over the years, including the introduction of the "Flexi Tab" carrier to address a design flaw that could cause shells to slip out of the magazine and bind the action. The newer Remington 870 Fieldmaster features a walnut stock and forend, an upgraded metal finish that resists rust, sling-swivel studs, a softer butt pad, a drilled-and-tapped receiver, and three choke tubes.
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Aluminum receiver makes Mossberg 500 lighter
The Mossberg 500 is a series of pump-action shotguns with a wide range of models that vary in bore size, barrel length, choke options, magazine capacity, stock, and forearm materials. The Mossberg 500 series uses aluminum receivers, which are lighter than the steel receivers found on some competing shotguns, such as the Remington 870. While steel is stronger than aluminum, an aluminum receiver on a Mossberg 500 is unlikely to break under normal use.
The standard finish for the Model 500 is an anodized aluminum alloy receiver and a polished and blued barrel. Some models also feature a matte black anodized receiver with a matte blued barrel, and some 500 models are anodized to look parkerized, with parkerized barrels. The Mossberg 500 series offers a variety of stock options, including wood or composite stocks, with the composite stocks available in matte black or camouflage to match the gun's finish.
The Mossberg 500 is known for its reliability and low cost, which has made it a popular choice for hunters and law enforcement. It has also undergone military testing, with the Mossberg 590A1, a variant of the 500 series, passing the rigorous US Army MIL-SPEC 3443 test, a 3K-round test that pushes shotguns to their limits. The Mossberg 500 series has a loyal following, with many owners reporting reliable performance and no malfunctions attributed to the aluminum receiver.
Compared to the Remington 870, the Mossberg 500 tends to be cheaper and offers a wider range of models. The aluminum receiver contributes to the Mossberg 500's lighter weight, making it a preferred choice for certain applications such as stalking deer, where a lightweight shotgun is advantageous. The Mossberg 500's aluminum receiver provides a good balance between strength and weight, ensuring durability without sacrificing maneuverability.
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Remington 870 has a wider range of cartridges
The Remington Model 870 is a pump-action shotgun with a wide range of cartridge options. It has been in production since 1950 and has become one of the most popular shotguns ever made, with over 11 million sold worldwide. The 870 has a solid steel receiver and comes in hundreds of variations, including 12, 16, 20, 28 gauges, and a .410 bore.
The maximum shell length that can be used depends on the particular model's barrel and receiver. For 12-gauge 870s, the maximum shell length is 2+3⁄4 inches (70 mm) for non-magnums, 3 inches (76 mm) for magnums, and 3+1⁄2 inches (89 mm) for super magnums. The 870 SPS Super Mag Turkey Predator, for example, allows hunters to switch easily between 2 ¾”, 3”, and 3 ½” 12-gauge shells.
The Remington 870 offers a versatile range of cartridges to suit various applications, from hunting and shooting sports to self-defense and law enforcement and military organizations. The wide range of cartridges available for the Remington 870, combined with its durability and dependability, has contributed to its enduring popularity.
In comparison, the Mossberg 500 series uses aluminum receivers, which are lighter but less strong than steel. While the Mossberg 500 tends to be cheaper, the Remington 870 offers a broader range of cartridge options and is only slightly more expensive. The Remington 870's versatility, reliability, and adaptability have made it a popular choice for hunters, sports shooters, law enforcement, and military organizations worldwide.
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Remington 870 is more expensive
The Remington Model 870 is a pump-action shotgun manufactured by Remington Arms Company, LLC. It is widely used for shooting sports, hunting, self-defence, and by law enforcement and military organisations worldwide. The Remington 870 was first produced in 1950 as a more modern, reliable, and inexpensive alternative to previous Remington models.
The Remington 870 is more expensive than the Mossberg 500, which tends to be cheaper. The Mossberg 500 series uses aluminium receivers, while the Remington 870 features a steel receiver and a thicker barrel, making it heavier. The Remington 870 is also fitted with a standard-length tube and a factory extension, which some users may find cumbersome to reassemble.
The Remington 870 has a bottom-loading, side-ejecting receiver and a tubular magazine under the barrel. It comes with a plug for migratory bird hunting, reducing the magazine capacity to two rounds. The gun has dual action bars, an internal hammer, and a bolt that locks into an extension in the barrel.
The Remington 870 is highly adaptable and is deemed one of the best-value shotguns, with prices ranging from $150 to $600. The most popular model, the Remington 870 Express, is no longer being manufactured but previously cost around $400. Upgraded and rare models can be worth significantly more.
In summary, the Remington 870 is more expensive than the Mossberg 500 due to factors such as its steel receiver, thicker barrel, weight, and additional features. The Remington 870 offers a range of variants and upgrades, providing a more premium experience for buyers.
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Frequently asked questions
The Mossberg 870 Express is made of plastic and brass.
The Remington 870 uses a steel receiver, while the Mossberg 870 uses an aluminum receiver. The Remington 870 is also slightly heavier than the Mossberg 870 due to the use of steel.
The Mossberg 870 is generally cheaper than the Remington 870. It also features a safety mechanism behind the receiver, making it easier to fire for left-handed shooters. Additionally, the Mossberg 870 has passed the rigorous MIL-SPEC 3443 test conducted by the US Army.
The Remington 870 has a larger market share and is the most widely used shotgun by the US public for sport shooting, hunting, and home defense. It is considered more reliable due to its steel construction and has a thicker barrel.
