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I'm thinking about getting a new shotgun with a shorter barrel for home defense soon, but I've never owned either of these models. As far shotguns, I've only owned an old J.C. Higgins for hunting birds and a single shot H&R. I know this gets asked repeatedly but any information about the pros/cons of each would be greatly appreciated.

I'm thinking about getting a new shotgun with a shorter barrel for home defense soon, but I've never owned either of these models. As far shotguns, I've only owned an old J.C. Higgins for hunting birds and a single shot H&R. I know this gets asked repeatedly but any information about the pros/cons of each would be greatly appreciated.

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[–] • 3 pts

Both are good. Owned a few of each before the tragic boating accident. More important is to make sure you get a 8+1 configuration and not the 5+1. Or get a DP12 and do it right.

[–] • 2 pts

I bought the Mossberg 500 Field/Security package many years ago. Very happy with it. Never had a Remington, but from what I hear you really can't go wrong with either choice.

[–] • 2 pts

I have used the same Mossberg 500 for 50 years and shot it Thousands of times without a problem. The selling point to me is, it holds 6 standard and the barrels are 'cheap' and can be changed without tools in about 10 sec.

[–] • 2 pts

Both are good, fair priced, reliable guns. It’s really just personal preference. You’re not gonna have a problem with either

[–] • 1 pt

Carried a Remington 870 in the military. Never handled a Mossberg.

[–] [deleted] • 1 pt

Too tough to choose, get both. You won't regret it.

[–] • 1 pt

I think the Remington holds one less round than the Mossberg. The shockwave is a lot of fun, the 20 gauge is easy for a woman and teen to handle.

[–] • 1 pt

Good luck finding a new 870, or a 500 for that matter. Try a Winchester black shadow defender. They're about 350$ and will do the exact same thing. Readily available at the place I work anyway.

[–] • 1 pt

Its literally a toss up between the two in my opinion.

[–] • 1 pt

Both platforms are nearly identical. (I prefer the 510) What stuck out to me in your post is that you mentioned “home defense.“ If that is the case then the overall length of the firearm is very important if you have narrow hallways and narrow doorways that you may have to turn around in. A shorter barrel helps but you lose ammo capacity. The child version of the firearm will have a slightly shorter stock.

Can you still purchase either platform with an unrifled slug barrel? That would be the most important thing to me. That would allow you the versatility of shooting shot shells and also rifled slugs.

[–] • 1 pt (edited )

Can't go wrong with either. I prefer the Mossberg because of the position of the controls. The Mossberg has a tang safety and the pump release is behind the trigger gard. Both can be reached without breaking your grip. The 870 has a cross bolt safety and the pump release in front of the trigger guard. Walk into a gun store. See which is easier to manipulate. Buy that one. Shoot the shit out of it. If you find that you're unhappy with it hit the pawn shop and swap it for the other.

Mossberg controls: https://www.brownells.co.uk/MOSSBERG-500/590/835/930/935-SAFETY-KIT-Mossberg-500-590-835-930-935-Enhanced-Safety-Kit-BROWNELLS-080000564

Remington controls: http://www.alpharubicon.com/leo/870brian.htm

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