Choosing between the Remington 870 and the Mossberg 590 is a classic debate among shotgun enthusiasts. Both are legendary pump-action shotguns with a rich history, renowned for their reliability and versatility. This in-depth comparison will help you decide which shotgun best suits your needs, whether it's for home defense, hunting, or tactical applications. We'll delve into key features, performance, and user experiences to illuminate the differences and help you make an informed choice.
Key Differences: Remington 870 vs. Mossberg 590
Both shotguns excel in reliability and affordability, but subtle design differences impact their feel, operation, and overall suitability for various tasks.
Action and Operation
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Remington 870: Employs a bottom-loading, top-ejecting design. This means you load shells into the magazine from the bottom and spent shells eject upward. The action is known for its smooth, somewhat "snappy" feel. The receiver is generally considered more robust and has a longer history of parts availability.
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Mossberg 590: Uses a side-loading, bottom-ejecting design. Shells are loaded into the magazine from the side, and spent shells are ejected downward. The action is often described as slightly less refined but arguably more intuitive for some shooters. It's known for being slightly easier to rack the action.
Safety Mechanisms
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Remington 870: Features a cross-bolt safety located on the receiver, behind the trigger guard. This is a traditional placement and easily accessible with the shooting hand.
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Mossberg 590: Uses a tang safety, a lever located on the rear of the receiver. This placement may be less accessible for some, especially those with smaller hands.
Stock and Forend
Both shotguns offer a wide range of stock and forend options, from standard wood to tactical synthetic. However, subtle differences exist in their ergonomics:
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Remington 870: Often has a more traditional, slightly curved stock that some find more comfortable for shooting.
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Mossberg 590: Commonly features a straighter stock, often preferred for tactical applications where a more consistent cheek weld is crucial.
Internal Components
While both are known for reliability, there are some differences under the hood:
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Remington 870: Uses a simpler, fewer-part design which contributes to it's legendary reliability. Parts are widely available, and repairs are relatively simple.
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Mossberg 590: Uses a slightly more complex internal mechanism, but it's still robust and well-regarded for dependability.
Performance and Reliability: A Head-to-Head Look
Both the Remington 870 and Mossberg 590 are known for exceptional reliability. They are workhorses that have proven themselves in countless situations. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the Remington 870 might have a slight edge in terms of perceived reliability, primarily due to its simpler design and long-standing reputation. This doesn't mean the Mossberg 590 is unreliable; it simply means the Remington 870 has had a longer track record of proving its robustness.
There is no significant difference in terms of accuracy or effective range between the two shotguns, when fired with similar ammunition and by competent shooters. Accuracy largely depends on the shooter's skill and the ammunition used.
Which Shotgun is Right for You?
The "best" shotgun depends entirely on your needs and preferences.
Choose the Remington 870 if:
- You value a smoother, more refined action.
- You prefer a traditional bottom-loading, top-ejecting design.
- You prioritize a simple design with readily available parts.
Choose the Mossberg 590 if:
- You prefer a more straightforward, easier-to-rack action.
- You find the side-loading, bottom-ejecting design more intuitive.
- You prioritize a wide range of aftermarket accessories and customization options.
Case Study: Home Defense vs. Hunting
Let's examine how these shotguns perform in specific scenarios:
Home Defense: For home defense, both shotguns are excellent choices. The Mossberg 590's ability to accept various accessories and tactical stocks, combined with its potentially easier-to-rack action under stress, might make it slightly more attractive to some. However, the Remington 870's reliability is also a compelling argument.
Hunting: For hunting applications like waterfowl or upland birds, the choice is largely a matter of personal preference. The reliability and ease of use of both shotguns make them suitable, with variations in stock options affecting comfort during extended use.
Conclusion: A Tie for Reliability, a Choice for Preference
The Remington 870 and Mossberg 590 are both superb shotguns, each with its own strengths. Ultimately, choosing between the two comes down to individual preference, intended use, and ergonomic considerations. Spending time handling both shotguns and considering your specific requirements is crucial before making a purchase. Both are investments that, with proper care, will last a lifetime.