Mossberg 500 vs Remington 870 — Which Pump Shotgun Is Better?
Both are excellent, time-proven pump shotguns with decades of military and law enforcement service. The Mossberg 500 has a better safety location (top of receiver, ambidextrous), dual extractors, and lighter weight. The Remington 870 has a smoother action, steel receiver (vs Mossberg's aluminum), and historically better fit and finish. For a new purchase today, the Mossberg 500/590 is the safer recommendation due to Remington's inconsistent quality control since 2007.
Why It Matters
These two shotguns have been competing head-to-head for over 50 years. Both have served in military and law enforcement worldwide. Choosing between them often comes down to ergonomic preference and which era of manufacturing you are buying from. Understanding the real differences — and the quality control history — helps you make a confident purchase decision.
Whichever pump shotgun you choose, stock up on quality 12-gauge ammo at the best prices.
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Mossberg 500 / 590:
- Safety: top tang (ambidextrous, easy to reach with either hand)
- Extractor: dual extractors (more reliable extraction)
- Receiver: aluminum alloy (lighter but cannot be easily re-blued)
- Action bars: dual action bars standard (smooth cycling)
- Barrel interchange: toolless barrel removal (pull the magazine cap, slide barrel off)
- Weight: approximately 7.0 lbs (500) to 7.25 lbs (590)
- Military contract: Mossberg 590A1 is the only pump shotgun to pass MIL-S-3443 military testing
- Price: $350 to $600 depending on model
- Models: 500 (field/hunting), 590 (tactical, 8+1 capacity), 590A1 (military grade, heavy barrel)
- Aftermarket: extensive stocks, barrels, forends, accessories
Remington 870:
- Safety: cross-bolt behind trigger guard (right-hand biased)
- Extractor: single extractor (adequate, but Mossberg's dual is arguably better)
- Receiver: steel (stronger, heavier, can be re-blued)
- Action bars: single action bar on older models, dual on newer
- Barrel interchange: requires toolless removal but slightly less intuitive than Mossberg
- Weight: approximately 7.5 to 8.0 lbs
- History: over 11 million produced, one of the most manufactured firearms in history
- Price: $350 to $500
- Models: Express (standard), Wingmaster (premium, polished internals), Police/Tactical
Quality control history:
- Pre-2007 Remington 870: excellent quality, sought-after used
- 2007 to 2020 (Freedom Group era): significant quality issues — rough chambers, rust-prone finish, rough actions, MIM parts failures
- Post-2020 (RemArms): improved but still inconsistent, many dealers report better quality
- Mossberg: consistent quality throughout, no major QC eras to avoid
Recommendation:
- New purchase: Mossberg 500 or 590 (consistent quality, better safety location)
- Used purchase: pre-2007 Remington 870 Wingmaster or Police (excellent guns at used prices)
- Military/duty: Mossberg 590A1 (purpose-built, passed military testing)
- Budget: either brand at the base model level serves well
- If you handle both and strongly prefer the 870's feel: buy one, just inspect it carefully
Head-to-head:
- Safety: Mossberg wins (ambidextrous, instinctive location)
- Action smoothness: 870 Wingmaster wins (polished internals)
- Reliability: tie (both are combat-proven)
- Durability: 870 slight edge (steel receiver)
- Value: Mossberg wins (consistent quality at every price point)
- Aftermarket: tie (both have massive accessory ecosystems)
- Barrel swaps: Mossberg wins (simplest barrel change in the industry)
Build Impact
Whichever you choose, buy it, shoot 100 rounds to verify function, and keep it for life. These are not disposable firearms — they are multi-generational tools. If buying a Remington 870 new, inspect the chamber for roughness (rub your finger inside — it should be smooth). Check the finish for rust spots. Cycle the action repeatedly in the store — it should be smooth without binding. If buying used, a pre-2007 870 Wingmaster or Police model is arguably the better shotgun at a lower price.