Current state of 12 gauge pump actions

[farscott]

I wouldn't buy any new Remington product. My 15-20 year old 870 Express still rusts if you look at it wrong, so I'm not sure that age has much to do with it, but I've never owned a Police or Wingmaster.

On the older 870 Express guns with the rough finish, a can of WD-40 Specialist Long-Term Corrosion Inhibitor will do the trick. I have been impressed with its performance on my cast-iron BBQ smoker. One application stops any rust from starting for a year, other than on the firebox (burns off). And that poor thing sees lots of rain and condensation. It leaves a white waxy residue on the metal that seems to keep oxygen and water from the metal. Not pretty, but it works.

[willie]

Any problems with a new Mossberg 500, 590, or 590a1 are easily remedied. That said, either should serve well. I suggest a 590 with 18 inch barrel and bead sight. Probability is that you will have zero problems. Purists have always viewed Mossbergs as clunkers when compared to an old school 870. Clunker or not Mossbergs work well and keep on clunking.

Their lower cost offering is the Maverick 88. You can buy the security version or field model from Walmart for $188. 99% of parts interchange and are made in the same factory in Mexico. These lack the tang safety. The safety is located in the same place as an 870's. Another difference is that the receiver is not tapped for scope mounts. After having spent scores of hours studying these two Mossberg offerings, I'm convinced that they are the same except as described. So buy two for the price of one.

[RevolverRob]

I wouldn't buy a new Mossberg or Remington...

You're the first person I've seen who has said they won't buy a new Mossberg.

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Mossberg 590A1 would be my choice.

[SeriousStudent]

OP, are you right handed or left handed?

I think most righty's tend to like a 870 when properly equipped. Most lefty's tend to like a 590A1.

I would not run an 870 Express of any flavor unless it was so heavily modified as to make it more expensive than an 870P. The chambers are atrocious, the internals are rough as a cob, and they are just not a bargain at all.

I am right handed, but am actually giving serious thought to one of these:

http://www.mossberg.com/product/590a...-handed-59815/ And it's $500 on Gunbroker.

If you think about reloading it from a Velcro shell carrier on the left side of a receiver, it starts looking very attractive. Load the shells brass up for retention. Then pick them out and fling them smartly into the chamber and mag tube. Easy peazy.

If I can just get a short piece of vent rib mounted on the barrel for an Aimpoint S1, I'd be cooking with gas! I'd take off the Picatinny rail on top of the receiver. That thing would be one speedy bastige on reloads.

Competitive shooters used to run left-handed 870's years ago. This would follow that practice.

Anyway, just a thought. I'll keep an eye out for an 870 for you, if you wish. Just left me know.

[Mitch]

OP, are you right handed or left handed?

Anyway, just a thought. I'll keep an eye out for an 870 for you, if you wish. Just left me know.

I'm right handed. If you could I would really appreciate it. Drinks on me when I make it down to Texas.


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[SeriousStudent]

I'm right handed. If you could I would really appreciate it. Drinks on me when I make it down to Texas.


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Done, I'll keep an eye peeled.

[L-2]

At a quick website search, given the brief info/requirements in the first post, I'll recommend this Mossberg 590 which is on sale to 9/14/17:
https://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/...sit=&pid=&inv=

Cost-wise, it's very important to precisely specify one's requirements and try to buy that shotgun configured as you want right from the start.
Costs get high if a person thinks they will later add ghost ring sights; different stocks; and still plans to add other things in addition to ammo: slings; ammo carriers; lights; and other stuff.

I prefer the Mossberg 590A1 over the 500. This was probably due to the heavier weight of the 590A1 which must have allowed me to better control recoil and follow-up shots.
I do own a Remington 870P, too, which is my close 2nd choice. My shotguns were all budgeted at $1,000+ however.

Also, those new 14" NFA guns (Remington TAC-14 or Mossberg "Shockwave") may also fit the requirements as set. I prefer a straight stock, but some folks to opt for a pistol grip only weapon, especially if the main use turns out to be just something to have in the house with little practice or range time (even though I'll always advocate frequent range outings involving many rounds).

Do some internet shopping and first determine the precise specification; then look for the best price new or used. If the pricing still seems too high, then start cutting corners. Starting with a $500 price, to me, is doing the shopping and research backwards, and doesn't quite address your wants/needs/requirements as well.

Otherwise, an 870, a bead sight, and $500, is all I remember the requirements were and those few requirements are easily found web-shopping.

[warpedcamshaft]

You're the first person I've seen who has said they won't buy a new Mossberg.

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Mossberg 590A1 would be my choice.

I've not had good luck with a recent example (I posted a thread about it. It has flat out stopped working several times.) I also found quite a few threads and videos showing identical QC issues around the inter-webs.

Take it for what it is worth... from a long time Mossberg user.

[Unobtanium]

I've not had good luck with a recent example (I posted a thread about it. It has flat out stopped working several times.) I also found quite a few threads and videos showing identical QC issues around the inter-webs.

Take it for what it is worth... from a long time Mossberg user.

Mossberg quality sucks. I've yet to see one that didn't have issues looking at them at the store, etc. Missing mag cap detents, bayonet that falls off when you shoot it, just sloppy.

I went with a Benelli supernova tactical that I found lightly used on barfcom for 350 shipped.

[SD]

I worked with the 870P/wingmaster for over twenty-five years. The 870 grew on me over the years, especially seeing the abuse it could take and still work. Sometime in the early 2000's when I needed to purchase an 870 I asked a Dept. armourer which one to get. He said stay away from the "express 870" they are junk! Get a P or SPS. I found a 870sps, it was significantly more then the cost of the express. When the gun arrived I could tell the Weapon's guy at work was on the mark with his suggestion. I liked it so much I spent the money and put a Hastings cantilever, slug barrel on it for deer. This shotgun sits next to my bed, Heaven help the uninvited person who dare violate my Kingdom. Not sure what all the differences are with the 870 models, but I can say this my action bars glide smoothly when chambering a round, can't say the same for Express models Ive handled.