Good note. Both the Mossbergs and Remingtons have more after-market options. Something to consider if you're wanting to customize a whole lot.

The 870 is the basic platform for 95% of all custom "tactical" pump shotguns. If that is the route you want to go, 870 is the way to go.

That is a very good point and I tend to agree. Now if only I wasnt left-handed. Maybe one day I will just spring for a left-handed shotgun. Then the silly thing will actually eject on the proper side. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for all the useful information. I appreciate it. George

While you still can, get a Ithaca Model 37 pump. Bottom eject. I'm a lefty and I use several, works fine for me. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Reminds me of a Wilson Combat scattergun.

Browning used to make a bottom ejector too didn't they? I wonder if they still do.

The BPS. I saw one that marked as a police model once, 20 inch barrel, improved cylinder, rifle sights. Good work, but not terribly common. If you want to trick it out, you are out of luck.

George,

Hi!

Ironsraven has provided a very good summary comparison.

On a more subjective note, I have used and owned both. The Mossberg 500 was my first real shotgun; the Remington 870 was my second (acquired as a steal of a deal for a 15 yo a year and a half later). I much preferred the looks and feel of the Remington. I traded away the Mossberg ; I still have the Remington 40 years later. The last 2 guns I bought were Remington 870 Express model for my sons.

Let me to give you an idea of the reliability of a good pump gun: I reload my own ammo. Occasionally some of it will not readily chamber in the mostly gas operated semi-automatics that I tend to shoot nowadays. When I have accumulated enough of those rejects, I shoot a round of skeet with my Rem. 870 police model and the semi-automatics' rejects. Nearly all of the ammo, which was rejected by a semi-auto for sizing reasons can be made to function through my Rem 870. And the functioning is adequated for skeet shooting purposes. Guess what I rely on for defensive purposes. Incidentally, I have no reason to believe that the Mossberg 500 would be any less reliable than the Rem. 870 for defensive purposes. My trade of the M500 was due only for reasons of esthetics and economics for a poor farm boy.

Good luck,

John

Think about a 20 Gauge. Would you rather be hit by a 12 GA or a 20 GA? I'd say neither, they'll both do me in. The 20 is a bit lighter and handier, less muzzle flash and recoil at 3 AM, shells are lighter to carry (if need be), and it covers a doorway, at normal CQC ranges, just as well as the 12. Testosterone not included.