harryball

So... I can get a 12GA Mossberg 835 Waterfowl black, synthetic blued barrel barely used. It doesn't even have the smell of gun powder in it. Which leads me to wonder why the guy is selling it (consignment at a local shop) He's asking $350 which seems high. Might consider offering $300

Or I can go find a Remington 870 Express at a local Bass Pro for about $320 to $350 new during their sale this weekend.

I want to be able to use it for skeet but I'll also prune dangerous tree limbs due to wind damage with it. My 20GA just doesn't carry enough shot.

So... anything wrong with the Mossberg or should I drive 80 miles and get the 870 Express?

Nick0410

870, but that is a drive.....

bwinters

The mossberg is a great gun and used by the us military I tend to think probably the person purchased the gun for something and changed his mind or just needs the money.

actionexpress

If you're thinking pump action, I have to tip my hat to my Benelli Nova.

Bought it new for $350 on clearance, came with three chokes (IC, M, F).

I've fired Mossberg 500s and 870s, used to own a BPS. They're all tanks and heavy durable guns. The Nova is mostly synthetic, but for me it points very well. I started using it for trap I like it so much.

I wanted a Benelli auto in the worst way, but after hearing they can have issues with light loads, I was looking at other autos.

Saw the Nova, shouldered it, and it came home with me. No issues of any kind. I've really grown to like the plastic. pumps a bit easier for me, but I cleaned up the slides pretty well.

Linejudgemick

There are a lot of fine shotguns out there and I won't disparage any of them, and you would probably get great service from them.

But, I will admit to being an 870 snob. I've had my 870 Wingmaster for over 35 years and my Dad has had his probably over 50. I bought my son an Express when he was ready to join the family pheasant hunts. The Express is made based on the same mechanism - it's just not as pretty. Plus it's not as heart-wrenching when it gets scratched during field use.

Storm40

I use the 870 at work but for home use, I went with the mossberg 500. 20 years later, it still looks and functions like new.

harryball

Thanks for the comments. I'm going to browse the gun show this weekend in Forest Park and see what I find. When I saw the gun show was so close I decided to wait.

I'm leaning toward the 870 Express... but never know what I mind find.

harryball

I picked up an 870 Super Magnum. The 3.5" shells pack a wallop.

Thanks for the advice, I think this will be a solid gun.

yzingerr

The 870 is a good gun, congrats!
I have both types and I find that there are small differences between them..some things I like better on each. I.e. the safety on the mossberg is terrible (position and stiffness). My 870 action is smoother.
I really can't compare them on feel anymore as each is set up completely different.

jlh820

Good choice, but I love my Mossy 500. If I were to get a semi auto I would definitely look at the 870.

terry_p

The 870 Super Mag gives you a lot of options. I bought one from a Wal Mart that was going out of the gun business about 6-7 years ago for $199. At that time remington was offering a $50 rebate on the supermag so I netted it for $149 NIB. I have used it for skeet (until I bought the Red Label) with light loads and for waterfowl and Turkey with 3 1/2" boomers. You won't regret buying it.

jlh820

$149??? Wow! What a steal!

terry_p

I went over to Wal Mart to get a flu shot and came back with a shot and a shotgun. I was casually looking for shotgun at the time and when I saw that I jumped. I had no clue about the rebate until I went on line for some reason maybe the warranty registration but I saw it and laughed out loud. It's nice to stumble into something positive once in a while.

jlh820

So, I guess that would be a flu-shotgun?

harryball

My deal wasn't that good... Mine was $329.00 and I get a $30 rebate making it $300... but no flu shot.