Point me towards my first shotgun

[aeonrevolution]

I've got it generally narrowed down to two models. The Rem 870 and Mossberg 590.

I'm down to trying to figure out which model I would want/need.

I may go turkey hunting with it in the future, definitely will be used for skeet shooting, and thirdly I wouldn't mind if it was useful at the house just in case something crazy happens.

So out of this list which ones would you guys point me towards?

870 Super Mag
870 Marine Mag
870 Wingmaster
590 Military Type (thats what its listed as on gunbroker :confused: )

[Scorch]

870 Wingmaster

[Death from Afar]

If you are left handed , the Mossburg due to its tang safety.

Otherwise, whatever gun fits you the best...

[.300 Weatherby Mag]

870 Wingmaster... If you are a lefty... They make a left handed 870 express...

[aeonrevolution]

Right handed.

Just curious, why do you guys say to stay away from the Mariner or the 590?

[JWT]

870 Wingmaster

[hogdogs]

I have no clue why anyone would say to stay clear of mossberg. I have never had a problem with the MANY I have owned.
Mossberg is a family owned company while Remington is a publicly held firm hell bent on profits over quality.
I will never own any shotgun other than Mossberg so long as the quality operation is as good as it is...
Brent

[aeonrevolution]

The 590 wins in the looks department :cool: but would it be pointless to try hunting or shooting skeet with it?

http://www.internetguncatalog.com/igc/pics/Large/46285.jpg


http://www.internetguncatalog.com/igc/pics/Large/95012.jpg

http://san1.atlanta.gbhinc.com/GB/111635000/111635988/pix1654717671.jpg

[dalecooper51]

I would look at one of the combo packages with a short barrel for around the house and a longer field barrel. Either the 500 or the 870 would do you well. I would get the one that fits you the best.

The only reason I could think that someone would say stay away from the 590 is the lack of field barrels for the shotgun. It's a purpose built shotgun and the extended magazine precludes it from using the 500 barrels.

[zippy13]

Wingmaster

To minimize recoil and maximize handling, make sure the stock fits you correctly. You must fire a gun before making any adjustments. IMHO, most field stocks are too low for Skeet. For me, the Remington Monte Carlo trap stock works fine for Skeet; but, your requirements may differ.

[aeonrevolution]

Okay so I'll definitely be checking a Wingmaster out :)

As for the Mossberg 500. The model that is going to be more versatile and able to take different barrels is this one I'm guessing?

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=111623390

[davlandrum]

590 - 9 round capacity. Why? You are going to have to plug it for anytype of hunting anyway. Barrel too short for anything other than HD

870 Super Mag - Do you need to be able to shoot 3 1/2 inch shells? I know I don't...

870 Marine Mag - Similar issues to 590.

From your list, I would go Wingmaster.

If it was my list, it would be down to a Rem 870 Express or a Mossberg 500. Both will do everything on your list.

[hogdogs]

You only have to plug for duck and dove in florida... Otherwise we can load as many rounds as we care to. A 6 round mossberg 500 has a ton of barrels and there are some 590 6 shots that use the same barrel. The 500 is a very suitable option.
Brent

[davlandrum]

Brent - true. Even the 6-shots have to get plugged if it is a 3 round situation, so not sure that matters much.

I was primarily focused on the order of his uses, and HD was last. I can't imagine trying to shoot skeet with an 18.5 barrel...

I have had both a 500 and an 870, and I could not even make up an argument for one or the other. Both do a lot of things pretty good, both have aftermarket barrels available, so you can go slug gun easily. You load, they go bang.

I would call them the cresent wrenchs of the gun world. For just generally getting a variety of jobs done, they are great. For specialized work, there are lots better tools.

[aeonrevolution]

Okay I'm finally starting to get the gist of what I'm looking for. Thanks guys.

I'm going to check out the Wingmaster and see if by any chance this 500 is in any stores by me. I'm really tempted to just jump on this 500 since I can't seem to find anything like it.

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=111784526

[hogdogs]

That is a fair price for what you get...
Brent

[zippy13]

aeonrevolution

The 590 wins in the looks department :cool: but would it be pointless to try hunting or shooting skeet with it?
I'm not sure what you mean by the "looks department" -- I like brightly blued steel with graceful lines and well figured wood. If you take a HD gun to a Skeet shoot, the only "looks" it will get will be "funny looks" ;)
You're right the 590 has a super bad a$$ look, and it's best suited to LE and HD applications. You said you're going to be shooting Skeet. Of all the shooting sports, Skeet (because of the way it's shot) is the "friendliest". Having a super bad a$$ looking people shooter isn't the best way to make friends.:eek:

Okay so I'll definitely be checking a Wingmaster out
Good thinking.

As for the Mossberg 500. The model that is going to be more versatile and able to take different barrels is this one I'm guessing?
NO!
They (Mossbergs and Remingtons) take interchangeable barrels within certain limits. The Persuader you referenced has an 8-shot mag with an atypical barrel. This barrel has the magazine bracket relocated well forward of the normal position. If you want flexibility, chose a model with a standard mag and barrel.
http://www.mossberg.com/images/products/SA/500PERSUADERCRUISER/50577.jpg
http://www.mossberg.com/images/products/SA/500PERSUADERCRUISER/50452.jpg
This 6-shot has the "standard" barrrel type.

[aeonrevolution]

So I went and checked out the 870 Express the other day. I have to say I really was not impressed. It looked cheap. It felt cheap. It was cheap. :)

I think I'd rather buck up a little bit and buy something a bit nicer...

Back to square one!

Remington 1100, Mossberg 535, Benelli Nova/Super Nova:confused:, Remington SPR 453, Ithaca 37

[hogdogs]

While many love this or that brand I must point out a few obvious things...
I hear said that Mossbergs are CHEAP but I also hear that the Rem Express is not only CHEAP but suffers fit and finish issues.
Why would anyone buy a gun that costs more than brand B but has lesser finish? I understand a real wingmaster is a NICE pump gun. I love the fit and finish of my 500 and it has held up to much abuse for 18+ years. While I am not so happy with the safety location on my Maverick 88 it has about the same finish quality as my 500 and the barrel is a 500 barrel not a lesser grade as the express. The internal parts are the same as the 500 not like the express using different part numbers of softer metal etc.
Just my .2 cents
Brent

[LouPran]

Remington Marine Magnum would be my choice in a pump (And was)

The 590 you sighted is modified and can easily be done similarly on the 870.

IMO you just can't go wrong with the 870 which has proven itself for decades.

Costs about $70 to outfit a Marine Magnum like this ...
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd_images/bgprod/SHT-065.jpg
vs
http://www.internetguncatalog.com/igc/pics/Large/46285.jpg

[bcarver]

A turkey gun would best be something that could shoot 3.5".
The reason being many more pellets flying toward the turkeys head.
Pump choices are mossy 835 and rem super mag.

I shoot the 835 but if you got the money I suggest the Rem super mag turkey.

[zippy13]

So I went and checked out the 870 Express the other day. I have to say I really was not impressed. It looked cheap. It felt cheap. It was cheap.That's because it is cheap, err... inexpensive
In days of old, Remington's 870 Wingmaster was their entry level shotgun. But, as its price increased, the entry level market tended toward less costly, less "finished" shotguns -- typically the Mossberg line. Remington introduced the 870 Express, a stripped down version of the 870 Wingmaster, to better compete with similarly finished Mossbergs. Please, don't judge the 870 Wingmaster by the Express.
http://www.remington.com/images/products/firearms/shotgun/smsil_870wingmaster.jpg

http://www.remington.com/images/products/firearms/shotgun/870express%5B1%5D_sm.jpg
While nicer than an Express, the Wingmaster is no raving beauty. These days, pump actions are generally considered entry level shotguns. If you're willing to pay more, the manufacturers assume you'll want the luxury of an auto-loader. The era of nice pump actions is behind us. For a glimpse into the past, you should shoot a well preserved Winchester Model 12, Pigeon Grade at least once.

[aeonrevolution]

I guess I'll try to find a Wingmaster to check out if they are really that much different from an Express.

I'm eyeing up the Ithaca 37 :cool: Shes beautiful....

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/8325/166765660o1595579160057uo2.th.jpg (http://img300.imageshack.us/my.php?image=166765660o1595579160057uo2.jpg)http://img300.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)