Mossberg 590 or Remington 870? The Choice Is Obvious

When it comes to American-made pump-action shotguns, few names carry as much weight as the Mossberg 590 and the Remington 870. Both have earned legendary status, with millions sold and decades of service in homes, patrol cars, and military bases. These guns have carved their names into the core of American firearm culture. But when choosing one over the other, the differences go beyond brand loyalty. The devil is in the details – and in this case, one of these shotguns clearly stands above the other.

Mossberg vs. Remington: A Family Affair

To understand how these two models stack up, it’s important to look at the bigger family trees they come from. Mossberg has the 500, the 590, and the beefed-up 590A1. Remington’s 870 series includes a wide range of variants like the Express, Tactical, Wingmaster, and Police models. While the basic manual of arms is largely the same across each brand’s lineup, the differences in features, materials, and performance are what separate good from great.

Breaking Down the Mossberg 500 and 590

The Mossberg 500 and 590 share a common action, but differ in how the barrel attaches and how easily the guns can be modified. The 500 locks the barrel into the mag tube with a screw-in lug. That design means if you want to increase your magazine capacity, you’ll need to replace the barrel and mag tube – an expensive and inconvenient job.

The 590, on the other hand, uses a more flexible magazine cap system that allows simple installation of magazine extensions. You can add shells without swapping out major components. It even includes a bayonet lug, in case you’re the type to go full military surplus on your home defense setup. From a modularity and upgradability standpoint, the 590 wins hands down.

The Ruggedness of the 590A1

If you’re looking for overbuilt and bombproof, the Mossberg 590A1 takes it to another level. This variant features a heavy-walled barrel, metal trigger guard, and steel safety switch, making it the most durable of the Mossberg lineup. Originally adopted by the U.S. military, it’s built to withstand serious abuse without skipping a beat.

Yes, it’s heavier than the regular 590, but that weight comes with peace of mind. Whether you’re banging it around the woods or storing it under your bed for a rainy day, the 590A1 is as tough as it gets.

The Many Faces of the Remington 870

The Remington 870, first introduced in the 1950s, has been produced in countless variations. The Wingmaster and Police models are known for their fine finishes and solid components. The Express and Tactical versions, however, have been hit-or-miss in terms of quality. The cheaper models come with rough finishes, MIM (metal-injection molded) parts, and plastic trigger guards – not exactly confidence-inspiring features.

While all 870s share a common steel receiver, the differences in internal parts and build quality are significant. The Police models are assembled in a different section of the factory and receive better components and tighter tolerances. If you can find a used Police or Wingmaster model, you’re in business. But if you’re buying new, tread carefully.

Action and Feel: Smooth vs. Serviceable

When it comes to running the action, the Remington 870 does have a smoother feel. Its one-piece slide and action bar setup glides back with an unmistakable polish. By contrast, Mossbergs can feel a little loose and rattly, especially when new. But that “sloppy” feel is deceptive – it doesn’t hurt reliability, and Mossbergs are generally easier to maintain and repair.

The Mossberg’s modular design makes replacing individual components far simpler. If an action bar goes bad, you can just swap it. With the 870, that one-piece unit costs more and is harder to work on. The Mossberg’s ejector is screwed in, while Remington still uses rivets. Again, Mossberg wins in serviceability.

Controls and Ergonomics: Tang vs. Trigger Guard

One of the biggest differences between the two shotguns lies in their control layout. Mossberg shotguns feature a tang-mounted safety on top of the receiver, making them ambidextrous and very intuitive – if you’re using a traditional stock. However, this location becomes awkward with a pistol grip. You either need an unusually long thumb or you’ll have to break your grip to engage the safety.

Remington’s safety is located behind the trigger, making it much better suited to pistol-grip stocks. For users who plan to use tactical furniture or prefer non-traditional setups, this can be a deciding factor. The slide release is similarly different – Mossberg’s sits behind the trigger guard, while Remington’s is just in front. Both are fine, but worth noting depending on your hand size and habits.

Accessory Support and Aftermarket Options

Both shotguns have massive aftermarket ecosystems. From side saddles and optic mounts to replacement stocks, lights, and barrels, you’ll find a dizzying array of parts for either platform. That said, the Mossberg 590 tends to be slightly easier to modify, especially when it comes to increasing magazine capacity. Its screw-on mag cap allows straightforward upgrades without complex barrel swaps.

One downside for Mossberg users is that pistol grip stocks don’t play well with the tang safety. If a pistol grip is non-negotiable, the Remington 870 might be the better ergonomic fit. But for a traditional setup, Mossberg’s control scheme is hard to beat.

The Remington Quality Decline

There’s no avoiding the elephant in the room: Remington’s recent track record isn’t great. After their bankruptcy and acquisition by new ownership, quality control on lower-end 870s has taken a hit. Reports of rough machining, malfunctioning extractors, and poor fit-and-finish are all too common. While the Police and Wingmaster models remain solid, the Express and Tactical variants can be a gamble.

Mossberg hasn’t been entirely immune to quality fluctuations either, but the dips haven’t been as pronounced or prolonged. For buyers looking for new-in-box reliability without the headache, Mossberg has the edge.

Performance and Longevity

Both the Mossberg 590 and Remington 870 are capable performers. They’ll cycle birdshot, buckshot, and slugs with little issue. Both are built tough enough for heavy use, whether in the woods or in a tactical role. But over time, the ease of service and maintenance on the Mossberg starts to make a bigger difference. Parts wear out, springs fail, and little things break. When they do, you’ll be glad to own the shotgun that’s easier to work on.

The 870 may feel better to run out of the box, but once wear and tear kick in, Mossberg’s design holds up better in the long haul – especially for owners who plan to do their own repairs and upgrades.

The Final Verdict

So which should you choose? If you want the smoothest action and a more traditional feel, especially if you’re adding a pistol grip, a higher-end Remington 870 like the Wingmaster or Police model is still a fantastic shotgun. But for everyone else – for the first-time buyer, the DIY gunsmith, the home defender who wants reliability and flexibility – the Mossberg 590 or 590A1 is the clear choice.

It’s easier to upgrade, easier to maintain, and more forgiving in the field. It’s also made in multiple trims that deliver rugged performance straight out of the box. In short, Mossberg simply does more things right for more users.

In the End: Buy What Works for You

Both the Mossberg 590 and the Remington 870 are icons for a reason. Neither is a bad shotgun. But in today’s market, the 590 offers better serviceability, modularity, and out-of-the-box durability – especially for defensive use. The choice is clear, and it’s Mossberg’s game to lose.

If you’re just getting into pump guns or looking for a shotgun that will hold up without fuss, the Mossberg 590 is the obvious choice.