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Remington 870 12ga: Quality still high?

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  • leVieux

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    Sam, I have a Mossberg, a number of 870's, and had a BPS. The Japanese Browning I had was not of any high quality. The action was "rough", even after a year. So rough that a "follow-up" shot on a passing bird was very difficult. I traded it for an 870, and was very happy.
    leVieux
     
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    DD130

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    Aug 21, 2017
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    I picked up a used 870 Tacticool for $235 last week. Works. I have no idea how old or young it might be. I was told that if the ejector fails, it's a welding job to replace.. :/ The only other shotty i have is an 1897 Winchester made in 1904.... which.. I'm not going to shoot... so the 870 seemed like a good option. Did I just screw myself? :/
     

    Sam7sf

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    Did I just screw myself?
    For that price no. Say you got a 200 dollar rock island or a Chinese shotgun or a used turk. I say it’s a toss up if they work out of the box. I had nothing but issues. My current shotguns are my cva 20 gauge, rem 870, moss 590a1, and vepr12. For the money you spent just make sure you can trust her and use it when you need it.
     

    rem1138

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    Sep 7, 2018
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    Wanted to throw my two cents in. From experience, I regret buying my 870 Express. My brother went for the Mossberg 500, and having shot both, I think it's easily the superior shotgun for the price point.
     
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    AustinN4

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    Wanted to throw my two cents in. From experience, I regret buying my 870 Express. My brother went for the Mossberg 500, and having shot both, I think it's easily the superior shotgun for the price point.
    Why settle for just one? I have both the R870 and M590A1. Both work just fine. I have had numerous models of both over the years and they all have worked fine.
     

    jetcycles

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    I've got an 870 Express, and it served as my only 12 gauge for 20 years without issue. Take care of your firearms and they'll take care of you. Earlier this year I picked up a CZ 712 G2 for $410 OTD from cabelas, as well as a Beretta A400 Xcel. With 250 rounds through the CZ last weekend, I feel as if it was a good value semi auto field gun.

    Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
     

    mdf9183

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    Jun 15, 2018
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    You can't have too many shotguns. As for me I have 10 of them Pump, semi, lever, and side by side in 20ga, 12,ga, 410 ga Browning, Mossberg, Remington, Stevens,Century arms. Like I said you can't have too many.
     

    rem1138

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    Why settle for just one? I have both the R870 and M590A1. Both work just fine. I have had numerous models of both over the years and they all have worked fine.

    Both is always the correct answer ;) . Don't get me wrong, I didn't mean to knock the 870 as unreliable. I have never had a single issue with it functionally. Just in my experience, the fit and finish of an entry level Mossberg 500 is going to be superior to that of the entry level 870. At least, this seems the case to me since Freedom Group got ahold of Remington. Also, as a lefty, I find the safety position on the Mossberg better ergonomically.
     

    Gummi Bear

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    Mar 24, 2015
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    I have a really old 870 Wingmaster, and a 870 Super Mag

    The Wingmaster is older than me, likely from the 60’s (I’ve never run the serial number to confirm). It was my Mom’s shotgun, and she gave it to me.

    The Super Mag is an early 2000’s build. It was cantankerous when I bought it, second hand. After tearing it down, and polishing the rough edges off of all the stamped parts, and adding a heavier spring to the magazine, it has been perfectly reliable with everything I’ve fed it. From 2-¾ all the way to 3-½ shells. I also replaced the stupid locking safety button with a Scattergun Technology oversize. That was a nice upgrade. Most of the time, this shotgun wears an 18” barrel, and an extended mag tube, and is full of buckshot for chasing pigs. I swap the barrel and mag extension for bird hunting.



    I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

    Henry David Thoreau
     

    leVieux

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    We settled on the 870's some 35 years ago. My field guns are the "Mod. 870 Special Field" in 12 & 20GA. My camo Mossberg has only been used twice. When I was younger, I hunted Central America every year. Other hunters would ask "Where is your spare shotgun?" I'd just say: Mine is an 870, I don't need a "spare", it won't break. I've had many Browning's & Beretta's break in the field. Never an 870. leVieux
     

    Quig

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    Oct 7, 2018
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    Plano
    The 870s are my faveorite pump line. Express is great but if you can get the wingmaster I would go with that. There are tons of used ones everywhere. I would recomend the 3 or 3.5 inch. The 3.5 will be higher in price. You can get a great used express for right around 225 or a wingmaster for 350 if you look hard enough.I agree the 870 has went down hill some but I prefer the action over mossberg. Mossberg still makes a great gun for its price point.

    At the lower price point Mossberg is a great choice. I would try one out and feel the action. For a little more money the brands mentioned above are great.

    I personally will stay with 870s but I do have a few of the older (4-15 years) wingmasters in 20 and 12 guage.

    there are lower spec and tolerance requirements on your firearms at some of your box stores.
     
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    TheDan

    deplorable malcontent scofflaw
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    Nov 11, 2008
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    I have a really old 870 Wingmaster...
    I have my dad's Wingmaster; probably about the same age as yours. It's a nice gun. I don't really care for newer 870s

    I like actually Winchester's pump actions over both Remington and Mossberg, but I also really dig the tang safety on the Mossbergs.
     

    avvidclif

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    If you like the 870 pick up a Winchester Model 12. I have both and there is no comparison in quality. The 870 is a '73 vintage and the 12 is a early 50's. Hold a Model 12 vertical and push the slide release. It will fall open. Always amazed me.
     

    Kingarthur777

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    Sep 22, 2018
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    Livingston
    I have used Remingtons, Winchesters, and Mossbergs. I have a deep love for Winchester 1300 Defenders in their original condition. I have one that just lives in the safe. I like Mossbergs for where the safety is located. I like ghost rings, because that is what I am used to. So, my favorite is the Mossberg 590, I even put a bayonet on it for grins.
     

    The Rattler

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    Jul 28, 2017
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    If you try Ithaca Model 37,you will like it. They are more expensive than the other models being discussed, but the higher quality is worth it. I own all pump models in field guns discussed above (except Mossberg) and the Model 37 is my favorite. I have a Remington Model 12 that is a great gun, but I still prefer the Model 37.
     
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