[ShotgunPro]

I wish I had researched this a bit more before buying my 870, but I'm a lefty and the safety bugs me.

The 500 has a more ambidextrous safety, are there any other good reasons to not switch?

 

[ShotgunPro]

really comes down to personal preference....some like the tang safety on the mossberg over the 870 safety. I prefer the 870 but presently own a police trade 500...both are great shotguns.

 

[ShotgunPro]

The safety has never bothered me on the 870, I am LH as well.
shot them for many, many years

 

[ShotgunPro]

I would definitely keep the 870. You cant get a more reliable shotgun for the price. My friend has a 500 and hes having problems with his safety. Also the gun just feels cheap compared to an 870.

 

[ShotgunPro]

home defense ammo

Ive been shooting the winchester 100 pack for target practice, but i was wondering what kind of home defense ammo to shoot? This is my first pistol so i dont know how each kind of ammo is. Should i stick with 165 grain seeing thats what the practice ammo is?

 

[ShotgunPro]

Have both, vote for the 870.

 

[ShotgunPro]

to me both the 870 and 500 are very similar, at almost same price point. I had used the 870 more in recent few years because they are loaners at Ben Avery (nearby State run trap and skeet range)

safety location was one reason I picked the 500 instead of 870. Bigger reason for me was location of the pump release - on 500 it is right behind the trigger guard - very convenient when needed. Biggest reason I picked the 500 was a special deal at Big5 for two barrel combo.

For OPs question - won't you lose if trade? Slight differences might not be worth what you lose.

 

[ShotgunPro]

All good points, thanks guys... I have had 0 problems with my 870 so after reading this I really don't think there would be any reason to switch, the 870 is a heck of a shotgun for the money and I really like the way it handles.

Thanks again!

 

[ShotgunPro]

Check where the pump release is on the 500, but it might be in an uncomfortable spot for you as well. I think it's at the back of the trigger guard.

 

[ShotgunPro]

Thats not a deal I would do if i were you... Now if I had a 500... id pull off that trade and take your 870 in a heartbeat

 

[ShotgunPro]

Hahaha

To be honest, I've never even seen a 500 in person let alone hold one. Was just curious if it was worth pursuing or not since they always seem to be the top 2 recommended.

 

[ShotgunPro]

Main reasons their recommended is price and availibilty, both of weapon and add-ons. I mean when on sale you can get a 28" smooth 24" rifle and a 2.5 power scope for $280... Thats a rifle barrel and a scope for 30 more new.

 

[ShotgunPro]

On a mossberg it's biggest asset is also it's biggest weakness. The safety is in a perfect spot, but it's plastic. It gets worn, and stuck in the safe position. It's a cheap fix, but it's cheap enough to wonder why Mossberg still hasn't fixed it themselves.

 

[ShotgunPro]

On a mossberg it's biggest asset is also it's biggest weakness. The safety is in a perfect spot, but it's plastic. It gets worn, and stuck in the safe position. It's a cheap fix, but it's cheap enough to wonder why Mossberg still hasn't fixed it themselves.

+ 1

Both are great guns but I wouldn't trade.... So buy the 500 and have both

 

[ShotgunPro]

870 has my vote. A buddy had a 500. Didn't like the feel of it much.

 

[ShotgunPro]

Fortmann's Left Hand Safety Conversion Remington 552, 740, 760, 870, 1100, 11-87 - MidwayUSA

I don't know anything about these, but it might be worth looking into.

 

[ShotgunPro]

I am also a lefty and I love my 870. 0 problems.

 

[ShotgunPro]

I've had my 500 for about 6 years. I've gone bird hunting in all kinds of climates and conditions and it hasn't failed me yet.

 

[James M. Wiota]

870 for lefty

Solution: Purchase an 870 Left hand action. My son has two and he just has had no problems with either. The safety on the L. H. Action is set up to work revers of the right handed action. ~ JW

 

[bobski]

james....fyi , 3 year old post.