They are both good guns and asking this type of question is like asking a push rod fan what is better ford or chevy. BUT on that note, I like the 870 better. I own a 590, 3 870s, and my new addition of a benelli. At the price of the price, the benelli is my new favorite, but at a good price, the 870 is AMAZING. Dont get me wrong I like the mossie I own, but the 870 just feels better does not have as much sloppyness to it, parts are easier to come by, and due to carrying one in the Marines, I know the 870 much better and can reload, fire, tear apart, faster. with the exception of the remington jam I have never heard a bad thing about it. And I have never had the jam and with the track record it has I plan on never having one either.

Seriously, a used 870 can be had for 125 in the local classifieds on occasion with a 18-20" barrel. who cares about the stock configurations since most people swap them out anyway when they use the word HD.... but it is not needed, the word shotgun is HD in and upon itself.

 

I have both a 590 and an 870, and I can't see a dimes worth of difference between them. Except that the 590 came set up for HD with far more features than the 870. So, based on that, I would have to say that the 590 is the better deal.
Chance {CR8 ^77
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Both are very good shotguns. The 870 will cost you mroe for the same features, and getting a P model can be quite difficult, and will cost more. The manipulation is a little more difficult with the 870, and it ambidextrous only with modifications to the baseline. It requires changing the firing grip to release the slide for select slug. It is quite robust.
The 590 will give you more features for the same or less money. The innards are little mroe complex, but it is MUCH easier to change extractors/ejectors. It is lighter, meaning less weight for the same or greater capacity. They are easier to find, and will hold up quite well. It is pretty much ambidextrous as is, and does not require a special safety for lefties or to allow it to be operated with the firing hand without breaking the firing grip. Same with the slide release for select slug.
I have used 870s for years, but the 590 has been steadily winning me over.

 

wich is the better gun

Better is in the eye of the beholder. Some will say Mossberg, and some will say Remington - it is a never ending debate like Chevy vs Ford.

I own both a Mil-Spec 20" heavy barrel 8+1 Mossberg M590A1 and an 870 Express Magnum 18" 6+1. I like them both and try to shoot them equally as much.

My experience with both is as follows:

The M590A1 is my SHTF SG because it holds 2 more rounds and has the bayonet lug, but I think it is harder to strip down and put back together than the Remington. The Remington is much easier, IMO. Neither, however, are so picky as to require frequent cleanings.

I also like the safety position on the Mossberg better. And I like the position of the shell carrier on the Mossberg better as I don't have to push it out of the way to load the magazine the way I have to with the Remington.

The Remington's action is smoother (yes, even on my Express) to operate and, for me, handles a little faster in the house as it is a little smaller and lighter; therefore, it is my bedroom SG. But remember, I am comparing it to my 20" M590A1, not a 500 or regular 590. And the 870's forearm tends to be quieter than the Mossberg's does, just carrying them around.

Some will complain that the Mossberg receiver is aluminum compared to Remington's steel receiver, but that doesn't bother me at all.

OK, money - the MSRP last time I looked:

The Mossberg 500 Persuader (bead sight) #50577 listed for $345 and the comparable Remington 870 Express (bead sight) #25077 listed for $388. But I only paid $270 NITB for my 870 Express # 25077.

The non Mil-Spec Mossberg 590 Special Purpose (GRS) #50663 listed for $549 and the Mil-Spec Mossberg M590A1 (GRS) # 51663 listed for $558, only $9 more. But I only I paid $350 NITB for my M590A1 (their regular price was $390). I am not sure what the list on the 870 Police Magnum (GRS) would be, but the last time I looked they were mucho $, say in the $700 to $800 range. Maybe someone else can provide better info on the MSRP for this SG. The same place where I bought my M590A1 currently has Remington 870 Police Magnums with GRS (but only in a 4+1 configuration) at a closeout price of $600.

At the lower end (500 vs 870 Express), I would probably still go with the Express, but only in the #25077 7+1 config. It is only $20 more than the 4+1 config #25549, but includes the Remington factory +2 magazine extension and barrel/magazine clamp. I don't know of any aftermarket +2 extension that you can get for $20 new.

And at the higher end, I would still probably go with the M590A1, primarily because of the difference in price up to a comparably equipped 870 Police Magnum.

Neither Mossberg or Remington is a bad SG IMO and either should serve you well.

 

BOTH are excellent. Ithaca Tactical guns are better since I helped design them!

The 870 has really improved BUT make sure you get a police issue and not a Wally-gun.

Mossberg has always made a quality gun. I do not know about their service when parts break.

Ithaca guarantees their guns for the life of the gun. Tough guns, great warranty.

ITHACA GUNS
TACTICAL & POLICE WEAPONS DIVISION

 

...Ford or Chevy? ...Coke or Pepsi? ...Crunchy PB or Smooth?

'590 or 870' is the same dilemma with neither being better than the other by a wide enough margin for it to be widely considered as 'the best of the two'. I think it comes down to a potential buyer doing his/her own research and comparison, shouldering (or perhaps even firing) an example of each, then arriving at a decision that's best for him/her.

Both guns have long histories of being tried and true, with either one capable of serving you well.

 

Anybody had any experience with the FN (Fabrique Nationale) Tactical Police Shotgun? Any reviews?

 

I know there are a ton of Remmington 870 fans, but I just can't get myself to buy one when they put their slide release button in the front, causing me to have to move either one of my hands out of position so I can pump.

The 590's button is in the back of the trigger guard, so I can just press it with my middle finger and keep shooting without having to shift my hands.

I hope not all 870s have the button in that spot. It's not a good idea in my opinion.

 

All my experience is with Mossbergs, but I won't deny that the 870 is a good shotgun.

I like the controls on the 590 a LOT better than the ones on the 870, and 590's are usually cheaper. Both will hold up very well, and with proper maintenance, should last a lifetime.

It all depends on what you want, and how much you're willing to spend to get it.

 

Both of the FNs are rebadged Winchesters, or are the Winchesters rebadged FNs? In any case the pump and the semi autos are both good guns. I have a couple examples of each and they work well. Are they the equal of the 870? Maybe. Remember neither of the FNs have had the exposure that the870/500 series has had in quanity usage in LE or the military.

 

I know there are a ton of Remmington 870 fans, but I just can't get myself to buy one when they put their slide release button in the front, causing me to have to move either one of my hands out of position so I can pump.

A girl said that to me once.

Seriously, if you need to cycle the gun, you can simply pull the trigger.

And on a Mossberg, with the slide release in the rear, there are big problems with M4 style stocks and pistol grips. Not to mention that ridiculous safety position.

:>

 

Well, it depends on what features you consider essential.

the 590 holds 8+1, where as the 870 only holds 6+1

The 870 gets the extra capacity through a mag tube extension.

[The mag tube capacity and solid form put the 590 ahead of the 870 in my book]

But, I can't stand the safety on the 5x0, which is why I own a Maverick 88 defender instead.

 

A better queston would be which one is better for you?

I have a Mossy 590A1 w/20" barrel, 8+1 capcity and bayonet lug and love it. I've handled both guns and the Mossberg just felt better in my hands. They're both great guns, feel them both and make your decision from there. :wink: