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Remington 870 vs Mossberg 835 ?

97K views 41 replies 23 participants last post by  ben501st  
#1 ·
Vic 1964
Posts: 2
(3/10/01 5:42:08 pm)
Remmington 870 -vs- mossberg835 ultramag

I would like to buy a shotgun for about $300 to $400. I want to go hunting for Ducks, goose, quail..., which one of these guns would be better? Or would you consider something else?
I thank you for your time.
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ArrowheadK5
Unregistered User
(9/7/01 4:42:10 pm)
Re:870 or 835

Same exact question, someone please answer it!!!
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Shotgunworld
ezOP
Posts: 191
(9/9/01 1:23:34 am)

ezSupporter
Re:870 or 835

That's a tough question and here is my own opinion. With the 870 you get amazing reliability. As an example, I have a friend that duck hunts with his 870 and has dropped it in the water several times with no adverse effects. The 870 will last forever. I, myself, shoot a Mossberg Model 500 for dove hunting (some skeet and trap, too). I've put well over 1,000 rounds through it and it seems to work fine. The 835 does have an advantage over the standard 870 in that it is chambered for 3 1/2" shells. However, you can buy the 870 Super Magnum that shoots 3 1/2" shells, too. I personally would pick the 870 for the reliability factor. Both have a wide variety of extra barrels for about the same price. Hope this helps. P.S. If you have an Academy Sports store near you they currently have the Model 870 on sale for $219.
regards,
Jay Gentry
Shotgunworld.com
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cruiserls
Shotgun Expert
Posts: 14
(5/26/02 1:32:52 am)
Re: Re:870 or 835

Vic, Jay is right aabout the Remington. Mossberg makes a good shotgun but having shot both, the Remington seemed more solid and did not kick nearly as hard with the 3 1/2" Magnum.
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Rick618
Shotgun Expert
Posts: 14
(5/26/02 9:17:19 pm)

Not a mossberg fan, the guns are clunky and just not that well made. Seen too many in pieces. That said a friend has an 835 that he is pleased with, has held up just fine with the limited amount of use it gets.

The 870 has been a mainstay of shotgunning for a long time and you would likely not go wrong using one.

Take a look at the Benelli Nova, it has a longer stroke and a larger fore end than most pumps, so if you are used to another it will take some getting used too. They sell for around $350.

Rick
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MarlandS
Shotgun Expert
Posts: 19
(5/26/02 11:31:20 pm)
Re: ...

I had the Ulti-mag and 870 at the same time, like the others said, the Mossberg was a rattle trap. Plus, with heavier loads I had problems with the Mossberg jamming. It plain just would not pump after a shot unless I took both hands on the forearm and slammed the butt on the ground.

For me, every 870 I've shot has felt natural, they would instinctively point on target.

A good example, I had used the 835 for four years and had shot the 870 twice, I took both to the traprange, shot the 835 first and broke 18 , turned around and picked up the 870 and broke 23, hit 24 but one didn't bust.

Oh yeah, the space for the 835 in the cabinet is empty.
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Joe Kain
Frequent Visitor
Posts: 6
(5/30/02 10:34:11 pm)
870

The 870 gets my vote too. The forarm of the Mossberg's tend to rattle after some use. In my opinion they are very bulky and not a streamline as the 870. All my friends duck hunt with 870s and they put their guns through alot of abuse but they are always reliable and tuff.
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DeerHunter
Unregistered User
(6/26/02 6:51:14 pm)
the 870

i have an 870 that i hunt everything and have had no problems with it....its a wonderful gun and would never shoot nething but an 870
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cbd870
Unregistered User
(6/30/02 3:21:57 pm)
870 vs any other pump

when you put vs. in it, it implies that there is a contest. there isn't. the 870 is the one....
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ron c
Unregistered User
(7/2/02 4:52:20 am)
870 vs 835

Doesn't anyone find the safety of the 870 too small and poorly located and the trigger guard too small ?
In cold weather with gloves on I don't think I could get a shot off at a flushing partridge.
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MarlandS
Shotgun Expert
Posts: 46
(7/2/02 8:45:50 am)
Re: 870 vs 835

Ron, I would agree that the safety on the Mossberg is a bit more convenient.
I have the extra handicap of shooting lefty while only owning right handed guns and have had no problem with the points you mentioned on the 870 when hunting Ringnecks. Matter of fact, I think it keeps me from shooting too fast.
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Rick618
Unregistered User
(7/2/02 7:29:58 pm)
..

The Mossberg safety is a plastic thing, I have replaced them on others guns with a homemade metal one. The safety is notorious for getting hung on weeds or vines and breaking off. Used an old pair of pliers and ground down a piece of the handle with the groves to fit.

Rick
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OA Tanthalas
Registered User
Posts: 2
(7/4/02 5:39:11 pm)
safety

also if you can find a mossberg 395 bolt-action the safety fits a 500 perfectly but it is solid metal
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OA Tanthalas
Unregistered User
(7/4/02 5:42:13 pm)

also if you can find a mossberg 395 bolt-action the safety fits a 500 perfectly and it is solid metal
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wingantler
Unregistered User
(7/16/02 10:34:26 am)
870 vs. 835

Although I was raised on Browning A-5's, the first gun I ever purchased myself was a Remington 870 Express in 1987, when I was 16 years old. What a great gun....

I bought an 835 ultimag in 1989, and sold it two years later. I originally purchased it to be an all-purpose shotgun (full time--ducks, doves, and turkey; occasional--geese, quail), but from my experience, it was not a durable enough shotgun to undergo that task for multiple years. I have heard the same from many folks. By the same token, I have heard of 2 folks that liked their particular 835's (out of 20 or so 835 owners). I guess that occasionally you'll run into a good one. From my experience, during the second year of use, I started having trouble with the safety sticking, and the gun jammed occasionally, as well. It also did not shoulder as well as the Remington 870 Express-- it seemed as if I had to press my face farther down on the stock of the 835 to line the beads up (could be a problem with stock pitch [?])-- this was no fun with turkey/waterfowl loads, neither was it a joy to shoot 4-5 boxes at doves in an afternoon. The positives I did give the 835, however, is that it was a tad lighter than the 870, even with the Mossberg's 3.5" receiver (gauge and bbl length being equal)-- I believe it was due to an aluminum alloy receiver as opposed to Remington's all steel receiver. Also, the Mossberg had twin extractors, compared to Remington's single extractor (although I have to admit that one extractor has been sufficient for years--I have never needed two extractors with any of my 870's since I've owned them). Additionally, the Mossbergs come with a camo finish, and the Remington 870 Express does not (if you are concerned about a camo gun for turkeys, etc). In the early 90's, another plus for Mossberg, of course, was the 3.5" capability, but that it now moot, since the Express is offered in the same chambering. After selling my 835, I got a 3" synthetic 870 Express, and it was my do-all gun for several years--VERY happy with its performance and durability.

The only instance where I would actually recommend the Mossberg 835 UM is for a "turkey hunting only" gun. Unless one pattern tests their gun 25 times a year, and kills 50 turkeys a year, the gun should prove to be durable for many years. I also hear that it patterns well. Plus the tight shouldering fit of the gun should be remedied by getting aftermarket Tru-Glo sights or a scope--it will hopefully get one's face off the stock a bit. Although I have specialized 870 Express Mag for turkey hunting, I would not hesitate to use the Mossberg 835 UM for that purpose. I also want to give Mossberg/Federal their due for getting the 3.5" ball rolling (especially for us waterfowlers).....

Hope this helps,
Scott

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GSPLover
Frequent SW Visitor
Posts: 13
(10/22/02 5:59:47 pm)
Re: dumb people

Mojo, have you actually read the preceeding posts?! The remington will BLOW the mossberg away for reliablility and performance. I dont own the 870 but I recently purchased a 11-87 premier semi auto and this gun is extremely solid and functions flawlessly. I'm sure the 870 is no exception. I've only had it at the gun range 3 times but I've already put 175 shells through it with no problems. I've got another 100 shells ready for the next day at the range, cant wait. I'm TOTALLY happy with this gun and I'm glad I didnt buy a lesser gun (I was thinking of a traditions but they looked and felt cheaply made, thus the low price).
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driver
Unregistered User
(10/26/02 12:41:19 pm)
870 or 835

the police have been using 870's for years
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adamrjc
Unregistered User
(11/11/02 2:28:59 am)
mossberg vs. remington

I have owned multiple rem 870s, mossbergs and winchesters.By far the remington is the least reliable. The military uses mossberg because the remington and winchester failed the firing test. I used one in the Army. Mossbergs and Winchesters are much more reliable than Rem's. I will never buy another Rem shotgun.
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cc20
Unregistered User
(11/18/02 4:56:52 pm)
Remingtons are the best, period!!!

I've got a Remington 870 and its great. I woudnt even think about buying a mossburg.I shot a mossburg 5 or 6 times with a 3'' inch magnum it was terrible. Then I shot the Remington it shot 10 times better.
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St Mark
Unregistered User
(11/22/02 11:35:57 pm)
835 UM for ME

I recently purchased an 835 UM and was amazed by it's performance. It has been 15 years since I have had the opportunity to hunt water fowl. The first two shots out of the box brought in birds. The recoil on the 835, I found to be minimum with 3" Mag loads. The gun is a real pleasure to shoot and the price is right.

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oPEN SIGHTS KID
Unregistered User
(12/2/02 7:36:01 pm)
870

870 870 870
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Trapper
Unregistered User
(12/17/02 1:02:39 pm)
NO 870 or 835!!

I have had two Remington 870 Super Magnums and both of them have messed up mulitple times...the first one would misfire (shell would not load into chamber) and the second one would lock up on ejection of the spent shell. I took it apart...totally. And I found that there was a burr (sp?) in the chamber/end of bore, so I shaved it down, re-surfaced it and then cleaned and oiled it. It worked fine until two days ago, I was shooting trap on my farm and it started to lock up on me again (first it was every shell, then every other but it still locked up very frequently.) I went to Outdoor America (local firearms dealer) and purchased the Browning BPS Stalker Synthetic with a 3" Chamber. The BEST gun I have EVER owned in my life and believe me I have owned a lot. Those are just the things that have happened with my TWO 870's that I have owned, others may have had better luck than me.

Trapper
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kristyhoopessbcglobalnet
Unregistered User
(1/20/03 8:51:39 pm)
i need to no

Hi,
My name is Dillon I am 11 years old i got a 20 gauge single shot it's my first gun i am looking for a gun from about $100-$200 and I want to hunt fox.wolf,cyote if u could help me it would be a big help Tank for your time!!!!
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Digger
Unregistered User
(1/28/03 8:51:21 pm)
870? 835?

I've owned both the 835 & 870, needless to say I still own them both, the 870 I still shoot and it is a reliable shotgun, and the 835 I still stick in the mud during duck season and tie my boat up to, it hasn't lost the boat yet. If you want a cheap priced gun, buy an 870, if you want an expensive boat tie down get the 835.
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jorma
Unregistered User
(2/13/03 8:28:45 am)
835

is 870better than 835 if it is what makes it better
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john305
Gun Opinion Moderator
Posts: 208
(2/23/03 2:14:36 pm)
Re: 870? 835?

It would seem from a reliability stand point the 835 is not up to Mossbergs usual standard. In this case if you are comparing the Rem vs the Mossy I would say the Remington would have the edge in most aspects and I would say get the Rem to be on the safe side.

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
-Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759.
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NoviceBeginner
Unregistered User
(3/9/03 9:49:13 pm)
Options for the 870.

I'm looking at the 870 also. To say that I rarely shoot is an understatement. Right now, I'm borrowing my dad's 35 year old, rarely used 1100. I need (want) one shotgun to cover all bases. Question: For an all purpose shotgun, what length barrel should I go for? Also, is it worth the money to move up to the super magnum?
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mgokey
Unregistered User
(4/12/03 12:31:42 pm)
870 vs. 835

I don't know what branch of service you were in, but all we had was 870's. When I went to buy my first shotgun, I went to the range with friends who owned both. To me they fired the same and felt about the same. The Mossberg is a little lighter because of an aluminum reciever. However, I decided on the 870 because it had a tougher finish and the design allows for adding extended capacity magazines. You can send a Mossberg in to get a larger capacity mag added, but it is permanent.
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wuzzagrunt
Registered User
Posts: 3
(4/18/03 2:51:03 pm)
Re: 835 UM for ME

What "oPEN SIGHTS KID" said! I would only add 870 870 870 870!
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SureShotJones
Unregistered User
(4/21/03 5:51:48 pm)
870 or 835

Yes i have a 870 and i agree with the rest of the people that it is a good gun but, if i shoot a light load it tends to jam up in my gun. My cousin had the 835 for a while and it shot good but recoil was not too good. also he sold the gun to get a Nova which turned out to be a better gun than both the 870 and 835 and is around the same price that you are wanting to spend.
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gadgetaddict
Registered User
Posts: 4
(4/22/03 9:50:06 pm)
Re: Remmington 870 -vs- mossberg835 ultramag

I used an 870 for about 5 years, and although I now have an O/U, the 870 still gets used regularly, it's a great gun.

-gadgetaddict
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unregistered
Unregistered User
(4/24/03 5:47:00 pm)
835!!!

The 835 is the best. Read the magazine on the top 5 pump guns........835!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
G
#5 ·
I've had my mossberg 835 for a few years now and i haven't had any of the problems yall mention. I hunt everything from dove to quail to turkey and occasionally geese and I haven't had a problem. It still works like the day I bought it. I've also put it through hell and it still shoots the same. I have shot the 870 on occasion and it is a good gun but I still prefer my 835.
 
#6 ·
I think it's Ford and Chevy...I have seen both Remington 870s and Mossberg 500s and 590s take a lot of abuse and clean up nicely to function as designed...I like the 870 better but I like the safety on the Mossys better...The mossys I've seen DO rattle but what's the big???
Bill
 
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#9 ·
i really think they are pretty close but when it comes down to 870 vs. 835, i would go with the 870, i was in the gun shop about to buy the 835 and i saw the supermagnum sitting over on the shelf and even though it was about $80 more, i like remingtons quality and versatility, with the 870, you can buy accessories anywhere you go to make your gun tactical or just customize it to your own discretion, and i never find accessories for 835 except chokes and fiber optic sights, and ive killed more animals with that gun than anything, i use it for dove, quail, turkey, goose, duck, squirrel, rabbit, and its got great quality, ive beaten that gun around
 
G
#10 ·
i agree with you guys about liking the 870 and the 835 but, iwould more than likely go with the 870 because the name remington means business and can live up to it's name. I have remington model 1100 that is about 10 years lod and it still works without problems, i hunt geese,duck,dove, squirrel,rabbit and deer(with my fully rifled deer barrell) and the gun takes what you can dish out to it....REMINGTON ALL THE WAY!
:)
 
G
#11 ·
waterfowler04 said:
i agree with you guys about liking the 870 and the 835 but, iwould more than likely go with the 870 because the name remington means business and can live up to it's name. I have remington model 1100 that is about 10 years lod and it still works without problems, i hunt geese,duck,dove, squirrel,rabbit and deer(with my fully rifled deer barrell) and the gun takes what you can dish out to it....REMINGTON ALL THE WAY!
:)
how ever i have heard descent things about mossberg from huntin buddies....
 
#12 ·
Unfortunately I would have to say neither. I've had bad experiences with both the 870 Express and two 835's. I think the 870 Wingmaster is a good shotgun. You get what you pay for regarding Remington. I did own a Mossberg 500 twenty years ago and was very happy with it.
 
#13 ·
Unfortunately I would have to say neither. I've had bad experiences with both the 870 Express and two 835's. I think the 870 Wingmaster is a good shotgun. You get what you pay for regarding Remington. I did own a Mossberg 500 twenty years ago and was very happy with it.
 
G
#14 ·
I have shot numerous shotguns over the years including the remington 870, 1100, A Beretta semi, among others. I picked up a 835 about 5 years ago and put all my others aside for only one reason, the 835 fits me well, and i shoot well with it. I find it is a pain to strip down for cleaning (and re-assemble), and it does occasionally jam. I made the mistake of taking apart the trigger assembly so i could throughly clean it a few years ago, and needed the assistance of a gunsmith to put it back together. Damn springs. Never had any of these problems with the other guns. Butttt, for the 2 reasons mentioned above, I am hanging on to my 835.
 
G
#15 ·
i love remingtons i use a 870 12ga, 11-48 16ga, my 22 is a remington pump, and my deer rifle is a remington 760 30-06, even at work when i'm not carring a pistol i have a 870 riot, which is the same thing i keep for a house gun at home. but all love for remington aside the mossberg 500 i started out with which my brother lent me when i was 13 was extremly dependable i use the gun till i was 18 or 19 i would estimate at least 10,000 rounds put trough the gun in hunting and trap shooting. yes it did rattle but i can recall ever having a jam or miss fire cause by the gun maybe a round or two missfired due to my reloading skills at the time but never buy the gun. shoot what fills right to you
 
G
#17 ·
I have shot many shot guns i have a a-5 20 ga that shoots well. i also have a 870 and a 835 they all have there palce and time. my 835 rattles until you close the action then all is quiet. i have never had a jam or miss fire from any of them, and most jams are from operation and not gun unless there is a defect. if yuo are looking for a perfect gun to shoot. look at your options and what you are going to do with it how it fits and if you have friends with each one have them let you test frie them at range see if you like eithier of them. my 870 is for partridge and small game birds dur to patterning. my a5 is my best selection for this type of game over any. as for turkey or geese the 835 um has a better pattern then the 870 at long range of 30,40 to 60 yards. so if you are shooting ducks,geese turkey at these ranges it will pattern and hold better also. so all in all try each one for your self and see if you like them. you have heard many say 870 or 835 or even browning or benila nova. get the gun you like and fits you and feels comfortable to you. a comfortable feel make a better shooter of you and your accuracy.[/b]
 
G
#18 ·
i would have to go with the 870 for anything else than turkey hunting.... whats up with the people saying the 835 jams with the 3.5 shells??? clean your action much.. never had a jam ever and i mean ever.. i hear over and over again all these people saying there guns jam, well cleaning just a little bit works wonders ya'll. as far as the rattle of the pump, its a pump gun people moving parts are gonna rattle, doesnt mean its cheap. ill have to agree with the other guy on here your comparing chevy's and ford's, keep em clean and well maintained and you won't know the diff.
 
G
#19 ·
this is just an opinionated question like asking if ford is better than dodge! they are both great guns and will be really reliable! i own a mossberg model 500, and 835, and my shooting partner shoots the 870 exspress. both work within comparable measures, but i've found that the 870 jams up a lot easier, and has a harder recoil! but if you clean and lubericate your gun after you shoot it a lot, and take good care of it they all work well! but i would personally go with the 835 over the 870 just from personell exsperience.
 
G
#20 ·
I do waterfowl guiding getting an opportunity to shoot hundreds of rounds per year. never shot the 870 however my 835 has never let me down. 3rd season now with it and have 4 more in the locker to replace it when she gets tired. my model K mossberg is now 23 years old and has never missed a season
 
G
#21 ·
Can anyone tell me how to put that darn mossberg back together? I was taking apart my friends mosssberg 835 and these two bars came falling out, now I can't get the thing together, he'll be pissed. I have a remington 870 and I thing its the greatest thing since sliced bread, and I hate the mossberg, it feels cheap to me. If you could e-mail me at janderson4010@yahoo.com, I would appreciate the advice on that mossberg.
 
G
#24 ·
I have been duck hunting and dove hunting for 26 years. I have hunted with hunters who have owned every kind of shotgun made. There are some amazing new guns on the market from all makers that make my old 870 look like a piece of junk. However, my 870 has been underwater, in the mud, in the bottom of the boat, in the ice, used as a paddle and as a battering ram. It shoots every time. I actually see most hunters have problems with their guns when it gets below freezing. I have laughed at many a hunter with $1,000 + dollar frozen guns, after the ducks had fallen into the decoys and I had a couple in the water and the dog was on the way, and to end the story, AN EMPTY 870 WITH A SMOKING BARREL.
 
#26 ·
Unless you are hunting strictly turkeys....get the 870.

The 835 IMO is the best turkey gun on the market. If I had to buy new....thats what I would get.

But for waterfowl, etc....get an older 870. The older ones just seem to be more reliable and hold up better. Nothing wrong with the news ones....I guess they just don't make 'em like they used to.