Home Forums Birds & Dogs Shotguns 870 or Mossburg 500?

870..

Either one will serve you well. I suggest older ones though..Just better made.

I've got an 870 security special in 12 ga. But would like to have a nice little .410 for yard varmints.

Being retired, I've got all day to "reason" out new gun! An 870 it is!

My little Rossi single shot is fun, but a repeater would be "funner"

Never know when I might be attacked by multiple varmints and need a quick second shot!.

Might have to start checking the local pawn shops for a used Wingmaster .410

Got lots of time to look, as .410 shells seem to be scarce as "hens teeth" right now.

Virgil B.

So are M870s in .410..

One last possibility - but budget might be a concern as I think they're a tad higher......Browning BPS in .410.... I have one - and it works very well.. It's also the only Browning I own..

I've only had one 500 and an older 870. The 870 shot low, so I sold it. The 500 is a 410. It shoots high and I still have it. When I got it, I noticed a lot of rough metal edges in the Mossberg, particularly the slide surfaces. I stoned the rough edges and reassembled the 500 with LSA and it functions smooth and tight. From the factory, the 500's need some hand stoning and good lubricant, IMO.

Redneck;

I'll check on the Browning BPS.

Mind me asking, what will the Browning set me back?

Thanks!

Virgil B.

Redneck;

I pulled up the Browning BPS on the 'net and found them at Sportsman's Warehouse for $599.97 for the .410 !

Sounds like a GREAT shotgun!

Not sure if they have it "in stock" but I'm not in a big hurry anyway.

P. S. the one I was looking at is the BPS Hunter.

P.P.S. I just read a little closer; "This shotgun is no longer available"

DANG!

Virgil B.

I did find the BPS Hunter "on line" at Gun Broker.

They seem to be about the same price as a 870. Close to $700.

I changed my mind about the 870 after reading about the BPS!

It's a good looking little gun, with a matte finish, and it's bottom eject!

THIS is the shotgun I think I "need", and, it's AVAILABLE!

Next quandary; Ammo seems available for 28 gauge, and am now thinking a 28 might be a better deal than a .410?

Gotta do some more serious thinkin! (GRIN!)

Virgil B.

The world is full of great old 12 and twenty gauges,
I just can't imagine a scenario where I would prefer a 410.


Find a beat up Ithaca 37 in 20 gauge.
Might be cheaper than the 410 new.
Ammo will be cheaper and more available.
The biggest and most common 410 loads are around 3/4 oz.
Same as the lightest common 20ga. The twenty will pattern it better.

Forget anything people "know" about shotguns.
Do the math.