If you like shotguns, you might wonder about the differences between the Remington 870 forend and the Mossberg 500 forend. These are two popular pump-action shotguns that many people use. In this article, we’ll look at what makes these forends different. We’ll talk about how they’re designed, what they’re made of, how well they work, and other important things to think about. This will help you understand which one might be better for you.
Table of Contents
Key Differences: Remington 870 vs. Mossberg 500 Forends
- Design: Remington 870 forends usually look more traditional, while Mossberg 500 forends often look more modern and tactical
- Material options: Both come in wood and plastic, with different qualities depending on the model
- Installation: The Remington 870 forend is made for Remington shotguns, while Mossberg 500 forends are for Mossberg shotguns
- Ergonomics: They feel different to hold, which can affect how comfortable they are to use
- Performance: Both can change how the gun handles recoil and how smooth the pump action is
- Maintenance: Wood forends usually need more care than plastic ones
- Legal stuff: Some changes to the forends might not be allowed in some European countries
General Overview of the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 Platforms
The Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 have been around for a long time. The Remington 870 came out in 1950, and lots of hunters, police, and soldiers liked it. The Mossberg 500 came out in 1961 and became popular too. Both guns are known for being reliable and easy to customize.
One cool thing about both shotguns is that you can change parts easily. This means you can upgrade the Remington 870 forend or Mossberg 500 forend to make the gun work better for you. Whether you use your shotgun for hunting, protecting your home, or shooting competitions, you can make it just right for what you need.
Design and Aesthetic Comparison
The Remington 870 forend usually looks more traditional and slim. It’s like the shotguns you might see in old movies. The Mossberg 500 forend often looks more modern and can be a bit bigger. Some Mossberg forends even have space for things like lights or lasers.
Both forends come in different styles. The Remington 870 forend is famous for its pretty wood options. These look great and are popular with hunters who like traditional guns. But Remington also makes plastic forends that are tough and don’t mind rain or mud. Mossberg offers lots of plastic forends in different colors, including camouflage for hunting or bright colors for competitions.
Material and Build Quality
Forends can be made of wood, plastic, or sometimes metal. Wood looks nice and feels warm, but it needs more care to keep it in good shape. Plastic forends are tough and don’t mind getting wet or dirty. Some expensive forends might have metal parts to make them stronger without being too heavy.
Both the Remington 870 forend and Mossberg 500 forend are made to be tough, but plastic ones usually handle rough conditions better. They don’t warp or crack as easily as wood when it’s very hot, cold, or wet. Some people say wood feels nicer to hold when it’s cold outside, though.
Installation and Compatibility
Changing the forend on your shotgun isn’t too hard, but you need to be careful. Usually, you take off the barrel, unscrew the cap at the end of the magazine, and slide off the old forend. Then you put the new one on the same way. Some new forends might need extra steps, so it’s important to read the instructions carefully.
There are lots of companies that make forends for both shotguns. This means you have many choices beyond what Remington and Mossberg make themselves. Just make sure the forend you buy fits your exact model of shotgun. Some companies make really fancy forends that might feel better or have special features.
To change your forend, you usually need simple tools like screwdrivers. Sometimes you might need a special tool to remove pins. Be careful not to put things on too tight or in the wrong place, or your shotgun might not work smoothly. If you’re not sure how to do it, it’s okay to ask someone who knows more about guns for help.
Ergonomics and Handling
The Remington 870 forend and Mossberg 500 forend can feel different when you hold them. Some have rough surfaces to help you grip them better, especially if your hands are wet or you’re wearing gloves. Others are smoother, which some people find more comfortable. The shape of the forend can affect how easy it is to point the gun quickly and accurately.
The forend can also help control how much the gun kicks when you shoot. Some forends are designed to help you keep the gun steady, especially when you’re shooting fast or using powerful ammunition. The material and shape of the forend can make the gun feel less jumpy in your hands.
Most forends work well for both right-handed and left-handed shooters. But some special forends might be made more for one side or the other. If you switch hands when shooting or share your gun with others, look for a forend that works well for everyone.
Practical Performance Considerations
When people test these forends at shooting ranges, they find that both can work well. Some say the Remington 870 forend feels smoother when you pump it, while others like how solid the Mossberg 500 feels. It often comes down to what each person prefers.
People use these shotguns in different places and conditions. Some say the Remington 870 forend works great in dusty areas, while the Mossberg 500 forend is good in wet weather. The type of forend you choose might depend on where you’ll be using your shotgun most.
Each forend has its good points and things that could be better. The Remington 870 forend feels solid and traditional, which many people like. But some find it less comfortable for long shooting sessions. The Mossberg 500 forend often has good ergonomics, especially on tactical models. However, some people notice more movement in the pump action on some Mossberg models.
Maintenance and Longevity
Taking care of your forend is important to make it last. The Remington 870 forend and Mossberg 500 forend need similar cleaning, but wood forends need extra care to prevent warping or cracking. Plastic forends are easier to take care of and don’t mind getting wet as much.
Over time, parts of the forend might wear down, especially if you use your shotgun a lot. Both Remington and Mossberg sell replacement parts, and there are many aftermarket options too. Sometimes, wear on the forend can actually make it fit your hand better. But if important parts wear too much, it could affect how well your shotgun works.
Legal and Compatibility Notes (EU/UK Emphasis)
In Europe, it might be harder to find some types of forends compared to the United States. This is because of different laws and regulations. If you live in the EU or UK, check with local gun shops to see what’s available and allowed in your area.
Laws about changing your shotgun can be different in each country or even in different parts of the same country. Some changes that are okay in the US might not be allowed in some European countries. Always check your local laws before changing anything on your shotgun, including the forend.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Remington 870 forend and Mossberg 500 forend depends on what you like and need. Both are good options with lots of ways to customize them. Think about things like how durable the material is, how it feels in your hand, if it fits your shotgun, and what’s legal where you live.
The best forend for you is one that makes your shotgun work better for you. Whether you choose a classic wood design or a modern plastic one, make sure to install it correctly and take good care of it. Always put safety first, make sure your shotgun works well, and follow your local laws. By thinking carefully about what you need, you can choose a forend that will make your shotgun better and more fun to use.
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