The video opens by framing the Mossberg 590 versus Remington 870 debate as a classic showdown, focusing specifically on the Mossberg 590S and a standard Remington 870. The host compares it to other long-running arguments in the gun world, like 9mm versus .45 or 1911 versus Glock, and jokes about rivalries within the AK community. Pricing is addressed early: in this configuration the 590S is slightly more expensive than a base 870, though the host notes that many 870 variants are usually pricier than most Mossberg 590 models. The comparison then shifts to ergonomics and controls. Both guns are dual action bar, pump-action 12-gauge shotguns, but their control layouts differ. The Remington 870 uses a crossbolt safety behind the trigger and an action release in front of the trigger guard. The Mossberg 590S places its safety on the tang, easily accessed with the thumb, and positions the action release at the rear left of the trigger guard, which many shooters find more intuitive under stress. The host mentions that he personally grew up with the Remington 870 and is very familiar with its controls, but acknowledges that many shooters prefer the Mossberg layout. Serviceability is also discussed, with the Mossberg generally considered easier for end users to maintain and disassemble. The Remington 870 benefits from strong aftermarket support but uses a soldered magazine tube, making some modifications more involved. Construction differences are highlighted, contrasting the 870’s steel receiver with the 590’s aluminum receiver, along with implications for weight, durability, and long-term wear at the action bar interface.
The discussion continues with a closer look at receiver materials and how they wear over time. Both the Mossberg 590S and Remington 870 use steel action bars, but the 590S’s aluminum receiver means the aluminum will gradually wear around the steel contact points, while the 870’s steel receiver avoids that particular issue. The host then highlights a major functional advantage of the 590S: its ability to reliably run 1 3/4-inch, 2 3/4-inch, and 3-inch 12-gauge shells, including short shells like Aguila mini-shells, without adapters. In contrast, the Remington 870 typically needs adapters for short shells, and those can introduce reliability concerns. The video notes that such short shells generally will not cycle semi-auto shotguns, underscoring the 590S’s versatility as a pump. Optics and sighting systems are compared next. The Mossberg 590S comes with an optics cut ready for a red dot and features a brass bead front sight that stands out visually. The Remington 870 is shown with a standard black bead, which is described as less visible and less eye-catching in many lighting conditions.
The live-fire testing begins with the Remington 870. It is loaded with Panzer high velocity 1,350 fps, 2 3/4-inch nine-pellet double-aught buckshot. The host confirms a six-round tube capacity plus one in the chamber, giving the 870 a 6+1 configuration. At 20 yards, three center-mass shots are fired to evaluate patterning. Inspection of the target shows the pattern favoring the left side, though still generally in the center-mass area. The video then transitions to the Mossberg 590, which is loaded with six 2 3/4-inch shells, matching the 870’s tube capacity. The host notes that the 590 loads easily and smoothly. At the same 20-yard distance, three rounds are fired for comparison. The Mossberg’s pattern is slightly tighter and tends to favor the right side of the target, but overall performance between the two shotguns is described as very similar. Both deliver effective center-mass coverage with buckshot, with only minor differences in pattern bias and spread.
After the initial patterning, the host discusses how these results translate to defensive shotgun use. Emphasis is placed on the limited capacity of tube-fed shotguns and the importance of constantly topping off the magazine. The phrase "always be reloading" is used to stress that shooters should treat every lull as an opportunity to feed more shells into the tube, rather than waiting until the shotgun runs dry. The video then moves into a close-range dump test at roughly 10 yards to evaluate how each pump gun behaves when run hard and fast. The Mossberg 590 is fired first and is emptied in 3.14 seconds, demonstrating a smooth, controllable action during aggressive cycling. When the Remington 870 is run through the same drill, it experiences some cycling hiccups, slowing the overall run to 4.15 seconds. These issues suggest that the 870 is more prone to binding or user-induced interruptions when pumped quickly, while the Mossberg feels more forgiving at higher speeds.
The results of the close-range drill are reviewed in detail. The Mossberg 590 not only posted a faster time than the Remington 870 but also produced a tighter buckshot pattern on target. The host points out visible wad impacts and notes that the Mossberg’s pattern tended to favor the left side in this drill, yet still delivered solid center-mass coverage. The ammunition is then switched to BMP three-gun 1-ounce slugs rated at 1,200 feet per second. These are described as low-recoil slugs that feel even softer to shoot than the previously used buckshot. A two-to-chest, two-to-head drill is conducted at 20 yards with both shotguns to gauge practical slug accuracy. Target inspection shows the Mossberg hitting slightly high, with impacts a bit above the intended point of aim. The Remington 870, by contrast, demonstrates somewhat better slug accuracy in this sequence, producing solid chest hits and effective head or neck impacts. The host notes that this is not a rigorous scientific accuracy test but still a useful real-world comparison.
In the closing segment, the focus shifts to the subjective feel and reliability of each pump action under stress. The Mossberg 590’s pump design is praised for offering a more secure grip, which helps prevent the shooter’s hand from slipping or inadvertently binding the action bars during fast cycling. The host underscores the importance of executing a full, deliberate pump stroke on any shotgun to avoid short-stroking, which can lead to incomplete ejection or failures to feed the next round. Despite a long-standing personal preference for Remington shotguns and familiarity with the 870’s controls and ergonomics, the overall testing leads to a different conclusion. Considering ergonomics, shell versatility, optics readiness, patterning, performance in the close-range dump test, and pump feel, the Mossberg 590S is declared the winner of this comparison. The video closes by asking viewers whether they identify as team Remington or team Mossberg and invites interest in more extensive or abusive testing between the two platforms, followed by a sign-off from Classic Firearms.
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