I have a 500 and it is a nice cheap 12 gauge that is easy to pull apart but the aftermarket parts for it is limited........ on the 870 it is a litle more pricey but not much, a little more effort to take apart and a bit more work to swap barrels but there is A LOT more aftermarket parts out there for them.
Well, my answer also was going to be YES; but then I got a look at the Nitromag. Gee, the thing just looks lethal, I think it could bring down a SAM. So, meanwhile, back at what do you want to use it for?
I like the 870 I've had fewer issues with it, My 500's extracter latch has broken 4 times now makes for super fast speed loading until it dual feeds putting one in the chamber and ejecting one from the tube to the ground. Def 870
I'm with Misconfig - I have both in different versions. They each serve a purpose for me. I'd throw up if I scratched my 60's vintage Wingmaster, but don't think twice taking a 500 into the woods to knock around with while hunting.
I think they both have their places. I have owned both. I may put a little more preference to the mossy in a hunting situation because of the safety. I am left handed so it is a little more user friendly for me.
You really can't go wrong either way. I'm a big fan of the 870. I think the fit and finish is much better on the 870 as compared to the 500. The safety position on the 500 makes more sense to me though. The bolt release is also a little more convenient on the 500. I grew up on the 870 so that's I like and run.
I recently was in the same boat, trying to decide if I wanted the Mossberg 500 or the Remington 870. After researching and finally holding both I decided on the Remington 870. It just felt like a more solid shotgun to me.
I really don't think you could go wrong with either one. I just decided to go with the shotgun that felt the best and was the classic American shotgun.
I agree with most that you probably can't go wrong with either, both have a good reputation. Handle both and see what feels best for you, me it was the 870 and the safety on the mossy messes me up.
I personally like the Moss 500. So much that I own 2 of them in 12 gauge. It's all a matter of personal preference and how each gun operates. Both are very good shotguns.