That is awesome.
I'm just leaning towards buying new for my first one. Then I can expand and go with a classic like that.
Is that the wrong line of thinking?
Since I will be an amateur to the shotgun game, I thought it would be best.
Anyone have any experience with a Catamount??
NEW Catamount Lynxx Pump SHOTGUN 12Ga 12 : Pump Action Shotguns at GunBroker.com
No experience with Catamount...reviews seem good for the Fury.
As far as new vs. old 870...
Actually, a mid-70's or mid-80's 870 could be a very good deal. The slide action only gets more smooth with time, and back in the 70's and 80's they apparently made them with a higher degree of care. Especially the Police models.
It's been said (don't know if it's true), that you should just find an older Wingmaster, even if it has no bluing and some rust spots, and buy it cheap and take it for reconditioning (so long as the action works well). I heard they are built very tough and clean up really well, especially if the only problem is cosmetic. I've never done it, so I don't know if it's true. Any one else try that?
I have owned both Mossberg and Remington. I prefer Mossberg.
The parkerized finish on the 870 and 1187 I had rusted quickly in during deer season. Accuracy with slugs was very good from both of the Remmys and better than my Mossbergs.
I have not had any corrosion problems with my Mossbergs, even my 930 SPX that is parkerized. The tang safety is another plus for me. I use Foster type slugs and accuracy for them is acceptable. They are not tack drivers, but I do not expect them to be either.
Accessories for either is abundant. You can turn a 5 pound shotgun into a 10 pound shotgun real quick though, so keep that in mind.
Mossbergs rattle a lot, Remmys do not. That bothers some people, some it does not.
Just go to the store and handle both, there is good points and bad points to each one. Check each one out and decide for yourself. I personally feel you get more bang for your buck with Mossberg.