Why the Mossberg 500 is a better shotgun than the Winchester SXP

In this video I go over why I think the Mossberg 500 is a better shotgun than the Winchester SXP Field Pump Action shotgun. I'm a new hunter and gun owner, but quickly becoming an enthusiast for both. By no means am I a pro, these are simply my opinions as to why I like the Mossberg 500 over my Winchester SXP.
From safety, ambidextrousness, and from a basic operation stand point the Mossberg 500 simply performs better.
If you catch me acting a fool in one of my videos please do me a favor and let me know what I may be doing wrong or how I could be doing something better.

[@carsenwinters]

With the Winchester pump it was meant to move the pump back a bit so you can rack a shell faster

[@jonashunter500]

@@carsenwinters interesting and good to know. Thanks! 🙏

[@mobeefus]

The reason your Winchester opens after you fire it is because it has what they call “recoil assist” action. It is designed to do that and once you learn how to use it as a function of the gun…it’s supposed to speed up your follow-up shots as well as absorb some recoil. I have the 12 gauge. It takes a bit of practice but it does actually work. Next time you’re at a range…if you fire the Winchester without holding the pump (in other words fire it one handed with the butt braced on your hip)… it will fully breach and eject the shell.

[@Schnebit13]

WIth shotguns, the best for hunting is one that fits you well. That's a tough thing to understand without handling several guns and finding one that actually fits well. Also, very important: Learn how to disassemble, clean & lubricate any firearm you own. Do a little research on chokes and how they affect your pattern and what's appropriate for which ranges and target species. Spend this off season learning about shotgun shooting, from shot size, shell loads, etc. Also get yourself to a skeet or sporting clays range to get your skills up. Personally I prefer the rotary bolt action on the SXP, but they all do the job.

[@jonashunter500]

Thanks! I still haven’t gotten out to shoot clays yet. But plan to soon enough. Did get my first squirrel today with the Mossberg. Plan on using the SXP on my next hunt. Also plan on diving deeper into chokes. Thx 🙏

[@mobeefus]

Agree with which fits best. I have the SXP and after handling the Benelli, Stoeger, Remington, Winchester, Mossberg in the store…the SXP just fit/felt best. This is after having a 500 20 gauge.

[@RickPark-e4m]

I like the sxp good gun

[@bmoorear]

You have two very nice shotguns. Welcome to being a gun owner, it is good to have you in the hobby and we all started somewhere. The pump is called the forend, the button is called the bolt or slide release, the spring loaded tab is called the lifter or elevator. The mossbergs safety is called a tang safety. I am not trying to be a jerk but your concerns are kinda non issues. If you wanna check them half cock them and put your finger and eyes in there and make sure its not loaded. At that point a chambered shell will be extracted, rack it all the way and that chambered shell will be ejected and you can see if another shell is on the lifter ready to go in. These are field guns so they only hold 3 with the plug in, if you are that concerned point the gun down or up or in a safe direction for your current situation and rack it until all your shells fall out. Ensure that your finger is out of the trigger guard while racking any shotgun. You can also push the sell stopper in and pop all the shells out of the tube and then just rack the gun to get the chambered shell out. You are right at the entry level of quality guns, you got very good shotguns but they are kinda at the starting point of quality guns........they may not be the smoothest of actions. Good news, they will become smooth over time. Clean them, lube them and shoot the crap out of them. Ammo is pricey these days so you can also sit at home and just rack the action 100 times while in the garage or where ever you are comfortable with. Next week, rack it 100 times again and repeat. They will wear in just fine. The only thing I don't care for on SXPs is the safety in the front of the trigger guard. I like Remington 870's at the rear or a Mossbergs tang safety, just a personal thing.

[@jonashunter500]

Thanks for taking the time and packing in a lot of info into this comment. Definitely did not come off as a jerk, thanks for taking the time to help me learn!

[@toddkilby8582]

Nice video! You brought up some good points. I'm a lefty and I own both. Also own 2 Remington 870 express . As far as quality, I haven't had a problem with any of them. I like the tang safety on the Mossberg, that being said I'm partial to the Winchester. The rotary bolt (inertia) is what the SXP + the older 1300,1200s are famous for. All are good and It comes down to personal preference. IMO. BTW the newer SXP's have a reverseable safety for lefties.

[@christianspain3015]

I'm a Mossberg homer but the SXP is a sweet gun. That rotating bolt is a game changer.

[@jonashunter500]

Thanks. I could very well just be partial to the mossberg due to it being my first shotgun and the comfort of already knowing that shotgun could be providing my slight bias. I think a Remington 870 could find its way into my home in the future as well.

[@nigelmchugh5541]

My biggest bugbear about the Mossberg is that they seem to all come with a stock more suitdd to a 5 foot 6 inch tall person thsn a 6 foot one. No key for the accu-choke, just try a coin , a 5 cent seems to fit pretty well. See what's written on the choke, Cylinder, Improved, Modified, Full etc.

[@jonashunter500]

Thankfully I’m 5’8” which explains why it feels pretty comfortable for me!

[@joaquinandgraceferrer5669]

Great video! I can relate to the struggles you’re feeling with the Winchester 20ga. I have the same 2 rifles as you, I also feel like I over paid on a new 20ga. at $420 out the door (not sure if it’s more here in CA.?) Also I was disappointed that the riffle was made in Turkey. The Mossberg I own is USA made and feels a lot nicer! Thanks for the video!

[@RickPark-e4m]

I like the sxp I like it good gun ❤

[@Brandonsantacruz]

So you reviewed two shotguns without understanding how they work. Why?

[@jonashunter500]

@@Brandonsantacruz because I can do whatever I want Brandon. 😉

[@gocloneyourself]

Also, do your research about different types of shotgun ammo as a beginner. All those numbers on the boxes can be confusing, but they do mean something and are important when picking up ammo for a specific purpose

[@jonashunter500]

I’ve been messing and will continue to try different shot sizes! Thanks 🙏

[@bobg3633]

Look into savage rifles. Great prices and they shoot like lazers. Make sure it has the acutrigger. Great starting rifles. Again if its used you can haggle the price down 30$ from asking price.. Have a good day brother.

[@romeoalphafoxtrot9517]

Good video. I have owned both. I currently own a 12ga 26" barrel SXP Black Shadow, among many others. Your shotgun needs to fit you and you need to be comfortable with them. There is really no such thing as "This is the best shotgun." Some may work well for some and not so well for others. Use what works well for you. One of my hunting Buddies is a lefty. He doesn't necessarily like the same shotguns that I do. They don't fit him as well. He owns and prefers left handed shotguns. (Left hand ejection) I'm sure, down the line you will try different shotguns that will fit you that will like as well. Good luck and good hunting!

[@jonashunter500]

Agreed as a leftie I’ve only tried right handed shotguns. So the ejection coming across me almost feels natural. I may end up trying a true left handed gun at some point!

[@nathanielmatzeo5274]

@@jonashunter500 if you can get your hands on a bps try it. Its the best pump ive seen and bottom eject. They are heavy though

[@christianspain3015]

Those are both fine guns. You did well for your first 2 shotguns and those will last you the rest of your life with proper care.

[@jonashunter500]

thanks! I appreciate the comment. I 100% love my mossberg. I don't see myself being able to sell it ever and think the Winchester will grown on me too.

[@gocloneyourself]

The mossberg is a better and proven design. When you are checking to see if there are shells in the magazine tube, it’s easier on the Mossberg because the shell elevator stays up and out of the way. I would also remove that top rail unless you want to mount a scope or red dot. I would think that rail blocks you from properly aiming with the beads and vent rib. Congrats on getting into the hobby, it’s a great one

[@jonashunter500]

I want to but not sure if I need different screws to plug the holes. Does that make sense? The previous owner had a red dot scope on it which I didn’t want.

[@tonyp2632]

I'm posting this question everywhere. Mossberg 500 and Maverick 88. Not the gauge of the shell but the gauge of the metal of the barrel that encircles the shell. Is there a difference in the gauge of the metal between the two or are they the same width? Anybody.

[@FallHuntsman]

The barrels are interchangeable between the two, so I imagine they are the same.

[@vape42]

The 500 and 88 are basically the same gun build in he same factory except for some cost cutting measures on the 88 like it not being drilled and tapped, and some other cosmetic stuff I cant remeber. Im believe most of the parts are interchagable. What you’re thinking of is the mossberg 590A1 which is civi version of the marine shotgun and it has amongst its features a heavy walled barrel. The heavy barrel in normal use will probably never mater but given that the gun’s original design had a 14” barrel and was meant for door breaching which can cause overpresure if you dont back the muzzle off far enough the heavy walled barrel start to make sense. I also think mossberg offers a 590 heavy walled barrel gun which is more affordable yet you lose the metal trigger housing/gaurd and bayonet lug.

[@jonashunter500]

I defer to the folks who’ve already commented!

[@tylerproulx966]

I got buds like that if it’s not 1000$ it’s junk but I ahoot Winchester sxp and stoeger p3000 not a problem

[@chevyguy1128]

I just bought a winchester sxp max 7 waterfowl 12g for $329 plus tax brand new I will be picking up a new mossberg 500 12g soon my local Walmart has them for $297 plus tax

[@prodTyeDye]

Good video; im in a similar situation of being new to hunting, and firearm ownership. I’ve heard lots of good things about Mossberg, only bad thing I’ve seen is the plastic trigger, but I don’t fully understand that problem. What would you say is better 12 gauge or 20 gauge for squirrel catch and cook? In general how is ammo for 12 Vs 20, I’ve seen 20 is harder find and more expensive. Funny enough I was really interested in getting a Winchester too for the name, I love there lever actions.

[@jonashunter500]

I’ve been sick all week but will make a video breaking down why I got the 12ga over the 20ga first. I love my Mossberg and have broken it down and reassembled it as well as fired it enough times to not have any complaints about it. So I’d reckon it’s just preference. I’ll probably trade this Winchester eventually for another Mossberg or maybe a double barrel. But to answer your question specifically to squirrel for catch and cook. I’d think shot placement and the shot you select are more important than the gauge. I’ve seen enough video of folks cooking squirrel up after using a 12ga that I don’t think it matters.

[@bobg3633]

Next time you buy something used you can 100% haggle the price. I promise you.

[@jonashunter500]

Thanks for the tip. I didn’t even think to consider the idea that I could try and negotiate on my purchase!

[@chadhaire1711]

god this is painful to watch

[@jonashunter500]

@@chadhaire1711 so is your face. Thanks for watching.

[@chadhaire1711]

@@jonashunter500 dude I have my defects but you are the last one to talk about a face........plus wearing that hat backwards indoors....and girls glasses from Walmart.......LOL.....

[@dchatman757]

Please learn ur weapons & terminology.., very distracting that ur not really familiar with ur weapons. Ur intentions are well meaning but ur delivery…not so good. Keep at it.

[@montyherren26]

Safely put the guns down and back away. You don't know what you are doing. Get some training.

[@jonashunter500]

Said one person out of almost 1,000 views. There’s always at least one hot shot who does it better than everyone! Well done. 👏 👏 👏 😂

[@ProudTexan81]

Man shut up , give the guy some props he’s doing everything where we all started from, doing his research and learning as he goes.

[@TheOzgursuer]

The only difference between the sxp series and the others is that it is produced in Turkey. This difference consists entirely of race-based hysteria. I hope you recover from this disease.

[@jonashunter500]

Clearly you didn’t watch the video. Take your race baiting rhetoric somewhere else.