Maverick

[MxdAzn9]

Which is better in your estimation.  A Mossberg Maverick or a IAC (Interstate Arms/Norinco) 982 Hawk?  They are close in price. 

[erc]

No exp with the Mossy, but the 982 will accept most all 870 parts.
Close in price. Safeties are different if it makes a diff. to you. Mossy is on the tang, Hawk behind the trigger.
Hawk has the "bite" potential like an 870. Mossy not. More barrel options for the Mossy. Hawk is like NEF, receiver must be sent to them for hand fitment of new barrel unless you can find used. Mav. action bars (newer models) integrated into forearm assy. (no fore end change options). Hawk pre-drilled for optic rail. Excellent ghost ring rear site on the Hawk. Front left slide release on Hawk, rear right on Mossy.

I guess which ever one suits you best and fits most comfortable out of box. Both are good economical guns.

[kalboy]

 Better? Go Maverick! Mossberg has been making this platform since Noah came over and parts are in every gun store . That said the IAC Hawk, does it have any parts interchange with 870s? My standard advice is to buy from companies here for the long haul. What about Pardner? Marlin imports these and that,along with the 870 interchange bodes well .......  I simply worry about model/spec changes and difficulty getting parts down the road. Maybe not a big deal, but I like keeping Murphy at bay!

[MxdAzn9]

I'm kinda leaning towards these just because I read some negative reviews on the Stoeger that I wanted.  Plus these two are readily available.  I have seen a Pardner pump anywhere around here yet.  The difference is $30 and 1 1/2 inches in barrel length.  And both felt nice in my hands.

[erc]

Except for barrels (which can be modded) All Remmy parts to my knowledge will fit the NEF, IAC, Norinco, etc. 870 "clones"
Since the clones hold more capacity than an 870, the locking lug is further toward the muzzle on the clones. If you are so inclined (disclaimer here, at your own risk) a spacer can be fabbed to allow any shelf stock 870 barrel to fit the clones. Mag tube extensions for the 870 fit, but because of the different tube length, will either be short of the muzzle, or a bit past, depending on the extra round count.
My pardner actually holds one more round with the factory tube just by removing the spring retainer.
Speaking of which, the clones are as the new 870's in that the tubes are dimpled to capture the the spring retainer versus the tube nut doing the job back in the day. Those dimples must be drilled out, hammered flat, dremmeled down, or otherwise made smooth to allow the extra rounds to slide past into the extension.

[MxdAzn9]

The only modding I see myself doing is adding the pistol grip.  You know me, I don't like to anything to a gun or a rifle if I don't have to or if it won't improve it greatly.  The pistol grip will be primo.  I'll tell ya what, I wish the Hawk took 8 like the Maverick. 

[erc]

Full house HD loads might make you rethink the PG, no matter what gun you choose. And for HD with full house HD loads one is enough, 2 is "just in case", provided the first one hits.

[Ape]

What's the price range Mxd? Cause if you look around you can usually find some pretty good used 870's for not too much money. Under 300 and sometimes already pistol gripped for your pleasure. 

[MxdAzn9]

$199 for the Maverick and $229 for the IAC.  I wanna go cheap on my next purchase.

[kalboy]

 This is one instance where you can and not suffer. I'll admit not knowing much about the IAC. The Mav tho' is a common item around every shop I've ever been in. The barrels are interchangable with the 500 and most internals(safety is a front of trigger guard crossbolt Mossy 500 has top tang that this lefty loves) do too I think. You probably aren't going "wrong" here either way, both are big sellers and likely will do you well.

[Ape]

Here's just a few 870's I found under 300. 

http://www.gunsamerica.com/976996364/Guns-For-Sale/Gun-Auctions/Shotguns/Remington-Shotguns/Rem_870_Express_Magum_3_Tubes.htm

http://www.gunsamerica.com/903467866/Guns/Shotguns/Remington-Shotguns/Pump/Hunting/REMINGTON_870_EXPRESS_SUPER_MAG_12_23_WITH_EXTENDED_TURKEY_TUBE.htm

http://www.gunsamerica.com/906707784/Guns/Shotguns/Remington-Shotguns/Pump/Hunting/Rem_870_Express_12_guage.htm

http://www.gunsamerica.com/912282868/Guns/Shotguns/Remington-Shotguns/Pump/Hunting/870_Express_Magnum_Laminated.htm

[kalboy]

 Whittaker's is full of 'em too.

[kalboy]

 MXD , you ever heard of Natchez? They have a lot of cool shotgun goodies priced right IIRC.

[MxdAzn9]

MXD , you ever heard of Natchez? They have a lot of cool shotgun goodies priced right IIRC.

I used to order ammo from them earlier last year.  I know all the mod stuff they have!

[MxdAzn9]

Here's just a few 870's I found under 300. 

http://www.gunsamerica.com/976996364/Guns-For-Sale/Gun-Auctions/Shotguns/Remington-Shotguns/Rem_870_Express_Magum_3_Tubes.htm

http://www.gunsamerica.com/903467866/Guns/Shotguns/Remington-Shotguns/Pump/Hunting/REMINGTON_870_EXPRESS_SUPER_MAG_12_23_WITH_EXTENDED_TURKEY_TUBE.htm

http://www.gunsamerica.com/906707784/Guns/Shotguns/Remington-Shotguns/Pump/Hunting/Rem_870_Express_12_guage.htm

http://www.gunsamerica.com/912282868/Guns/Shotguns/Remington-Shotguns/Pump/Hunting/870_Express_Magnum_Laminated.htm

I'm not comfortable with buying guns through the internet yet.  I want to look at them in person and hold them for feel.  Some places may not have what I want and I won't have that luxury.