Mossberg 500 - Viable choice??

[WillardCW4]

I have never owned a shotgun. I come from the pistol / AR world.

However, I feel that getting an inexpensive shotgun would be a good addition to my home defense arsenal.

I've been browsing the interwebs and have settled on the Mossberg 500 Tactical 12ga 18.5" as a good place to stop and take a look back:

http://www.onlinegundeals.com/ItemDe...AL_12G_NEW.htm

I figured a pistol grip (although I know the safety on these Mossbergs are inconveniently located) would be more familiar, and an adjustable stock is a familiarity I'm used to from my experience with assault rifles. Breacher muzzle is not a necessity.

So basically, my question is this... would I be spending too much money buying this firearm? I want something light (18.5" barrel), durable, and reliable. I plan to put a flashlight and possibly a rear sight on the weapon, but no plans for any other mods.

Is a pistol grip a pretty big waste when combined with a butt stock? I simply don't know because I have no real experience with a shotgun aside from shooting ~20 shells through other peoples' guns.

I've looked at the Remington 870, but when handling the Remington versus Mossberg in the shop, I prefer the Mossberg for weight balance (both the tactical and non-tactical versions). Then again, I haven't shot either weapon, so I still consider myself ignorant as far as comparisons are concerned.

I know Mossberg makes a cheaper 500, the Persuader. I'm not stuck on the Mossberg brand, however. Anything else affordable that offers similar quality can also be thrown into the mix!

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

[DMR]

Those guys realy need to start paying my, and let me in on their configuration planning before they go final.......

For most users that configuration does nothing more than add cost(and confusion ordering replacement barrels).

The 500 is a solid choice. Configuration can lead to some handling issues. In general you are better off with a standard profile stock. A 12-13" LOP is about right for most. Houge makes both, although we haven't seen the 13" on other than a few samples.

I'll see if I can put something more together latter.

[RWK]

My recommendation is for a Mossberg 590A1 Compact, 6-shot. I wouldn't spend any money on other accessories until after you're able to attend a formal shotgun training program.

Opinions on pistol grip stocks will vary. Personally, I prefer a straight stock.

Trying to make a shotgun mirror an AR is a mistake. A shotgun is its own animal, with its own manual of arms.

[streck]

I have a Mossy 500 as the home defense shotgun. I recommend, at least, the full stock. If you really want a collapsible stock, look at the Knoxx/Blackhawk recoil reducing stock.

As for a value based reliable shotgun, it is very good.

This version you linked has the very unnecessary breeching flash hider....but if it's already there....

If you can swing an extra $150, look into the Remington 870 tacticals.

Both shotguns are good with major functional differences coming down to personal preference. The 870 is more pistol grip friendly with the block type safety on the trigger guard. The Mossberg ejector is owner replaceable while the Remington is riveted and requires depot/oem repair or replacement. Fortunately both shotguns are very reliable.

I don't have any pictures, but my current configuration is the Mossberg 500 with full stock, side saddle with 00B and 1oz slugs, and a Surefire G2 on a magazine mount.

[RSA-OTC]

We have the Mossberg Persuader here at our company and I am extremely happy with it. I always felt the thumb safety as well as the action bar release being located behind the trigger guard were positive ergonomic features.

This particular gun shoots Federal Tactical Buck Shot like rifled slugs out past 15 yards.

It has proved to be both durable and reliable. Almost all my officers would rather shoot the Mossberg rather than the Remingtons.

The only drawback I feel with this gun is that it can be quite heavy when fully loaded. Other than that I would gladly recommend this gun over the 870 any day.

[terrymo]

Either a Mossberg 500 or a remington 870 express will meet your needs. I would take a class from a reputable instructor that will let you rent shotguns. See if you can arrange with the instructor to take a 2 day class and use a Mossberg one day and a Remington the next. Or at a minimum, find a range that will rent you both weapons and spend some serious time shooting both before you decide. I think you would make a better decision than basing your decision on how they felt in a gun store or based on internet advice.

The Mossberg or Remington question or the pistol grip stock vs standard stock often turns into a Ford vs Chevy type of debate with people defending what they have purchased and what they are accustomed to. There is nothing wrong, in my humble opinion, with adding features that you are already familiar with from the AR platform like a pistol grip or ghost ring sights. But, sometimes people just want the shotgun to look like an AR which may have them headed down a path that is not really productive.

Get lots of instruction from well known trainers and make modifications slowly as you figure out what additions will meet a real need as opposed to what might just make the weapon look high speed but detract from its overall function.

[WillardCW4]

The training program is a great suggestion. I'll have to look around and see whats available in my area. Shooting a weapon prior to purchasing it is something I usually try to accomplish. Proper instruction with whatever weapon I ultimately buy is also part of the plan

My recommendation is for a Mossberg 590A1 Compact, 6-shot. I wouldn't spend any money on other accessories until after you're able to attend a formal shotgun training program.

From what I understand, the difference in the 590 over the 500 is a heavy barrel and a slight change in how the barrel and magazine tube are held together (the 500 is easier for barrel swapping..?).

I'm not sure I'd really be able to benefit from the more expensive 590. I don't plan to be shooting the shotgun that often and am unsure what advantages a heavy barrel will provide me for use as a home defense weapon. Any input?

And from what I can see, Remington 870 vs. Mossberg 500 is one of those comparisons where, either way, you can't really go wrong. If I get to shoot both weapons, then I'll be able to make a more educated decision.

I guess as far as stocks, I'll stick with standard and pursue practice / training with the mantra "This isn't an assault rifle! It's a shotgun!" in mind

[TOrrock]

There's been a lot of discussion on the forum about the Mossbergs and Remingtons.

If you are set on a Mossberg, especially the 500, switch out the safety and trigger group for a metal one (590) and I'd highly recommend a shorter length of pull "body armor/youth" stock from either Speedfeed or Hogue.

Replacing the magazine spring with a higher quality unit is also a very good idea, but the 500 makes this much more of a pain in the ass. Replace the extractor spring is also a good idea. I've had several Mossies fail to extract, personally.

Hope that helps. The 500 isn't a "bad" shotgun, but it can definitely benefit from those upgrades.

There's a reason they cost what they do, vs. a M590A1 or a Remington 870 Express vs. a Remington 870 Police.

[Todd.K]

I do not consider a tang safety and pistol grip stock to be a good combination for a fighting weapon.

[DMR]

I do not consider a tang safety and pistol grip stock to be a good combination for a fighting weapon.

Quite agreed. That said the demand is there. We supplied quite a few to the military on our last contracts. Recommended against they, but it was the only way to meet their requirements. Hopefully one of our partners will be finished with the solution soon.