Mossberg 500.

[Tazz]

I need some thoughts about this shotgun. I'm thinking of buying the 12 gauge version. I know a lot of officers use them. So if you would please give me pros and cons of having it. how hard is recoil on it? This is the model i'm looking at. http://www.mossberg.com/pcatalog/images/5012001.gif

[ 08-21-2001: Message edited by: Niteshift ]

[Niteshift]

I prefer the Mossberg over the Remington.

Recoil is the same.

Mossbergs have a top mounted safety, which I prefer. It is easily manipulated by either hand.

They unload easier than the Remingtons with that older lift.

Mossbergs consistantly shoot tighter groups than the Remingtons, not just based on my experience, but Chuck Taylor also noted the same thing when he did side by side testing.

Mossbergs have a more solid feeling slide dual slide rail.

Mossbergs do it all for less money.

[JKT]

Niteshift is right on all points.

I have had my Mossy 500 for over 15 years, and it's never failed to work as designed.

I have another Mossberg shotgun that I've had for over 25 years. Same story.

For the price, they are real hard to beat.

[Niteshift]

I guess I should add, if the gun does have a short fall, it's that there are a few accessories available for other guns that aren't for the Mossberg. Although now, most are.

[Wannabe2000]

As the proud owner of a M500 I can say that they're great guns. The only problem I've had is that the wooden stock on mine broke when I went on vacation. The airpressure change in the cargo hold I guess. But I bought a replacement synthetic stock and forearm and everything has been great since then.

[Darkwulfe]

The M500 pump is the best shotgun I have ever owned. I stand by it 100%. Our department does not use them but it is my shotgun of choice for bird hunting. A well put together gun that will last for ever.

[1hunter]

I have owned a Mossberg and it kicked like a mule! That's why I no longer own it. I currently have a remington supermag 870 exoress and a browning BPS. I prefer the Browning because it has never failed and its made a little heavier then the others which helps out on the recoil.

The police style accessories are cheaper and there are more of them for the Remington.

If you really want to go "cheap", buy a Maverick shotgun. It is a generic Mossberg.

[Niteshift]

I've never seen a price difference in Mossberg accessories. Everything I've purchased was the same price as for the Remington.

[drunkhunter]

I have an 870, but my brother has a M500. I prefer the 870, but the M500 is okay. I don't think that you would go wrong with it.

[Tazz]

Thanks for all the info so far. I like what i see about the mossberg. I'm glad to know that is a tough gun, I would not ever treat it rough anyway, but it is good to know. I'll look into the maverick also. Ya'll keep the comments rollin' in. i wanna see some more thoughts.

[Lightfighter]

Between Remington and Mossberg, I prefer Mossberg, but I like the 590 more than the 500.

[SemperFi]

Sold my Mossy this spring and went to the Beneilli Nova Special Purpose. $360 for 18" slug with Ghost Rings, added recoil reduction (slugs now feel like dove loads) and it shoots tight groups.

After ~500 rounds I'm in love with it.

[Bonk]

The two shotguns I own personally are both Mossbergs, a 20ga 500 with the vent rib barrel for small game hunting, and a 590 12ga for the house. Both of them are excellent guns, I wouldn't part with them. That said, my dept issued shotgun is the 870, and I'm plenty happy with that too. I just have to make sure to get enough training on it because there are a few differences, particularly involving the safety.