Mossberg 500 3 barrel combo

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Woody-to

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I am thinking of getting the 3 barrel combo, just wondering what others think of theirs? I have heard they sell lots but there is not much info around here on the 3 barrel.

I read on another forum that the newer forearms are one piece with the action bars attached to the synthetic forearm. Normally the forearm goes on the action slide tube. If this is the case do the synthetic models have more wobble that the wood? What about durability? Will the one piece synthetic last as long?

What about the finish on the newer camo like the Real Tree and Mossy Oak, is the finish durable? Does it scratch easy?

Last but not least, the Cantilever Rifled Barrel, what type of mount is on the cantilever or do you have to supply your own?
 
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I bought this gun about 2 months ago and put around 15 boxes through it. Shoots well and is easy to clean. (check youtube - disassembly of mossberg 500). The forearm is loose feeling and the only problem with that might be noise when turkey hunting but have not gotten that far yet. Overall a good gun for the price and reliable since I do alot of duck hunting. Hope this helps.
 
535 use same forearm?

I have seen the youtube video, that was what made me finally decide on the 500 over the 870. I like the way the cartridge stop/interrupter are on the 500, the 870 looks like they will be a pain over time. I like to take things apart so I am planning ahead.

Does anyone know if the 535 3 barrel combo uses the one piece forearm/action slide? They look similar but the pictures I have seen of them make it hard to tell if they have the pins to hold the slide arms or not.

I am concerned because the Mossbergs already have that "feel" to them. If they wobble with the metal action slide tube, I can't imagine what the one piece ones are like.

This might be a deal breaker.
 
Woody-to said:
I am thinking of getting the 3 barrel combo, just wondering what others think of theirs? I have heard they sell lots but there is not much info around here on the 3 barrel.

I read on another forum that the newer forearms are one piece with the action bars attached to the synthetic forearm. Normally the forearm goes on the action slide tube. If this is the case do the synthetic models have more wobble that the wood? What about durability? Will the one piece synthetic last as long?

What about the finish on the newer camo like the Real Tree and Mossy Oak, is the finish durable? Does it scratch easy?

Last but not least, the Cantilever Rifled Barrel, what type of mount is on the cantilever or do you have to supply your own?
Click to expand...


Did you end up getting the3 barrel combo? What do you think?
 
Mossberg 500 3 barrel

Yes I did end up getting one. It was a tough decision, the 870 does have a better feel to it and now comes in a 3 barrel combo as well. But after handling them both and reading reviews on both I choose the 500.

I bought this as a hunting gun, so the low price, camo and lighter weight were all a plus for the Mossberg. The biggest factor was the slide release and safety, I have a real dislike for the 870 when it comes to slide release and safety. I already have a Winchester that has the slide release in the same place as the 500 so maybe I am biased. But it is in a much better location, you don't have to reposition your hands at all.

Reading reviews of the two models made the Mossberg a winner. The 870 Express seems to get more bad feedback (I am not saying it is a bad gun). My only complaint with the 500 is what I had originally feared, the forearm wobble. It does give the gun that "cheap feel", but once I got used to it I am fine with it. The 870 has some wobble but not nearly as bad.

I have only got to use the Turkey barrel and a few slugs through the rifled barrel. So far I am quite impressed with it. Comparing the bore of the barrels to my older Winchesters was a bit of a let down, the Mossberg bores are not as mirror like as the Winchesters. The Mossberg has a flat, dull finish to it. I am not sure if it just needs to be used and cleaned a few times to get that dullness to go away or if it is just the way they are made (it was a cheap gun after all).

All in all, for under $600 including sling and taxes you can't go wrong. As long as you don't think you are getting a high end gun for that money you will be happy. It is a good, reliable, durable gun. I can sit there and rack the action for hours at a time, it just feels great. The 870 does have a smoother action, but all in all I am pleased with my 500. For the price I am not too concerned with scratches and dings, perfect for a hunting gun. The finish is quite durable, I have tiny wear marks where the forearm rubs the action, but like I said, I rack it for fun.

If you get one, check the box for sling swivels for the front. Mine did not come with them so I went out and had to buy 3 sets of swivels and studs, cost me about $40. I then heard that they are supposed to be included in the package so I called Mossberg and they sent me 3 studs free of charge no questions asked, just got them today in fact. So now I just need to find a use for them, another combo maybe???
 
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you should have got a 535 instead of the 500 three barel combo .i looked at both and the 535 does not have the same wooble in the forend and feels much better i have had mine for 4 years now and love it DUTCH
 
Woody-to said:
I have seen the youtube video, that was what made me finally decide on the 500 over the 870. I like the way the cartridge stop/interrupter are on the 500, the 870 looks like they will be a pain over time.
Click to expand...

FWIW, the 870 has been produced since 1951 (59 years) with over 10 million produced. I think you are probably safe choosing an 870.

Not that the Mossberg 500 is any slouch.
I've owned both and all worked as intended. The 870 fits me better, thus I shoot them better.
 
woolly said:
FWIW, the 870 has been produced since 1951 (59 years) with over 10 million produced. I think you are probably safe choosing an 870.

Not that the Mossberg 500 is any slouch.
I've owned both and all worked as intended. The 870 fits me better, thus I shoot them better.
Click to expand...

I am aware of the history of the 870. Mind you the 870 EXPRESS, which is in the same price range of the 500 has not been around that long and has not received the same reviews of older 870/Wingmasters. My point was that it appears from what I have seen is that the 870 shell stop and interrupter are somewhat pressed into the receiver, watching the AGI video he uses a special tool to put them back in (not a fancy tool, likely don't even need a tool I am sure)

I take my guns apart after every use, not because I have to, but because I want to. It makes the hobby more fun as shooting is only half of it for me. So the 500 appeared better for me in this regard. I just figured if I took it apart as much as I foresee myself doing, the 500 would be more suitable.

I don't have any hands on experience in disassembling the 870, is it possible to wear down what ever holds the 870 stop and interrupt in the action?? I KNOW I KNOW, they have been around for 59 years, but this doesn't answer my question. If they do wear, I assume it is a simple fix.

In regards to the 535, I was thinking about getting one, the price difference is minimal. But I don't see the need for 3.5" shells and was told that it is more likely to short stroke the 535 as it has a longer stroke than the 500.

I realize just because I have a 3.5" does not mean I have to shoot 3.5", I just wanted a basic, no frills gun that I can take hunting and abuse with no worries. The less that can possibly go wrong with it the better. From my experience, if something can go wrong, it will and usually at the worst time.

People tell me I over analyze things and take to many precautions. But when thing go SNAFU I am usually ready for it r at least expecting it.

Woody
 
I had bought the mossy 535 3 barrel combo. Ive sent probably 500 rounds through. It took a bit for the gun to break in and eject the 3.5'' shells smooth but once it did it ejects all sizes with ease. The only thing I did find was the forarm we cracked under the barrel on the first support bracket. Contacted my local dealer and within a week I had a new forarm. As for the finish Ive brough it out into the fields and through the brush and no signs on scars or finish coming off. Ive have great luck with this gun and even got my first turkey with it. For the price it makes a great hunting gun. Something you dont have to baby but wont let you down when you need it.
 
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