Mossberg 500 question

[Alfonso]

What are your thoughts/comments on the Mossberg 500 18 bbl tactical shotgun. The gun store employee said that it was a copy of the Win Defender, which I have heard good and bad about. I have an old beat up wingmaster that I had cut to 18.5 inches. All the blueing is gone, I have replaced all the wood furnitire with black stocks, but for $275 with the pistol grip as well this Mossberg seemed like a good deal? Any thoughts? Should I buy it or just keep the old 870? I am trying to have a good representation of a military /tactical shotgun that the troops would really use.


Thanks

 

[Workin Man]

The Mossberg 500 is not a copy of the Win defender. The Winchester has a crossbolt safety on the trigger guard and a single action bar. The Mossbregs have a tang safety and dual action bars. About the only thing they actually have in common is the short barrel.

The price sounds good, but the only advantages over your Wingmaster are the 3" chamber (I'm assuming the Rem is 2-3/4" chamber), the action is factory drilled and tapped for a scope mount and the pistol grip.

Jim

 

[pope_face]

Note that the action may be drilled and tapped for a scope mount assuming it came from the factory as a tactical shotgun... if it's a "regular" shotgun that's been cut down and/or had the stock replaced then it might not take a scope without some modifications. At least that's the way it works with the Remington 870's... I'm not sure if the Mossbergs all came factory drilled/tapped. Easiest way to check is to take a look at the top of the reciever... if you see a line of little screw heads, you're good.

As for the price, I'm not sure what the Mossbergs go for used, but it sounds reasonable. Only thing to remember is that standard pistol grips are generally pretty bad for regular shooting, so if you're after a pistol grip you'll want one with either a folding or adjustable buttstock... the Knoxx Spec Ops ones seem to be the general ideal in this case, and I've heard that they've recoil pads that do a good job at softening the kick. Just something else to think about, as it may be an extra cost if this particular model doesn't have one.

 

[Alfonso]

Thanks for the input. Yes the gun comes from the factory as a tactical shotgun with both butt stock and pistil grip. For $275 I don't think you can go wrong.