Mossberg 500s on the Cheap

[Boba Debt 350]

I have always liked 500s and currently own a bunch of them. I like the both basic versions with the 20” barrel, the Cruiser which has a pistol grip and the Persuader which comes with the butt stock.

Here are a few of the reasons I like them:

• They have smooth actions
  
• They have full length 7 round magazines.
  
• The mag tube lug is at the very end so there is no chance of knocking and extension out of alignment
  
• Their have a great price point which varies fro $275 to $350
  

Although I like the full sized version with the butt stock I normally buy the Cruisers because they cost a lot less and come with a heat shield. They run about $275 – $300 and if they have to be shipped it normally adds $20 or less to the cost.

I always upgrade the furniture to Hogue and can find the Pistol Grip / Fore End combos for around $30 and the Butt Stock / Fore End combos for around $50, so theres really no reason to pay an extra $75 for a Persuader to get a factory butt stock.

The biggest money saving trick is how I get the butt stock bolt, a factory bolt will cost you up to $10 plus shipping but I buy a 5/16 Cap Bolt that’s 5 1/2” with both washers for 85 cents.

In the past I have gotten top dollar for the factory parts, which obviously helps reduce the cost of each gun.

So far the best deal I got one was when I bought a slightly used Persuader that already had Houge Furniture with a side saddle and a fiber optic sight that that I paid $300 for

Edited March 31, 2013 by Boba Debt

[devildogdakota 804]

I'm a big fan of 500's myself. Got my "truck (shot)gun" and my short work home defense battle set up. Mossbergs are way under priced, in my opinion. Made in USA, built really stout, and rediculously customizeable. I was on a mission when I built the 500 in the lower picture. I wanted to really trick one out, and she's what I came up with. I'm like you Boba, always building/ modifyin'/improvising / adapting/ overcoming.....ect... on anything, living or not!

Talkin' about the buttstock bolt, I misplaced mine on the PG gripped one a couple years back, and bought a stainless one for around a buck at Ace.

I paid $150.00 for the PG one ( added the folder later) from a pawn shop in town a few years back, and got my Parkerized one that was brand new with heatshield and carbon fiber grips for $275.00 on the internet (Buds?) two years ago.

I modified the side saddle and backing plate mount on the one with the SpecOps folder so I was able to mount a side saddle using the folder. I cut one of the shell holders off and moved the mount forward of the mounting plate, utilizing the backing plate holes that mount to the shotgun, and drilling and tapping ad Loctiting the plate so it lined up with the shell holder plate hole that were origionally on the shell holder. I couldn't fold the Knoxx stock with the 6 shotshell side saddle mounted the way it is intended to be mounted, so I came up with this idea, and have a modified 5 shell side saddle that was a six.

[gregomega 929]

I recently picked up a maverick 88 for $271.34 shipped from Copes Dist., came with buttstock and pistol grip. also a 7+1. I am pretty stoked. its my first pump action 12ga.

Edited March 29, 2013 by AZG

[Sdustin 578]

My first shotgun and first gun "I" bought was a mossberg 8shot model. I ended hating the extra length and wish i had bought a regular 500 or a full on 590. Or an 870 for that matter. But they are great, I had one of the top folding stocks, they look bad ass till you fire off a 3" slug and the sharp corner or the stock smacks your face. I sold the stock after that.

[devildogdakota 804]

" But they are great, I had one of the top folding stocks, they look bad ass till you fire off a 3" slug and the sharp corner or the stock smacks your face."

 

Cheek slap really sucks. I was shooting mine with the Knoxx folder two weeks ago with 3" mags. First shot smacked my cheek and potato peeled the inside of my right cheek with my upper teeth. Was spittin' out nice little mouthfuls of blood. I'm thinking about putting skinny little foam pipe insulators on the rails of my folder.

Edited March 29, 2013 by fffpatriot

[Maxwelhse 1,285]

I've been wanting a 500 really bad for years, but I never can seem to come up on a "deal" on one... Seems like I always just barely miss the $200 gun the guy shot twice and got bored with.

 

I thought Boba was looking to dump a couple of them!

[storm6490 2,768]

Just a few weeks ago, I purchased my first Mossberg, ever! I did some research on the scatterguns and was looking at the older models that had metal components. After doing some reading, I was aimed towards the 590. My M590A1 is a really good pump action that feels smooth, safe and bomb proof. Mossberg makes a really great shotgun. I hope to find a good deal on a 500 some day.

 

I think the used ones are hard to find around here since they're a work horse. No need to sell a tool that works all the time!

[coronet 131]

I'm a big fan of 500's myself. Got my "truck (shot)gun" and my short work home defense battle set up. Mossbergs are way under priced, in my opinion. Made in USA, built really stout, and rediculously customizeable. I was on a mission when I built the 500 in the lower picture. I wanted to really trick one out, and she's what I came up with. I'm like you Boba, always building/ modifyin'/improvising / adapting/ overcoming.....ect... on anything, living or not!

Talkin' about the buttstock bolt, I misplaced mine on the PG gripped one a couple years back, and bought a stainless one for around a buck at Ace.

I paid $150.00 for the PG one ( added the folder later) from a pawn shop in town a few years back, and got my Parkerized one that was brand new with heatshield and carbon fiber grips for $275.00 on the internet (Buds?) two years ago.

I modified the side saddle and backing plate mount on the one with the SpecOps folder so I was able to mount a side saddle using the folder. I cut one of the shell holders off and moved the mount forward of the mounting plate, utilizing the backing plate holes that mount to the shotgun, and drilling and tapping ad Loctiting the plate so it lined up with the shell holder plate hole that were origionally on the shell holder. I couldn't fold the Knoxx stock with the 6 shotshell side saddle mounted the way it is intended to be mounted, so I came up with this idea, and have a modified 5 shell side saddle that was a six.

How do you unlock your action with the Knoxx? Mine interfered and I had to grind the hell out of it.

[NM0 586]

Nice write up.

 

A short Mossy with Hogue has been of interest for awhile. Seems to be a more realistic "next" on my list...especially considering the recent buying circus.

[devildogdakota 804]

How do you unlock your action with the Knoxx? Mine interfered and I had to grind the hell out of it.

The front of the stock folder rails are spring compressed. You have to squeeze the rails together and they unlock so it folds up. Same thing with deploying it. Locks rock solid in both positions.

What did your's interfer with?

[devildogdakota 804]

Just a few weeks ago, I purchased my first Mossberg, ever! I did some research on the scatterguns and was looking at the older models that had metal components. After doing some reading, I was aimed towards the 590. My M590A1 is a really good pump action that feels smooth, safe and bomb proof. Mossberg makes a really great shotgun. I hope to find a good deal on a 500 some day.

 

I think the used ones are hard to find around here since they're a work horse. No need to sell a tool that works all the time!

 

If I could've went back, I would've got the 590a instead of the 500. The 590 has a slightly thicker barrel (which I remember the heat shield won't fit on like the 500) has ghost ring sights (which I wished I had. They make a heat shield with sights mounted on, but are plastic), steel trigger guard, and bayonet lug. Other than that, they're identical.

I wish somebody made a heavyduty heat shield with steel ghost sights built in.

[coronet 131]

How do you unlock your action with the Knoxx? Mine interfered and I had to grind the hell out of it.

The front of the stock folder rails are spring compressed. You have to squeeze the rails together and they unlock so it folds up. Same thing with deploying it. Locks rock solid in both positions.

What did your's interfer with?

I've got a 590 with ghost ring sights and marine coat finish Put a Knoxx slider on it, and the tab that let's you release the action was obscured by the knoxx assy. Had to dremel the damn thing so I could unlock and chamber a round.

[devildogdakota 804]

How do you unlock your action with the Knoxx? Mine interfered and I had to grind the hell out of it.

The front of the stock folder rails are spring compressed. You have to squeeze the rails together and they unlock so it folds up. Same thing with deploying it. Locks rock solid in both positions.

What did your's interfer with?

I've got a 590 with ghost ring sights and marine coat finish Put a Knoxx slider on it, and the tab that let's you release the action was obscured by the knoxx assy. Had to dremel the damn thing so I could unlock and chamber a round.

 

Oh yea, I remember reading somewhere a while back that someone else had that same problem. I wonder if there is a difference in the area the release tab is on the 590 opposed to the 500? Mine clears nicely. No dremmeling done on mine.

[Venia 249]

I love mine...the only thing I trust for home defense.

[MT Predator 2,294]

" But they are great, I had one of the top folding stocks, they look bad ass till you fire off a 3" slug and the sharp corner or the stock smacks your face."

 

Cheek slap really sucks. I was shooting mine with the Knoxx folder two weeks ago with 3" mags. First shot smacked my cheek and potato peeled the inside of my right cheek with my upper teeth. Was spittin' out nice little mouthfuls of blood. I'm thinking about putting skinny little foam pipe insulators on the rails of my folder.

I have a Knoxx Spec Op recoil reducing stock on my 835 Turkey gun. It will slap the shit out of you with a 3 1/2" if you are not bracing for it!

[red308 54]

Remington 870 SORRY

[LuPiN8oR 333]

I have a 535 with wood furniture and was wanting to swap out the forearm and stock but i was told i need to get parts from mossberg to do so and its like 60$. Anyone know how to mod it on the cheap to accept aftermarket forearms?

[Maxwelhse 1,285]

I love mine...the only thing I trust for home defense.

 

Exactly why I want one.. I'm shocked that I didn't get the flame parade before when I said it, but I couldn't risk my life on ANY semi-auto shotgun. Just too many variables at play for my taste.

[Deadeye 325]

after useing a mossy last weekend for skeet shooting. I like my winchester 1300 way more. but it worked great and other that being kinda sticky it was pretty good. It think if i were to get another pump shotty I would go with a rem 870 or a winchester. they just seem a lot smoother to run in my opinion.

[Maxwelhse 1,285]

after useing a mossy last weekend for skeet shooting. I like my winchester 1300 way more. but it worked great and other that being kinda sticky it was pretty good. It think if i were to get another pump shotty I would go with a rem 870 or a winchester. they just seem a lot smoother to run in my opinion.

 

I'm in the market! $200 was my offer!

[MT Predator 2,294]

My first 12 gauge was a Mossy 500 with a slug barrel and rifle sights. I think I paid $150-160 for it at the time new and I was around 13 at the time when I bought it. Later on, I installed double pistol grips on it for truck gun purposes. Tac Star I think? After buying my 835 and getting it set up with the Knoxx Spec Ops, a saddle mount, and an Aimpoint, I felt no need for the redundancy so I took it to the gunshow to see if I could find something to trade it on. I ended up trading for a Romy G in a KVAR bullpup stock which was new plus three thirty rounders. All I gave him was a shotty I paid $150 for decades ago plus maybe $45 I had into the grips. My 835 is virtually the same only it will take up to 3 1/2" and is Mossy Oak.

[Boba Debt 350]

Nice Mossy Porn in this thread so far, I might post up some pictures on mine this weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

I'm a big fan of 500's myself........

 

With the exception of the fore ends I have had 500 with the same stocks in your pictures. I thought both worked but they were not "optimal" so I decided to go with pistol grips for home defense and solid butt stock for the woods.

 

 

 

 

I've been wanting a 500 really bad for years, but I never can seem to come up on a "deal" on one... Seems like I always just barely miss the $200 gun the guy shot twice and got bored with.

 

I thought Boba was looking to dump a couple of them!

 

 

In todays market I was excited to get a Cruiser for $322 shipped from CDNN about 2 weeks ago

 

 

 

Just a few weeks ago, I purchased my first Mossberg, ever! I did some research on the scatterguns and was looking at the older models that had metal components. After doing some reading, I was aimed towards the 590. My M590A1 is a really good pump action that feels smooth, safe and bomb proof. Mossberg makes a really great shotgun. I hope to find a good deal on a 500 some day.

 

I think the used ones are hard to find around here since they're a work horse. No need to sell a tool that works all the time!

 

 

I like the 590s but the are quite heavy compared to the 500s

 

 

Remington 870 SORRY

 

 

I have owed several 870s and in my opinion there is very little quality difference between the two. Both seem to rack and shoot very well

 

The obvious differences are that the 870s cost more and are heavier since they have a steel receiver.

 

I also prefer the placement of the slide release and safety on the 500s.

[devildogdakota 804]

after useing a mossy last weekend for skeet shooting. I like my winchester 1300 way more. but it worked great and other that being kinda sticky it was pretty good. It think if i were to get another pump shotty I would go with a rem 870 or a winchester. they just seem a lot smoother to run in my opinion.

The older Mossy I have has a much smoother action than my newer one. Figure after shooting it a whole bunch of times, she'll loosen up quite a bit like the older one.

My Remington 870 Magnum Express is glass on glass action, smoother than a newborn babie's butt. I'm gonna polish the hell out of the innards on my Mossy after I give it a good breaking in. I saw a You Tube video a while back where a guy ground down a couple of parts and polished it up really nice, and the action turned out really smooth.

 

I love mine...the only thing I trust for home defense.

 

Exactly why I want one.. I'm shocked that I didn't get the flame parade before when I said it, but I couldn't risk my life on ANY semi-auto shotgun. Just too many variables at play for my taste.

I'm with ya. I love Saiga 12's, but with the variables, I'm life dependent on my pumps.

[Maxwelhse 1,285]

I love mine...the only thing I trust for home defense.

 

Exactly why I want one.. I'm shocked that I didn't get the flame parade before when I said it, but I couldn't risk my life on ANY semi-auto shotgun. Just too many variables at play for my taste.

I'm with ya. I love Saiga 12's, but with the variables, I'm life dependent on my pumps.

 

 

Right now, my .45s are my HD machines... Hard to beat a Glock and a Ruger in .45ACP. If nothing else, I should be able to get to the safe and grab the Yugo... Then it's night-night time for some bad guys! Maybe I'll clean the S12 until the cops arrive?

[Sim_Player 1,939]

I bought an old Mossberg 500 from a coworker for $35. The action was extremely loose (this gun had seen a lot of "love" over the years).

 

I traded it a few years later (straight across) for a S&W 3000 Police Model (a Mossberg 500 clone) that was hardly used.

Edited March 30, 2013 by Sim_Player

[Maxwelhse 1,285]

I bought an old Mossberg 500 from a coworker for $35. The action was extremely loose (this gun had seen a lot of "love" over the years).

 

I traded it a few years later (straight across) for a S&W Model 3000 Police Model (a Mossberg 500 clone) that was hardly used.

 

See! Those are the kind of sweetheart deals I always miss out on... I've talked to at least 5 guys that have bought these things in running condition for under $100, then later traded up! One of my buddies traded all the way up to some macked out stainless "Marine Model" 870 after a couple of swaps!!

[Voltia 375]

I'll disagree. There very much is a difference between an 870 and Mossberg, especially an old Wingmaster.

 

I own some of both, and the 870 is a smoother action that prevents the forearm from being able to be twisted,

and will also not drop the shell like the Mossberg action will if you stop mid stroke.* However, the Mossbergs

are great weapons, that I have no issue with using for defense or hunting.

 

*=No lectures on the proper way to run a pump gun, please. Ever try racking one quietly? Turkeys can hear

that shit. That's how I learned about them dropping the shell. A better way is slowly rack it open empty,

drop shell in chamber, then close quietly, then charge mag.

[storm6490 2,768]

I'll disagree. There very much is a difference between an 870 and Mossberg, especially an old Wingmaster.

 

I own some of both, and the 870 is a smoother action that prevents the forearm from being able to be twisted,

and will also not drop the shell like the Mossberg action will if you stop mid stroke.* However, the Mossbergs

are great weapons, that I have no issue with using for defense or hunting.

 

*=No lectures on the proper way to run a pump gun, please. Ever try racking one quietly? Turkeys can hear

that shit. That's how I learned about them dropping the shell. A better way is slowly rack it open empty,

drop shell in chamber, then close quietly, then charge mag.

Interesting, I can't twist my forearm on the 590 nor can I drop a shell in it no matter the position of the bolt. My old blued wingmaster is nice for birds and looks a hell of a lot more pretty, but I'm pretty sure the M590A1 would kick the snot out of it any day in the grass.

 

p.s. a better way to surprise a turkey is to have one in the pipe and disengage the safety instead of racking one in.

Edited March 30, 2013 by Stryker0946

[Voltia 375]

Your mileage may vary, of course. My experience is mainly with the Mossberg 835C's. It may have something

to do with the 3.5" magnum shells.

 

Traditionally, the safest way to walk into a stand is without a round chambered. In the morning, it's irresponsible

and illegal to shoot before light, anyways. Climbing a tree stand with a rifle, or hoisting your rifle up afterwards is best

done on an empty chamber. Once there, a semi auto, bolt, or lever can be quietly thrown and a round loaded.

 

However, when you have a pump gun, racking it makes noise, so I usually load at the truck, then walk in. You hunt

turkeys on the ground anyway, so you don't have to climb anything with a loaded turkey gun. It is useful if you want them

to gobble. They'll usually gobble with a slammed car door or an owl call, and you can figure out where to set up, if

you don't have a blind already.

[King Cash 104]

My baby! Love the Knoxx Stock: