mossberg 500 12 gauge pros and cons

[scrappy45601]

I just bought a mossberg 500 12 gauge and was wondering what the pros and cons are.  It has a 28" vented rib barrel, and a modified choke.  i was wandering if i get a 18.5'' barrel would this also make a good home defense gun.  What kind of shot would you recomend for in a house with close neighbors.

[david86440]

Welcome to the forum.........

I have an 8 shot Mossberg 500ATP with tactical light hanging on the side of my bed.

There has been a lot of debate on the forums as to the best round to use but I have switched from 00 buck to birdshot as I do have  close neighbors.

I have had this gun for about 12 years and used to shoot it a lot. It has always performed well with no issues. It could use a heat shield as it does get a little warm after getting off 8 quick shots but now that I have it strictly for home protection it has had a chance to cool off.

[tombogan03884]

That is what is leaning beside my bed right now I have neighbors on the other side of Lathe and (horsehair) plaster walls so I keep it loaded with #6 shot.  When I got it it had an ATI top folding pistol grip stock, I took that off and replaced it with the original wood stock with a slip on sleeve to hold 5 rounds on the off side . It made a extremely short package and I will keep it in case I want to pack the gun in a back pack or such but it had some draw backs, no place to put a sling swivel, no way to conveniently carry extra rounds,and most importantly when folded it blocks the tang safety. I then replaced the brass bead with a red Fiber optic from Brownells, added a sling (really just a carry strap ) and called it good.
The pluses of the model 500 are double slide rails, and all the controls are well located for me (I'm a righty ) without moving my hand i can thumb the safety or work the slide release. It is a well proven design, I do not know of any minuses.
 

[scrappy45601]

thank you david and tom.  i have been a long time reader, first time poster and i appreciate your time and thoughts

[scrappy45601]

also may i add that i bought it used for $179

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[tombogan03884]

Glad we could help. Swing by and put a post in the new member thread to let the rest of the delinquents know your here  
http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=19.0

also may i add that i bought it used for $179

SWEET DEAL ! 

[scrappy45601]

heres a pic

[david86440]

also may i add that i bought it used for $179

I would buy another one or two at that price.

[scrappy45601]

now what would be a good way to tune this guy up.  first shotgun ive owned.  i would be using it for deer hunting and primarily for home defense

[tombogan03884]

 If you put on the 18.5 inch barrel it will extend about 3 1/2 inches beyond the Magazine tube.