Older Mossberg 20GA

[toolmaan]

I just trade some stuff for this Mossberg 20GA pump action. The person I got it from says it was purchased new 30 years ago. Only been shot a handful of times. The model is 500C. My question is how much is a gun like this worth? I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, just got it this afternoon. Any info on this gun is appreciated. Thanks

[the rifleer]

i have the same gun, only its new and it has a synthetic stock and came with both a 26'' and a 18'' barrel. i paid $219 for it.

its a good shotgun.

[hogdogs]

Pm me the serial number and I will compare to mine from1988-89. The forestock isn't a shape I knew of on a Mossberg of that era.
But the mossbergs do not have an inherent collectors value. In great shape it is basically a 150-200 with a new price of 250-300 depending on configuration...
Brent

[hogdogs]

Rifleer, Thats a super duper deal though! A maverick 88 with 28 inch barrel is 199 at walmart and the single barrel 28 inch mossberg is 259;)
Brent

[Doyle]

Walmart here has new Mossberg's in 12 and 20 GA priced at $218 now. I like the looks of the older ones better than the newer ones.

[badge851]

I just trade some stuff for this Mossberg 20GA pump action. The person I got it from says it was purchased new 30 years ago. Only been shot a handful of times. The model is 500C. My question is how much is a gun like this worth? I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, just got it this afternoon. Any info on this gun is appreciated. ThanksIt is a fine shotgun in all respects. I have two, a 500A 12ga and a 500C 20ga like yours. I use the 20ga far, far more than my 12ga; weighs less and recoils less. Looking at your two attached photos it appears someone placed an oversize 12ga recoil pad on your 20ga gun. The one question I have, does the gun have a fixed choke barrel or is it fitted w/choke tubes?

[toolmaan]

I am unsure on the choke. This is my first shotgun. It does have a recoil pad. Under the barrel there is a knurled nut that I partially unthreaded, then threaded back in. Is this the choke? What do I look for in a choke?

I have 2 rifles but no shotguns.

[Doyle]

That knurled knob under the barrel is what you unscrew to remove the barrel and access the magazine spring. The choke is on the muzzle end of the barrel. A removable choke (like what is on modern versions) is threaded on the outside of the choke tube (tube is about 2 1/2" long). Matching threading is on the inside of the barrel. Look just inside the muzzle. If you see a pair of small notches, it will be the top of the choke. You will need a choke wrench (costs only a few bucks) to unscrew it.

If you don't see any notches at all, then you have a fixed choke. The degree of choke should be marked somewhere on the barrel. It will say something like "IMP CYL, MOD, or FULL".

[oneounceload]

That recoil pad does not look like it fits, so I'm wondering if it is original. The barrel should state what the choke is on it somewhere. If it is a 28" barrel, my initial thought would be a modified choke - great for upland hunting. The knurled cap has nothing to do with the choke - that holds the forearm on

[toolmaan]

There is 2 notches in the end of the muzzle, so I will have to get a wrench. Is there a reason to remove the choke? It says 26in accu-choke

The lady I got it from got it from her father on her 18th birthday. I am sure he had an oversize recoil pad fitted to it.

[oneounceload]

Then you have a choke tube in there

Here's a page from Mossberg you might want to read:

http://www.mossberg.com/content.asp?ID=499

and yes, you will need to remove it so you can clean it, lube it, and possibly change it for a different one

[toolmaan]

oneounceload, thanks a lot!

[oneounceload]

you're welcome....good luck with it

[Doyle]

Is there a reason to remove the choke?

Yes. 2 reasons.
1. Remove it every time you clean the gun. Clean the threads (both barrel and tube), LIGHTLY lubricate with a good anti-sieze lubricant, and screw it in snugly but not overtight. Failure to do this could result in corroded threads that make future removal very difficult. It only takes a minute and you can prevent mucho problems with a little simple maintenance.
2. Buy yourself a different choke for each intended use. Cylinder for home defense and slugs, Improved Cylinder for skeet/sporting clays/quail hunting, Modified for waterfoul, dove, Full for trap/turkey.

If you have a Walmart near you that sells guns, they will sometimes put their Mossberg choke tubes on clearance.