Mossberg 500-B Serial Number Location

this_is_nascar · December 11, 2011, 01:13 PM

I have an old Mossberg 500-B, 16-gauge, pump-action, 28" full-choke barrel, chambered for 2 3/4. I know this shotgun is at least 30-40 years old and possibly older than that. I'm trying to locate the serial number and am not having any luck at all. Is it possible it never came with a serial number? If it has to have a serial number, where would I find it?

natman · December 12, 2011, 03:43 AM

Serial numbers weren't required before the Gun Control Act of 1968. Most guns had one anyway, but some did not. If the gun is pre-68, no serial number is required.

Current 500s have the serial on the LH side of the receiver just above the trigger.

this_is_nascar · December 12, 2011, 03:05 PM

Thanks. I did some more research today on this gun. It appears the 500-B was produced between 1963 and 1969. I'm thinking this one was definately pre-1968, since I find absolutely no serial number at all.

badge851 · December 12, 2011, 08:41 PM

You should definitely hang on to it; 16ga Mossberg®'s are pretty rare.

this_is_nascar · February 23, 2014, 12:50 PM

Would anyone venture to put a value on this? It needs a good cleaning, but is in pretty good shape.

Virginian · February 23, 2014, 02:47 PM

16 gauge Mossberg 500s are not that rare, and most 16 fans are looking for a nicer gun than a 45 year old Mossberg 500, too. I am not saying it is not a good workable gun. They haven't sold over 10 million of them for nothing.

natman · February 23, 2014, 10:57 PM

Just to put it in perspective, a 16 ga Mossberg 500 will command a premium over a 12 in similar condition, but it's not going to put your kids through college. It might get you and your wife a nice meal if you don't order expensive wine.

this_is_nascar · February 24, 2014, 07:12 AM

Thanks. I want to sell it and I didn't know whether to expect $100 or $500 or something in between or more.

natman · February 24, 2014, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Thanks. I want to sell it and I didn't know whether to expect $100 or $500 or something in between or more.

Put it on Gunbroker or Gunauction and let the market decide.

December 11, 2011, 01:13 PM	#1
this_is_nascar Member Join Date: March 21, 2011 Location: Gloucester City, NJ Posts: 55	Mossberg 500-B Serial Number Location I have an old Mossberg 500-B, 16-gauge, pump-action, 28" full-choke barrel, chambered for 2 3/4. I know this shotgun is at least 30-40 years old and possibly older than that. I'm trying to locate the serial number and am not having any luck at all. Is it possible it never came with a serial number? If it has to have a serial number, where would I find it? __________________ "... it's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go."

December 12, 2011, 03:05 PM	#3
this_is_nascar Member Join Date: March 21, 2011 Location: Gloucester City, NJ Posts: 55	Thanks. I did some more research today on this gun. It appears the 500-B was produced between 1963 and 1969. I'm thinking this one was definately pre-1968, since I find absolutely no serial number at all. __________________ "... it's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go."

December 12, 2011, 08:41 PM	#4
badge851 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2005 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 326	You should definitely hang on to it; 16ga Mossberg®'s are pretty rare. __________________ Only two defining forces have ever died for you: 1. Jesus Christ. 2. The American Soldier, Sailor, Airman, & Marine. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

February 23, 2014, 12:50 PM	#5
this_is_nascar Member Join Date: March 21, 2011 Location: Gloucester City, NJ Posts: 55	Would anyone venture to put a value on this? It needs a good cleaning, but is in pretty good shape. __________________ "... it's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go."

February 23, 2014, 02:47 PM	#6
Virginian Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2012 Location: Williamsburg, Va. Posts: 1,528	16 gauge Mossberg 500s are not that rare, and most 16 fans are looking for a nicer gun than a 45 year old Mossberg 500, too. I am not saying it is not a good workable gun. They haven't sold over 10 million of them for nothing. __________________ What could have happened... did.

December 12, 2011, 03:43 AM	#2
natman Senior Member Join Date: June 24, 2008 Posts: 2,606	Serial numbers weren't required before the Gun Control Act of 1968. Most guns had one anyway, but some did not. If the gun is pre-68, no serial number is required. Current 500s have the serial on the LH side of the receiver just above the trigger.

February 23, 2014, 10:57 PM	#7
natman Senior Member Join Date: June 24, 2008 Posts: 2,606	Just to put it in perspective, a 16 ga Mossberg 500 will command a premium over a 12 in similar condition, but it's not going to put your kids through college. It might get you and your wife a nice meal if you don't order expensive wine.

February 24, 2014, 07:12 AM	#8
this_is_nascar Member Join Date: March 21, 2011 Location: Gloucester City, NJ Posts: 55	Thanks. I want to sell it and I didn't know whether to expect $100 or $500 or something in between or more. __________________ "... it's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go."