mossberg 500.....to buy or not to buy.....

k77/22rp · April 10, 2001, 08:30 PM

I am considering buying a mossberg 500 in 20ga i have had no experience with mossberg and am wondering if its a good overall shotgun it will be mainly used for deer hunting and maybe small game, how is reliability,and quality,
or is there a better 20ga pump for around the same price

Doc Hudson · April 10, 2001, 11:09 PM

I've used Mossberg shotguns with complete satisfaction for over twenty-five years.

The only malfunction I've ever had with a Mossberg was caused by a severe case of Buck Fever. I short shucked the action after I missed a deer at about five yards.

My Mossberg M-500 is reliable enough I've staked my life on them several times, and one lives next to my bed as my "Things-That-Go-Bump-In-The-Night-Gun", I can not endorse a gun any higher than that.

Doc Hudson

J. Parker · April 10, 2001, 11:48 PM

I've had both. The basic Mossy 500 with the short barrel and long one for $219.95 at Big Five Sporting goods. Believe me, I'm no expert but it worked great for me. Later on I bought a Remington 870 HD (home defense) and it worked just fine also. I did recently pick up a old Mossberg 500 slug gun for $135 at a pawn shop. It has Western Field stamped on it but that was just the name Monkey wards used. It's smooth as silk and in great shape. Actually, you can't go wrong with either. The Mossbergs won't cost as much. Good luck, J. Parker

Steve B · April 11, 2001, 08:13 AM

I`ve shot a 12 gauge Mossberg 500 for a while now and I have no complaints at all. I wouldn`t hesitate to recommend it to anyone, especially for hunting.

Dave McC · April 11, 2001, 08:21 AM

Any 870 will probably outlast that Mossy, but the work life of either for the purposes you describe would be measured in generations, not years.Not bad for inexpensive pumpguns.

Heavy usage would break down a Mossy first, but surely not immediately.

An Ithaca 37 in 20 ga is another good choice, a fast swinging, lightweight upland gun. More expensive, but a lifetime companion of great utility.A 37 Deerslayer in either 12 or 20 gauge is one of the great woods style deer guns.

And the 870 Expresses (and used 870s,oft of better workmanship and steel parts) still remains the Most Gun For The Money,IMO.

Poodleshooter · April 12, 2001, 10:57 AM

Buy it. My Mossy500 is a 15yr old handmedown and has a great slick action due to all of the use. I wouldn't trade it for the world!

April 10, 2001, 11:09 PM	#2
Doc Hudson Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2001 Location: Mississippi Delta Posts: 635	Buy it! I've used Mossberg shotguns with complete satisfaction for over twenty-five years. The only malfunction I've ever had with a Mossberg was caused by a severe case of Buck Fever. I short shucked the action after I missed a deer at about five yards. My Mossberg M-500 is reliable enough I've staked my life on them several times, and one lives next to my bed as my "Things-That-Go-Bump-In-The-Night-Gun", I can not endorse a gun any higher than that. Doc Hudson

April 10, 2001, 08:30 PM	#1
k77/22rp Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2000 Location: Michigan Posts: 577	I am considering buying a mossberg 500 in 20ga i have had no experience with mossberg and am wondering if its a good overall shotgun it will be mainly used for deer hunting and maybe small game, how is reliability,and quality, or is there a better 20ga pump for around the same price

April 10, 2001, 11:48 PM	#3
J. Parker Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2000 Location: Ephrata, wa. USA Posts: 1,338	I've had both. The basic Mossy 500 with the short barrel and long one for $219.95 at Big Five Sporting goods. Believe me, I'm no expert but it worked great for me. Later on I bought a Remington 870 HD (home defense) and it worked just fine also. I did recently pick up a old Mossberg 500 slug gun for $135 at a pawn shop. It has Western Field stamped on it but that was just the name Monkey wards used. It's smooth as silk and in great shape. Actually, you can't go wrong with either. The Mossbergs won't cost as much. Good luck, J. Parker

April 11, 2001, 08:13 AM	#4
Steve B Senior Member Join Date: October 8, 2000 Location: Maynard, MA Posts: 106	I`ve shot a 12 gauge Mossberg 500 for a while now and I have no complaints at all. I wouldn`t hesitate to recommend it to anyone, especially for hunting.

April 11, 2001, 08:21 AM	#5
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	Any 870 will probably outlast that Mossy, but the work life of either for the purposes you describe would be measured in generations, not years.Not bad for inexpensive pumpguns. Heavy usage would break down a Mossy first, but surely not immediately. An Ithaca 37 in 20 ga is another good choice, a fast swinging, lightweight upland gun. More expensive, but a lifetime companion of great utility.A 37 Deerslayer in either 12 or 20 gauge is one of the great woods style deer guns. And the 870 Expresses (and used 870s,oft of better workmanship and steel parts) still remains the Most Gun For The Money,IMO.

April 12, 2001, 10:57 AM	#6
Poodleshooter Senior Member Join Date: August 7, 2000 Location: Floating down the James River in VA Posts: 2,599	Buy it. My Mossy500 is a 15yr old handmedown and has a great slick action due to all of the use. I wouldn't trade it for the world!