3" and Mossberg 500 Cruiser question.

[arentol]

I picked up a Mossberg 500 Cruiser recently. I haven't had a chance to fire it yet, but while familiarizing myself with it I noticed something interesting. The 500 Cruiser documentation says it is 5+1 with 2 3/4" shells and 4+1 with 3" shells. However, I can easily fit five 3" shells in the tube.

So why does it say 4+1 for 3"? Will putting 5 shells in cause feed problems or something?

Anyone have any experience and know the real deal on this?

[PetahW]

Putting ANY 3" shells through it will produce some nice medical bills for you. :p

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[Opinated]

I await further explanation.

[Isk]

As I understand it, some shells might differ slightly in length. Mossberg tells you that you'll only get 4+1 in 3" shells just so you know that might be the case with some shells and so you don't call when you can only fit four in. I can always fit 5 3" shells in my Mossberg...never had a feeding problem or anything.

[TheKlawMan]

I think the reason is that some 3" shells are longer than others and especially if they have a roll crimp. The 3" is the opened size of the hull after firing.

[arentol]

Thanks for the info guys, good to know.

[Dave McC]

The Nominal case length may be 3", but the length before firing may be anything from 2 5/8 to 2 7/8" depending on make and crimp. A 1/16" here and there adds up.

And cases can be mislabeled. Every box of 28 gauge ammo says 2 3/4", but darn near all of it is more like 2 7/8".