What is the difference in 500s?

[hoytinak]

I have a Mossberg 500A that I bought several years ago. I have since put a Hogue forend on it but I had to dremel it up pretty good just to fit. Then yesterday I bought a Surefire tac light forend for it and the same thing...it won't fit. Were the forends go onto the slide rack? (sure what it's called) it's not deep enough to screw the end cap back on (it's about 1 inch shy). Why won't any forends fit my 500?

[lon371]

Not sure of the difference, except as you now know. Some things wont interchange. You may talk with the dealer where you buy your goodies. Ask them for items specified for the 500a.

[hoytinak]

Yeah someone mentioned that Mossberg changed the lenght of their forends at some point. Look like mine was made before they did that.

[rantingredneck]

For all things mossberg, including info, get with these folks. www.havlinsales.com

Vic and Cheryl, aside from selling lots of stuff for mossbergs (including stuff for discontinued and hard to find models) run the mossberg collectors association. They will know :D.

EDITED to ADD:

From their site this is the difference between them:

Old Style Stocks and Forearms for K850XXX serial number or older – action slide length 7-5/8”
Stocks and Forearms for 500® 12 ga will also fit 835® Ulti-Mag® 12 ga. Measure the aluminum cylinder portion of your action slide to determine if old style (7-5/8”) or new style (6-1/2”)

[hoytinak]

Thanks rantingredneck....good info. :)

[rantingredneck]

They're good to buy from too. I've purchased several stocks and barrels and such from them over the years.

If you have a 500 and want the ultimate in 18.5" barrels for it, check out their LE/Tactical Accuchoke model. 18.5" barrel with interchangeable chokes. Makes a good HD gun. Killed a deer with mine last year when I was recovering from my injury and needed a lightweight field gun.

We'll see next Sat how good of a Turkey gun it makes (if I can actually call in a turkey this year) :D.

81.99 delivered to my door for the barrel with a mod choke tube.

[5Wire]

Plus one on Havlin Sales.