Mossberg 500, new to me

[Remington74]

So I found a 1985 vintage Mossberg at the local gun shop and had to take it home with me. 26"improved cylinder choke, wood is in good condition and metal shows some use. I picked up a 18.5" barrel at Sportsman's warehouse and it looks just fine for HD use. I am planning to re-blue the original barrel and use it on occasion for whatever. I took it down for a complete cleaning and all looks good internally. Any tips or suggestions as to what else may need to be done to this old girl?

 

[Sharkbite]

The origional 500 design had a plastic tang safety. On ocassion these will break at the screw hole. A metal replacement is avail, as on the 590. Nice little upgrade.

 

[Rifletom]

I'd say you a fine shotgun for HD and the field barrel for clays or upland chasing. I have two, 12 and 20ga and they do just fine in the range or in the field.

 

[Remington74]

I plan to take it out this weekend and run a few rounds thru it. I'm curious what sort of pattern I get with the short barrel at 5-10 yards using 00 buck. Also the improved cylinder barrel at up to 30 yards with birdshot. It will probably spend the next few years just sitting in the corner of the bedroom but will get exercised every now and again, mostly just target practice as I haven't gone hunting in years.

 

[FITASC]

The length of the barrel has nothing to do with the pattern you'll get. The choke constriction in the end of the barrel does. Different types and different brands of the same type of ammo can give you different results. Your IC at 30 yards will be perfect for upland birds, even some decoyed ducks using steel.

 

[stuckinthe60s]

save money and dont reblue.

 

[DHart]

For home defense use you may want to put a light on that 500. Perhaps a side saddle for another handful of shells at hand. Otherwise, shoot the snot out of it. Rack that action like your life depends on it (it may). Mossberg 500s are great shotguns!

I tend to like wood furniture on mine.

 

[Remington74]

Nice looking shotguns! The corncob forend looks good, I may need to shop around for one of those.

 

[DHart]

I love the corncob forends. Unfortunately, back when I was looking for them, they were getting very scarce. Possibly, these days they *may* be easier to find? I don't know.

 

[wild cat mccane]

More importantly, where are you finding the wood Bantam 12 gauge stocks?

Mossberg only has one 500 model with them.