[SUE ROVR]

Can I just hack it down to 18.5in?

It is a Mossberg 500. I have no real need for the 28in barrel, or maybe I should buy an 18.5in?

Is there any difference between a factory 18.5in and a 28in with 9.5in hacked off?

[Dave McCracken]

You can, but I urge you not to. I've shortened several barrels, and usually regretted it.

Short Mossie barrels are neither scarce nor costly. Keep your long barrel for when you decide to hunt and/or shoot clays. Both are highly enjoyable activities.

Factory barrels of the short persuasion oft have a few thousandths of choke. Bobbed barrels do not. A little choke is often a good idea.

[foghornl]

Mossberg will sell you a Model 500 barrel for $74, 18.5" plain bead-sighted, cylinder choke. You can order directly from Mossberg:

www.Mossberg.com

or 1-800-363-3555

Part number 90015

I bought that same barrel from my stocking Mossberg dealer for $69, you may be able to find it for less.

My personal preference is NOT to cut down barrels. I tried that once, many years back, and I ended up having to replace the barrel. A bit of mud, unnoticed near the muzzle, gave it that "Blunderbuss" look. [Don't ask how I know, I just know]. I never could seem to get the cut straight, so I finally gave up and bought a new one.

Who knows, at some future point in time, that Mossy may be used as a regular field hunting weapon...

While I like the short (18.5") barrel on my Maverick Mdl 88 for a Homeland Security Application, it is somewhat impractical in the Waterfowl Blinds.

[Highpower1]

I agree, buy the spare barrel. Then you can pick and choose which one you want from time to time.

[kennedy]

I just bought a 18.5 in barrel for my moss 500 for $60 shipped, off the internet, Gun parts corp has sawed off barrels for about $30