My First Shotgun, and some questions

[eric.cartman]

I got a Mossberg 500 Tactical Cruiser yesterday :D :what:

Few questions:

1) Is it safe to shoot Dragon Breath through it with the installed breacher at the end of the barrel?
2) Are those Dragon Breath even legal in Florida?
3) Where can I get some accessories for it, aka flash light, shell holding thing on the side of the shotgun, etc.

Thanks!

[pdb]

1) Dragon's breath shouldn't harm the breacher attachment any, although keep in mind that not only will you get flame coming out the muzzle, but also out the ports in the breacher as well. The total effect won't be as dramatic compared to shooting one out of a plain barrel. Be sure to keep the bolt CLOSED while the shell is going off. You don't want to eject a still-burning Dragon's breath shell.

2) Check your local fireworks ordinances.

3) You're going to get a chorus on this, but try shooting it as is first, before shelling out for accessories. I suspect that you might want to investigate a real stock for it first. And you can pick up a cheap one of those from Havlin Sales (http://www.havlinsales.com/).

Good luck with your new blaster!

[eric.cartman]

From Florida Statues http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0790/SEC31.HTM&Title=-%3E2006-%3ECh0790-%3ESection%2031#0790.31

(d) "Dragon's breath shotgun shell" means any shotgun shell that contains exothermic pyrophoric misch metal as the projectile and that is designed for the sole purpose of throwing or spewing a flame or fireball to simulate a flamethrower.

...

(2)(a) Any person who manufactures, sells, offers for sale, or delivers any armor-piercing bullet or exploding bullet, or dragon's breath shotgun shell, bolo shell, or flechette shell is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(b) Any person who possesses an armor-piercing bullet or exploding bullet with knowledge of its armor-piercing or exploding capabilities loaded in a handgun, or who possesses a dragon's breath shotgun shell, bolo shell, or flechette shell with knowledge of its capabilities loaded in a firearm, is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(c) Any person who possesses with intent to use an armor-piercing bullet or exploding bullet or dragon's breath shotgun shell, bolo shell, or flechette shell to assist in the commission of a criminal act is guilty of a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

So you can have Dragon Breath in Florida, just can't load it into a firearm???

[Avenger29]

As for the accessories, you need to look first at Midway.com. The shell-holder thingy you are referring to is a side saddle. To install a side saddle, you replace the pins that hold the trigger guard in with screws for the side saddle. Be careful with tightning the side saddle bolts, as you can warp the aluminum reciever and that would be bad. It would probably cause the bolt to bind in the reciever. Just tighten firmly, but not too hard. I'd also oil the area under the side saddle. On steel recievered shotguns (your Mossberg has an aluminum reciever), you want to do this to prevent rust, too.

It is also interesting that you can't have flechettes. I have no idea what a bolo shell is, though.

You are going to want to put a full stock of some type on it first. However, if you plan on installing a folding stock, you may want to hold off on the side saddle, as they usually block a side folding stock or the Knoxx Copstock. With regards to the Mossberg, I have noticed that the pistol grip severly impedes access to the slide release.

[Oldnamvet]

Bolo shells, as I recall, have several balls connected by thin cable. Sounds vicious yet good old common slugs and buckshot are more effective. They seem to just lack the 'cool' factor if you will. I think you will find shooting slugs, buck, and even birdshot very satisfying and lots of fun. Things like plastic milk cartons filled with water hit with a slug are really dramatic. Just remember to be safe and pick up the mess afterwards.