newb question : 18.5" barrel and clay shooting?

[johnee]

I'm completely new to shotguns, and I bought a Mossberg 590 for home defense.

I'm itching to fire it to get proficient with it, but the closest shotgun range is a "five stand" only range. I'm not sure the short barrel will be "welcomed" or even effective.

What say you?

Thanks,
John

[btg3]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=194194

Post#3 may be of interest in the linked thread.

[johnee]

thanks for the link. Wonder if my gun will be turned away, the range/club website doesn't list any restrictions for barrel length (but they do for gauge/shot/load). guess i'm worried about being "snubbed".

[Dave McCracken]

Give them a call, John. Ask and they'll tell ya.

My home range has an iddywa rule about barrel length,requiring a minimum of 23". Otherwise a fine facility.

Of course, getting a 500 with 28" barrel will set you back a couple hundred and give you something to work with while you learn the controls.

[mossberg]

It'd be effective. I've done just fine with my 18.5" Mossberg.

[chris in va]

Close range, it's not bad. But you'd better be quick with it, the shot spreads out fast with that open cylinder barrel.

Hey you know other barrels can be had for your 590, right?

[NavyGunNut]

It'd be effective. I've done just fine with my 18.5" Mossberg.

Ditto with my 18" 870 Express HD--the only problem is the HD barrel doesn't allow you to add a choke, AFAIK. Doesn't seem to be an issue unless I'm shooting 5-stand.

[Sheezy]

Give them a call, John. Ask and they'll tell ya.

My home range has an iddywa rule about barrel length,requiring a minimum of 23". Otherwise a fine facility.

Of course, getting a 500 with 28" barrel will set you back a couple hundred and give you something to work with while you learn the controls.

You sure?
I got a 6 shot mossberg 500A with a 28 inch for around $207 brand new
Mind you, prices for those may be higher around where you live so nevermind.