Mossberg 500 HD?

No.

Just get a Maverick 88.

Axis II said:

Is it worth turning an older 500 field gun into a HD gun? Synthetic stock, 18.5'' barrel, forend grip, ghost ring sights.

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That depends entirely on your needs and desires. If I had an old 500 with a hunting barrel, and I didn't need it but did want a home defense shotgun, I probably would.

You could probably just swap the barrel to an 18.5" with a bead rather than ghost rings. Add a light and maybe a magazine extension, and it should be good to go. There are some attachments that can be used to mount a regular flashlight to a mag tube extension, so it needn't be too expensive.

JC Cooper fan has a point. I just found a new Maverick 88 in 12 gauge/8 round capacity for $235.

By the time you add all the mods mentioned you’re going to be close to that.

Cheapest functional option is to have a smith cut the barrel down and call it a day or maybe look for a used cruiser (18.5 inch) barrel. If a smith cuts that barrel back ( non ribbed would be cheapest) you will probably have a minimum of cylinder as a choke.

Mossberg ghost ring sights $130
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1005517688?pid=170449

Magpul stock $105
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2319512418?pid=832884

Magpul fore-end $29
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2319147823?pid=665440

Possibly, a different "action slide" will be needed $65, as some Mossberg 500 guns have a fore-end which is not removable from the existing action-slide.

Other parts may be needed, such as the nut $13
https://www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgwi/prod/3408

This doesn't include how to address the existing barrel length of a "field" shotgun down to the 18.5" desired length; and installing the ghost right sights. An owner might do it or else pay someone to do the work.

Personally, I'd rather put the time, tools, and effort toward an 18.5" 590A1 w/ghost ring sights for $756 (if one could be found right now)
https://www.mossberg.com/590a1-m-lok-50765.html

18" barrel and a handguard that holds a light is all I would do, so whatever needed to make those 2 things happen.

All I'd ever want is a short barrel with bead sight (anything between 18 1/4" and 20"), a sling, and an elastic butt cuff to hold four or five additional shells and I'd have full confidence in it for HD work... Your biggest cost would be the barrel, obviously, and you can hold onto the field barrel it replaces and if HD is no longer needed change back to its original configuration... That HD barrel, for my purposes, should be sporting an improved cylinder choke...

I know that everyone wants an extended magazine - and also a light - but in the real world a well set up HD shotgun is a one shot fight ender with ordinary 2 3/4 00buck or slugs... That light, nice as it is - also illuminates the person holding that shotgun - not anything I'd ever want (understatement...). A basic riot configured shotgun with four round mag is relatively light weight and very quick pointing something I really value when it's all on the line and you're at close quarters HD distances (under 15 meters). Quickness in a close quarters confrontation is life itself... in my opinion. Remember that home defense means you're on your own ground - not out looking for trouble the way law enforcement or urban combat requires. You'll be the one deciding to light up a room or not, and other considerations will also direct how you respond - or not...

What little I know about shotguns was learned on the street over the years - and I hope to never need it again in my time here...

WrongHanded said:

That depends entirely on your needs and desires. If I had an old 500 with a hunting barrel, and I didn't need it but did want a home defense shotgun, I probably would.

You could probably just swap the barrel to an 18.5" with a bead rather than ghost rings. Add a light and maybe a magazine extension, and it should be good to go. There are some attachments that can be used to mount a regular flashlight to a mag tube extension, so it needn't be too expensive.

Click to expand...

Good luck adding a mag extension to a 500.

Axis II said:

Is it worth turning an older 500 field gun into a HD gun?

Click to expand...

Yes, if that's what you'd like in a shotgun.

Axis II said:

Synthetic stock, 18.5'' barrel, forend grip, ghost ring sights.

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Wait, what?

Don't change the stock unless the current stock is broken. Don't change the barrel, just carefully cut the current barrel to 18.5" and reinstall the bead. Don't change the forearm, unless the current forearm is broken (or you're adding a light). Don't change the sights; if you need ghost ring sights on your HD weapon, get a carbine.

An 18.5" cylinder bore pump is a great HD shotgun, but if you're going to dress it up with all that jazz then you're probably better off buying new.

JCooperfan1911 said:

Good luck adding a mag extension to a 500.

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Yeah looks like you've got a point there. Though it seems other tube options may be available. There are even some barrel and mag tube combo kits.

WrongHanded said:

Yeah looks like you've got a point there. Though it seems other tube options may be available. There are even some barrel and mag tube combo kits.

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The magazine tube would have to be removed. It’s a chore involving heat (sometimes a lot) and unscrewing it with a strap wrench. Reinstall is finicky.

Barrels are easily swappable on 500s, not so for mag tubes.

JCooperfan1911 said:

The magazine tube would have to be removed. It’s a chore involving heat (sometimes a lot) and unscrewing it with a strap wrench. Reinstall is finicky.

Barrels are easily swappable on 500s, not so for mag tubes.

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Must be different from the 590s I've had. Those tubes came off easy enough.