Got it just about how I want it.

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As I said in my last thread here in the shotgun forum, I picked up a gently used Mossy 500 for my $50 and my S&W Sigma. Came with a 28 inch barrel. That's nice and all, but I don't really have much use for the 28 inch barrel other than fun. I would like to start duck hunting, but that may not be for a while yet. And since I would eventually like to do some hunting, and some clay shooting, I didn't want to get rid of the 28 incher.

So in search of a decently priced 18.5 inch barrel I went. eBay and other online sources really didn't show up much, but I wasn't really searching super hard. I couldn't justify dropping $125-150 on a barrel right now.

I kinda put it on the back burner and forgot about it. Then while killing some time, I stopped in at Dick's sporting goods. And they just so happen to have the 18.5 inch barrel sitting there for $80. Couldn't believe it, because usually Dick's is a ripoff.

I also picked up an ATI pistol grip stock. I'm not a fan of synthetic, preferring wood, but I wanted to give the pistol grip a try. Took it home, installed it, and took it off immediately. They may fit some people, but I am not one of them.

I haven't had the chance to shoot it with the new barrel, but it already seems so much lighter and more maneuverable. If its nice out tomorrow, I'm heading to the range.

Next on my "to-do list" is a pad and a front sight of some sort. Not sure what, yet, gotta do some research. The bead is meh, and although I don't have a whole lot of experience, I find it a little difficult to pick up.

Not very special, but she's mine and so far I love her:

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That shotgun like it sits will handle about 99% of the social situations you will likely encounter in your life.

For recoil pads, the Santoprene pads like the KICK-EEZ and the Limbsaver greatly reduce felt recoil and are worth their weight in gold.

Nice shotgun.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr
 
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For recoil pads, the Santoprene pads like the KICK-EEZ and the Limbsaver greatly reduce felt recoil and are worth their weight in gold.

Nice shotgun.
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Thanks! And I'll definitely check out those recommendations.

Next thing you need is a big pile of fired hulls and some wear marks on that shotgun...
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I agree 100%. I've put about 250 rounds through it so far. I know, not a whole lot, but I definitely feel like I'm starting to get farmilliar with my gun. Still, I feel a pad and a new front sight may help.

But I have been reading (and re-reading) Dave McCracken's writings, and they are definitely helping my urge to throw unnecessary money at the gun. I wanted to try the pistol grip, and it definitely didn't work for me, so the plan is to keep it simple and useful.
 
Nice setup! KISS!
If it was mine ,probably the only other addition would be a sling only for the reason you don't have to put your long gun down to be able to use both hands.
 
I'm undecided on a sling. I haven't really researched the pros and cons of them thoroughly, yet.

But I do know that I'm going to need to get more farmilliar with shotgunning before I make that decision.
 
You really don't need a shotgun sling unless:

1. You are a member of a swat team and need to go for the handgun when the shotgun is done at the door breach.

2. Or you have to carry a shotgun and 25 duck decoys a mile through the swamp or river marsh to your duck blind.

rc
 
2. Or you have to carry a shotgun and 25 duck decoys a mile through the swamp or river marsh to your duck blind.
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The stock and 28 incher have studs installed, so I could use a sling for hunting.
 
I have a 500 with 28" barrel and a 535 Waterfowl with a 28" barrel. Both of them have simple hunting slings. The slings are absolutely necessary if you have to walk in to a place. I normally end up carrying a shotgun, backpack with my gear, and decoys. The slings get in the way in thick brush, but the benefits more than outweigh the bad. If I am not duck hunting, the slings come off.

I also have another 500 with a pistol grip/m4 type stock. I could see how it might work with a non tang-safety shotgun, but it just isn't right on the Mossberg. One of these days I will hunt down a regular synthetic stock for it and ditch the current setup.

That is a very useful and versatile shotgun you have. Don't get too fancy with it. I've had gadgets and doodads on mine. Over a decade, several thousand rounds, different stock sets, different camo schemes, and countless little knick knacks, I really appreciate simplicity. My hunting shotguns have nothing but slings and a fiber optic front sight. I think the sling is more important to me than the sight. I lost a sight in the boat one day, and still killed several ducks sighting off of the rib and "muscle memory".
 
Good that you didn't ditch the other barrel. Duck hunting is a sport that is unequaled in my opinion. While I love all hunting, there is something magical about have ducks cupping into your spread.

I agree that going to fancy can ultimately be a waste of money. But then again, if you can afford those bells and whistles....they sure do look good. You got yourself a very fine, versatile weapon. You should be proud. Remember... BA/UU/R
 
If your popper is going to be a home defender only then a sling isn't needed. If you're planning on street work (law enforcement or security stuff) then a sling is a necessity. Most cops will never bring out their shotguns since they also need to be able to run, jump, climb fences, and jump into difficult person to person discussions (I'm being polite here)... and if you have a shotgun with you (as I did almost all the time if even the possibility of weapons use was there) you either have to clear and ground your gun or have some way of slinging it to allow you to go "hands on" when needed. Most slings are easily detachable when not wanted but invaluable if you want to party...
 
Awerbuck has a short list of shotgun accessories/modifications - from my class notes from 2006:

1) A stock short enough for the shooter to use comfortably - most shotgun stocks are too long.

2) A sling. A sing on a long gun is like a holster for a pistol. The simpler the better.

3) A white light source on the gun. Too hard to manipulate a separate light if needed for shooting. Do need a handheld light too though.

4) Sights - if the shooter needs them. Sights should be simple and solidly mounted - screws and/or silver solder, NOT epoxy.

YMMV of course, but the SHOOTER is the primary weak point in any firearm. Develop the shooter FIRST. Mindset is primary, then skillset. And you cannot buy skill in a cardboard box or a blister pack. That takes training and practice.

===============

For fun... I just ran across video of Louis working a student through what I call the 4-way drill - a move and shoot drill that takes the student in/out/left/right on command, engaging a steel swinger when it can be hit, in the middle of an array of no-shoot paper targets. And that means no shoot from projectiles on the approach to the designated target, and on the back side/exit as well. All that plus keeping the gun loaded and shooting too... while keeping up with what Louis is yelling.

This drill comes well into the 3-day class, it isn't a beginner's drill.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szaJ1QhafjI

Another student, same drill - looks like the same range/class:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MujiSSm_dE
 
Good stuff, guys. I appreciate the advice.

And Fred, I think I've decided not to add anything until I run a few hundred more rounds through it, and decide whether any additions will help my shooting.
 
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