Montgomery Ward Western Field Model 550CL 20 gauge.

[Dunross]

I have come into possession of a Western Field (Montgomery Ward) Model 550CL pump in 20 gauge.

It's in basically good shape, but I would like a shorter barrel than the 28" that it has now.

I know it's a Mossberg 500 which leads me to ask is there any reason I cannot put a modern Moss 500 barrel on it? Montgomery Ward has been gone a long time so I want to be sure there hasn't been any sort of design changes in the intervening years.

Thanks.

 

[Blue Brick]

https://www.gunauction.com/buy/7878007


Like this?

 

[Dunross]

Basically. Mine is the CL model so checkered and with Accuchoke tubes.

Will modern 500 barrels fit?

Before I double the value of the gun I want to be sure it's actually going to fit! (laughing)

 

[Blue Brick]

My guess, Yes. For 100%, Call Mossberg.

 

[Blue Brick]

What did Mossberg say?

 

[Boattale]

I've got a little different theory than a lot of people on here. If you've got an older shotgun that you want a shorter barrel for, why not just cut it to the length you want, put a bead on it and be happy. Then worry about a longer barrel on down the road if you ever want one. It's not like you're cutting up some rare valuable collector Purdey or anything. Which is exactly what I did with a 20 Gauge standard weight 1100 that I got for my 21st birthday, lo those 47 years ago.