Mossberg 500 18.5 - the perfect defensive shotgun?

[AcceptableUserName]

Honestly, I'm not looking to start a war here. Just personal opinion.I've always been big on the Winchester 1300's and 590s and 590a1's in particular, be it 20" standard or 18.5" with 2 shot extension with a sidesaddke. Basically high capacity pumps. For true all out combat that would probably be the pump of choice.

However last night I was putting the finishing touches on the 500 field I've converted. Right now it's wearing a Speedfeed stock with shell holders, a John Masen forend, a heat shield and nothing else. I must say this is the most comfortable, natural defensive shotgun I can think of that still addresses most of the shooter's possible needs. A light will be added, but that's all. Rather than put on a wretched, balance-killing sidesaddle I added the Speedfeed. That way you have the ability to carry 4 rds of different ammo should an ammo change or "select slug" ever need to be performed. The heatshield is equal parts looks and function. I've burned my hands many a time at the range, with the heatshield in place I do not. It looks cool, yes, but it really does serve a function for me.

I think at this point in time if someone asked me what MY personal ideal defensive pump shotgun setup, it'd be centered around the standard m500 platform without a sidesaddle and with a Speedfeed stock...it's just so natural...

 

[Pony Express]

I must say this is the most comfortable, natural defensive shotgun I can think of

I think thats what makes it the "best" defensive shotgun. I think it wouldn't be too unreasonable to say that the Remington 870, M500, Winchester 1300/1200, etc. are all pretty much equal when it comes to reliablilty and strength. I think from there its just personal preference about slide releases, safeties, and fit.

Glad you found a platform you like so much. This has me thinking I should go pick up a 500

 

[Youngster]

I shot quite a few rounds through a loaner 590A1 20" the other day and I have to say there's a lot to like about the basic Mossberg design, most noticably for me was the balance, even in the heavy barrel 20" configuration its STILL a lot less muzzle heavy than my 870 Police.

I can take or leave the location of the safety and release but I like not having a heavily sprung lifter in the way when loading the mag. The one thing that kind of kills Mossbergs for me though is the cheap look and loose "clattery" feel, in particular the pump assembly on all the ones I've tried have had so much side-to-side play it was ridiculous.

Still, at the end of the day I respect the design and will probably pick one up at some point.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Perfect?

Nope.

Darn good choice?


Heck,yes!!!

Enjoy....

 

[oneounceload]

I find unbalanced pumps to NOT be perfect for anything, even though I have one in a closet somewhere - yes, they are cheap and fairly reliable............but perfect? I'm not thinking so.......

YMMV

 

[Al LaVodka]

Acceptable my late converted friend, welcome to SpeedFeed +4 on a Mossberg! LOL

I pretty much agree with you. I was playing with one of my 870's the other day, a good part of the day, and was amazed at how differently heavy it soon felt. The 500 needs a metal safety and the tighter forearms are an improvement in my mind's eye too, but, yeah, as close to perfect as something gets then as nothing is ACTUALLY perfect...

Al

 

[Old Guy]

Ex Police Mossberg

Picked one up for work, $87.00 from a local Gun Shop a couple of years ago, stuck SECURITY on both sides of the stock, in white 1" letters, works a treat.

Action like a swiss watch. Some jobs it feels good on a sling, conversation piece? I get lots of "Sirs" Of course I smile at people a lot, and be real pleasant. Our Waiver states "Hi Risk Patrol" Low velocity slugs? They can't be that low velocity can they?

This S/G looks like it will be around for ever.

 

[shockwave]

It's the Glock of pump-action shotguns. The more you rack and fire the more it wants to keep going. As for the side saddle question, after the first few outings I felt that my physical condition required improvement so an exercise regimen over the past few months has made the gun lighter and easier to handle. Same effect on the handguns.

For target or skeet, just unload it. What I like about the sidesaddle over other solutions was pointed out to me over at box o' truth. If your target is down and you are either low or out of shells in the tube, the sidesaddle lets you advance on the target and reload while keeping the bead focused on the threat.

 

[jrod]

I think any basic plain jane 18 1/2 " barrel pump from Mossberg,Remington or Ithaca is all that is needed for defense.All that "Tactical" crap is just that.Just another way to get your money.It's the shooter more than the weapon that matters.

 

[22lr]

My plain jane 500 serves home duty, deer killing, duck shooting, skeet shooting and all my shotgun needs. Sure I have a 590, but I still go back to the 500. Its not anything but a personal preference for the gun. It was my first and still my favorite shotgun. A 5k fine O/U it is not, but she has never let me down.

 

[oneounceload]

If your target is down and you are either low or out of shells in the tube, the sidesaddle lets you advance on the target and reload while keeping the bead focused on the threat.

If your target is down, then you are no longer in danger and further use of deadly force on your part is unwarranted and gets you a stint in jail.......

 

[Fred Fuller]

'Perfect' is a pretty tall order. I've always been willing to get along with "works for me."

lpl

 

[AcceptableUserName]

I'm really moving away from sidesaddles, though I'll probably use one on certain guns. I'm really liking the Speedfeed or a buttcuff for onboard ammo carry. It feels so much better.

 

[Youngster]

Other than maybe a buttcuff, I don't like any ammo on the gun at all. I carry most of my shells in a canvas bag with a sling. Toss that puppy over my shoulder as I pick up the gun and I've got at least 30 rounds ready to go.

 

[Tacbandit]

Quote:
"If your target is down, then you are no longer in danger and further use of deadly force on your part is unwarranted and gets you a stint in jail.......

Point well taken, but not always true. Target being down doesn't mean "threat over." Most likely with a 12g, but dependant entirely upon hit/load.. Not sure about advancing, but the reload ability makes sense in regard to keeping your eyes on the target.

 

[shockwave]

If your target is down, then you are no longer in danger

That may not be the case:

Or, as explained:

We scan the area for additional threats, while keeping an eye and the muzzle on the BG, as he was the last threat we faced.

He may be down, but always be expecting him to get up and attack you again.

Assuming this was a single attacker, the muzzle stays on target and remains there while dialing 911, waiting for responders, etc. Unless you have some obvious reason to believe otherwise, a wounded adversary should be considered extremely dangerous.