Mossberg 500 Persuader or Cruiser?

[rugerman07]

I'm looking for a home defense 12 gauge, I've narrowed my choices down to 2.

Mossberg
500 Cruiser
500 Persuader

I like the compact, pistol griped Cruiser. Not only would this be an ideal home defense weapon, it would be a fun gun to take to the range.

The Persuader however, gives you the option of (2) guns in one. It comes with a butt stock, plus an additional (add on) pistol grip.

Anyone own either or of these shotguns, have comments or opinions? What are new ones' selling for today? I live in the Southern Illinois area (near St.Louis).

 

[VA27]

The pistol grip guns are a bear to shoot. Buy the one with both stocks so you'll have a usable gun after you figure that out.

Don't have any idea on the price where you are. I gave $320 for a Tactical Cruiser and put a Hogue ShortShot on it.

 

[NG VI]

I just bought a Persuader/Cruiser combo, got it from Dick's, but the PGO kit was not included, so I called up Mossberg customer service and mailed them a copy of the sticker from the stock of the shotgun, and hopefully my new PGO is on the way. I agree with you that for some of us, in the home a fully stocked shotgun is almost completely unusable because of the length. If you are going to try out the PGO setup, you should really check out some reduced recoil loads, Fiocchi's nine pellet reduced recoil load is a good one.

 

[oneounceload]

I bought the cruiser eons ago, after two sessions, I bought the shoulder stock, and it's been that way for about 20+ years

PGO stocks are not as easy to point at your target, and they also place the recoil in the web of your hand instead of the broader area of your shoulder

 

[RP88]

cruisers hurt. If you have a space problem, then learn to squeeze your arm around the stock as you fire from the hip. Your trigger hand will thank you later.

 

[NG VI]

If you have a space problem, then learn to squeeze your arm around the stock as you fire from the hip. Your trigger hand will thank you later.

Not a bad idea, now that I think of it firing a stocked shotgun from other than shoulder positions really is easier on the wrists, even with slugs.

 

[Guns and more]

This is like asking if you like Glocks. Everyone has an opinion.
I have the cruiser. I'm ordering the Knoxx "breachers grip", which is basically a pistol grip with a spring in the mount. I hope it works as expected. I just think a full size shotgun is too awkward for HD. Too easy to grab out of your hands while you're trying to clear doorways, etc.
Obviously, Mossberg isn't having trouble selling them. The convertible would be the way to go, except it's not the 18.5" barrel and matte finish. That would sell big.

 

[foghornl]

I tried the Pistol Grip Only on my Maverick 88...ONCE

How I got to be known as "Rocky Raccoon" for a couple of weeks...A matched pair of "Shiners", a severely mooshed but not broken nose, and 'fat lips'.

I had put on the PGO just 'for grins', and was doing OK with it, using #8 very light target loads. Put in one of the 3"Mag #4 Buck loads, one of the guys tossed one of those uber-dangerous "Clays", I swung up the Maverick BOOM!

OW! QUIT IT! *&^*&^(* among some other more ahhhhh 'colorful' things that were said....

Put on the 18-1/2" barrel and standard stock and call it a day.

 

[rugerman07]

I'll most likely go with the persuader. Thanks to everyone for your replies.

 

[Scoutsout2645]

I've done LOTS of CQB training using a Rem 1100 and trust me, having a stock on your gun doesn't impede you and it gives you a better weapon for aimed, stable shots. Barrel length is crucial, however and I'd go w/ an 18"-20" barrel at most.

Side thought: in the event of a jam/misfeed/mechanical failure or lack of ammo, that buttstock now doubles as a WONDERFUL weapon in hand to hand combat--any home defender should practice using it on a target for a bit after you get done using the skinny end at the range. That's why I stay away from those "Tactical" pistol grip and collapsible stock set-ups. But that's just 1 opinion.

 

[JeepGeeek]

pistol grips are for gripping pistols.

using a shoulder stock enables you to much easier point shoot. Not to mention, handle recoil.

 

[foghornl]

One other thing...if you REALLY NEEDED to use it that way, how are ya gonna buttstroke Mr. Felon w/ a PGO shotgun?

 

[Steven Proshop]

i bought the 8 shot cruiser a year ago for $250 and bought a $25 stock on eBay, because the one with the stock was blued and $100 more. never once fired it with the pistol grip

 

[rcmodel]

A stock also helps greatly in weapon retention in the event the BG surprises you and gets hold of the barrel.

I wouldn't own a PG shotgun on a bet, especially for HD.

rcmodel