Mossberg 500a "tactical" ?

[Hedgemeister]

I have the opportunity to pick up a barely used 500a tactical for $180. I have been looking for a HD shotgun for awhile. Is this a good deal? I have only had Remington shotguns before, so I don't know much about the Mossberg.

 

[rosewood151]

It's a great deal.

 

[Bernie Lomax]

Not a bad gun--especially for that price--but if you're willing to spend more, you can do a lot better.

 

[Panzercat]

I'd debate "a lot better".

A Mossy 500 for $150 is damn good price, depending on your application. For most I could think of, you can't go wrong. I was able to sell mine used (7+1 20in cruiser) in the vicinity of $280 on backpage. Sometimes you can catch somebody looking to unload package deals (redot, sling, shotty, saddle) but those get snapped up quickly if they're even close to being reasonably priced.

 

[Balrog]

if you're willing to spend more, you can do a lot better.

What guns are you talking about, and how are they better?

 

[fatcat4620]

I would hold off on that if you can. I waited and looked for a long time but found a 590 20 in. on arms list for 150 OTD in my town. You can dress up a 500 all day but the only true tactical mossy 500 IS the 590. Fancy doodads are just fancy doodads.

 

[Bernie Lomax]

the only true tactical mossy 500 IS the 590.

Don't forget the 590A1.

 

[Rshooter]

Is it a good deal...yes.

 

[Guns and more]

Buy it. They last forever and a new one is about $300.
If you hate it (you won't) you can sell it for more than you paid.

 

[phoglund]

It's a good deal and will serve you well.

Is it the full on 'tactical' model? No.

Are you going to carry it day after day in combat conditions for 6 months...no, you aren't.

It's a quality firearm known for it's reliability and ease of use. It's an eminently capable home defense arm you can rely upon.

 

[Hedgemeister]

Thanks for the help. It seemed like a good deal. Right now I have my 28" 870 doing double duty for HD. I think I am going to take the deal.

 

[Balrog]

You can dress up a 500 all day but the only true tactical mossy 500 IS the 590. Fancy doodads are just fancy doodads.

The only differences I am aware of between a 500 and 590 are a slightly thicker barrel and a steel trigger group on the 590. Neither of these two upgrades seem very important. Are there other differences?

 

[fatcat4620]

Yeah Bernie the A1 is the best unless you don't like everything in pairs.

 

[fatcat4620]

Only the a1 has the steel trigger guard. On top of what you said the 590 has a bayonet lug and heat shield. The a1 is all steel and has sweet GR sights and no heat shield. As far as I can tell the receiver is the same on all. The 590s have parkerized internals.

 

[fatcat4620]

Yeah Bernie the A1 is the best unless you don't like everything in pairs.

 

[zhyla]

Heck of a deal, do it. I've got a 590 but I would have snapped up that instead if I had the chance.

 

[fatcat4620]

I think the price is great but I say keep looking.

 

[Caliper_Mi]

The only differences I am aware of between a 500 and 590 are a slightly thicker barrel and a steel trigger group on the 590. Neither of these two upgrades seem very important. Are there other differences?

The 590's with a 20" barrel have a 9 round mag.

BTW: I'd have bought at that price.

 

[Hedgemeister]

Picked it up yest.. What a deal. He even threw in the side saddle for $180. Thanks for the advice.

 

[bannockburn]

Hedgemeister

You got a heck of a deal there. Should make for a decent HD shotgun.

 

[Hedgemeister]

thanks bannockburn, I can't believe the "weapon" this thing has on the front, that might be all I need for HD. I think i'll put a few 2 3/4 oo buck shells in it just in case though.

 

[au01st]

Very good deal!

Check out some of the reduced recoil buckshot loads. I keep my HD gun with a Hogue pistol grip (haters gonna hate) and 5+1 in the gun. I can shoot a Natty Lite box at 15 yards holding the gun chest level with all 6 rounds in under 5 seconds, and just for S&G, shot some one handed; the reduced recoil loads are still plenty dangerous for anyone on the other end, and easier to handle.