Mossberg 500AB

[okiewita40]

I need help figureing out just what the "B" stands for. I know from researching that the "A" stands for 12 ga. But I am lost on the B.

Any and all help will be appreciated.

By the way I just got this gun for $150 out the door at the local pawn shop.

 

[JohnBT]

I found this post after a bit of searching.

"Answer
Mossberg Model 500 was introduced 1961 and is still in production.

The 500 is the model number the "A" means 12 gauge,
the "B" means its was sold at a discount house like Walmart or K Mart. In therory it was plainer than those sold at gun stores and higher retailer. In reality there not much difference. The AB model were sold from the late 1970s to early 1980s. There is no serial number dating available for Mossberg. With the AB it should have a 28 inch Accu-Choke system barrel that has the spanner type choke wrench if the barrel is orginal.
Its is a well made gun that is very durable."

 

[Ash]

B need not necessarily mean low-end. If, for example, it is an ABR, the B designates it was sold in a discount store like Montgomery Wards, the R means deluxe. The combo can be AR as well.

For Mossberg, the initial letter following model number indicates caliber/gauge. For instance, the Mossberg 800a is the 800 in .308, the 800b is .243, 800c is 22-250. 800ah is 800 in 308 with hinged floorplate. 800ac is 308 with a detachable magazine, etc.

Ash

 

[okiewita40]

Thank you for the info. I guess I got a wally world special. No big deal to me. The action works just fine. I would bet that this gun wasn't shot much as there is not much wear on the working parts of the action.

I'll enjoy it just like a new one. Since it is new to me.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Enjoy that good shotgun,okie. Good news and bad news....

The good news, you've a shotgun with a proven record. It's reliable, durable and has a simple MOA.

Bad news, in a mere 50-60,000 rounds, it may need some new parts. Sorry.....

 

[beertracker]

Interesting post. I have a Western Field Montgomery Ward M550ABD 12 ga. pump; no doubt a Mossy. I bought it in the late 70s or early 80s at a Montgomery Ward store. It came with a 28" C-lect choke bird barrel. I always wondered why manufacturers dropped C-lect chokes? I recently purchased a Mossy 500 slug barrel and it fits like a glove on my M550ABD.

Regards,
Beertracker

 

[okiewita40]

I plan on giving the mossy a workout soon. I know it hasn't been shot very much as there is still some blueing in the barrel. it isn't nice and shiny on the inside like my old 16 ga is.

If this mossy holds out another 50-60K rounds then I will have gotten way more than my money's worth out of it.