My New 500A Tactical (Say Hello to My Little Friend)

[proud2deviate]

From a fan of minimalist walnut-stocked shotguns, that actually looks pretty good. Not too much "tactical".

I must say that I disagree whole-heartedly with gearchecker. There's way too much mis-information and grump in that post for this early in the morning. . .

 

[Kindrox]

I like the shotgun but I don't get what makes it "tactical"? Also for how you are using it, is the sling useful to you?

 

[gearchecker]

2nd response to GGLASS
I apologize if I lit your fuse.

You have given sound reasons to all of my questions and answered them kindly.
You didn't need to respond but you did so and I do appreciate that.

It is one hell of a nice looking shotgun. I meant no disrespect to you and I hope you will at least consider my questions as just that - questions that I don't have answers to.

I still don't understand "Tactical" or it's purpose, and that's what I'm really looking for an answer to.
Idaho accepts the Castle doctrine and I do too.
Forums are for dialog and opinions. I was just giving mine and obviously you all don't like differing opinions much. Just my 2 cents worth, no problems.

 

[1KPerDay]

You must be new to the intarweb.

 

[gglass]

gearchecker,

Thanks for the apology, but it is not really necessary, as my feelings were never really hurt. I hope that I did not come across as too heavy handed in my response. I am always up for a good debate.

The meaning of a tactical shotgun to my understanding is as follows:

Any upgrades to a weapon system that can offer its user a tactical advantage. Such as:

• Forward or rear pistol grips for better control and maneuverability
• Improved sight systems like ghost rings, red dots or scopes for better target acquisition. (Ghost rings allow long range target capability and still allows for point and shoot firing)
• Ammunition carriers for easier access to additional ammunition for the unlikely but possible extended firefight
• Laser sights for faster and more accurate target acquisition.
• Gun mounted light systems for target illumination and potential blinding of a foe.

Any of these upgrades to an otherwise stock weapon can be a tactical advantage and thus generally given the name "tactical', or sometimes the Gen "Y" vernacular term of "tacticool".

_____________________________

Kindrox,

The uses for my tactical 500 would be range shooting with slugs and home defense with 00 buck.

The sling is only useful to me for carry purposes. This Mossy is pretty heavy when fully loaded. If I were to go to the next tactical step, I could install a single point sling, but I don't plan on dual wielding the Mossy and a sidearm simultaneously.

 

[RSVP2RIP]

The meaning of a tactical shotgun to my understanding is as follows:

Any upgrades to a weapon system that can offer its user a tactical advantage. Such as:

You cannot define a word with itself. Tactical is "a use of" not a "thing". A tactical use of a shot gun would be, but not limited to, breaching, room clearing, supressing fire...etc. A tactical shotgun is any shotgun used in those circumstances. A fighting shotgun may have certain addons that enhance its ability to preform a given role. I think that less is more though, and about the only thing you need to put on a social shotgun is a light. Or maybe replacing the lockout saftey on a Remington, so that it never gets locked...see Murphy. P.S. The only reason that Military shotguns have a heat sheild is so that when using a bayonet, and the barrel is grasped for its use, the hand is not burned. There is no reason to grasp the barrel when using a shot gun without a bayonet lug. Look at the current military shotguns and you will find that the ones without bayonet lugs have no heatshields.

 

[gglass]

I suppose that I could just stop using the word tactical to better conform to the acceptable nomenclature of this forum.

Maybe I should spread the word to others that we should all stop using tactical to describe a thing like a shotgun. Like all these guys:

http://www.tacticalshotgunaccessories.com/
http://www.tacticalshotguns.com/
http://images.google.com/images?hl=...&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4
http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewforum.php?f=7
http://www.frontsight.com/courses/tactical-shotgun-training.asp

Spread the word.
____________________
RSVP2RIP

FYI - I did not add the heat shield. This just happens to be the way Mossberg ships some of the Cruiser Persuader guns. I did not find it offensive enough to remove, so I suppose that I will keep it in place until enough people ridicule me for my social shotgun faux paux.

 

[snooperman]

Why would anyone want a tactical shotgun ?

I do not have one but I can see why someone would want it . There are some advantages with the ghost ring sights etc. Most law enforcement and paramilitary officers use them quite effectively. Also our Navy , Coast guard, Army and Marines have them; Hence , there is a need for these type of shotguns.

 

[TheBill]

That turned out great.

I made some changes to my Big 5 500A also

Since it was the Big 5 model, I had to order a new slide action tube, so I could put a Hogue forend on it (Big 5 models come with a Maverick forend where the forend IS the slide action tube)

I got the Butler Creek folding stock. Works well when extended surprisingly, I leave it folded most of the time since I did this for my HD weapon. I like it because the stock can be pulled off and capped, so it can be a pistol grip (1), pistol grip while stock is folded (2), or extended stock w/ pistol grip in one.

I put the heat shield on it (just to add to the looks)

Like i had mentioned, I got the Hogue forend, which feels much nicer than the plastic Maverick.

I'd like to get it parkerized, and maybe put some of those sites or a muzzle break or breach on it eventually. I know this is primarily for looks, but that's what I like...and these additions are fun and relatively inexpensive

 

[PA4476]

I know this is primarily for looks, but that's what I like...and these additions are fun and relatively inexpensive

And thats the number 1 reason all these folks are putting all that tacti-cool stuff on. For the looks. I have built a couple of those tactiCOOL jobs just for a $$$ money sake. Turns out there are a lot of mall ninjas out there who have to have a full blown "tactical" shotgun to protect themselfs from zombies. And I'm cool with that, afterall they don't mind giving way more than the thing is worth. And thats money in my pocket.

What scares me is they are using slugs and 00 or 000 buckshot inside their apartments. And if and when a zombie does come it to get them, they may kill 2 or 3 kids 2 doors down by blowing holes through the walls.

And gglass, you do have a "cool" looking gun there.

 

[tribbles]

If it's part of your home defense strategy, then you should call it a 'strategic' shotgun.

Nice gun, btw - like Goldilocks, not too little, not too much, just right.

 

[1KPerDay]

What scares me is they are using slugs and 00 or 000 buckshot inside their apartments.

Yeah, they should be restricted to rubber bullets or bean bags. Gol-dang apartment dwellers.

 

[Justin]

Personally, I don't see a need to for the sling, stock, or heat shield on a home defense shotgun.

That said, assuming you put the trigger time in to learn how to use it, that shotgun is perfectly capable in a defensive role.

 

[chas08]

I've personally never cared for side saddles. Too much mass in view for me. But it looks good if your into the Tacticool look. If it pleases you then that is all that matters.

 

[PJR]

An 18.5" plain-stock, bead sighted, pump shotgun will get the job done. It's what I started with. I have modified the gun so-called "tactical" accessories but each addition to my 870P addresses a specific shortcoming in the factory gun.

Bead sights were replaced with rifle sights. Cylinder choke replaced with modified. The small factory safety was replaced by a larger Vang safety. Also added were a side saddle, an easily removable light mount and a sling.

Things that were tried and rejected were magazine extensions, pistol grip stock, pistol grip only and a laser. Items never considered were bayonet lugs, heat shields, large accessory rails and collapsing stocks.

My 870 isn't a gun for show although it looks pretty good to me. It has accounted for many four-legged nuisances on the farm and deployed twice in response to two-legged threats but not fired.

Would I be just as well off with the original factory gun? Perhaps. But it is a significantly more effective gun with the improvements.

 

[cleardiddion]

I have to admit, that's a pretty good looking 500 you got there!
I'd probably would have put on a fixed stock, but that's a matter of personal taste

 

[Bob2222]

I have a 590A1 that has the heavier barrel, with GRS and a Speedfeed stock (which I didn't order).

I was thinking of building something like the 590A for my wife because of the lighter barrel and heat shield. To the OP -- I like it! And it doesn't look particularly ninjified to me.

As much as I might like to buy an AK and restore it, in my state we can't buy AKs but can do pretty much anything we want with a pump shotgun just so long as it has an 18" barrel.

 

[gearchecker]

GGlass,
Thanks for the explainations, I got it now - that is the tactical definition. I have a Mooberg 500 myself and it's a bear of a gun and weighs a ton. I guess here is the last question from me on this. How much weight did you take off of it. I really like the sight ring you put on it too.

TheBill - The company I work for molds the shell holder stock on your shotgun.
We make all of the steel folding stocks and Ruger 10-22 10 & 25 shot magazines for Uncle Mike's too.
I almost got one of the "rejects" a couple of weeks ago, but it ended up in the material regrinder before I could get my hands on it. I was going to try it on my Mossy and see if I wanted to buy one for myself. I'm ready to try just about anything to take some of the weight off my shotgun and the shell holder is a great idea

 

[litework]

I personally believe the OP's gun is practical. The changes made appear to me to be more than cosmetic and may add value to the user. An adjustable stock isn't something I use on my shotguns, but I don't have a problem reaching the controls or topping off the tube. If I did or had to share the gun with someone who did, I'd have an adjustable stock. The side saddle is a fairly common addition and it is useful. It not only gives you more ammunition, it gives you more ammunition choices. I think having different ammo types readily available is a much better option than the alternating of OO buck and slugs in the tube that seems to be common practice among shotgun users. I understand why many don't like having ammo strapped to the side of the receiver, but I think there are some benefits. I think the ghost ring sight is an improvement over the standard bead sight and the addition of a sling is useful too. I like it.

 

[Dave McCracken]

My $0.02....

A shotgun is simply a device that directs pellets to targets, effectively and in comfort to the shooter.

Any hardware change that causes an improvement in accuracy, effect and/or comfort can be considered a good thing.

However, quite often folks think that sticking things on a shotgun can make up for lack of practice,

Nope.

A box stock shotgun that you've put a few thousand rounds through, some recently, will do a better job in trained hands than the best custom gun in the hands of a novice can when if really does come down to life and death..

The artist is more crucial than the brush.

Go shoot your shotgun until the empty hulls rise around your shins. At that point you have a "Tactical" shotgun.

And you're a tactical shotgunner.

See how easy this is.....

 

[Isher]

Gearchecker -

Right on!

I have no dog in the gun bling fight,

Because I don't bling my guns.

Got an old Winnie 1200 12 ga.;

Has worked fine for me since 1982.

Those who want to bling their guns, fine.

I use my money for other stuff.


isher

 

[THE DARK KNIGHT]

You need a pair of special forces tactical gloves, a must for any home defense extended firefight IMO.

http://www.specopstactical.com

 

[bigalexe]

2 things

-Someone mentioned earlier about the safety. This has come up various places and honestly in my opinion I like it better than any crossbolt I have ever used. If you slip your thumb up over to it while maintaining a grip on the pistol handle it feels very natural, moreso than it looks like.

-Secondly if you are bored visit that tacticalshotgunaccessories site, I was hopeful of finding useful stuff but died laughing at the level of terrible on some of their setups.

 

[Fred Fuller]

jmho-

Any shotgun in the hands of a shooter who knows how to handle it properly in a gunfight is a tactical shotgun. But the 'tactical' is in the mind and the muscles of the SHOOTER- not in the gun. The gun is only hardware.

Louis Awerbuck carries a cut-down double barrel as a defensive shotgun while travelling the USA on his instructional circuit. Anyone who would define ANY shotgun in the hands of a Louis Awerbuck, or a Clint Smith, or a Randy Cain as anything other than 'tactical' knows not whereof they speak.

So, gglass- once again, have you shot it yet? How many rounds so far? Had any formal training with a fighting shotgun yet? Planning on getting any?

lpl

 

[SgtGunner]

That is a hella nice build. Also have a question, I bought an off the shelf Mossberg 500 SPX or STX or some such, can't remember right now, that has virtually all your mods, less the heat shield and cheek piece, and it has a factory ported barrel. What was the advantage of rollin your own (other than the fun aspect) rather than just buying it already built?