New .410 in the House!

[Candyman87]

Stopped by Dick's on the way home today just for kicks and saw a Mossberg 500 in .410 on the rack... I've been contemplating a .410 pump for a bit just to make trap a bit more of a challenge when I take new shooters... to give myself a bit more of a challenge other days.

Needless to say, it followed me home. Lower price than Cabela's or Gander Mountain and neither have them in stock. Yes, I'm sleeping on the couch tonight but it'll be worth it.

So far, I've discovered a few more things... I DEFINITELY like cleaning an 870 better... I HATE the way this thing tears down. Easier to get to EVERYTHING, but harder to get everything back in place than an 870.

I've also discovered that I'm REALLY used to an 870. Looking for the slide release lever and it's always in the wrong spot, and that tang safety will take some getting used to.

I'm working on trying to smooth out the action a bit... this thing is STIFF out of the box... been working it a good part of the night, oiling, cleaning, and repeating and it's getting there... but nowhere near as smooth as my 15 year old 870.

And the other sad realization... ammo is expensive! I knew this going in, but I'm also surprised how few people actually MAKE .410 target loads. I'll be getting some Remington STS and hold onto the hulls until I can get my hands on a MEC 600 setup for .410.

I like the thing so far... can't wait to get it out this weekend and see how it shoots!

 

[rcmodel]

I want a 510 Bantam.

Perfectly scaled to the .410, and very small & light.

Seems it would make a perfect small varmint in the yard gun.

rc

 

[cfullgraf]

And the other sad realization... ammo is expensive! I knew this going in, but I'm also surprised how few people actually MAKE .410 target loads. I'll be getting some Remington STS and hold onto the hulls until I can get my hands on a MEC 600 setup for .410.

I like the thing so far... can't wait to get it out this weekend and see how it shoots!

Yes, factory new ammunition is expensive for the .410. Buy in bulk and it helps.

Reloading really helps the cost.

Fortunately, I have a ton of hulls left over from my skeet competition days.

I also have a Mossberg 500 and am pleased with it. I have shot some skeet with it and it works well when I remember to stroke the shotgun on doubles. I'm afraid I have been shooting O/Us too much at skeet.

It is my primary critter gun around the farm and has dispatched its share 'possums and 'coons.

I wish it had interchangeable chokes and have considered looking into getting the barrel modified but procrastination is the word for the day. The full choke is a bit tight for my purposes.

Enjoy your Mossberg.

 

[sappyg]

I really like the Mossberg 500e myself and sincerely agree with OP. I prefer the 870 because it's not quite so tedious to reassemble.
Regardless the gun tends to just float to the target and hits are easier than you might think. Couldn't stand the mid rib bead so it had to go. Having an issue with random FTE and have narrowed down the bad actor to the ejector. Haven't heard back from Mossberg yet but I'm sure it's an easy fix.
Go ahead and jump on the mec jr. Because this is the kind of gun that you want to shoot.... A lot. The 410 is very addictive so don't let ammo costs keep you from enjoying your new gun. Stock up on some 296 or h110 cause you're gonna go through some powder. I've been using AA shells and claybuster wads with no complaints. Word is the STS hulls are a smidge on the long side so I never bothered with them.
There is something about a 410 that is so civilized. Hard to explain until you experience it for yourself. It is not a beginners gun but when you shoot it you will feel like a kid again.

 

[Candyman87]

Well, Walmart had a fair deal on AA's in #8 so I picked up 100 today. I was just leaning towards the STS because of my love of Remington hulls for 12 and 20.

I've got 296 and H110 on hand... just no press for .410 yet. I'll keep an eye on eBay for a used model.

After some work, I've trimmed a coil off the safety detent spring so it's easier to put on and off. I've managed to work the action bars a little bit smoother with some elbow grease and a good cleaning.

Long story short, can't wait to get out to play with it!

 

[oneounceload]

been working it a good part of the night, oiling, cleaning, and repeating and it's getting there... but nowhere near as smooth as my 15 year old 870.

Can't compare a 15 year old to one you plied a few times.............

 

[loose noose]

I bought a Mossberg .410 a few years ago for my granddaughter, who enjoyed shooting it, until she got interested in boys at 13. Anyway I've got it as she lives in California with my son and my daughter in law. I bought a Mec 600 in .410 quite awhile before, as my other son grew up using a .410 in a SXS, and I've got a Browning BPS in .410. That little Mossberg is a sweet shooting little shotgun, and seems to be built very well as far as quality goes.

 

[Candyman87]

Can't compare a 15 year old to one you plied a few times.............

You're right... and for that matter, my 2014 870 isn't as smooth either... just means I'll have to keep playing with it

 

[loose noose]

All I did was I kept operating the slide without the use of oil, it slicked up very well after about a half hour or so of using it in this manner. I don't understand the difficulty of dis-assembly or re-assembly of that little Mossberg, either way you have to open the bolt just about an inch or two before you start to do either. Now that BPS can be a real bear.

 

[J-Bar]

I know the .410 is considered an "expert's" gun by those who are diplomatic, and a waste of time by those who are not. But I don't care. I love the .410. My grandfather loaned me his Winchester 42 when I was in high school. I took it hunting for dove, quail, rabbits, and even took my first pheasant with it. I bought the Browning 42 when it came out in the early '90s because I wanted one like Grampa had, and my uncle had the original, and I figured I would die before I inherited it.

I was lucky in a raffle last year and won a gift certificate for any gun from CZ. I already have the handguns and 12 gauge shotguns and rifles that I want, so I did something most would consider foolish...I chose the CZ Ringneck side by side in .410. It feels like a magic wand in my hands, and I smile every time I pick it up.

So all of that is to say, congratulations and have fun with your .410!! Those who look down their noses at these little guns don't understand them like we do!

 

[12Bravo20]

I've owned my Mossberg 500 .410 since 1985 and love it. Reloading is a lot cheaper way to go if you plan on shooting much. Like any new pump, it will get smoother with use.