What can I put through my Mossberg 500?

[MattBeck]

Alright guys, quick question -

Are there any kinds of shot/slugs/shells that i should stay away from shooting through my new Mossberg 500? It has a 28 inch field barrel with screw in chokes, and an 18.5 inch Cylinder barrel.

I know i can't put 3 and halfers through it, but are 3 inch magnums ok?

How about steel shot, or copper/steel plated shot or BBs?

Slugs?

How about rifled or Sabot slugs? Will they work in unrifled barrels (I know they won't work *as well*, but will they work as well as an unrifled slug, and will they damage my gun?)

Any info would be great!

 

[jeremywills]

dont quote me 100 percent, but I think anything you throw through it should be fine with the 18.5 in bbl, the other one I couldn't tell you, so I would wait for more experienced folks to chime in here

someone correct me if im wrong, but these short 500 and 590 barrels are fixed choke correct, theres nothing wrong with throwing slugs rifled or sabot I believe through them, at least i hope not, I just threw 5 through my new 590 and it seemed to work just fine.

anyhow, my limited knowledge, just remember that, but I think you will be fine
sir

 

[Dave McCracken]

Someplace on your barrel should be something like "For 3" and 2 3/4" shells only".

You won't damage your barrels shooting sabots through them but you may not hit much either.

OTOH, with a light load of 8s or 7 1/2s, your bunty little barrel will do a fine job on close, small birds like quail, woodcock and grouse in brushy places.

With the longer barrel in place, good for longer shots, clays sports and fun by the truckload.

Either barrel should handle steel, other non toxics and buck. Chances are the short barrel will do better with buck and slugs.

And congrats, those combos give a lot of value for the money...