What is the difference between the Mossberg 500 and the 500 Bantam?

The primary difference between the Mossberg 500 and the 500 Bantam lies in their design specifications, particularly regarding size and ergonomics. The Mossberg 500 is a versatile shotgun platform available in different gauges and configurations, designed for a variety of purposes, including hunting, home defense, and tactical use. It typically has a standard stock size suitable for the average adult shooter.

The 500 Bantam, on the other hand, is specifically designed for smaller-framed shooters, such as youths or individuals who require a more compact firearm. The Bantam features a shorter stock, which reduces the length of pull, making it easier to handle for those with smaller stature. It may also have a shorter barrel, contributing to its lighter weight and improved maneuverability.

Overall, the main distinction is that the 500 Bantam is a version of the Mossberg 500 tailored for better fit and comfort for smaller or younger users.

Is the Mossberg 500 20 gauge a good shotgun?

The Mossberg 500 20 gauge is generally considered a good shotgun, particularly for those looking for versatility and reliability. It is well-suited for various purposes, including hunting, home defense, and sport shooting. The 20 gauge option offers less recoil compared to a 12 gauge, making it more accessible for smaller-framed or newer shooters. Additionally, the Mossberg 500 series is known for its durable build, pump-action reliability, and affordability. However, whether it is “good” can also depend on your specific needs and preferences.

What is a Mossberg Bantam?

A Mossberg Bantam is a series of firearms designed by Mossberg, specifically engineered to suit smaller-framed shooters such as youths or individuals with smaller statures. The most common models in the Bantam line are shotguns, characterized by their shorter barrels and reduced length of pull to facilitate easier handling and better control. The Bantam series often includes various customization options to accommodate the needs of different users, including adjustable stocks and different gauge options.

Is a 20 gauge shotgun worth it?

Whether a 20 gauge shotgun is worth it depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

1. **Purpose**: A 20 gauge shotgun is versatile and suitable for various activities such as hunting small to medium game, clay shooting, and even home defense.

2. **Recoil**: It typically has less recoil than a 12 gauge, making it more comfortable for extended use or for shooters who are smaller in stature, including younger or inexperienced users.

3. **Ammunition**: While 20 gauge ammo is usually lighter and easier to handle, it may be slightly less available and more expensive compared to the more common 12 gauge shells. However, it still offers a good range of load options.

4. **Power**: It offers sufficient power for most uses but may not be as powerful as a 12 gauge for larger game.

5. **Weight and Size**: 20 gauge shotguns are generally lighter, making them easier to carry over long distances in the field.

6. **Shooting Experience**: It can provide a good balance between power and ease of handling for shooters of all levels.

In conclusion, a 20 gauge shotgun can be a worthwhile investment if it aligns with your shooting preferences and intended uses.

Can you shoot slugs in a Mossberg 500?

Yes, you can shoot slugs in a Mossberg 500 shotgun. The Mossberg 500 is a versatile shotgun capable of firing different types of ammunition, including slugs. For optimal performance, it is recommended to use a rifled barrel or a rifled choke if shooting slugs, as these provide better accuracy. Always ensure that the shotgun is properly maintained and that the ammunition is appropriate for the specific model and barrel type you are using.

Does a Mossberg 500 kick?

Yes, the Mossberg 500 does produce a noticeable recoil, or “kick,” when fired. The amount of recoil can vary depending on the specific ammunition used and the shooter’s technique. Generally, 12-gauge models will have more recoil than 20-gauge models, and using lighter loads can reduce the kick. Proper stance and holding technique can also help manage and minimize perceived recoil.

How many shells does a Mossberg 500 20-gauge hold?

A standard Mossberg 500 20-gauge shotgun typically holds 5 shells in the magazine tube plus 1 in the chamber, for a total capacity of 6 shells. However, the exact capacity can vary depending on the specific model and its configuration. Some models might come with a plug, reducing the capacity for hunting compliance.

What is the best use for a 20 gauge shotgun?

The best use for a 20 gauge shotgun is typically in hunting and sport shooting. Its lighter weight and reduced recoil compared to a 12 gauge make it ideal for hunting small to medium-sized game, such as upland birds (like pheasants and quail), rabbits, and squirrels. It’s also well-suited for beginners or smaller-framed individuals. Additionally, a 20 gauge can be effectively used in clay shooting sports, such as skeet and trap shooting.

Which is better, Remington 870 or Mossberg 500?

Both the Remington 870 and the Mossberg 500 are highly regarded shotguns, and the better choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some key differences to consider:

1. **Design and Comfort**:
– The Remington 870 generally has a more traditional design and a steel receiver, which may provide a more solid feel.
– The Mossberg 500 has an aluminum receiver, making it lighter, and has an ambidextrous tang safety, which is often preferred by left-handed shooters.

2. **Ease of Use**:
– The Mossberg 500 tends to have a more straightforward disassembly process, which can be an advantage when cleaning and maintaining the shotgun.

3. **Customization**:
– Both models have a wide range of aftermarket parts available, but the Remington 870 might have slightly more options due to its long-standing popularity.

4. **Reliability**:
– Both shotguns are known for their reliability and longevity, but availability and personal experiences might sway opinions on this.

5. **Cost**:
– Pricing can vary, but generally, the Mossberg 500 is often considered to be the more budget-friendly option.

Ultimately, personal preference and feel are often the deciding factors. It’s recommended to handle both models to see which one feels more comfortable and suits your intended use better.

What is the best 20 gauge shotgun for a youth?

The best 20 gauge shotgun for a youth often balances ease of use, safety, and adaptability as the young shooter grows. Some popular options include:

1. **Remington 870 Express Youth**: Renowned for its reliability, this shotgun has a shorter stock and barrel, making it manageable for younger or smaller shooters.

2. **Mossberg 510 Youth Mini Super Bantam**: Known for its adjustable length of pull, this shotgun can grow with the shooter. It’s lightweight and designed specifically for young or beginning shooters.

3. **Weatherby SA-08 Youth**: This semi-automatic option is lightweight with a reduced recoil, offering a smooth shooting experience for younger individuals.

4. **Browning BPS Micro Midas**: With a bottom ejection design, this shotgun offers an ambidextrous advantage. It is durable and ergonomically fit for younger shooters.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on the specific requirements such as comfort, fit, and ease of handling for the individual youth shooter. It’s important to also consider personal preferences and have the youth try the shotguns, if possible, before making a purchase.

What is the difference between Mossberg Patriot Bantam and Super Bantam?

The Mossberg Patriot Bantam and Super Bantam are both designed for youth or smaller-framed shooters, but they have some differences:

1. **Stock Adjustability**: The Super Bantam model typically offers more adjustability in the stock. It often comes with an adjustable length of pull system that includes spacers which allows the stock to grow with the shooter. This makes the Super Bantam a more versatile option for young shooters who are still growing.

2. **Barrel Length and Overall Size**: Both models are designed to be more compact than a standard-sized rifle, but they may have different barrel lengths. The specifics can vary based on the exact configuration and caliber, so checking the specific model specifications is advisable.

3. **Weight and Handling**: Due to their intended market, both models are lighter and easier to handle than standard models, but because of its additional features, the Super Bantam might be slightly heavier than the basic Bantam model.

4. **Intended Audience**: While both are geared towards youth and smaller-statured shooters, the Super Bantam’s adjustable features make it particularly well-suited for those who are looking for a firearm that can adjust with the shooter’s growth.

For the most exact comparison, it’s recommended to check Mossberg’s official specifications or contact a retailer for the latest options and configurations available in each model.

Is a Mossberg shotgun legal?

The legality of a Mossberg shotgun, or any firearm, depends on the specific laws and regulations of the jurisdiction in which you reside or intend to use the firearm. Generally, Mossberg shotguns are legal in many places, but there are often restrictions on their features and use. Factors such as barrel length, overall length, magazine capacity, and specific model types can affect legality.

To determine if a Mossberg shotgun is legal for you to own or use, you must consider:

1. **Federal laws** (such as in the United States, the National Firearms Act and the Gun Control Act).
2. **State laws** (which can vary significantly and may have additional restrictions).
3. **Local laws or ordinances** (which can place further restrictions on firearm ownership or usage).

It’s crucial to consult the laws specific to your area or seek advice from a legal expert or law enforcement agency to ensure compliance.

What ammo is best for Mossberg 500?

The best ammunition for a Mossberg 500 depends on its intended use, such as hunting, home defense, or target shooting. Here are some options tailored to each purpose:

1. **Home Defense**:
– Buckshot, like 00 buck, is commonly recommended due to its stopping power and effectiveness at short range.

2. **Hunting**:
– For bird hunting, birdshot like #7 or #8 is suitable.
– For deer, slugs or buckshot are typically used.
– For small game, a lighter birdshot can be effective.

3. **Target Shooting**:
– Light target loads or trap and skeet loads are usually sufficient.

Always ensure that you choose ammunition that matches your shotgun’s gauge and is suitable for your particular barrel and choke. It’s also important to follow all local laws and regulations regarding ammunition use.

What is the effective range of the Mossberg 500?

The effective range of the Mossberg 500, a popular pump-action shotgun, is generally around 40 to 50 yards (approximately 36 to 46 meters) for accurate and effective use, especially with buckshot. However, this range can vary depending on the type of ammunition used, such as slugs, which can extend the effective range up to about 100 yards (approximately 91 meters).

What is the special purpose Mossberg 500 shotgun?

The special purpose Mossberg 500 shotgun refers to specific models of the Mossberg 500 series that are designed for particular applications, such as law enforcement, home defense, or tactical use. These shotguns often come with features like shorter barrels for easier handling, adjustable stocks, tactical sights, and accessory rails for mounting lights or optics. The special purpose models may also include various barrel and magazine configurations to suit the intended use.