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 to suit different user needs. The Mossberg 500 is a series of pump-action shotguns designed for general use, hunting, and home defense, featuring various barrel lengths and stock options. On the other hand, the 500 Bantam is a variation specifically designed for smaller-framed individuals, such as youth or those who require a shorter length of pull. The 500 Bantam typically has a shorter stock and overall length for easier handling and maneuverability.

What is a Mossberg Super Bantam?

The Mossberg Super Bantam is a series of shotguns designed by Mossberg, typically aimed at younger or smaller-framed shooters. These shotguns often feature adjustable stocks or shorter lengths of pull to accommodate users with smaller builds. The Super Bantam series is popular for beginner shooters and is often used for hunting and sport shooting. Common models in this series include configurations of the Mossberg 500 and 510 shotguns.

Is a Mossberg 500A a good gun?

The Mossberg 500A is generally regarded as a good and reliable shotgun for a variety of uses. It is known for its affordability, versatility, and durability. Many owners appreciate its dependability for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense. Like any firearm, whether it is the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences, such as the intended use, budget, and personal comfort with the weapon. It is always recommended to handle and, if possible, test fire a firearm before purchasing to ensure it meets your requirements.

Can you shoot slugs in a Mossberg 500?

Yes, you can shoot slugs in a Mossberg 500 shotgun. It’s recommended to use a barrel that is either rifled or designed for slug use to get the best accuracy. Make sure to check the specifications of your shotgun to ensure compatibility and safety.

Does a Mossberg 500 kick?

Yes, the Mossberg 500 does have recoil, often referred to as “kick,” as it is a pump-action shotgun. The level of recoil can vary depending on factors such as the type of ammunition used (e.g., birdshot, buckshot, or slugs) and the weight of the shotgun. However, the Mossberg 500 is generally considered to have manageable recoil for most shooters, and there are various ways to reduce perceived recoil, such as using recoil pads, proper shooting techniques, or choosing lighter loads.

What is a Bantam gun?

A Bantam gun is often a term used to refer to a firearm or shotgun that is designed with a smaller, lighter frame to make it more suitable for use by individuals with smaller statures, such as youth or smaller adults. These guns typically have shorter barrels and reduced overall weight to allow for easier handling and maneuverability.

Can you shoot mini shells in a Mossberg 500?

Yes, you can shoot mini shells in a Mossberg 500, but it generally requires the use of an adapter to ensure reliable feeding and cycling. The OPSol Mini-Clip is a common adapter used for this purpose. Without the adapter, mini shells might not feed reliably in a standard Mossberg 500.

What is the most versatile Mossberg shotgun?

The most versatile Mossberg shotgun is often considered to be the Mossberg 500 series. This series is known for its reliability, flexibility, and wide range of configurations. It can be used for various purposes such as hunting, home defense, and sport shooting. The 500 series offers different barrel lengths and stock options, and is compatible with many aftermarket accessories, making it highly adaptable to different user needs and preferences.

What is a sawdust shotgun?

A sawdust shotgun is a type of improvised firearm that uses sawdust and other flammable materials as a projectile. It typically involves a container or barrel packed with sawdust that is then ignited to create an explosion, propelling the material outward. These devices are generally considered dangerous and unreliable and are illegal in many places due to their hazardous nature and potential for causing harm.

How many rounds does a Mossberg 500A hold?

The Mossberg 500A typically holds 5+1 rounds with its standard magazine tube, meaning it can hold five rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. However, depending on the specific model or aftermarket modifications, it may have different capacities.

How old is a Mossberg 500A?

The Mossberg 500 series was introduced in 1960. The specific model 500A is part of this series, but without knowing the exact manufacturing year of the individual shotgun, it’s challenging to determine its exact age. However, if we consider the first possible 500A being made since the model line started, it could be as old as 63 years in 2023. For an accurate age, you would need to refer to the serial number or specific production records.

Does the military still use Mossberg 500?

Yes, the military still uses the Mossberg 500. It serves in various branches and is utilized for its reliability and versatility in different operations, including close-quarters combat and breaching tasks.

What are the different Mossberg 500 models?

The Mossberg 500 series includes a variety of models catering to different needs and preferences. Here are some of the different models and configurations available:

1. **Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field**: Designed for general use, including hunting and sport shooting.

2. **Mossberg 500 Tactical**: Features accessories and designs for law enforcement, military, and home defense applications.

3. **Mossberg 500 Flex**: Known for its modularity, allowing users to easily change barrels, stocks, and recoil pads without tools.

4. **Mossberg 500 Combo**: Comes with interchangeable barrels for different types of shooting, like hunting or defense.

5. **Mossberg 500 Field/Security Combo**: Includes both a longer hunting barrel and a shorter home defense barrel.

6. **Mossberg 500 Cruiser**: A pistol-grip variant often used for tactical and home defense purposes.

7. **Mossberg 500 Chainsaw**: Features a unique handle mounted on top of the shotgun for a distinct grip and control.

8. **Mossberg 500 Retrograde**: Styled to resemble earlier versions of the 500 series, often featuring walnut stocks and a classic finish.

9. **Mossberg 500 Persuader**: Focuses on self-defense, with options for extended magazine tubes.

These models might come with additional variations in barrel length, finish, and chamber size. Mossberg may also release special editions or bundles. Be sure to check the latest from Mossberg for any new releases or limited editions.

What is different with the Mossberg 590S?

The Mossberg 590S series is distinct because it allows the use of both standard 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells as well as 1.75-inch mini shells without any modifications or special adapters. This capability enhances the shotgun’s versatility by accommodating different load lengths for various applications, improving capacity and recoil management.

Are all Mossberg 500 stocks interchangeable?

No, not all Mossberg 500 stocks are interchangeable. The Mossberg 500 series includes various models with different configurations, barrel lengths, and purposes, which may affect compatibility. Stocks may vary based on factors like the model’s intended use (e.g., hunting vs. tactical), the presence of specific features like adjustable lengths or recoil pads, and the gauge of the shotgun. It is important to check the compatibility specifications from the manufacturer or consult with a professional to ensure a proper fit when considering replacing or upgrading the stock on a Mossberg 500.