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

The key difference between the Mossberg 500 and the 500 Bantam lies in their design, primarily focusing on size and ergonomics. The Mossberg 500 is a standard version designed for general use, often featuring a full-sized stock and a barrel length suitable for a variety of applications like hunting and home defense.

In contrast, the 500 Bantam is designed specifically for smaller-framed individuals, such as youth or adults who prefer a more compact firearm. It typically features a shorter length of pull (the distance from the trigger to the end of the stock), making it easier for smaller shooters to handle. Additionally, the barrel length on the Bantam models may also be shorter compared to the standard 500 to aid in maneuverability and reduce overall weight.

Is a Mossberg 500 12 gauge a good gun?

The Mossberg 500 12 gauge shotgun is generally considered a good firearm for various applications, including hunting, home defense, and sport shooting. It is known for its reliability, durability, and versatility. The Mossberg 500 has been in production for decades and is appreciated for its affordability and ease of use, making it popular among both beginners and experienced gun owners. As with any firearm, determining if it is “good” depends on your specific needs and preferences, such as intended use, comfort, and budget.

What is a Mossberg Bantam?

The Mossberg Bantam is a series of shotguns designed by O.F. Mossberg & Sons. These shotguns are typically modified to have shorter stocks and barrels, making them more manageable and easier to handle, especially for younger or smaller-framed shooters. The design focuses on comfort and ease of use, often featuring adjustable components for a better fit. They are popular for hunting and recreational shooting.

What does super bantam mean?

“Super bantam” refers to a weight class in combat sports such as boxing and mixed martial arts. It is a classification above bantamweight and generally includes athletes weighing up to 122 pounds (55.3 kg). This class is also sometimes called “junior featherweight.”

Does a Mossberg 500 kick?

Yes, the Mossberg 500 does have a noticeable recoil, commonly referred to as “kick,” especially when using heavier loads like slugs or buckshot. However, the amount of felt recoil can vary based on factors such as the ammunition used, the weight and design of the shotgun, and the shooter’s experience and stance. Accessories like recoil pads can help mitigate the kick.

Can you shoot slugs in a Mossberg 500?

Yes, you can shoot slugs in a Mossberg 500 shotgun. However, it is recommended to use a barrel that is specifically designed for slug use, such as a rifled barrel or a smoothbore barrel with rifle sights, to achieve better accuracy. Always ensure that the ammunition matches the gun’s specifications and follow all safety guidelines when using slugs.

Is the Mossberg 500 better than the Remington 870?

The debate between the Mossberg 500 and the Remington 870 often comes down to personal preference and intended use, as both are highly reputable and reliable pump-action shotguns.

**Mossberg 500:**
– Features an ambidextrous safety on top of the receiver, which might be more comfortable for some shooters, particularly left-handed users.
– Known for its versatility, with numerous models and configurations available.
– Generally considered slightly lighter due to its aluminum receiver.
– Ease of field stripping and maintenance is often highlighted.

**Remington 870:**
– Traditional safety located behind the trigger, which some shooters prefer.
– Renowned for its durability with a steel receiver, potentially giving it a more robust feel.
– Has a long history of use by law enforcement and military, underscoring its reliability.
– Wide availability of aftermarket parts for customization and repair.

Ultimately, deciding which is “better” depends on specific needs such as ease of operation, comfort, and the features you prioritize. Testing both firearms to see which feels better in your hands could be a decisive factor.

Do police use Mossberg 500?

Yes, the Mossberg 500 is a popular shotgun model that is used by various police departments and law enforcement agencies. It is favored for its reliability, versatility, and affordability, making it a common choice for tactical and crowd-control situations.

What is the military grade Mossberg 500?

The military-grade version of the Mossberg 500 is called the Mossberg 590. The 590 series is designed to meet military specifications, featuring a heavy-walled barrel, metal trigger guard and safety, and a parkerized finish. It is known for its durability and reliability, often used by military and law enforcement agencies.

What is the most versatile Mossberg shotgun?

The Mossberg 500 series is often regarded as the most versatile Mossberg shotgun. It is widely appreciated for its modular design, allowing users to easily swap barrels, stocks, and other components to suit various purposes such as hunting, home defense, and recreational shooting. The ability to interchange parts and adapt the shotgun to different situations and preferences makes the Mossberg 500 a favorite among many firearm enthusiasts.

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

The Mossberg Patriot Bantam and Super Bantam are both versions of the Mossberg Patriot rifle, designed with youth and smaller-framed shooters in mind. The primary difference between the two lies in their adjustability and size specifications:

1. **Length of Pull**: The Super Bantam typically has an adjustable length of pull. This feature allows for a more customized fit as it can be adjusted to accommodate growing shooters, making it particularly appealing for youth shooters who may need a rifle that can ‘grow’ with them.

2. **Stock Design**: While both models are designed for smaller or younger shooters, the Super Bantam often includes spacers that can be added or removed from the stock to adjust the length. This provides flexibility and longevity in use as the shooter’s size and needs change over time.

3. **Intended Audience**: The Bantam is generally a fixed-size youth model, whereas the Super Bantam emphasizes adaptability and extended usability for young shooters who might otherwise outgrow a standard youth-sized rifle.

In summary, the main difference is the adjustable length of pull feature on the Super Bantam, which provides added adaptability to the rifle’s fit.

Can you shoot mini shells in a Mossberg 500?

Yes, you can shoot mini shells in a Mossberg 500, but it often requires the use of a mini shell adapter. This adapter helps ensure reliable feeding and cycling of the smaller shells in the action of the shotgun. It’s a popular modification for increasing capacity and reducing recoil, but ensure you check compatibility and proper installation to maintain safety and performance.

What are the different Mossberg 500 models?

The Mossberg 500 series is a versatile family of pump-action shotguns. Some of the different models within the Mossberg 500 series include:

1. **Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field:** These are typically designed for hunting and sport shooting, available in various barrel lengths and with different stock options.

2. **Mossberg 500 Tactical:** Designed for self-defense and law enforcement use, these models often feature shorter barrels, pistol grips, and other tactical accessories.

3. **Mossberg 500 Combo:** This option comes with interchangeable barrels, making it versatile for both hunting and home defense.

4. **Mossberg 500 Cruiser:** A more compact version with a pistol grip, often used for home defense.

5. **Mossberg 500 Bantam/Youth:** Models with a shorter length of pull, designed for younger or smaller shooters.

6. **Mossberg 500 FLEX:** Featuring the FLEX system, which allows for tool-less customization of various parts like the stock and forend.

7. **Mossberg 500 Turkey:** Configured specifically for turkey hunting, often equipped with camouflage finishes and choke tubes suited for this purpose.

8. **Mossberg 500 Slugster:** Equipped with slug barrels for hunting larger game with slug ammunition.

These models can have various configurations and finishes, and Mossberg often updates or releases new variants, so it’s worth checking the latest lineup from Mossberg for the most current offerings.

What is different with the Mossberg 590S?

The Mossberg 590S series is notable for its ability to reliably cycle a variety of shell lengths without needing any adjustments. Unlike traditional shotguns that are typically optimized for either standard 2.75-inch or 3-inch shells, the 590S can accommodate 1.75-inch “mini shells” in addition to the standard lengths. This versatility allows for increased ammunition capacity and flexibility in ammunition selection. Additionally, the 590S retains the rugged design and features of the Mossberg 590 series, including options for different barrel lengths, configurations, and tactical upgrades.

Are all Mossberg 500 stocks interchangeable?

Not all Mossberg 500 stocks are interchangeable. While many models within the Mossberg 500 series may have stocks that can be swapped, variations in design, materials, and intended use (such as hunting vs. tactical) can affect compatibility. It is essential to consider the specific model and year of manufacture when seeking a replacement or upgrade, and consulting the manufacturer or a qualified gunsmith is advisable to ensure compatibility.