Mossberg 500 Field 28" 12ga Black Synthetic Stock Pump Shotgun 56420 For Sale

Is a Mossberg 500 12 gauge a good gun?

The Mossberg 500 12 gauge shotgun is generally considered a good firearm by many. It’s known for its reliability, versatility, and affordability. It is widely used for hunting, home defense, and recreational shooting. The shotgun’s pump-action design is robust and easy to maintain, which adds to its appeal. However, whether it is a “good” gun for you depends on your specific needs and preferences, such as fit, intended use, and experience level. It’s always a good idea to try different firearms to see what suits you best.

Can I shoot slugs through a Mossberg 500?

Yes, you can shoot slugs through a Mossberg 500. It’s important to use the appropriate barrel for slugs, such as a rifled barrel or a smoothbore barrel with a cylinder or improved cylinder choke. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and ensure you are using compatible ammunition for safety and optimal performance.

What is the best barrel length for a 12 gauge shotgun?

The best barrel length for a 12 gauge shotgun depends on its intended use:

1. **Hunting**: For bird hunting, a barrel length of 26 to 28 inches is often ideal as it provides a good balance between accuracy and swing. For deer hunting, where maneuverability might be more important, a 22 to 26 inch barrel may be preferred.

2. **Home Defense**: A shorter barrel, typically between 18 to 20 inches, is preferable for home defense due to better maneuverability in confined spaces.

3. **Sport Shooting**: For trap, skeet, or sporting clays, shooters often prefer barrels between 28 to 32 inches to aid with targeting.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on the specific use case and personal preference.

What size ammo for Mossberg 500a 12 gauge?

The Mossberg 500A 12 gauge shotgun is designed to use 12 gauge shotgun shells. The most common sizes of 12 gauge shells are 2 3/4 inches and 3 inches in length, both of which are typically compatible with the Mossberg 500A. Always check your shotgun’s specific markings or owner’s manual to ensure compatibility with the shell size you intend to use.

Does a Mossberg 500 kick?

Yes, the Mossberg 500, like most shotguns, does produce recoil or “kick” when fired. The level of recoil can vary depending on factors such as the gauge of the shotgun, the type of ammunition used, and the user’s experience. Generally, lighter loads will have less recoil, while heavier loads will have more. Proper shooting technique and accessories, such as recoil pads, can help manage and reduce the perceived kick.

Is the Mossberg 500 better than the Remington 870?

Choosing between the Mossberg 500 and the Remington 870 largely depends on individual preferences and specific needs. Both are well-regarded pump-action shotguns with their own strengths.

### Mossberg 500:
– **Ambidextrous Safety**: The Mossberg 500 features a tang safety, which is more accessible for both left- and right-handed shooters.
– **Price**: It is often slightly more affordable than some variants of the Remington 870.
– **Modularity**: Offers a wide range of configurations and accessories, making it versatile for various applications like hunting, home defense, and tactical purposes.

### Remington 870:
– **Action**: Known for a smooth action, its internals are regarded as durable due to its steel receiver.
– **Popularity**: Has a long-standing reputation for reliability and has been used extensively by law enforcement and military.
– **Customizability**: Also customizable with a variety of aftermarket parts available.

There’s no definitive answer as to which is objectively better, as both shotguns have proven reliability and performance. It ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding design, ergonomics, and intended use. Trying both and considering factors like feel, budget, and specific requirements can help in making a more informed decision.

Why use slugs in a shotgun instead of a rifle?

Using slugs in a shotgun instead of a rifle can be preferred for several reasons:

1. **Versatility**: Shotguns are highly versatile, able to fire various types of ammunition, including slugs, buckshot, and birdshot. This makes a shotgun useful for different purposes without needing multiple firearms.

2. **Close Range Effectiveness**: Shotgun slugs are particularly effective at close to moderate ranges, typically up to 100 yards, making them suitable for situations where the target is relatively close.

3. **Legal and Hunting Regulations**: In some regions, hunting regulations may require the use of shotguns with slugs instead of rifles when pursuing certain types of game or hunting in specific areas. This is often to increase safety by limiting range and potential stray bullets.

4. **Stopping Power**: Slugs deliver substantial stopping power and can be very effective on large game at shorter ranges, similar to rifles.

5. **Safety in Dense Areas**: Shotguns firing slugs have a shorter effective range compared to rifles, which can reduce the risk of accidents in densely populated or heavily wooded areas.

6. **Ammunition Availability**: Slugs for shotguns are often more readily available and can be less expensive than certain types of rifle ammunition.

7. **Recoil Management**: Some shooters find shotgun recoil, even with slugs, to be more manageable compared to high-caliber rifles, particularly when using shotguns with recoil-reducing features.

While rifles are generally better suited for long-range accuracy and precision shooting, shotguns with slugs provide a practical and effective alternative for specific situations and environments.

What shells can a Mossberg 500 shoot?

The Mossberg 500 series is designed to handle a variety of 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and .410 bore shells, depending on the specific model. For 12-gauge models, it can typically shoot 2.75-inch (2 3/4 inch) and 3-inch shells. Some models are also capable of handling the larger 3.5-inch shells. It is important to check your specific Mossberg 500 model for its chamber size to ensure you are using compatible ammunition. Always consult the owner’s manual or confirm with the manufacturer for the correct shells suited for your particular shotgun.

How far can a Mossberg shotgun shoot?

A Mossberg shotgun, similar to other shotguns, is generally designed for short to medium range use. The effective range depends on the type of ammunition used:

1. **Birdshot**: Effective range is typically up to 40-50 yards (36-46 meters).
2. **Buckshot**: Effective range is generally up to 30-50 yards (27-46 meters).
3. **Slug**: With a rifled slug barrel, can effectively reach targets up to 100 yards (91 meters) or more.

However, the maximum range, where the shot or slug can travel, is much further but with significantly decreased accuracy and effectiveness. Always check the specifications for your particular model and configuration for precise information.

What is the shortest legal 12 gauge barrel?

The shortest legal barrel length for a 12 gauge shotgun in the United States is 18 inches. Additionally, the overall length of the shotgun must be at least 26 inches. These restrictions are set by the National Firearms Act (NFA). Always check local and state laws, as they may have additional restrictions.

Why are sawed off shotguns illegal?

Sawed-off shotguns are generally illegal because they pose significant public safety risks. The primary concerns include:

1. **Concealability**: With a shortened barrel and overall length, sawed-off shotguns can be easily concealed under clothing, making them more difficult to detect and increasing their potential for criminal use.

2. **Increased lethality**: Shortening the barrel can increase the spread of the shot, making it more lethal at close range. This can result in greater harm in situations such as robberies or assaults.

3. **Regulatory measures**: The National Firearms Act of 1934 in the United States, among similar laws in other countries, specifically regulates firearms with barrels below a certain length (typically less than 18 inches for shotguns). This regulation aims to control weapons that can be easily concealed and are deemed dangerous.

These factors combined have led to regulations prohibiting or strictly controlling the possession of sawed-off shotguns to enhance public safety and reduce their use in criminal activities.

What size is the most common 12 gauge shotgun shell?

The most common size for a 12 gauge shotgun shell is 2 3/4 inches in length.

Do police use Mossberg 500?

Yes, the Mossberg 500 is commonly used by police forces. It is a pump-action shotgun known for its reliability, versatility, and affordability, making it a popular choice for law enforcement agencies. Its adaptability for various tactical needs is one reason it’s widely used in police operations.

What is the effective range of the Mossberg 500?

The effective range of the Mossberg 500 shotgun is typically around 40 to 50 yards for accurate shooting with buckshot or slugs. However, this can vary depending on the specific ammunition used and conditions.

What is the military grade Mossberg 500?

The military-grade version of the Mossberg 500 is the Mossberg 590 or 590A1. These models are designed to meet stringent military specifications with features such as a heavy-walled barrel, metal trigger guard, and safety button for increased durability and reliability under harsh conditions. The Mossberg 590A1 is particularly known for its robust construction and was the only pump-action shotgun to pass the U.S. Military’s Mil-Spec 3443E test.