Guns, Bows, Shooting Sports, and Hunting Opinions on Mossberg shotguns...?

[fkovalski]

I am thinking of getting a shotgun and was looking at a Mossberg 12 gauge combination (ported long barrel, short barrel, pistol grip) with wood stock.



This would be my first shotgun and like the idea of the versatility of the 2 lengths. I have heard of the "Mossberg" name and co- workers in my office who are more familiar with SG's say that it is a "decent gun at a decent price. "



From the website: O. F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. - Firearms, Shotguns, Rifles, Accessories, and Precision Machining







Versatile Two-Barrel Combo Sets



The 18-1/2" barreled home security shotgun becomes a hard-hitting bird gun when the 28" combo barrel is installed. For deer hunters, vent rib and fully-rifled slug barrel sets are an unbeatable value. Our patented Dual-Comb® combos add the advantage of quickly and easily changing stock dimensions between high comb for scope sighting and low comb for wingshooting. This year, we've expanded your choices to include 12- or 20-gauge Combos in Mossy Oak® New Break-Up® and a new . 50 Cal. Muzzleloader/12-Gauge Slug set.







What opinions do you have?

 

[kenny61]

Mossberg 500 / 590 and Remington 870 are the work horses of the military and police you cant really go wrong with them

 

[Jboski]

I really like my Mossberg shotgun. It's 12ga with vented and ported barrel, shoots 2 3/4 -3 1/2 inch shells. I bought it when I thought I only need one shotgun. I have no regrets and wouldn't sell it for anything.

 

[kenny61]

Look at the Benellis too. They are nice.

 

[fkovalski]

Look at the Benellis too. They are nice.

I did look at the Benelli models locally. I have heard good thing about them too!



Are there any dis-advantages to having 2 interchangeable barrels for 1 gun setup? The only one I can think of is that while it provides versatility... it can only be one gun at one time.



Thanks for the feedback.

 

[kenny61]

Are there any dis-advantages to having 2 interchangeable barrels for 1 gun setup?

Yup... They cost more than a gun with one barrel



Seriously, It all depends what you want to do with the gun. A slug and turkey combination is great if thats what you do but useless if you want it for gamebirds and rabbit.

 

[fkovalski]

. . A slug and turkey combination is great if thats what you do but useless if you want it for gamebirds and rabbit.

Please enlighten me more...

When you refer to a "A slug and turkey combination"... does this barrel have rifling (becuase of its use for a slug?)



... whereas...



the "gamebirds and rabbit" barrel is a smooth bore?



I do not need a shot gun with rifling as my 30. 06 is what I use for big game and would not use a shot gun with slug for hunting at this time. The combo I was looking at had both barrels non- rifled but the long one was ported.

 

[kenny61]

some slug barrels are rifled in general they are shorter and have an open choke and have rifle sight on them. a turkey gun normally has a longer barrel and full choke. upland game and small game barrel's are in between these 2 extremes. also the barrel has the sights and rib and vents so changing a barrel does more than just change length and choke. Keep in mind most barrel's today have interchangeable chokes some do not. Basically it's the preference of the shooter how he wants his shotgun setup for what, As long as the 2 barrels will serve your purpose than it is worth it if one of them is a rifled slug barrel that you said you do not need you would be wasting your money on the added cost to the shotgun

 

[crobertson1]

Frank,



Buy one for each use! You can never have too many guns!



Craig

 

[kenny61]

I agree I got a used Mossberg 500ag with screw in chokes coming next week. that will make 4 shotguns for me

 

[tmh1955]

Mossberg makes a very good, low priced gun. I bought my wife a 2 bbl set in 20 Ga. Smoother than my Browning BPS, no corrosion on it like my sons Remington. Chokes are easy to find.



It's a tried and true design.



BUY IT

 

[Pavemen]

Mossberg makes nice shotguns. As said above, they are a workhorse, not a fancy gun by any means. Lots of aftermarket support as well.

In fact, just bought last month a 500A with 28" and 18-1/2" barrels on sale for $250 with the nicer synthetic stocks, not the uglier ribbed ones.

In fact the price was good enough I was able to buy a pistol grip with collapsible stock and shell holder and still be ahead of regular pricing.

I sold guns for 3 years and sold plenty of Mossbergs. Only thing some folks don't like is the top mount safety with a pistol grip. Great safety position for standard stock setups though.

 

[BHaden]

I am thinking of getting a shotgun and was looking at a Mossberg 12 gauge combination (ported long barrel, short barrel, pistol grip) with wood stock.



This would be my first shotgun and like the idea of the versatility of the 2 lengths. I have heard of the "Mossberg" name and co- workers in my office who are more familiar with SG's say that it is a "decent gun at a decent price. "



I have 2 Mossbergs, a 20ga and a 12 ga. They both have thousands of rounds through them and still work great. They are both over 40 years old. They are very good guns. Also look at the Maverick brand. They are nothing more than Mossbergs with a different name on them and the only difference is the finish. It is matte black and they all have synthetic stocks. If you look around at gun shows or wait for a sale at a store, they can be had in a short barrel 7-8 shot confuguration as a self defense gun for $250 or less and the longer Mossberg barrels will fit. They just don't look as pretty.

 

[SRadke]

I wouldn't use a Mossberg if you gave it to me. I've tried 'em several times, they still suck.