Upon the initiation of his shooting career, the renowned Steve Gould sought after a shotgun that was not only affordable but also efficient.
The Mossberg 500 shotgun was his perfect match. It has since served him dutifully, earning its stripes as a tireless performer in the field.
Detailed Specifications
The Mossberg 500 Pump possesses several unique attributes:
- Its current market price stands at $489 for the regular field model;
- More than 20 versions of the model are available to consumers;
- A unique combo model is available, comprising a bird and rifled barrel;
- A 12 gauge, pump action model (Also accessible in 20 gauge and 410);
- A 3″ chamber, and 28″ barrel (24″ als available);
- The shotgun’s weight is approximately 7lbs 8oz;
- It has a Length of Pull standing at 13 7/8″, which is relatively short, with no spacers incorporated.
Ergonomics
The Mossberg 500 boasts a comfortable size that fits well in the hand and is neither too slim nor too bulky. The grip contour spans the entire length of the forearm, allowing for forward or backward hand positioning without a change in grip feel. The pistol grip, arguably a tad on the meatier side, is of medium size and has solid forend checkering that has withstood the test of time.
Trigger And Recoil
The trigger pull is impressive – definitely surpassing expectations. The average pull weight is approximately 6 lbs 4oz. The shotgun definitely packs a punch in comparison to other pump shotguns. Nonetheless, the recoil is manageable and doesn’t impose significant disruption to the face.
Quality And Reliability
When it comes to robustness, the Mossberg 500 has proven itself over enduring use. Despite its simple construction and not being the smoothest shotgun, its performance is undeniably impressive, offering value for its cost. The gun exhibits excellent balance, with more weight carried by the barrel, making it slightly front-heavy, not an unusual trait for pump action shotguns.
Speedy Capabilities
The speed shooting feature tests the firearm’s comprehensive functionality from recoil to balance, point-ability, and usability. Although speed shooting may not be the primary reason for purchasing a shotgun, the Mossberg 500 performed remarkably during such tests. The shotgun was able to hit three hand-thrown clays in a timeframe of 1.34 seconds, which although may not be the fastest, is commendable for such a value-priced pump shotgun.
Additional Features
The Mossberg 500 comes with:
- A top tang safety feature that’s convenient for both right and left-handed users;
- A flat and vented rib for easy handling;
- Brass mid-bead and ivory front bead for simplicity;
- A bottom-loading and side-eject shotgun function;
- A ported barrel to reduce recoil.
The shotgun’s efficiency and durability have not only made it indispensable but also a preferred shotgun for shooting shenanigans.
Mossberg 500 Review: Key Takeaways
| Key Factors | Mossberg 500 Features |
|---|---|
| Price | Reasonable and affordable, with the standard model priced at $489 |
| Variety | Available in more than 20 models, catering to various preferences |
| Specifications | 12-gauge pump action, 3″ chamber, 28″ barrel (24″ also available), weight is 7lbs 8oz, length of pull is 13 7/8″ |
| Trigger Performance | Pull weight averages at 6lbs 4oz, surpassing expectations |
| Ergonomics | Comfortable hand fit, forward or backward hand positioning, medium-sized pistol grip, effective forend checkering |
| Recoil and Reliability | Significant punch compared to other pump shotguns, manageable recoil, high reliability |
| Quality and Build | Durable and robust, despite being not as smooth as other high-end shotguns |
| Speed Shooting | Managed to hit three hand-thrown clays in 1.34 seconds, demonstrating decent speed shooting capabilities |
| Additional Features | Top tang safety, flat and vented rib, brass mid-bead and ivory front bead, ported barrel, bottom loader, side eject function |
| Issues | Hard recoil pad and sharp edges on the loading port |
In a Nutshell
The Mossberg 500 has proven itself to be a steadfast performer, providing impressive functionality and durability at a reasonable price point. Although some features could use improvement, such as the recoil pad and the sharp edges of the loading port, the overall performance and versatility of the Mossberg 500 make it a commendable firearm.
This shotgun establishes itself as a trusty performer offering commendable functionality and robustness at a reasonable price. Despite minor issues such as the recoil pad hardness and sharp edges of the loading port, it holds exceptional efficiency and value. Its numerous models cater to a broad range of shooters, ensuring a suitable choice for everyone. The shotgun’s ergonomic design offers comfort and ease of use, whether you’re a novice or experienced shooter.
The Mossberg 500’s admirable speed shooting capabilities, reliability, and durable build further testify to its worthiness as a go-to firearm. Whether used for sport, hunting, or defense, the Mossberg 500 proves to be a reliable, durable, and versatile choice for any shotgun enthusiast.
Whether you’re a new shooter or an experienced one, the Mossberg 500 is a worthy contender in the realm of shotguns.