The Mosberg 500 is a good choice. I carried one from time to time while serving as an MP for the Marine Corps. Even after the Marines upgrading to the Benelli, The pumps are still in the armory reserved for riot duties. If I was to buy a pump that would probably be my choice, but my next shotgun will most likely be an over and under, whenever I get around to it.
I have two 500's...for the $ they are hard to beat. Very reliable and nearly indestructible. I have had one for 20 years now, and it serves as my home defense gun now that I have better guns for bird hunting. Bought a second one a couple years back just for the ported/riffled slug barrel it had on it as I live in an area now that prohibits deer hunting with modern rifles. Hard to beat the 500. It's not a pretty as my browning superposed guns or my Winchester 21 and not as smooth as my Remington 870's, but it is every bit as reliable.
what these guys said. i have one. didnt care for the slug barrel to much. i have another mossberg for that which i really like. but yea mossberg is a good choice, and after shooting 870's i didnt feel much of a difference at all, except the tang safety which i love. i think the 870s look a little better but they both shoot the same. i think its a good choice.
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Marlin XL7 .270 win
Mossberg 20 gauge 500 field
Winchester Model 1897 12 Gauge Modified Choke
Winchester Model 1890 .22 short
Fred Bear Charge 70# 310 fps
Savage .223 O/U 12 Gauge Turkey Combo
Go for it my entire family shoots mossbergs and they all are very reliable and shoot well. My dad shoots an 835 super mag my brother a model 500 and I shoot an old new haven by mossberg which is just an off shoot of the model 500. They all shoot great and the only problem we have had is my dads extractor got to the point it would only grab certain shells, but that was because he had put so many rounds threw it that it just wore out. He got a new extractor and is back at it.
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Absolutely nothing bad to say about the 500. Have puts thousands of rounds through mine. I've shot deer with it, turkey, and tons of small game and birds. I also have a Remmy 870 that shoots great too. The only difference between the 500 and 870 is the tang safety on the 500( I like it) and the pump on my 500 is a little loose (movement side to side). But that is not a big deal, and it's common on all 500's but it's not a problem, just how it's made.
Other than that the only difference is the price and cosmetics, the 500 being much more affordable. I'd recommend getting one, you'll love it.
-Jake
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"One accurate shot fired with deliberate precision is worth more than a hundred fired without control." -Major John Foster
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Mossberg 500 Opinions
