The 500 does a good job at 30 yards with a XX choke and number 5 shot.If you drop the extra money for a Hardshot choke and Shells it will reach out to 50 yards with no problem. I prefer the 835 UltiMag which lets you fire the 3 1/2 magnum loads to insure you get a better distance and tighter pattern out to 60 yards. This has been my experience with the 500 and 835.