I bought a 500 model 12 guage about 6 years ago when I turned 18. This gun has never failed me and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Mossberg. Also, do you have any need for that rifled barrel? If not, go get it at Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart sells the 500 model with the vented barrel, and three choke tubes and a lock for just under 200 dollars. If you need a rifled barrel, then get the one you saw. I don't know if Wal-Mart in New York sells guns or not. When I lived in New JErsey, they didn't sell guns at Wal-Mart due to the strict gun laws there. Also, the only shells that I have ever had the empties jam on me was the Remington Nitro Steel 3" shells. They are too long when they come out of the ejection port and will jam up. I've never had a problem with any other shells like Federal or Estate, or any others I've shot out of it. I determined that it was a problem with the Remington shells and not the Mossberg. I've never had a misfire with it. I've sat in the rain for hours waiting on ducks and never had a problem with it. It's also very easy to take apart and clean and reassemble. You can't go wrong with this gun. I just wish they made the 500 in a 10 guage 3-1/2" shell. I'd buy it in a second. Matt