bronko22000

What is the reliability of the Mossberg 500 shotgun? I am debating whether to buy the 20" bbl., 8 round version for home defense. 500 owners please send in you comments positive or negative. Don't hold back - remember this is for home defense where failure is not an option.

Sheridan

A pumpgun would seem to be a good buy.

"....remember this is for home defense where failure is not an option."


Now you got me thinking.......................

Maybe a SXS or an O/U with the "right" load !!!

bronko22000

I would prefer more than 2 rounds in the case of multiple assailants. And I've used pumps most of my life and they can be very fast when put to action.
I cut my teeth on an 870 and still own a couple but the 500 has a version I really like.

Bugroof

We have a 500 for home defense. Great gun! Had to send it to mossberg due to an issue with the safety catching. The fixed it up and got it back very quickly.
Shoot rifled slugs, great for defense.
Also have the 535 for hunting. Have three barrels, waterfowl, turkey and rifled. Love it.

Haven't hunted with it yet, but its great at the range.

Alex G.

bronko, the 8 round magazine mossberg is actually the 590 not the 500. The 590 has less combinations(barrel variations) than the 500 does. I vote for the 500.

Savage Sniper

they are great guns. in my experience, they are more reliable than the 870. i have both and during the break in period on the 870, sometimes the 870 would get hung up. never had that problem on the 500.

bronko22000

Thanks guys. But I did happen to 'luck out' today. I stopped by Cabelas and got a NIB Remmy 870 tactical. And surpirsingly it was less than the Mossberg. This will be the 4th 870 in my safe (or should I say that I own because it won't be in the safe). Its a shotgun that I can take apart and put back together blindfolded and never had an issue with. I'm going to strip it down and give it a good cleaning and light lube tonight.

emtrescue6

I have 2 500's (one of them is my primary home defense weapon)...love them and they have never failed me and Clint from Thunder Ranch says it's one of the best defense shotguns ever made. That being said...I also have a couple 870's and they also have never failed. In my opinion you can't go wrong with either of them, both great reliable guns!

DJfan

I have had mine since 1994. Love it!!! No issues at all, very durable, functions in all weather and game conditions.

bronko22000

I took the 870 out yesterday and ran it through its paces and it performed flawlessly. It will be used mostly as part of a welcoming committee for uninvited guests should they decide to pop in during the middle of the night.