I would like to purchase an inexpensive shotgun to hunt turkeys and for home defense. I know that there are plenty of accessories for that gun, but how do they pattern at 40 yards? I keep reading about those great pattern densities in high dollar gas guns, but very little about the Mossberg 500. What say you? Thanks...

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.

Im good out to 50 yards killin turkeys. I shoot the xx full choke from the factory. I shoot Federal 3in 5 shot 2 oz. If it will put a whoppin on a turkeys head at 50 yards, it will definetly put a hurtin on bigger targets.