Im fairly new to turkey hunting. At walmart i saw a mossberg 500 pump shotgun for $209. I have a bunch of questions about this gun. Has anyone got one, and how does it shoot? Is it worth the extra money for three and a half inch? Is this a fair price if it is a good gun? Does anyone have any choke or shot recommendations for this gun.

Thanks for any help.

There's A LOT of fans of "Mossy's" on the board. In regards to the part about the extra $ worth it for the 3.5" capability?

An issue of American Hunter from a few months ago stated that 3" shells hit harder down range and pattern better that 3.5" shells. The recoil has disuaded more than one shooter. I guess that some hunters like the extra "insurance" that comes with the higher no. of pellets you get with the 3.5" shell. The longer chamber will give you more versatility in shot shell selection.

Many, many turkeys have been harvested with shells shorter than 3.5". I took my first gobbler with a 2.75" shell and he couldn't have been any deader. It's up to your & your wallet.

This question will open up a lot of debate, but I believe that the Mossberg 500 is a great gun for the money. I personally have the 835, but I bought it used at a good deal. Right now, I'm shooting the 3 1/2" shells, but am seriously considering dropping back to the 3". My hunting partner shoots the 500 and his gun is performing equal to mine both of us shoot with factory extra full chokes. Both of us shoot Winchester Supreme HV #6 shot and I'm feeling more recoil. I don't think you'll go wrong with the 500 and that's not a bad price. Good luck in your decision and your season.

I no longer have the Moss. 500 but in years long gone by I killed a lot of game with it. It is a good gun for a tight budget.

As far as the 3 1/2 inch shell goes...I'm not a fan. I got rid of my 3 1/2" chambered gun when I didn't see any significant difference in results in the field. More recoil than results in my book.

I have a mossberg 500 20ga. That I shoot deer with. I think they are great for the money. I've never had a problem with mine.

I dont own a Mossberg, but an awful lot of people do, so they must be doing something right. I personally would not advise shooting the 3.5 inch shells in a pump gun. I have tried it and it will really ring your bell. Unless you are truly impervious to recoil then I would say shoot the 3" or 2.75" shells. With the improvements in shotshell performance and better chokes they will kill just as effectively as the long shells. If you want to shoot the long ones then I would say save your dollars until you can get a gas operated semi-automatic. Good luck whichever way you decide.

How dead is dead? The 3½" Magnums are absolutely brutal. They kill at both ends of the gun. 3" Mags are more than enough shell. Mossberg® makes a great gun for the money; they are inexpensive, not cheap. I've had one for over 4 years and am extremely satisfied.

As I shoot left-handed the top tap safety is a real plus. Additionally the chokes (within gauge) are interchangeable: Mossberg®, Winchester®, SKB®, Browning Invector®, Savage®, and Weatherby®