Mossberg 500 Tactical Shotguns
The Mossberg 500 family of shotguns offers a remarkable combination of modern design, custom-type features and affordability. Mossberg has long been a favorite of hunters, law enforcement and private citizens. Here we focus on the Mossberg “tactical” shotguns, which are well suited for home defense. There are excellent hunting models that will be covered in another story. Why we have selected Mossberg 500 boils down to quality and affordability. It has often been said, “one of the most frightening sounds an assailant can hear is the sound of a shell being jacked into the chamber of a Mossberg pump.”
Whether or not a shotgun is better than a handgun for home defense is a subject of debate. A shotgun is longer and can be unwieldy to maneuver inside the home. ON the other hand, a shotgun requires less precision in aim and the blast radius is ideal for indoor defense. Moreover, a shotgun is often more intimidating and that fact alone may make it great for non-lethal home defense in cases where a perpetrator submits or flees in fear. But keep in mind, a shotgun is lethal and one should not consider using any firearm for self-defense without full intention of using lethal force if necessary.
The Mossberg 500 is a manually operated pump action smoothbore. The bolt carrier is operated via two action bars, chamber locking is achieved via tilting breechblock bolt into the barrel extension. The safety is located at the tang of the receiver and is fully ambidextrous. The receiver is made from high quality aluminum alloys and the barrels are fully interchangeable by hand without tools.
For home defense the police models with 16-20″ barrels and cylinder bores are available with polymer or wood stocks. The models with factory-installed pistol grips are called “Cruisers”.
For maximum psychological and lethal threat, the Mossberg 500 tactical shotguns come very highly recommended. These Mossbergs are in a family of shotguns that meet or exceed military specification, including Remington 870’s and Ithaca 37’s in the riot configuration. As you can see, they are in outstanding company, making them overall a great value in price and protection.
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Questions:
On the Mossberg 500 Cruiser, what sort of ammo would one need to use in order to have the kick not be horrible? Also, would you need any special license to buy this? And, is this something one would normally be able to find in their local area, or would you have to go online?
Is there any down side with that model?
That Cruiser looks good as it would be able to go through hallways in a house better then a full on rifle.
Comment left on October 12, 2005 @ 8:59 pm
I’m aware of a Kansas law that a shotgun barrel can be no less than 18 inches in length. I don’t know what the BATF says.
Comment left on October 12, 2005 @ 9:39 pm
that is the batf regulition 18 IN.
Comment left on October 13, 2005 @ 10:23 am
eople to own. The license for owning a shorter barrel costs $200 and requires an extensive background check and even then they may still not be legal where you live. Like owning class 3’s is legal in many states but not all of them even if you have the license.
Category I, “Firearms,” includes nonautomatic and semiautomatic firearms to caliber .50 inclusive, combat shotguns, shotguns with barrels less than 18 inches in length, and firearms silencers and suppressors.
http://www.atf.treas.gov/firearms/rules/2004-2.htm
I think your gonna wwant a stock on a 12ga because of the kick. The shorter the barrel, the more severe the muzzle blast and the less control possible. Criminality begins with reducing barrel length below 18 inches. A sawed-off shotgun is ineffective at any but close distances due to shot spread and lack of projectile energy. I know a guy with 10ga sawed off and no stock. He has to prop it on a stump or something to shoot it and then he holds on. But if you dont have the stock but the legal 18″ then you got your two hands on it and your not a small person you should be able to handle 12ga with buckshot.
Comment left on October 13, 2005 @ 6:57 pm
As of 1968 the ATF says normal class shotguns are 18″ or longer. Shorter barrel shotguns like riot or combat shotguns require a special license for regular people to own.
Comment left on October 13, 2005 @ 7:01 pm
Consider that 12ga shot shells come in 3 1/2 inch, 3 inch, and 2 3/4 inch with different shot sizes. Here are some examples offered by Federal:
Federal 12ga Tung-Iron Waterfowl 3 1/2in 1 3/8oz - 1450 FPS
Federal 12ga Tung-Iron Waterfowl 3in 1 1/4oz - 1400 FPS
Federal Premium Waterfowl 12ga 3 1/2in Mag 1 3/8oz - 1450 FPS
Federal Premium Waterfowl 12ga 3in Mag 1 1/8oz - 1500 FPS
Federal Duck & Upland 12ga 2 3/4in 1 1/4oz - 1300 FPS
Federal Duck & Upland 12ga 2 3/4in 1oz - 1300 FPS
Federal Duck & Upland 12ga 2 3/4in 1 1/8oz - 1300 FPS
Federal Duck & Upland 12ga 2 3/4in 3/4oz - 1300 FPS
Federal Subsonic 12ga 2 3/4in
A shorter shell has less of a powder charge, and as a general rule is going to kick less. Steel shot sucks because it is too light, but has replaced lead due to environmental concerns.
Start out by shooting with 2 3/4 inch and judge the kick. Then you can decide how much you feel comfortable blasting away with using your stockless shotgun with the minimum legal length barrel.
Comment left on October 14, 2005 @ 11:22 am
If ya notice that Persuader in pic #3 with Synthetic Stock and the Pistol Grip Kit - The stock comes off when you put the pistol grip on. You can switch that yourself.
Comment left on October 14, 2005 @ 5:47 pm
If your local gun store has one of these models thats up to them. some stores carry different things. just rereading your questions now
Comment left on October 14, 2005 @ 5:49 pm
I preferr a blunderbuss…load it up with silverware, pocket change whatever is handy
Comment left on October 18, 2005 @ 8:13 pm
Hey all,
Im looking to purchase a Mossberg 500 with the pistol grip included. Can anyone steer me to some reputable auction sites, or online gun dealers with competetive prices ?
Thanks
Comment left on August 13, 2006 @ 3:07 pm
Hey guys new to site but to let you just know i just purchased a mossberg 500 persuader for 224.00 plus tax in texas with pistol grip kit took home and shot a few rounds through it. just to let you know triple augt buck 3 in. has kick in it. but even more so the 2 3/4 slug i was shooting kicked a whole lot more. so if your a light weight then you may consider a smaller shot. great product real happy with it.
Comment left on September 6, 2006 @ 3:07 pm
or a good solid stump to rest it against before shooting!
Comment left on September 17, 2006 @ 9:34 pm
I live in Arkansas and I was wondering if I got a good deal on mine. 150.00 new in the box. It’s like the one in the first picture with the pistol grip. It seems like a good deal, that is if it isn’t HOT!
Comment left on September 29, 2006 @ 9:44 pm
Hi I’m new here to the site, I live is Sultan Washington I just got a 500 putting a ATI folding stock and fore arm on it today it has a 18″ with a heat sheld and woodin stocks for now. UPS is bring the new stock today will have photos of me removing the old stock and replacing it with the new ATI folding stock if any one would like to see them. I did a trade with a pawn shop gun for gun they got an 870 Express mag I got my 500, hope to shot it today
Good shooting to all
bikerdan
Comment left on December 18, 2006 @ 12:40 pm
Hi all! I just joined…
Bought the Mossie 500 Persuader w/ pistol grip. Looking to add a shoulder stock on it - which would you suggest?
Thanks!
Chuck
Comment left on December 18, 2006 @ 5:56 pm
Jarred - I think you got a great deal! I bought mine for $269 new in box…
Comment left on December 18, 2006 @ 6:54 pm