New Guy with a Mossberg

[GlockMeister]

Originally Posted by OldTimer

With all due respect G-Meister, you are wrong.
I've shot Winchester Super-X (Foster-type) slugs from my Moss'y 500 with the 28" front-bead field barrel in Modified choke. Rather accurate at 100 yds. and consistently so. However the open (rifle) sights on the shorter slug barrel make sight picture and target acquisition much easier. Especially as regards the former.
In fact, the American Rifleman (NRA) magazine featured an article some years ago wherein it stated that some choke (up to modified?) was actually <i>beneficial</i> to Foster-type slug performance, if I remember correctly. And I assume I, too, will be corrected if <b>I</b> am wrong!

Thank you for letting me know. That is if I am though? lol I say that because I'd like someone to explain it to me also if I am. I attempted to get the answer on here a while back. Kind of obvious I didn't get an answer at that time, if I'm wrong, then isn't it? lol Seeing as I answered based on what I tried to find out and thought I had and on my own from reading other stuff here and on other forums, that may have also been the wrong info. lol 'Cause I got squat from asking. lol Any how,,,,,,,,,,,

I'd expressed I recently converted my Mossberg 500 to a tactical/home defense shotgun, seeing as how I hardly used it for hunting anymore. Had a 28" vent ribbed bead sight with the select-A-choke on it. Can adjust it from improved, modified and full. Only changed it (the barrel) because it is way to long for the home. Also took off the original stock and put an ATI collapsible stock with pistol grip on it. Pretty much did to mine what Alleydude is doing, or close to it anyhow?

But, I'd specified what I had, included a link to the barrel The Mossberg #90015 18.5" security barrel with cylinder choke and bead sight, and ask 1) if I could shoot slugs through it, hoping I get a specific answer. Because I know there are now a wide variety of slugs on the market and since I've never shot a slug let alone with or through any barrel. I had, maybe still have no clue? Maybe I didn't ask a specific of enough of a question? But, not one reply.

Maybe it was because I'd asked it on someone else's thread? I didn't mean to hi-jack it if that was what I did, I was still somewhat new to the site at the time. Mainly, I didn't want to waste the server space for another thread, when it could have been done there?

Anyhow, about the only thing I understand, is not to shoot a rifled slug from a rifled barrel or a rifled choke? As the rifling probably won't match up. Correct? Yea? Nay? lol

Then, what I was told back when I was considering converting the 500, was to just not shoot slugs from a barrel with the choke removed as it could ruin the threads; that is, if it was an internally threaded choke? Also, the comment was made at this same time (talking to a dealer about what I wanted to do) about possibly blowing the choke of, if it was a choked barrel because either the wrong slug was used, or if it was a choked barrel, that could be adjusted, it was adjusted to the wrong setting, and that it (the choke) could be blown right off. Yea? Nay? lol I guess an example would be, the select-A-choke, if it was set to say, full choke, and a slug was shot through it, could it blow the choke off, or maybe damage it?

So I'm glad I might have got it wrong, now maybe someone will finally tell both me and Alleydude and maybe you also, all at the same time? lol

Again, not trying to hi-jack his or anyone else's post. But if we both have the same shotgun, basically in the same configuration, or his soon to be, why, rather then waste yet more server space, can't I just get the same answer at the same time from the same question???

From what I've read, he may be getting the same barrel I already have to put on the same shotgun, again, I already did. Or he's trying to find out or do what I did?

So please, if you or someone could please explain it to both of us, the dos and don'ts of slug and barrel match ups, please.

So basically if we both have this barrel, Mossberg #90015 18 1/2" smooth bore barrel, with a cylinder choke and bead sight, this link, and 4th item down from top, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. - Firearms, Shotguns, Rifles, Accessories, and Precision Machining
what slug or slugs would be the best to be used with this barrel?

Again, I'm not trying to hi-jack his thread, nor do or did I mean to if I did in fact do so. Just see no point in asking the same question in another thread/post, since it has basically come up in this one... Thank you very much in advance...

G-Meister

[Alleydude]

Finally got around to taking a picture of my Mossy. Nothing you folks haven't probably already seen, but I'm excited about it so here's a picture...

[GlockMeister]

Similar to mine. Isn't that a rifled barrel sitting next to it? Looks like it? If so, there's your slug barrel. Just don't use rifled or finned slugs from what I read? Still waiting for confirmation on it all, for both of us. lol

Looks real nice there Alleydude.

G-Meister

[Alleydude]

Originally Posted by GlockMeister

Similar to mine. Isn't that a rifled barrel sitting next to it? Looks like it? If so, there's your slug barrel. Just don't use rifled or finned slugs from what I read? Still waiting for confirmation on it all, for both of us. lol
Looks real nice there Alleydude.
G-Meister

Yes, that's my slug barrel. I've shot some sabot slugs though it. MAN, what a KICK!

[bigbuddy21]

Originally Posted by Alleydude

Thanks again for the replies. So would you recommend shot or slugs for home protection? I'm thinking shot because of the spread, but that slug will put a hole in a brick wall, I'd think. Not much gonna walk away from getting hit with one of those.

i'd go with 00 buckshot for home protection

[OldTimer]

Alleydude and G-meister,

For simple home defense, if the sound of the action being closed doesn't run the perp off, you will probably need to shoot. If you live off in the sticks and alone then "00" Buck or slugs will definately ruin their day/night. However, if you have family/neighbours in the next room/apartment/condo or a house nearby, then birdshot from your slug barrel will be more than enough at close quarters. Think, just how far away will some perp be if you confronted them in your home?

Then again, just how much does buckshot spread out in close quarters? Can you hit your target shooting in low/no light or from the hip? What if the perp is armed and you miss?

Try this simple test: slap a couple of simple 2' - 3' square frames made with 2"X4" or 2"X6" lumber, nail or screw common wallboard/sheetrock to both sides of said frames, and at 6' - 12' let some #6 or #4 shot fly. How far away would you want to be to feel "safe" on the other side of that "wall"?
Stack 2-3 of those "walls" together about 1' apart and try it with buckshot or slugs...

As I live in a condo on a concrete slab (no basement), I would prefer using #6 shot and shooting the floor ~3'-4' in front of the perp -- no aiming required. :evilgrin: I, however, will need to replace the carpet and spackle the walls...

Your milage may vary,

[GlockMeister]

I appreciate the heads up Old Timer. I already use 00 as I have neighbors. But, on occasion, I'd like to take her to the range, woods etc. and fire off a few slugs, what kind of slugs can I fire through a smooth bore barrel with a cylinder choke? In the future, I will be getting a rifled slug barrel. Then I'll have to find which ones work best for that.

G-Meister

[GlennF]

Foster type slugs would work the best from a smoothbore barrel. Some like the old Breneke slugs have an attached wad. I would think the slugs that are the closest to bore diameter would work better than ones designed to compress a lot through a choke. I use only a rifled barrel with sabot type slugs, so can't offer an opinion on which brand. Buy a box of 5 of some different brands and try them. One will work and group better than the others.

[OldTimer]

G-meister,
GlennF has it spot-on. Foster-type or Brenneke slugs will work best with a smoothbore. Check out this thread about the subject, and references: http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/sho...tml#post213030 (American Hunter Magazine Article on Slug Shells?)

[loc134]

if you are shooting sabots make sure you have the right barrel. i wouldnt shoot a sabot (say-bo) out of a choke even if it is an inprov. choke.

[Alleydude]

Originally Posted by loc134

if you are shooting sabots make sure you have the right barrel. i wouldnt shoot a sabot (say-bo) out of a choke even if it is an inprov. choke.

Those are some sweet guns! I would be using my rifled barrels with the sabots, so no choke.

[simpleman601]

congrats on the new gun. you made a great choice shotguns are versitle from home defense or hunting just about any north american game. im also a huge fan of mossbergs i have a 500 with a short and long barrel and a 590 mariner (my favorite!!) with 20'' barrel.

[turner]

Originally Posted by loc134

if you are shooting sabots make sure you have the right barrel. i wouldnt shoot a sabot (say-bo) out of a choke even if it is an inprov. choke.

There's really no problem with shooting a sabot slug out of a smooth barrel, period. There is just not much use in it, seeing as how the sabots were/are designed to grab the rifling of the barrel (or rifled tube) and impart spin, making it more accurate. No rifling, no spin, no advantage for the sabot costing 5x more than a foster type. Just as there is no problem shooting fosters out of any barrel.... except one with an "exterior" choke apparatus, which could be cranked tightly enough so the choke adjustment parts could be damaged. The Fosters will also likely give poor accuracy out of rifled barrels, as well as likely imparting some soft lead deposits in the rifling. There are some slugs, such as Remington Buckhammers, that will work well in smooth or rifled barrels as well as put a whoopin' on whatever's on either end....a deer, and your shoulder...lol.

[loc134]

i agree, i myself only use sabots with riffeling.

[mossbergman]

Originally Posted by Alleydude

Thanks again for the replies. So would you recommend shot or slugs for home protection? I'm thinking shot because of the spread, but that slug will put a hole in a brick wall, I'd think. Not much gonna walk away from getting hit with one of those.

No Slug or Birdshot , get yourself some 00 or 000 BUCKSHOT FOR HOME DEFENSE. Only way to go.--JMJ--AKA-- Jim the Mossbeerg Junkie