Mossberg 500A question

[bassoneer]

Hey guys...I bought a Mossberg 500 today and have a question about the magazine capacity. I have the 20" persuader (I guess...not the pistol grip, but rather the plain old stock). It's all black, which I prefer, and the magazine extends to the end of the barrel. It says 8 shot capacity, so does that mean 7 in the magazine and one in the chamber? I tried loading 8 in the magazine (2 3/4" of course) and the last one would not fit. Does anybody know? I've been wanting this gun for a while and can't wait to shoot it. I have #1 buck loaded for the first five rounds, then the rest is #00 buck.

Also, do you guys know if you can shoot steel shot from this? Sluggers? Thanks in advance, B

[LiveToShoot]

Yes, one in chamber is usually how total shell capacity is figured...

[cremley]

Yup, its a 7+1
You will not be dissapointed in this gun, it is great!!
as far as steel shots are concerned, I am not sure if it will take it or not. I am not to sure about slugs. I can't remember if you have to have a rifled barrel for slugs or if slugs work in both or if you can only shoot slugs through a rifles barrel and not shot. Not to sure on that one, sorry.

[basqueechmo]

I shoot mine all the time. Great shotgun. You can technically fit 8 in the mag, but I wouldn't recommend it. the 8th just barely makes it past the stop and puts a lot of pressure on the magazine spring. You have to put some good pressue on it to get it in there. Again, I wouldn't recommend doing it. Mine shoots slugs and steel shot just fine. It's a smooth bore shotgun so you'll need rifled slugs, but they shoot fine. I keep mine loaded with alternating 00 buck and 1 oz slugs. first out wings 'em, 2nd finishes the job. I have the pistol grip, but I prefer the sporter stock. Doesn't look as cool, but better for accuracy.

[remchuck]

as long as the barrel is cylinder choke,slugs are fine.my 500 is my duck hunting gun.it wears a fixed modified choke barrel.i shoot hundreds of 3 inch steel shot loads in mine every duck season and i haven't seen any evidence of damage to the muzzle.i'm just trying to figure out why you would want to shoot steel shot through a 20 inch barrel.

[Coeloptera]

I can fit 8 in there, if I really cram it in. I'm not really comfortable putting that much pressure on the spring for long, though. That's with 2.75 inch shells.

Oh goodness yes does it shoot slugs. No problem with a stock, unrifled barrel at all. You'll know you're shooting them, though. Respectable kick.

I have the Persuader with the synthetic stock, but switchout of pretty much everything is extremely easy with the Mossbergs. But you're probably finding that out already. Tools needed to strip it for cleaning are basically nonexistant (you need something to push the pin that holds the trigger assembly in place out with). To change stocks you need a socket set with an extender bar (it's way down in there, obviously). Barrel swaps out by hand, easy as pie.

I like the size of the Persuader configuration. 20" barrel, lines up perfectly with the mag. 20" isn't really overly long for me at my height. When I get around to getting a folding stock it will, of course, be even more compact when I want it to be.

You get a good price on it? Mine ran about $225.00, floor model at Big 5.

- Coeloptera

[nathangdad]

people learn the pistol grip can be a real shock to the hand and wrist.
Be glad you have a classic stock.

[bassoneer]

Originally Posted by Coeloptera

You get a good price on it? Mine ran about $225.00, floor model at Big 5.

- Coeloptera

Not a great price. I think with tax and background check it was around $300. Still cheaper than my handguns though. The most devastating weapon I personally have ever shot.

I took it to our local range and shot several things through it, from #8 target shot all the way through #00 buckshot and sluggers. I shot several rounds of the buckshot in a row and it was kicking so hard I was almost ejecting the shell and cocking it again automatically. I told my son if there was just a hair more powder in the shells, it would turn this into a semi-auto shotgun that would cock itself after each round. Probably just poor form on my part, but it did kick hard. Great gun for fending off big aliens and swamp monsters. Later, B

[Coeloptera]

Originally Posted by bassoneer

Probably just poor form on my part, but it did kick hard. Great gun for fending off big aliens and swamp monsters. Later, B

Maybe...but it does kick hard. I don't like shooting a few boxes through it in just a thin shirt. Most people who don't shoot have no idea what buckshot of slugs feel like coming out a shotgun. I can't imagine being on the receiving end of that kind of force. Maybe invest in a jelly pad for the stock?

- Coeloptera

[KGunner]

Originally Posted by nathangdad

people learn the pistol grip can be a real shock to the hand and wrist.
Be glad you have a classic stock.

It is only a shock to my wrist when I remove the stock and leave just the pistol grip. If I shoot it from my shoulder with the stock against it, then it is fine and fires like a regular shotgun. I prefer the pistol grip, especially as a home defense weapon, much easier to carry around with one hand.

[Sixx]

If you Knoxx stock that bad boy, and replace the bead with something tritium(if this is affordable that is)this would definitely be a bad boy. Great as is though.