how to check a used shotgun (mossberg 500)

[mikeyr]

I just bought a used Mossberg 500 so I guess its too late to post this but here goes. How does one check the condition of a shotgun ? I can check a revolver or pistol but no idea what to check on a shotgun.

My LGS had 3 used 500's for sale when I stopped by this afternoon all with the 28" and 18.5" barrels and I have been thinking about getting one for a long time. First gun was black plastic with both barrels for $400 which is more than new, so I passed on it. Other 2 guns had wood furniture instead of black plastic which I actually prefer. One for $280 and one for $300 but the $300 one had 3 barrels, a 18.5", a 28" ribbed with removable chokes and a rifled barrel, along with 3 chokes, tool and a plug for the magazine (I guess when hunting you can't have 5 rounds). I liked the idea of 3 barrels and bought it.

So I asked the salesman what to look for and he said the gun was in fine shape...trust but verify so here I am asking The 18.5 barrel bore looked fine, some scratches but nothing serious, really minor things had to really look to see them, the 28" bore looked super smooth I would say new but don't know what it would have looked like new, the rifled bore looked even better, the rifling is not very sharp like a revolver or rifle but its there and no visible scratches in the bore. The wood looked good, no major scratches or damage. The action felt fine but this is where I don't know what I am looking for. Everything worked and to me felt sloppy but even the brand new gun felt that way, its a pump shotgun thing I guess. If anything the action felt smoother than the new gun and about the same with the other 2 used ones.

I didn't even know they made the 500 with wood furniture and I really am happy i went to the store (to ask some questions about a red dot for my Buckmark that comes out of jail on Tuesday). I know that from BIG5 the 2 barrel combo is $350 withOUT removable chokes and $400 with, so I don't know what the owner of the black one is thinking at that price but the one I got I was happy with and didn't even haggle. Now of course I am wondering what makes one worth $400 (more than new) and one not unless something is wrong with it. I hope its just a owner thing like calguns marketplace.

What do I look for ? and why oh why do I have to wait another 10 days, I am on day 7 for the Buckmark, why can't I pick up both ? (don't answer that I know why)

[vinny_land]

Sounds like you did okay with this purchase. I wouldn't sweat it too much since many pump shotguns in general are work horses and can take lots of abuse.

FWIW and for when you decide to purchase another shotgun down the road, here are some things to look for (many of which you've addressed already):
Overall exterior finish on receiver/barrel: is it worn? any visible scratches, gouges, rust, pitting, etc. Sights still intact?
Furniture: any visible cracks, scratches, gouges, chips, etc.
Action: able to manipulate with ease? or rough/sticky? excessive slide play? obviously smoother actions are a plus.
Trigger/Safety: easy to operate? No obvious resistance when manipulating trigger or safety?
Interior receiver/barrel: visible rust, pitting? shiny clear bore?
Extras: sling swivels? buttpad not worn? threads on the chokes still intact and not dinged/mangled.

The additional plug is for hunting capacity (maximum of 3 shotshells). A wood stock Mossberg 500 with 3 barrels is a sweet deal IMO. Oh and one final thing to check specifically on the Mossberg 500 is the slide assembly tube. I don't think Mossberg used the cheaper non-removable piece with the wood furniture so you should be solid on that end too.

[ysr_racer]

If reading this forum has taught me anything, it's tactical shotguns get fondled a lot, but shot very little.

If the outside looks good, the inside is probably good too.

[rromeo]

If it looks okay, it probably is okay. I had a Mossberg 500 from 1985, I bought used with no knowledge of the history. I shot a few thousand rounds of target shells, a few hundred rounds of buckshot, and quite a bit of slugs. Never had an issue.
The Accu Choke and slug barrels are about $100 on eBay, so you can say you bought it for $100 with the 18.5" barrel. Nice pickup.

[mikeyr]

Thanks guys, I was pretty sure it was in good condition. Like I said action felt about the same as the brand new one he had, maybe a little smoother. The finish on the wood is good condition. I think I done good

1 pistol and 2nd long gun in 2 months, I think I may have a disease I sure hope its not treatable.

[pennstater]

Yep, I'd say you did just fine. 3 barrels and chokes? You're done in that department. Good find.