1983 Mossberg 500 ATP

[dando]

I have a mossberg 500 ATP that my father gave me in 1983. I just got it out of storage and it has never been fired. It has a 18" (18.5"?) barrel and wood furniture.

What does the ATP mean? I think the A is the designation for 12 gauge (which this is) but I have no idea what the TP stands for. I intend to use this gun for HD and to use in shotgun training classes. What if anything should I modify or change on this gun?

[Definately Not Monkeyboy]

I would mostly just leave it alone. It is already a good set up for HD. You could go full Tacti-cool if you want. In that case, you could do a sidesaddle shell holder, some ghostring or rifle sights, and a flashlight on the front. But in all honesty, unless you are planning on being invaded by a large group of people, the rounds that fit in the gun should be enough. The one thing I recommend against with the mossbergs is any kind of pistol grip. Not because they are any danger or anything like that. But because the one advantage the mossberg has over the Remington 870 is the better ergonomics of the safety and slide release. Going to a pistol grip negates this advantage.

-Not Mb