Which is a better deal?

[caoboy]

I've set my sights on a Mossberg 500. I'm wanting to purchase from Big5, and I'm stuck between the combo package or the security 12g.

http://big5sportinggoods.shoplocal.com/big5/default.aspx?action=detail&storeid=2503823&rapid=0&listingid=-2088242686&offerid=

My dilemma is this. Which is a better deal? AFAIK there is nothing different with the combo package, except for the different forearm/ stock, and the additional 28" vented barrel.

I'm leaning towards the combo, since with either gun, I'm planning on putting the speed feed pistol grip stock on it, so the forearm/stock difference is moot at this point, and the extra barrel would be good to go trap shooting with, the last time I went I think we were using not such a long barrel (used a friend's gun) but it shouldn't make too much of a difference right?

I've seen (maybe FUD) that the combo package is a bit different than the regular 500, but cannot get any solid facts on it? Some parts won't fit?

Can you shotgun masters help me out?

Thanks!

Also, am I seeing things? Don't the combo/security guns go on sale for 259 sometimes? Or am I just dreaming?

[Shawn L]

I got the combo from Big 5 and the only problem I had was to change the forend you have to buy different tube read here....

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=235388

[caoboy]

I got the combo from Big 5 and the only problem I had was to change the forend you have to buy different tube read here....
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=235388

Thanks, you just sealed the deal. It used Maverick parts...and I don't want them in my gun.

I'll pick up the regular 500 security.

[an actual gun]

I went with the regular security for the reason you did, I went with the 8-shot magazine version though. Some caveats: 8-shot magazine makes switching barrels difficult. Also, on the flip side, the combo gun with Maverick fore end is easily upgraded.

It really depends on what you want now. If you want new barrels and you have an 8 shot, you can always switch to the standard length magazine and then you can put any barrel on it you want. If you buy the combo now, all you've got to do is pay about 60 bucks to get a Mossberg genuine 500 action tube assembly.

My reasoning to buy the 8 shot 500 was thus: I wanted the large capacity now, since it's a general defense gun I was after. If I want to get specialty barrels later, I can, with minor parts and the purchase of a new barrel. I decided against going the combo route because I didn't want to have to deal with a new forend/tube assembly and dislike the one it comes with. I figured the 500 with 8-shot magazine fits my immediate needs better while not ruling out the possibility of other future needs as they come to be.

That said you save money going the combo route. Only the fore end/tube assembly will ever need to be replaced. You get an extra 120+ dollar barrel. The tube assembly is about 60 bucks and a fore end can be had pretty cheap too. If you're willing to do it and know how, it's definitely worth it financially. You get more bang for your buck even if you have to spend a little more in addition to the price tag of the combo deal.

[Joe22]

I wonder how hard it would be to buy a security 8shot then get a long barrel and remove the ring mount on it to move it forward..

[ChrisTKHarris]

The combo needs a new forend assembly if you want to modify, stick with the security.

[caoboy]

The combo needs a new forend assembly if you want to modify, stick with the security.

My boss is trying to talk me out of this, and talk me into a 930spx...I'm going to wait until February when my tax return usually gets here, and I'll have to decide then...besides...the youtube vids of people unloading a full 930spx is just too awesome and tempting.

I'm definitely going to stick with the 500 security if I get don't get the 930spx. I played with them today, and it just feels better.

[MossbergMan]

Stick with and learn on a pump action first. Stay with a "straight stock" with the Mossbergs. The Pistol Grip (PG) stock places the safety out of reach. PG stocks on cross bolt safety guns only. Only a UI (unconsciously incompentent)would deliberately purchase equipment that places the safety out of reach.

I know Mossberg sells some of their SG's outfitted this way, but I see who buys them, and they are not the professional. It's those that don't know any better and it looks cool. And for some the PG stocks make sense. For those people, buy a Remington or Winchester or Benelli. Mossbergs are designed to be ambidextious and the safety on the tang makes it so.

If you're one of the thousands of shooters that poo-poos the use of the safety on a firearm (SG), it is merely a matter of training to disengage as you mount the gun to your shoulder. You are dangerous and you are lazy.

[caoboy]

Stick with and learn on a pump action first. Stay with a "straight stock" with the Mossbergs. The Pistol Grip (PG) stock places the safety out of reach. PG stocks on cross bolt safety guns only. Only a UI (unconsciously incompentent)would deliberately purchase equipment that places the safety out of reach.

I know Mossberg sells some of their SG's outfitted this way, but I see who buys them, and they are not the professional. It's those that don't know any better and it looks cool. And for some the PG stocks make sense. For those people, buy a Remington or Winchester or Benelli. Mossbergs are designed to be ambidextious and the safety on the tang makes it so.

If you're one of the thousands of shooters that poo-poos the use of the safety on a firearm (SG), it is merely a matter of training to disengage as you mount the gun to your shoulder. You are dangerous and you are lazy.

That is a good point. I keep reading about that, and I'm rethinking about the speedfeed PG stock. They do have a straight speedfeed stock as well.

[Ls1FALimpala]

I'll pick up the regular 500 security.

thats what i got im going to pick it up on sunday.

[an actual gun]

Stick with and learn on a pump action first. Stay with a "straight stock" with the Mossbergs. The Pistol Grip (PG) stock places the safety out of reach. PG stocks on cross bolt safety guns only. Only a UI (unconsciously incompentent)would deliberately purchase equipment that places the safety out of reach.

I know Mossberg sells some of their SG's outfitted this way, but I see who buys them, and they are not the professional. It's those that don't know any better and it looks cool. And for some the PG stocks make sense. For those people, buy a Remington or Winchester or Benelli. Mossbergs are designed to be ambidextious and the safety on the tang makes it so.

If you're one of the thousands of shooters that poo-poos the use of the safety on a firearm (SG), it is merely a matter of training to disengage as you mount the gun to your shoulder. You are dangerous and you are lazy.

I feel this way about the 870 in general, in that the cross bolt safety and the slide stop release are not easily actuated from the firing position. To me it seems like an 870 is easier to use with a pistol grip, not great without one; the 500/590 vice-versa. The pistol grip on an 870 seemed like a needed advancement for special purpose users of the guns. The Mossberg design fixed this problem of special purpose users needing to upgrade to a pistol grip for better control... To me, the Mossberg shines in this respect, that is ergonomics. No reason to go screwing that up.