Vendor suggestions.

[Call_me_Tom]

For Christmas I received a 1961-1969 Mossberg 500A. I figured these dates as Mossberg manufactured 500's with a single action bar during those years and mine only has one. I also learned that manufactures weren't required to add serial numbers to weapons not until 1968, which mine has. But, I can not find any additional recourses that can confirm if Mossberg didn't start adding serial numbers prior to 1968.

This weapon was handed down from my Grandfather (when he passed away) to my Dad and now to me. I know that it isn't anything fancy but I like the fact that it has been in my family for so long and I'd like to keep it in the family for many more years to come.

I'm looking for recommendations on any vendor CalGuns might suggest to complete the following work.

-Check and go through the mechanics of the weapon to insure serviceability.
-Replace furniture to synthetic.
-Add a new finish e.g. Parkerizing, Duracoat, Kote, etc.
-If the vendor can obtain barrels I'd also like to get a Parkerized (or derivative) rifled slug barrel.

I'm not looking for a tactical weapon as I will use it for skeet, and the occasional hog hunt. I'm also not looking to spend a great deal of cash as I know the value on this weapon isn't very high but I want to insure that it's safe to operate and can handle the elements without much babying.

[Argonaut]

Why would anyone want to go to a plastic stock (unless they are a waterfowl hunter) Everyone that I know is looking for wood to replace the plastic with. I would find a new barrel and shoot it as is. These are never going to be collectible but there is nothing wrong with the original finish either. Does it have a pad and does the stock fit you? That might be a useful modification.

[Call_me_Tom]

The weapon does have some very nice walnut stocks on it and that is the reason why I want to replace them with plastic. I'm more into durability over looks and I'd rather scratch, ding and bang plastic stocks then the original walnut when I'm moving around in the bush chasing down a pig.

I'd like the new finish because I don't want to have to oil the weapon down every so often to keep any corrosion away. When I'm in the field I want a fire and forget weapon that I can use and worry about everything else later.

[joepamjohn]

It lasted for years for Gramps and your Dad with no problems, why change anything?

[LB21]

It lasted for years for Gramps and your Dad with no problems, why change anything?

Because its his shotgun now and that's what he wants to do to it. Geez...

To answer the OP, Wilson or Vang Comp come immediately to mind. There's probably others out there though.

I'd check out other shotgun forums too for answers

[Call_me_Tom]

Does it have a pad and does the stock fit you? That might be a useful modification.

It does have a pad and the rear stock fits just fine. The forend is a stretch for me but I'm sure I'll over come that with a little trigger time.

It lasted for years for Gramps and your Dad with no problems, why change anything?

I believe the below quote sums it up perfectly.

I'm more into durability over looks and I'd rather scratch, ding and bang plastic stocks then the original walnut when I'm moving around in the bush chasing down a pig.

I'd like the new finish because I don't want to have to oil the weapon down every so often to keep any corrosion away. When I'm in the field I want a fire and forget weapon that I can use and worry about everything else later.

Because its his rifle now and that's what he wants to do to it. Geez...

To answer the OP, Wilson or Vang Comp come immediately to mind. There's probably others out there though.

I'd check out other shotgun forums too for answers

Thank you for the input. I found a place called AIMPRO and have exchanged a few emails with them. They haven't responded back to my since last week but I believe that is because of the holiday season.

I was hoping that someone on here would suggest a local vendor with prices that are a little more reasonable then the big names out there. If not, I'll more then likely go with AIMPRO since they are an authorized Mossberg service center and most of the other vendors that I've seen around mostly deal with the 870.

[twotap]

Why not consider a new gun to suit your needs (it will probably cost about the same).and let Dad and Gramps sit on the porch to be admired..

[kmca]

I'm with the others here. I'd leave it alone. It would have too much sentimental value for me to alter it that much. Besides, by the time you get a new stock, barrel and refinish, you could buy a new one.

[Call_me_Tom]

Why not consider a new gun to suit your needs (it will probably cost about the same).and let Dad and Gramps sit on the porch to be admired..

I'm with the others here. I'd leave it alone. It would have too much sentimental value for me to alter it that much. Besides, by the time you get a new stock, barrel and refinish, you could buy a new one.

I agree, that this would be the most economical approach but I was planning on doing the "upgrades" in stages so I could save some cash. In any event this is an option I'll keep in mind. Thanks for the input.

[El Gato]

For Christmas I received a 1961-1969 Mossberg 500A. I figured these dates as Mossberg manufactured 500's with a single action bar during those years and mine only has one. I also learned that manufactures weren't required to add serial numbers to weapons not until 1968, which mine has. But, I can not find any additional recourses that can confirm if Mossberg didn't start adding serial numbers prior to 1968.

This weapon was handed down from my Grandfather (when he passed away) to my Dad and now to me. I know that it isn't anything fancy but I like the fact that it has been in my family for so long and I'd like to keep it in the family for many more years to come.

I'm looking for recommendations on any vendor CalGuns might suggest to complete the following work.

-Check and go through the mechanics of the weapon to insure serviceability.
-Replace furniture to synthetic.
-Add a new finish e.g. Parkerizing, Duracoat, Kote, etc.
-If the vendor can obtain barrels I'd also like to get a Parkerized (or derivative) rifled slug barrel.

I'm not looking for a tactical weapon as I will use it for skeet, and the occasional hog hunt. I'm also not looking to spend a great deal of cash as I know the value on this weapon isn't very high but I want to insure that it's safe to operate and can handle the elements without much babying.

I have a similar gun in .20ga... contact Mossberg they will direct you.. there is a limited number of parts for the gun.. some are common to the new guns others not if I remember correctly...but mossberg was willing to talk to me...I ended up having the local guy cut the barrel, add a fiber optic sight and install chokes ... it's my kids gun now...