Big 5 Mossberg Combo

[doodoostain]

i bought the same combo. here are some of my thoughts:

- the magazine tube holds 5 rounds. so you get 5+1 tops. cannot add an extension since the barrel screws on to the end of the mag tube.

- i too ended up changing the forend. well, i got a forend that came with the knoxx compstock. i had to get the slide assembly from havlin sales.

i really like how it feels now. the forend that came with the shotgun felt cheap. i got the compstock, because i wanted my wife to be able to shoot the gun and she's recoil-shy. all in all, with the new pieces, the gun feels great but in the end, it probably costed closer to $450 out the door with the compstock and the pieces i had to buy. and i'm still limited to the 5+1.

if i had to do it all over again, i'd just get the security model. i like shooting clays but i'd rather have an extra 3 shots. also, at angeles, i find shooting clays with the 18" barrel a fun challenge. really gotta get at them fast.

[Doheny]

How do you like the comp stock? Does it help? Do you have a link for the one you bought?

[doodoostain]

honestly, i just got it and have only tried shooting birdshot with it. can't really tell the difference. i have to take it out with the 00 buck. i would imagine the birdshot i'm using doesn't kick hard enough to even engage the recoil reducing aspects of the stock.

here's the link:

http://www.opticsplanet.net/blackhawk-knoxx-compstock-shotgun-stocks.html

my trick with buying stuff from optics planet has been to phone in my order to make sure its in stock. i ordered a bunch of stuff online once and they called me to tell me that some stuff wasn't in stock and tried to up sell me. its a small price to pay for a good deal, i figure.

i also had to buy the action slide tube assembly from here:

http://www.havlinsales.com/

click modern shotgun parts and you'll see the pricing for the action slide tube assembly. i got the 7 5/8" and slide nut.

hope that helps.

[Doheny]

It is a 500a and you will want to replace the forend. It can be a bit sticky when you rack it. You will probably want to replace it so think about it when you buy. Will you use the 28 in. barrel?

OK, just got back...yeah, the fore-end does seem a bit flimsy. What would you switch it out to?

[auctionman]

I will sell you one for 200 with a heat shield, not many rounds through it, Id say less than 100. Im in San Diego.

[Hayashi Killian]

What's the difference between a 500a and a regular 500?

Gauge IIRC. 500a is 12ga. I believe Mossberg does (or did) sell other 500s in other gauges. 500c was 20 or 28ga.

[cens]

Hi doodoostain,

I was wondering, if I could get ask you a question? I just bought the 500 combo and also want to change the forend but this is my first shotgun.

When you bought the action slide tube assembly + nut, did it come with step by step instructions on how to replace?

Also, how did you know to get the 7 5/8" vs 6 1/2?

<Will be able to pickup gun in 11 days.>

Thanks!!

[doodoostain]

Hi doodoostain,

I was wondering, if I could get ask you a question? I just bought the 500 combo and also want to change the forend but this is my first shotgun.

When you bought the action slide tube assembly + nut, did it come with step by step instructions on how to replace?

Also, how did you know to get the 7 5/8" vs 6 1/2?

<Will be able to pickup gun in 11 days.>

Thanks!!

It actually didn't come with step by step instructions, but its really pretty easy to figure out. At some point, when you get the gun, you'll probably watch a video or two on youtube about field stripping and cleaning. Once you've seen those videos, you'll know how to install the action slide tube.

The Hogue Overmolded Forend that I got was 7 5/8".

Enjoy the shotgun.

[Doheny]

Bought my combo yesterday...may change out the slide too.

[doodoostain]

you're gonna enjoy it. shooting clays is fun but i think i enjoy watching fruit and shaving cream explode more.

[dennab]

Great shotgun for the $$. Don't worry about the cheapie forearm - lube the rails well and it'll be fine. I've had mine for about a year with approx 200 rounds through the pipe(s) w/ no issues. I keep the 18.5" barrel on when at home and screw on the 28" when at the range. The 18.5 is fun to shoot if your're doing close range tactical stuff too.

Buy and enjoy.

[cens]

hey doodoostain, thanks for the quick response. I saw some you tube videos on how to disassembe and I think once I get the gun and disassemble it, it will make more sense.

But after reading your post, i am having 2nd thoughts too. I like the other mossberg big 5 had on sale for the same price but it was an 8 shot vs 6. It only has one barrel but I am thinking of just dedicating it for HD and getting an over/under.

Still havent made up my mind though. The look of the 8 shot also appeals to me more but i know it doesnt make sense to buy a gun based on looks. Guess i have some time to make up my mind.

[DougJ]

I didn't care for the extra length of the 8 shot Mossberg Big 5 has, it seemed like the length of pull was longer too. Something made it feel too cumbersome to me, and I didn't like it. I already have a combo gun, and it's a good gun as-is, very versatile.

As I said before I ended up buying the Remington Security 7 shot this time around. Even after using it for a bit I still like the controls on the Mossberg much better.

[carlross]

SWEEEEEEEEET!! thanks for the link Doug. Just saved me $80 on a 870 Express!

[jonni]

my friends girlfriend has one

she has no concept of maintenance

racking the pump takes considerable effort from accumulated grime