500 Pistol Grip Persuader

[onequickshift]

Saw a sale on turners online ad, was thinking of purchasing this weekend, thoughts on this SG? Pro's? Con's? Use is home defense, looks compact and useable, I am barely 90 pounds I am not very big, and have always been looking to outfit myself with just what works. Or would the big 5 sporting goods, Mossberg specials be better with the butt stock instead of just a grip? Use is just for home defense, and some I can hold and handle easier, or is there not much of a difference? Just looking for opinions and advice, informative, not flaming please?

[Reductio]

Pistol Grip only is not what I'd get for a home defense shotgun. With just the grip, you're liable to either bash your teeth in, or fire from the hip and hit everything except what you're aiming at. Don't get me wrong, I've seen people manage them well enough.... I just would never trust myself in a stress / defensive situation with one. A stock is a must for me, it points much more instinctively, and I like the cheekweld. If you want something small, pistol > shotgun. You may want to seriously look at a 20ga pump actually, see if you can try a 12ga with low-recoil shot first though.

That said, I do have a Big 5 combo. Great cheap multi-purpose gun: have a side-saddle (4 x slugs), butt-cuff (6 x 00), and a fenix light on it.

[till44]

Either way, there are enough Mossberg parts out there that if you want a stock down the road, or want to ditch the stock for a pistol grip, then it's easily done.

In my experience, the Mossberg platform is a poor one for using a pistol grip due to the position of the safety. It is somewhat mitigated with a pistol grip like that used on the "Persuader", but even then it is less than ideal.

Further, if you're only 90lbs, I'd stick with a stocked shotgun. You can replace the standard stock with a "Youth" length stock and end up with a shorter overall gun that will still be easy to manage but have the benefits of a stock.

[ilikeguns]

I am a big fan of the pistol grip only shotgun. I usually recommend it due to its ease of movement in tight spaces. Just walk through your place and imagine a pgo in your hands. Then walk it again with a full stock shotgun and you can see why it would be better. Most guys can hold it away from their face and get fairly accurate with slugs.

Your 90 lbs? That must be you in the picture then. I dont think a pgo shotgun is a good idea in that case. You will want a stock on it as it does take a considerable amount of strength to keep it from your face with defense loads.

Its not a "girl" or "guy" thing. If a guy weighed 90 lbs I would tell him the same thing.

[osokne]

Mossberg does have a pretty good selection of products. You may have to have a dealer order you something... but there are shorter versions. If you look around the Mossberg website, specifically at any products with the word(s) "Youth", "Mini" & "Bantam"... you'll see the other options. These are sometimes available in 20 & .410 gages, as an alternative to 12. One version has 3 different buttplates, each making the overall length longer or shorter, depending on the shooters individual needs. Some of the available barrel lengths are around 22", which is close to the 18.5" & 20" Persuader/Cruiser series. There are 20 & .410 in this series, but according to the spec chart, the overall lengths are going to be about the same as the 12 gage versions.

For example... Model # 50452. 20GA, 6 shot, 18.5" barrel, synthetic stock and comes with a pistol grip kit that you can put on, if you want to.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

Pistol grip only shotguns are a good starting point for an AOW, not so good for HD or anything else (just my opinion, not knocking your thought here).

If you're looking for a minimum length option, consider replacing the standard stock with something like either the Knoxx SpecOps or Mesa Tactical adapters, which allow the use of AR adjustable stocks. In addition, both adapters have recoil reduction options that you might find useful.

[ExtremeX]

+1 on the stock. I don’t like pistol grip only... Believe it or not, you CAN miss with a shotgun at close range. The types of loads you use also matter. In CQB HD type ranges, you do have to aim. Bringing a pistol grip to your face may cause you to injure yourself on top of the loss of accuracy.

On a side note: check with your local range, my local range won’t even allow me to shoot unless I have a stock on the shotgun.

Adjustable stock Mossberg is what I have with an 18.5" barrel.

It’s my dedicated HD setup.

Highly recommended.

Not my picture, took it off Google, but I have both of the same guns and both are used as HD weapons. Only thing ive added is flashlight and an X5L on the pistol.

[BigDogatPlay]

+1 on considering a 20 gauge for a petite shooter.

Not sure of the experience level the OP has, but if you haven't fired an 18 or 20 inch barrel 12 gauge with defensive type ammo, you might want to consider doing so first before you make your mind up.

A friend of mine on the east coast, who is a very hefty dude, specifically went with a 20 gauge Remington 870 because his wife is on the petite side. Properly loaded, the 20 is a perfectly acceptable HD round in my opinion.

Likewise, spend some time shooting a pistol grip only set up before you make your mind up. You can get a full stock gun and easily change it out to a pistol grip only with two tools if you are of a mind to.

[Rob454]

Pistol grip or pistol grip stocks on mossberg 500s make the slide release button reach very awkward. The factory monte carlo style stock is best. I have a 500 and its been faithful for oh about 18 years or so. Still looks brand new. I just swapped from the factory plastic stock and foregrip to wood stock and foregrip. Looks and feels much better IMO

[586L-Frame]

Pistol grip or pistol grip stocks on mossberg 500s make the slide release button reach very awkward. The factory monte carlo style stock is best. I have a 500 and its been faithful for oh about 18 years or so. Still looks brand new. I just swapped from the factory plastic stock and foregrip to wood stock and foregrip. Looks and feels much better IMO

[onequickshift]

Red: Thanks for the input, I just saw sundays paper with B5's offerings, is weatherby a good maker? Actually havent heard of them, they have a Remington for sale at B5 too for $319 with stock. Was looking maybe at that, I want a light too, I carry a small Surefire E2dL I like it better than 6p or similar sizes, cause I have small hands. Another reason I was looking at the PG shotgun.
Till: I will look into swapping a B5 special with a youths stock I think.
ILG: I was trying to do that, its why I intend to get a SBR when I move in a few weeks to Colorado, its just easier for me to use. Lighter too. And yes that is me in my icon :P I am a mix so got korean, japanese, chinese framing and size, but italian, germany, irish and anger I'm a mix, I wanted smaller items cause I by nature am small, I also just got breast implants, so I am trying to be mindful of what to use and how it will be effectively held/carried and used with my chest size. My kid cousin wants to take me out with my bf this weekend to shoot, hes 97 pounds, but, guys and girls are fundementally diff :P Guys are stronger with more muscle and sterdier frames. Thanks for the input!
Osokne: The 12gauge packs the most hit though right? And 410 being the smallest? I've always wanted more of a "you break into my house I'm putting you in a wooden box" arsenal for myself. I don't want to just discourage a thief or etc to come further, cause god knows what an individuals purposes are, I just want stuff thatll stop them, fast, and hard. And not be getting up.
Grumpy: Thanks for the links I am looking into those also, cause I have an extra magpul just sitting in a box Lots of choices and stuff to think about while I scroll down for replies!
Extreme: Thanks for your input, is that a SA XD? I wonder if I can get an XDm when I am in colorado. Probably can
Big Dog: I am concerned with hard stopping power, and ease of available munitions. For some reason my dads security guy heard I was getting a shot gun, he just gave me some big 5 crates of remington slugs and buck. lol. Oh dear.
Rob: Been really concerned of quality and longevity. Been debating between remington and mossberg for a while.
CDMJ: Thanks for the link!
586L: Now that I think about it with a stock, the PG doesn't look to good for me to handle or hold. Thanks for the pictures!

Thanks guys! For all the input and help!

[Reductio]

I haven't heard too much about Weatherby's shotguns, but from the looks of it, it's not something you'd want to use for home-defense: I doubt you'd want to use a 28" vented. I'm a fan of sticking with tried-and-true solutions, preferably with a lot of potential accessories. That means I'd stick with a Mossberg or Remington.

As for a light, take at look at the Fenix TK10 or TK12 lines. Excellent inexpensive LED. I can verify that the TK10 at least fits into 1" scope rings.

20ga is totally acceptable for home defense. It's a little harder to find a perfect load, but it's not a bad option. Imvho, .410 is far too small. Oh, and no matter what you get, get a limbsaver recoil pad.

[BigDogatPlay]

The Weatherby is, IIRC, a Turkish import. They are okay, or Weatherby probably wouldn't put their name on them, but not what I'd pick first.

I think the choice between an 870 and a Mossberg is apples and oranges. And I own both an 870 Police and a 25 or so year old 500 ATP. Both are as good as the day they left the factory. Either one is going to be a good quality, time proven, battle tested design that with a little care and feeding will last a lifetime and never fail you. The US military has used both, in huge numbers, for many years and both are solid.

The Remington will be heavier... all steel receiver. The Mossberg will be a bit lighter as the receiver is aluminum. The Mossberg aluminum receiver is plenty strong, the only issue I've known with them (but have not personally seen) is the holes on the trigger group pins getting enlarged by battering from having a sidesaddle mounted on the receiver.

The Mossberg has dual extractors, the 870 only one. For some that's an issue, for most it's not. Both have dual action bars so they will not bind when you run the gun.

The Mossberg's loading port is more friendly to a fast reload.

The difference in power between a 12 and a 20 at typical home defense ranges is going to be fairly minimal. You do your part and the bad guy is going to know for sure he's been shot if you have to.

Again, not knowing your level of experience with shotguns.... someone made you a nice gift of ammo. But go down to Walmart and pick up a 100 round box of low base target loads to get the feel of a gun first before you start in with buck and slugs.

[j.primo]

I have a mossberg and it's been great to me. I've tried it with pgo and knock breachers, it works, but reaching the safety and slide release takes some funky finger movement. It's not hard, just different. In the end I decided on the traditional full wood stock. My buddy has a remintgton 870, those are pretty sweet too and would be the best candidate if you really wanted to go the pgo route. I say if you can get the persudaer for a really good deal, then jump on it. Like TILL44 said, mossberg parts especially stocks are plentiful. I've been trying to sell a synthetic stock for a month!

[osokne]

Osokne: The 12gauge packs the most hit though right? And 410 being the smallest? I've always wanted more of a "you break into my house I'm putting you in a wooden box" arsenal for myself. I don't want to just discourage a thief or etc to come further, cause god knows what an individuals purposes are, I just want stuff thatll stop them, fast, and hard. And not be getting up.

Well... we could sit here and split hairs over Dram, pellet weight, etc... but the shorter answer is "Yes". The other thing I should mention is that folks seem to have a hard time finding 20GA "HD" type loads, on store shelves, but it's not impossible to find.

The shells that you were given, could be full-on, or what's called "reduced recoil". Not sure what you've got, there.

Federal makes a "reduced recoil" 12GA 00 Buck, with a "Flitecontrol" wad. These kick a little less and the wad keeps the shot group from "overspreading" as it travels through the air. Lessens the chance of any of the pellets missing. I just acquired 50 shells and have yet to test them out. I plan on having the wife shooting one or two, to get her observations.

Yes, .410 Bore (aka 67GA) is the smallest that I'm aware of, in a brass/plastic shell combination. There are "snake shot" loads that come in a few calibers for use in handguns. These are brass cased, like handgun ammo.