ediot

[dunc289]

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[llamatrnr]

"Wobbly" for-end is normal, for what that's worth...

[crackerman]

First its not "an old, ugly, beat up Mossberg 500" it just has character

But the design hasn't really changed in 50 years, must make sure the barrel has no bends or bulges and go shoot it.

[Lead Waster]

How much is it? Can you get a non-beat up Mossberg from Big5 for cheaper?

There is no reason your first shotgun has to be old and beat up. Around $200 gets you a shotgun at Big5.

[BigDogatPlay]

In some respects I'd rather have the older gun than a new one at Big 5. There's a better than average chance you'll get a "Maverick 500" purchasing new at Big 5, as in a gun marked as a 500 with a Maverick 88 fore end.

As noted above, if the barrel is straight and shiny on the inside, the action / receiver appear solid, and the price isn't more than a couple of hundred bucks, you'll likely have a solid shooter with a well smoothed action that will last you a lifetime.

[Jeffy]

40 years isn't really old for a gun. I like the character of the older guns. I also like the build quality. If it's lasted this long it will probably last another +40. Should be dirt cheap as well. Especially if it's rebranded as a Western Field 550. Like what was said, if it looks good and it's cheap and you like it, buy it. The action is probably nice an smooth if it's in good shape.

The Marine's used the 590A1 which is a beefed up 500. Not quite the same but not entirely different.

[Rob454]

My Moss 500 is 20 years old and I have no problems with it.