Are Big 5 Mossbergs Different?

[Radscal]

Hi all,

I was at Big 5 checking out their Mossy 500 Persuader, 20" 12 ga. and noticed it isn't drilled and tapped for scopes, etc. but the reviews I read say it should be.

Does anyone know if Big 5 has cheaper 500s built for them?

[The Mad Mule]

There are numerous posts around the Internet that argue whether a Big 5 Mossy is different than one you get at a LGS. I think one undisputed fact is that it has some kind of build part/type that's from the lower end Maverick 88.

Personally, I was set to buy one last year when they were on sale, but their forend grip was extremely loose. The one I tried at a Turners earlier did not have such an issue.

[Montu]

cheaper stock no slide action tube assembly ...at least not on the mossberg 500 combo.

i changed out my stock and ordered a slide tube assembly for mine.

also the combo can't have the mag tube easily extended...so yes they are different

[jwc]

No heat shield on the 20" model currently on sale too

[Radscal]

Thanks. This will be our first shotgun, and used primarily for home defense, so I don't want to take any chances on reliability. Plus, I'm thinking I'd want a picatinny rail, and paying a gunsmith to drill and tap it eats up much of the Big 5 savings.

So, I'll probably go elsewhere. Any recommendations in the Butte County area?

[CK_32]

I've heard they get seconds but I doubt it. I've looked at a few and they all checked out to my inspection.

I believe their cut costs come from them only carrying base models with less features and they order a big load and store in a warehouse. Same as turners and why their stock is usually cheaper than smaller stores with less back stock

[Frozenguy]

I bought a mossberg 590 SP a few months ago from Big5.
It and all the others I saw were drilled for scope and had the heat shield.

With that said, it has FTE/Feed issues but Big5 is fixing that by replacing it with a new one.

[negolien]

I had a mossy 18 and a half inch several years ago and it wasn't drilled and tapped either. I don't think a majority of HD shotguns are.

As a side note.

if you're looking for a cheaper priced home defense shotgun you might look at the Hawk 982. It's a remington 870 clone that is very well made and costs about $199 at big 5 and sports authority. It's the HD shotgun I own. I added an ATI shoulder stock with pistol grip, Sidesaddle and hogue forend.

[Radscal]

Since it's my first shotgun, I figured I should stick with a known brand. But I sure do like that price. Since you've owned both, any comparison thoughts?

[Radscal]

Oh, and does the 870 after market stuff all fit?

[CK_32]

Haha wow complete brain fart..

Upon going I to my safe I forgot I'm housing my buddies fresh out of jail Big5 500... Going to pop his clay cherry this Saturday.





Looks drilled and tapped to me..

[Radscal]

OK. You're just making me jealous there. ;-)

Thanks. Someone suggested they might not d&t the short barrel HD models.

[negolien]

Yup sure does look drilled odd how some are and some aren't.

[CK_32]

OK. You're just making me jealous there. ;-)

Thanks. Someone suggested they might not d&t the short barrel HD models.

Well his is a combo. So it comes with the HD if that counts.

[Radscal]

Thanks again. Have fun busting clays.