Mossberg 500 weight differences... This question might get you.

[Jlomb436]

Howdy folks.

So my brother picked up one of those mossy deals at Big 5 for $309 with the additional 24" inch barrel in blue steel just a few weeks back, but hasn't shot it.

I wasn't really fond of the blued steel and the longer forehand grip, so I shopped around and eventually found that Mossberg makes a Blue Matte that I could order online through Gallery of Guns, which is the special Talo addition. http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/D...sit=&pid=&inv=

I picked mine up from "jail" and we went to the range to shoot them both. We shot mine, felt really solid and was a blast. We pick up my brothers to shoot and immediately noticed it's much lighter. A lot lighter. It appears to be at least a pound lighter. It also feels a little less solid, but that could simply be the added weight.

Anyway, we checked the stocks and they both seem semi hollow (his seems a little nicer as mine doesn't even have checkering near the grip) but we honestly couldn't think where the difference would be.

Lastly, I shot my dads Mariner a few weeks back and his weight seems in line with mine, the heavier Are the Big 5 versions just built with lighter/less material? FYI, these are both 500 models with 18.5 barrels.

Thanks for your help/input.

[Sicarius]

The big 5 combo mossberg is not a full mossberg. To keep the price low, they use a mossberg back end with a maverick 88 front end. If you look closely, the foregrip on the combo is lacking the action tone that the real mossberg sports. The action rails are pinned to the plastic foregrip. Still the combo is a good deal but the all inclusive plastic foregrip have been known to sometimes crack or break and really limits upgrades. Fortunately when that time comes, you can buy the mossberg action tube and it drops in.
Kevin

[Jlomb436]

Thanks Sicarius. Ironically, my brother has already bought the front end replacement so he can place a smaller foregrip. So the only difference is the larger foregrip and the rails?

It doesn't seem like that would add the weight that seems lacking but what do I know, just got mine today!

[Jlomb436]

I should also note, our stocks are different as well. Is that normal? His seems to have the nice flex buttpad and some checkering around the grip, while mine has the cheapest pad alive and no checkering. The stock finish also seems a bit nicer on his.

[Sicarius]

The front end is what I remember most distinctly. My ex and I bought her father a combo and I found a great deal on a surefire foregrip later on. I went to swap it thinking it was just like my other 500s and 590s... Had to get the action tube assembly but well worth it. Not sure about the stock though. Get a Hogue and call it a day.
Kevin

[tmh1]

Not sure about the stock though. Get a Hogue and call it a day.
Kevin

I like Hogue stuff and have plenty of it. But I just put the Magpul SGA on my Mossy 500 and I am in love!



I liked it SO MUCH that just today I installed the "870" version SGA onto my Hawk 982. Which when you really think about it is pretty messed up: Adding a $100 stock to a $200 shotgun ???

But they are THAT good.


Plus you can get them reasonably priced from at least a couple of Calguns vendors: Exile Machine and Hartatac.

[Sicarius]

I've been meaning to try one of those out. The grip angle looks good but I gotta see first before throwing down 100 bucks.
Kevin

[tmh1]

I've been meaning to try one of those out. The grip angle looks good but I gotta see first before throwing down 100 bucks.
Kevin

Couple of nice things: They come with 4, count 'em 4 spacers to customize LOP. I generally like a longer LOP but 2 feels really good, and keeps OAL down for use in the house. Also these provide the only pistol-type grip which works well with the Mossberg tang safety, IMHO.

[Jlomb436]

Woa, I like the angle of that stock. ****s lower on your shoulder. I try to get mine all of the way down but it's a tiny bit awkward, that could help on recoil.

Anyway, thanks for the input. I was curious why the weight differences. Once my brother gets his on we'll do a comparison.