[ShotgunPro]

I am looking at a used Moosberg 500A and have never bought a shotgun before so wanted to make sure this is a decent gun. I just want one that is inexpensive so I can get the feel of one before spending more $$$. Besides I like the idea of a beater gun. This particular gun always has the bottom open and I feel like there sould be something covering it. I have included pics of what I am taking about. The second pic has the pump all the way back.

 

[ShotgunPro]

The barrel seems really long for a HD gun, but the rest looks ok.

Besides a beater, what's the inteded use?

Make sure the gun is unloaded...then check again. Then take a look at the bore and make sure there's not alotta wear or pitting

 

[ShotgunPro]

It's intended use is mainly target practice. Figured down the line when I get a nicer shotgun I can cut this one down to 20'.

 

[ShotgunPro]

Then you are on the right track.....good luck!

 

[ShotgunPro]

that's normal.

get rid of the pistol grip stock as it makes reaching the safety effectively impossible.

if you can find an 18.5" barrel instead of chopping up the 28" barrel, it'd be advisable.

good guns though, I've had mine for 17 years and the only issue in a rough life was needing to rebuild the tang safety. Over time they'll wear out and slide down and engage under recoil.

best way to check without shooting the gun is to rack the slide one handed.

 

[ShotgunPro]

I've had my mossberg 500a for a long time and have beat it to death and never failed. I used it in a 4'day defensive shotgun course and leanred that this Knox stock pistol grip is a pile of dog crap. Get rid of it. Also mine came with two barrels. One for hunting purpose and the other for HD. Look into it and you won't need another shotgun. You'll love it!

 

[ShotgunPro]

I prefer a traditional stock. I also would keep that barrel and pick up an 18.5" barrel instead of cutting that one. You would have a versatile set up!

 

[ShotgunPro]

Yeah, like the others have said. Just get an 18.5" barrel so you can swap them back and forth.

They're easy to change.

Make sure it's unloaded, slide the forend all the way back, unscrew the cap on the front of the magazine tube and twist/pull the barrel to remove it.

Install new barrel in reverse.

 

[ShotgunPro]

As said above, I have one. Had an ati fold up stock but it makes getting to the safety a bitch. I took it off and painted my wood black. Found a used slug barrel, smoothe bore, and cut it to 19in. If you have the accu choke barrel, I def wouldn't cut it. That's the barrel mine came with, it appears your has it also. Plus the vent rib at the top would make it a bitch to cut that barrel down anyway.

 

[ShotgunPro]

how can I tell which barrel it has?

 

[ShotgunPro]

I have 2 500As 1 vent rib paid 165 4years ago and a 18.5 paid 125 3years ago great guns and don't break.

 

[ShotgunPro]

Found what it is finally guess I should look at it next time before asking questions.

 

[ShotgunPro]

That barrel would be good for hunting with shot shells, but full chokes constrict slugs too badly.

Doesn't mean the gun is bad, just that the barrel is for hunting ducks and turkeys and stuff where you want to keep a tight pattern at longer distances. And the long barrel also aids in that as well.

If you want to shoot either slugs or shot, replace the barrel with one that is marked cylinder choke.

As for the open bottom, that's where you load the shells. It would be kind of harder to load it if it were closed or had a lid over it or whatever.

 

[ShotgunPro]

You means it just suit for hunting middle animals?