I'm looking to get my first shotgun. It will be 90% for the range, 10% home defense. Just wanted to hear from some owners about any thoughts they had on the thing.

I like the pistol grip, and the build seems nice, price isn't bad as well. However, with mild birdshot (00) hows the kick? I want something that can be used indoors without taking my shoulder off (although I'm a pretty big dude.)

Any thoughts and opinions welcomed, suggestions as well.

 

I had a 500 back in the day and the thing was stupid reliable.
I never cleaned it, threw it in the mud/dirt/water just to see if it would die..
Never did it hiccup.
All shot loads kick about the same with scatter guns IMO but slugs tend to kick quite a bit more.
Fantastic entry level shotgun, you won't find any other gun more reliable I don't think.

 

I'm looking to get the JIC, looks like an excellent and very maneuverable piece of gun. Any particular reason why I should look elsewhere?

 

The 500 is awesome but, one thing you have to remember when buying a pistol grip without a stock is that you can't really look down the sights because the kick will knock your teeth out. Birdshot isn't so bad but, if you're planning on shooting slugs I'd get a stock. If you're buying one I wouldn't pay above $300 though.

 

i have the Mossberg 500 and the Remington 870

the 870 is better (in my eyes)
i have a pistol grip buttstock combo, 3 shot ext, 2 lights and 1 laser
it is my tactical gun

i hope that i never, ever have to use it for what i built it for

 

I would never use the sights on this thing. I have a pistol for that. I want to be able to hit a target at 10 yards with regular hollywood aim (with birdshot.) at home I would probably have a non lethal bean bag as te first round, 00 buckshot for the second, and buckshot for the rest. Like another member said, I hope I never need to use it for anything other than blowing up pumpkins, toilets, and watermelons.

Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but don't Mossbergs have optional accessories, so I can always add the buttstock no?

 

Yes, there are plenty of accessories available. I like Mesa Tactical.

http://www.mesatactical.com/index.php?s=1_products

 

Remington 870 > Mossberg 500, IMHO.

Also, I'd recommend going with a youth-sized stock over the pistol grip, but that's just me. Don't forget to put a SureFire on it.

 

Mossberg 500 is a great shotgun, pm me if you want

 

I picked the 870 myself but there's nothing wrong with the 500. I'd say the 870 has better fit-n-finish. Remington sells a nifty combo-barrel package that saves some coin if you want both choked and rifled barrels.