M-1 versus AR-15 versus FN-FAL versus 12-Gauge: What to buy in a time of crisis?

Classic Free Republic Threads ^ | 9-14-2001 | Flaming Vanity

[Old Professer]

this link works but you may not be able to 'back out' of it

[SlickWillard]

We have a local sporting goods chain that is selling a Mossberg Slugster for just under $300. It appears to be a model that Mossberg doesn't advertise to the public:

Mossberg 56432
Parkerized, synthetic Stock
Crown Grade
24" Slugster Barrel
Cantilever Base Scope
Regularly $319.99; Sale Price $299.99

It's basically a Mossberg 54232, but with a black synthetic stock instead of wood. You could picture it as a cross between the 54232 and something like the 50411:

It ends up looking like the Remington SPS Super Slug Deer Gun:

I was wondering if you could answer a few questions I have about these Mossbergs:

1) What is the difference between the basic Mossberg 500 and the basic Mossberg 590? Is it just a question of craftsmanship, or is there a mechanical difference in the chassis? If there is, indeed, a difference, is it worth the upgrade? Also, what is your opinion of the 590 "DA" style trigger mechanism?

2) Can you fire traditional shot (birdshot or buckshot) out of a rifled slug barrel, or does it ruin the rifling?

3) Does the Mossberg heat shield do any good, or is it just eye candy? (People tell me the Mossberg gets REALLY hot after you discharge two or three rounds.) The Mossberg scope mount appears to be anchored, at one end, on the barrel itself, which, in turn, would need to be completely covered by the heat shield, i.e. it looks to me like the Mossberg scope mount is incompatible with the Mossberg heat shield. I am thinking that if you want the heat shield, you have to go with the ghost site.

4) What do you think of putting a scope on a Mossberg? Is it silly, or does it give you some advantage at 50 - 75 yards? If the scope is indeed useful, do you have any recommendations for a scope that fits the Mossberg scope mount? From what I've seen of scopes, they can get very expensive, very quickly.

5) I'm not real crazy about the feel of the standard Mossberg stock. What do you think about an upgrade to a "tactical" stock, along the lines of the SpeedFeed IV?

Thanks!

[Anonymous2]

pump 12g mossberg if on tight funds along with a 45 colt blackhawk 10". ak with 30 rd clips on extended budget.

[Jaxter]

1.) Don't know the differences. I expect either one would do the job just fine.

2.) Yes. But not nearly as accurately. You can get a combo model with a slug barrel and a regular barrel for about a hundred bucks more. You can switch barrels in about 30 seconds. I don't believe it will hurt the rifling.

3.) I would't worry about this. As I said earlier, I've fired hundreds of rounds through Mossberg 500's and never burned myself. I think it's mostly for looks, but it does make them look scarier.

4.) If you're going to hunt with it, a scope is fine. But make sure you get a see-through scope or you'll be screwed at close range. And if your using it as your primary home defense weapon, take the scope off when your at home. It'll just get in the way.

5.) I've never been crazy about pistol grips on a pump shotgun, but it's strictly a matter of personal preference. If you've got a friend that has one with a tactical stock try his or maybe your local gun shop.

[SlickWillard]

Thanks!

[Double Tap]

I assumed you were being cautious, just wanted to throw in my 1.5 cents worth. I agree with you on jurys and the remark about "it coming up the driveway".

Good to see you back.

[ctdonath2]

(Summary of detailed private reply)

Scoped shotguns are practically useless for defense (big fuzzy blobs at normal combat range). Bead sights are too inaccurate for some defensive needs. Get ghost ring sights.

Rifled shotguns make shot (bird or buck) useless: centrifigal force forces shot to spread too rapidly. They also require expensive "sabot" slugs (standard "rifled slugs" gunk up the grooves). Get a "cylindrical bore" barrel ("rifled slugs" are designed for smooth barrels).

Heat shields are not particularly useful. You most likely won't fire enough to heat it that much.

Get comfortable with a standard stock before switching to something fancy.

If you're not interested in hunting, get a stock Mossberg 590 (NOT the DA model) with ghost ring sights. Make sure it's properly oiled before using it. Don't fire more than 25 slugs per day (hard on your body). Before using any load for defense, make sure it feeds & fires flawlessly 200 consecutive times. Don't bother with any accessories until you have fired at least 1000 rounds. Remember that everything - no matter how good & correct - will feel strange for quite some time (so don't waste money on gizmos until YOU are functioning properly). Take a combat shotgun course (LFI, Gunsite or Thunder Ranch) regardless of cost. Start with the basics.

[white trash redneck]

I agree with everything that ctdonath has posted to you, except that a Mossberg 500 with a 20" cylinder bore barrel will do fine. You should be able to pick one up in the low to mid $200's.

[sasquatch]

Amendment #2 is aimed at preventing ugly gov't.
The primary function of Gov't is to protect us from foreign threat.
Try out different ones; buy what works for you. Take your time.

[Eagle Eye]

BTTT

[VOA]

Just bumping a classic thread I stumble across...for future ref.