MOSSBERG 500 TURKEY
Posted May 26, 2023
/WATERFOWL SHOTGUN
The Mossberg 500 Turkey/Waterfowl Shotgun is one of the most popular and widely used shotguns on the market today. Its popularity stems from its versatility, reliability, and affordability. The Mossberg 500 is a time-tested design that has been used in various capacities for decades, across multiple hunting and shooting disciplines. In this review, I will discuss the features of the shotgun, its construction and design, and its performance in the field.
First and foremost, the Mossberg 500 is renowned for its overwhelming durability and rugged performance. The shotgun is made defined by its construction from high grade steel and its tough dual barreled design. This ensures its durability and offers a strong sense of reliability and ruggedness for many years to come. The receiver is machined from an aluminum alloy, and the barrel is constructed out of a steel alloy that is coated with a corrosion-resistant finish. The stock, forearm, and recoil pad are all constructed with a synthetic material that is tough and resistant to moisture and other environmental elements, making it the perfect choice for maximum protection in a wet hunting environment.
The dual barreled design of the Mossberg 500 is another major selling point as it enables the shooter to select the optimal barrel length for the type of hunting scenario they wish to pursue. In addition to the traditional 22” barrel length, the shotgun also comes in a shorter 18.5” and a longer 28”. The shorter length is perfect for close quarters like turkey hunting in heavy brush, while the longer barrel is designed for increased accuracy over extended ranges.
The overall design of the shotgun is also quite impressive. It features an ambidextrous safety button located just in front of the trigger guard and a top-mounted tang safety that provides the highest level of control when using the shotgun. The shotgun also features a ventilated rib and grooved rear bead sight for improved accuracy at extended ranges. The stock is ergonomically designed to provide maximum comfort and control when shooting, and the overall weight is relatively moderate at around 7.25 pounds. This makes the shotgun ideal for hunting in a variety of different terrains and climates.
When it comes to performance, the Mossberg 500 Turkey/Waterfowl Shotgun is an impressive piece of equipment. It cycles even the lightest of loads with minimal effort and very little felt recoil. This feature makes it extremely user friendly, even for novice shooters, and allows it to be used in extended hunting or shooting sessions with fewer fatigue-inducing stoppages. The shotgun also features a 3” chamber, allowing it to fire a greater range of shell lengths to include 3.5” magnum loads, for broadened hunting and shooting situations.
Overall, the Mossberg 500 Turkey/Waterfowl Shotgun is a well-crafted, reliable, and versatile weapon system. It offers high-quality construction, impressive accuracy, and excellent ergonomics for extended hunting and shooting sessions. The dual barreled design, coupled with the sight system, enable the user to select the optimal barrel length for their hunting needs. The shotgun is also priced quite reasonably, making it the perfect option for amateur and seasoned hunters alike. For its numerous features, quality construction, and affordable price, the Mossberg 500 earns my highest rating.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Affordable
-Lightweight
-Very durable
-Good ergonomics
-Easy to clean
-Available in many configurations
-Can be used for both hunting and home defense
-Easy to find accessories
Cons:
-Trigger is heavy and sometimes takes too much effort to activate
-Stock can be uncomfortable in hot weather
-Standard sights are not always suitable for all shooters
Who Should Buy
The Mossberg 500 Turkey is an excellent gun for hunting turkey, and therefore should be considered by anyone looking to hunt turkey. It is also great for range shooting and home protection, so anyone looking for a reliable shotgun might be interested in this gun.
This gun is not suitable for small-framed shooters, as the recoil can be quite strong. Additionally, anyone looking for a gun for tactical purposes should look elsewhere, as the Mossberg 500 Turkey is more suited to hunting.
Comparisons
| Features | MOSSBERG 500 TURKEY | Similar Product #1 | Similar Product #2 | Similar Product #3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | 48.25" | 48" | 48.25" | 47.5" |
| Barrel Length | 24" | 24"" | 24" | 24" |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs | 7.5lbs | 6.7lbs | 6.1lbs |
| Stock | Synthetic | Fiber Reinforced Polymer | Synthetic | Walnut |
| Choke | XFull | XFull | XXFull | XFull |
Features / Specs
• 12 gauge
• Synthetic stock and forend
• Realtree Xtra camo
• Vent rib barrel
• 21” in length
• Accu-Choke system
• HiViz front sight
• Optima Choke Tube
• Dual bead sight system
Popular Accessories
THUG?
- Scope or Red Dot Sight
- Extended Magazine Tube
- Choke Tube
- Sling
- Grips
- Flashlight
- Muzzle Brake or Compensator
- Stock Extension
- Picatinny Rail
- Magazine Tube Rails
Accuracy
The Mossberg 500 Turkey is renowned for its accuracy and dependability. With its innovative design and quality manufacturing, it is capable of providing pinpoint accuracy at both short- to mid-range distances. This shotgun is designed for the hunter who requires a reliable, accurate firearm that won't break the bank. It features a flat, non-reflective matte black finish that won't alert game and spooks, a contoured, corrosion-resistant matte-finished barrel that will maintain its accuracy over time, a vent-rib barrel with adjustable fiber optic sights that make target acquisition easy, and a permanently affixed choke tube that ensures the shooter is prepared for any shotgun situation. The gun also includes a comfortable stock design that helps ensure a good, but firm grip for consistent accuracy. All in all, the Mossberg 500 Turkey is a reliable, accurate and affordable shotgun for the modern day outdoorsman.
