Brand New Mossberg 500 20-gauge - now what?

[igotnothin]

I just picked this up for home defense. It's the combo package w/ the 28" ribbed barrel and the 18-1/2" security barrel.

I can't find the exact model on the Mossberg site. It's #50178.

Anyway, it was a tough decision b/c I'm not yet in a position to start buying a bunch of different guns, and I wanted something that my wife would be comfortable with in a stressful situation. I figured that the 20 is easier than the 12 in letting me/her control it so that all shots count if multiple shots were needed. If the 20 seems satisfactory for now, I'll wait on getting the 12-gauge until our child is of age to handle the 20 in several years.

I'm now interested in the right accessories. I know there are a lot of threads here that describe people's opinions/suggestions, but I hope you'll allow one more request from a newbie.

Background/experience:

• I've gone quail hunting a couple of times, even bagged a duck once.
• My wife grew up w/ a NRA-card-carrying, gun-collecting father, so she's shot clays w/ a 20-gauge, but it's been many years since then.

Questions:

1. I'm interested in basic accessories for purely practical purposes. I'm afraid of a jury thinking I was looking for trouble w/ my badass, fully-tactical setup. So what are the essentials? I'm thinking to get (in order of my perceived importance):
   • Sling (which is best model/setup that doesn't end up getting in the way?),
   • Knoxx ComStock (does this really eliminate over 50% of the recoil?),
   • Extended magazine tube (if they're even available for a 20-gauge; haven't had much luck searching the 'net so far), although it seems that if I got anything that went more than one shell past the 5-shell capacity in the standard tube it would extend beyond the 18-1/2" barrel (suggestions?), and,
   • Light - suggestions? I'm torn between the arguments for or against, but figure that better to have one and not turn it on if I don't think I need it vs. wishing I had one to turn on and not having it. I'm hoping that the likely situation is one where assuming the BG isn't afraid of the racking sound, he's going to be coming to me as I'm waiting at the far corner of my bedroom w/ my wife and kid behind me, pointing the barrel at the door w/ the safety off. I know, I know, you can't actually script these things, but still, that's my "ideal" 2nd choice after the BG running away at the sound of the racking.
2. What size ammo? I've read that #3 buckshot is best. Is that because 00 won't fit in a 20-gauge? Also, is there a low-recoil 20-gauge shell available? I'm also thinking of doing a birdshot load for the first round, followed by the largest buckshot made for a 20-gauge. Thoughts/comments? I have a small child in the house and am worried about busting through walls. I'm thinking that if I have to shoot more than once, my need to balance hitting an innocent goes out the window vs. stopping the BG.

Paranoia:
The little I understand of gun law, court cases, etc., makes me think it's a BAD thing if I were to shoot a BG in the back. I have no desire to, but what if I've got him stopped across a room and he's determined to get to me, so he turns his back to me and backs toward me to get within grabbing distance of my gun. What would you do? Sorry if that's a dumb question.
Do you have any suggested reading and/or watching to help w/ the mental aspect of this hobby/sport/training?

Thanks in advance.
igotnothin

P.S. My wife and I are signed up for a gun safety class at the local police range. And we're going to join it too in order to get practice and have fun shooting clays.
P.P.S. Next gun is likely a .22, though I've tried a few 9mms, liking the feel of the Glock 26 as well as the SigSauer (can't remember the model #). And we're applying for CCWs on tomorrow. Though the handgun won't be purchased until after the class and the membership at the range, so this'll be a couple months out at the earliest.

 

[Mannlicher]

Nothing wrong with a good 20 GA for home defense. Since you have some concern about what a jury (or prosecutor) might make of your going 'TactiCool', you should know that none of that is necessary for your shotgun to work as intended.
You really don't need any slings, special sights, forearm grips, folding stocks or any of that stuff.
Having a light mounted works for some folks. I never saw a need for it myself.
You might sit down with your attorney, and cover your concerns about the legal aspects of home defense in your area. Never take info from the internet as a basis for making a decision to shoot or not to shoot.
What you DO need, is a case or so of bird shot to practice with. You need to do a lot of shooting to get a feel for your shotgun. Different light settings, different ranges, different scenerios. Practice, practice and practice some more.
That goes for your wife as well. When you are both proficient, then graduate to shooting #2 or #3 Buck, and slugs. Getting some training for both of you from a recognized trainer is a GOOD idea.
Have a plan for protecting your home, learn you weapon and load.

 

[[email protected]]

A 20ga or 12ga pump with a short barrel is about all you need. You can add stuff to it but most won't help you shoot any better. Some stuff will make it harder to shoot well.

For a home defense gun, there are a few things that I would stay away from because they are more harm than good.

1. Pistol grip forearms.
2. Scopes, battery operated stights such as red-dot.
3. Slings, can get caught up in action and serve no need in a HD gun.
4. Side saddle sheel holders.

Then there are things that may be a good idea or may not.
1. Folding stocks, harder to use but the compact size may come in handy inside a house.
2. Rifle sights, night sights, I don't see the need a home distance but some people seem to like them. A night sight front front may be a good idea.
3. Buttstock shell holder, I have one on my HD 870. It stays out of the way and I have practiced with it.
4. Pistol grip buttstock, think AR-15 look not PG only. Some shooters find these more comfortable than the regular old buttstock.
5. Flashlight mount. I have not tried this one yet so I can't comment but I don't see any real harm it does.
6. Mag extension, more rounds is always plus but it adds weight and throws off balance.

For me, less is more. For the longest time, I was happy with my 870 HD 12ga with no mag extension. I have shot skeet with it and it is handy and box stock. Recently, I have kept another 870 loaded and it is more tactical. It is a 870 12ga with a 20" rifle sighted smooth barrel, it has the mag extension and a buttstock shell holder. It has the normal black synthetic stock which I like. It is still fairly stock but is about as tactical I get.

I have a Beretta 92fs for HD as well so the shotgun is not relied on as my only gun. If I have to check out a noise, I grab the pistol. If I would hear people breaking in and making their way towards the bedroom, I would hole up with the shotgun and wait. It is not a gun to be swinging around tight hallways anyway.

 

[The Deer Hunter]

20 GA is fine. Nothing your stock gun cant do that other guns with all the crap bolted on will.

Although, I flashlight may be useful. I have 00 buck right now, reduced recoil at that(all they had). Apparently #4 is pretty good.

But what really matters is go shoot it. The more you shoot it the better you will be able to shoot it and the more comfortable you will be able to use it in a stressful situation. My 870 has wear marks on the magazine tube(Dave ) and I load and take it apart in the dark. Putting it back together might be tougher but you get the idea.

 

[pauli]

i vote for ammo and a shorter barrel. 20ga 500 with an 18.5" barrel is a marvelous thing.

 

[igotnothin]

Thanks!

Thanks for the info so far.

I'm not that interested in the pistol grip. I do like the feel of the regular stock, but I'm concerned about recoil. Anyone have experience with Knoxx ComStock, or any other type of recoil reducing pads/stocks?

I was thinking that the sling would help in terms of making the BG think it would be pretty hard to take it away from me and/or it would actually be hard to take away from me (getting surprised by the BG's friend(s)). If the sling is prone to getting caught up in the action, surely there's either a model/type that addresses that and/or a way of using one that prevents that, no?

As for the ammo, what is the largest buckshot that is made for a 20-gauge? Is it available in low-recoil?

My buddy went and got himself a 12-gauge today after I told him about my purchase. We're going to the range this week. Unfortunately the three ranges nearby that allow shotguns do not allow fixed target shotgun shooting. The clay will be fun, but I'm going to have to find a class on HD/tactical shotgun usage. I live in the city so I can't just blast away in the back acreage. But I want to.... I can't wait for that gun safety class and to get out on the range.

I'm going to have to find an attorney that deals in this sort of stuff. The only attorneys I know are all corporate law types.

Is there some sort of internet store that sells EVERYTHING I would need as far as accessories? I'd like to find out what's even just available out there. I still can't find an extended magazine tube.

Thanks again!
igotnothin

 

[springmom]

I'm going to play SM for a minute and just say it.

Just go out and shoot it. Lots and lots and lots. You don't really need anything other than competence with the gun. A light might be a good thing, but ask yourself: who is REALLY going to grab a shotgun from somebody who's standing there pointing at them, but be dissuaded by a sling?

Just shoot that thing until you know exactly what it'll do when you need it to.

Springmom

 

[SteelyNirvana]

According to the Winchester and Remington web-sites, #3 Buck is the biggest that is available for the 20ga. I thought I had bought some 00 buck one time but I may be wrong.

 

[mnrivrat]

The 20ga. is just great, and as is with the short barrel. No need to hang stuff on it, and particularly stuff that can get in the way, such as a sling.

#3 buckshot in 2&3/4" is the most available round and that will be just fine for SD usage. The recoil is not that bad on the gun so I would not worry about changing the stock out. Practice with low base dove & qual, or rabbit loads and shoot an occasional buckshot round. The recoil won't matter in a SD event.

So the only thing you need is ammo and practice. By the way, the 20ga. is what I use as well. The energy level of a #3 buckshot load at close range is more than twice that of a .357 mag . You aren't underpowered with the 20ga.

 

[borrowedtime69]

igotnothin, great choice!

i too have the Mossy 20 ga combo. the only thing ive added to mine is a neoprine shell holder that goes on the stock.

my 20 ga is kept safely with a full mag load, first is #2 steel bird shot, then 000 buckshot, then a slug then more 000 buck. all my ammo is winchester.

i also have a nylon pistol belt near the shotgun that has a shotshell pouch with 12 shotshell/slug combination and a Cold Steel ODA knife just in case.

if you want a more comfortable butstock, you could get one that has the smaller solid plastic stock with the pistol grip near the trigger.

im gonna keep mine stock though cause it works great for me. plus, i have to save as much $$$ as i can for ammo and other gear.

go out and practice and welcome to the mossberg fan club ! - Eric

 

[SteelyNirvana]

my 20 ga is kept safely with a full mag load, first is #2 steel bird shot, then 000 buckshot, then a slug then more 000 buck. all my ammo is winchester.

Where do you buy your ammo at? the Winchester site dosen't list it (or I'm blind as a bat)

 

[igotnothin]

000-buckshot in 20-gauge? Where do I place my order?

my 20 ga is kept safely with a full mag load, first is #2 steel bird shot, then 000 buckshot, then a slug then more 000 buck. all my ammo is winchester.

Yes, please. I'd like to know too. I went to the Winchester site and found this as the only "buckshot" http://winchester.com/products/catalog/shotdetail.aspx?symbol=XB203&gauge=20

But maybe I'm reading it wrong.

In any event, there was nothing there bigger than the #3 I linked to, unless the #2 they had listed under waterfowl loads meant buckshot as well. But waterfowl would be birdshot, no?

Don't get me wrong. I hope you're right. I am trying to figure out how they'd fit 000-buck in a 20-ga size shell. I mean, those buckshots are 33% larger than the #2s (.36" vs. .27" diameters). It'd have to be a 3-1/2" shell or you get maybe 4 buckshots in it. I'm probably wrong, but my point is to ask how many buckshot are in your 20-ga 000 shells? And how large are those shells? And of course, like briancraig81, I'd like to know where to get them too.

Other than that, I think I'm going to get s/t for the extra shells for quick reloading. Like your belt and/or holder. I started practicing reloading, both the chamber and the magazine tube while holding the gun as if I just got done emptying it.

As I look at the way the barrel is attached to the magazine, I'm starting to think that there's no way an extended tube would work for it (not that I've found one) as the barrel has that ring that is screwed into the magazine with the magazine cap. Even if there was an extension that ring from the barrel would constrict the diameter between the regular magazine tube and the extension. Or am I thinking about this all bass-ackwards? Maybe an extension tube is a whole new tube. But then how would the barrel attach to it. That ring looks pretty fixed.

I was thinking about knives too, but I think my "just in case" is going to be a small pistol. Not sure I can use a knife. There was a guy who worked at the gun range I visited recently who showed me this little backup gun (I think it was a .22) that he kept in his pocket (no holster). He called it his "punch gun," and explained, "if the guy is close enough to punch, he's close enough for this to work." Makes sense to me.

Thanks for the advice!
igotnothin

 

[mnrivrat]

3B stands for 000 buckshot and the 2&3/4" load has 20 pellets. Last time I was in Wal-Mart they carried these . Any gun shop should have some, as well as any internet ammo provider.

The Mossberg in question is a six shot gun. 5 in the tube and one in the chamber. You can not buy a extension for this as the design limits the gun to a 5 shot tube unless you purchase the longer magazine tube and barrel combination to match. I personaly see no reason for a need behond 6 shots for a HD shotgun and can't imagine that not being enough.

PS: Nothing the matter with having a handgun as back-up or as primary for HD . Although a .22 RF is far from the ideal caliber.

 

[Crow61]

I have never been in a situation that I needed to use a gun to defend myself, family, or any other innocent person. I hope that I never will be in that situation.

But, I think the most important thing is to KNOW your gun. I grew up hunting and shooting, so handling a gun is pretty natural to me. I know that it will be a different thing altogether if I ever have to draw a bead on a human being. But, I think that I am prepared (in my mind and heart) to do that if the need arises.

A shotgun is a very versatile tool and if you can only afford or want one gun, I guess the shotgun is the best all around gun you could buy.

I would not worry so much as to what to ADD to your new Mossberg. Like so many have already said, practice with it and get to know it.

I would not worry about the lawyer thing either. I have never heard of someone "backing up" to their victim in hopes that they would not get shot, but that shouldn't be a concern. If they come into your home with the intent of doing you harm, you have a right to defend yourself. Deal with it when and if the time comes. Chances are, you will never have to.

 

[Quoheleth]

Details...

My Mossy 20 is about 15 years old now. One thing I remember about it NIB was a VERY stiff thumb safety...as in chewing up the thumb while dove hunting that first season.

UNLOAD THE WEAPON and cycle it [the safety] a bunch...add a drop of RemOil in there, too.

Won't hurt to cycle the action a bunch as well. Let that metal start sliding around and smooth itself out. Again, a few drops of oil into the action.

Shoot as much as you can. Yes, birdshot at clay pidgeons isn't the same as 3B buck, but you'll learn how your gun handles, while smooting that action & safety at the same time. As a bonus, you'll have a blast. You can buy a case of clay birds and a hand-thrower for under $15 at WallyWorld. That and a half-dozen boxes of ammo and you're in for a great afternoon.

When can I come play???

Enjoy that shotgun. Give it a little TLC and it'll give you a lifetime of service. That 20 will handle almost anything, if you do your part.

Gotta run...

Quoheleth

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Delete, double post.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

3B stands for 000 buckshot and the 2&3/4" load has 20 pellets.

Number 3 buckshot is not the same as 000 buck shot. Each pellet of number 3 buck is around .25 caliber. 000 is about .36 caliber.

 

[35Rem]

#2 Buck is going to be the biggest for the 20 gauge, but it's in a 3" magnum by Federal.
Get the cheapest 2 3/4" #3Buck and shoot a lot of it. Make sure you know what your gun is going to do with it. You may need to try some different brands, too.
Might even try some foster style (rifled) slugs for more precise work.
The 20 gauge will be plenty for what you need.

2 3/4" Buckshot loads:
http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.ex...id=20005&categorystring=653***9217***20003***

 

[borrowedtime69]

buckshot info

i get my 000 buckshot 20 ga shells from Sportsmans Warehouse, Gander Mnt., and some times Walmart. the slugs i get at the same places.

the #2 shot i was talking about is a water fowl shotshell load, its not 00 buckshot.

The one thing i really wish i could get someone to load for me is flechette shells and flare shells. those two things are made for 12 ga, why not 20 ga? the flechette would be great for distance and accuracy!

- Eric

 

[35Rem]

You're gonna have to give us a link to those "OOO Buck" 20 gauge shells.

I personally have never seen anything for the 20 gauge other than #3 Buck and #2 Buck.

 

[35Rem]

Here's a size chart, for comparison, in case some are confused about terms.
http://www.ammobank.com/shotsize.html

 

[foghornl]

What else do you need with that Mossberg?

Two things....

1.) Enough ammo &
2.) Enough live-fire practice so that.....

The Mossberg points & feels like a natural body part.

Or as the 870 Guru Dave McCracken says: "BA/UU/R"

Buy Ammo.
Use Up.
Repeat.

Get a bunch of very light "target loads", a few cases of 'clay pidgeons', and a simple hand thrower if you don't have access to a range with those things. Shoot a bushel basket or 2 of ammo.

Get a small box (5 or 10, depends on how packaged) of as many different brands of buckshot & slugs as you can find. Set up the pattern board, and blaze away until you find what works in YOUR gun. Every shotgun barrel and ammo combination is a law unto itself. After you have done those things, you will KNOW what, if anything else, your shotgun needs. I'm betting [if I was a betting man] that the answer would be "Needs very darn little in the extras department"

As to the magazine capacity question, you would need new barrel, mag tube, mag spring. Not sure if Mossberg offers the 20-Ga with the 8-shot capacity.

 

[the naked prophet]

They don't even make a 12 gauge shell with 20 pellets of 000 buck. There's no way you could possibly fit that many in a 20 gauge shell unless it was like 6 inches long.

I believe 3B is the next largest size after BB, also known as BBB. 20 pellets of that sounds about right in a 2 3/4" 20 ga shotshell.

 

[35Rem]

Please see post 21 above. There is too much guessing going on.

BB has a diameter of .18 inches
BBB is .19 inches
T shot is .20
F is .22
4Buck is .24
3 buck is .25 inches

000 Buck is .36 inches

 

[borrowedtime69]

my sincere appologies

Very sorry for the confusion on the 20 ga buckshot. I have the 3 buck, not 000 buck. sorry guys -Eric :banghead: