Mossberg bolt action shotgun ?s

[hometheaterman]

Ok I've thought bolt action shotgun were cool. I've seen a few for sale here and there but I've never bought one. I kind of like the goose guns with the 36" barrel but I like them all. I saw a Marlin goose gun one sell for $100 locally but it was sold before I found out about it. Anyway I found a Mossberg Model 395 KB C- lect Choke for sale locally. It doesn't habe a 36" barrel but I like how the gun looks. I've only seen pictures but he says the wood has some scratches and dings and that the bluing has some wear but it's not rusted or pitted. He talks like its in decent shape just that it is used. Are these good guns? What are the worth? Would it be worth buying?

 

[Bud Tugly]

My only experience is with a Mossberg model 185-A 20 gauge that was my dad's shotgun and now passed on to me. He bought it in the mid-1930's and it still shoots perfectly even though it's seen a lot of wear.

They must be pretty solidly built since there seems to be a lot of them still around. IMO the C-lect choke is a big plus for hunting even though it looks kinda ugly.

 

[RandKL]

The only problem with the C-Lect choke is that they eventually shoot out the petals of the choke. Happens to them all given enough use. It's not a thing to void a sale or trade in my opinion, most folks cut them off anyway, but be sure to unscrew the choke sleeve all the way and check that all the petals are there before shooting it.

rich

 

[hometheaterman]

So what would a shotgun like this be worth?

 

[RandKL]

I'd give it a rough estimate of $75-150....but I've seen some really nice ones go lower and others get no bids at $140. They're not really sought after guns. They're great guns, but they just don't stack up against the common stuff today in most folks' eyes. Folks today go for fast follow up shots, plastic stocks, extended mags and as many shells onboard as possible etc. The 395, most folks won't even bother having one repaired. if it cracks the stock etc, they'll part it out rather than spend the cash on a new stock.

Offer $75. If he takes it, you did good. Chances are he'll be glad to let it go at that price.

richard

 

[hometheaterman]

I may offer $75 then. He is asking $175 but I was thinking that was high and that I'd offer $100. Not sure if I want to make an offer or just put that money towards an 1100 magnum like I reallly want.

 

[PA Freedom]

At one time, Mossberg made a bolt action shotgun with a 18'' barrel and Cutts Compensator (IIRC) with a 5 or 10 round mag called the "Guard Gun". Obivously marketed toward prisons/prison guards. Interesting, but I don't think many were sold.

 

[akodo]

there used to be a time when pump action guns were considered expensive, and something only the upper middle class could afford. Your average blue collar worker had to skimp and save to afford one.

Most people turned to single shot shotguns due to the price point (the opposite of today, where a single shot shotgun is only $100 less than a good used pump action)

This is where the bolt action shotgun comes in, they were able to produce those guns for a price right inbetween a single shot and a pump.

Sure, the bolt had 3 shots vs 4 or 5 in a pump, but that is better than 1. Also, you can't work the bolt near as fast as you can work a pump, but it was still a heck of a lot faster than getting a second shot in your single shot.

There are a ton of these old birds around, and if you find one in pretty good condition, it is a great buy. I think they'd make excellent home defense guns if cut down to an 18.5 inch barrel and will cost right at about $100.

 

[williamd]

I have bolt Mossbergs in 16 and in 410. From my Uncle. Good shooters. Not fast. Mine are in good shape and if I were to sell (I won't) I'd guess no more than $100-125.

 

[PA Freedom]

Also, lots of Enfields were converted to .410 by various governments for foraging, etc. Happy im not the only one interested in these old clunkers!