Mossberg 500A/ported?

[trex]

Is the Mossberg 500A shotgun considered a good gun?
Is the ported barrel a good choice?

 

[CATCHDAWG]

I'm not sure what the "A" is but the Mossberg 500 is the AK47 of the shotgun world. Not the prettiest in the world or lightest but extremely reliable. I've had mine for about forty years, heavily used and never had a single issue with it. And mine does have the ported barrel.

 

[Gunpowder]

I'm not sure what the "A" is but the Mossberg 500 is the AK47 of the shotgun world. Not the prettiest in the world or lightest but extremely reliable. I've had mine for about forty years, heavily used and never had a single issue with it. And mine does have the ported barrel.

From AI:

The Mossberg 500A is a variant of the Mossberg 500, specifically designed with features like a dual action bar and available in different gauges, while the 500 series itself includes a broader range of models with various configurations. Both share the same basic pump-action design but differ in specific features and intended use.

And calling it the AK47 of the shotgun world is pretty dang accurate. Also the Glock 19 of the shotgun world.

 

[mike243]

Bought mine back in the 90's, never the first issue, the original barrel is ported but doesn't help with the recoil , have a rifled slug barrel and a 28" that I swing better on Dove than the 24". I mainly shoot semi auto 20-12 these days.

 

[Chiflyguy]

My Mossberg 500 20 gauge slug gun has ported barrel
Rattles like a kids toy
3 inch groups at 175 yards

 

[duvhntr]

I'd never buy a ported barrel.. subject to cracking between the holes.. a real pita to clean.. and will burst the eardrum of anyone standing beside you when you shoot.. porting is probably the dumbest thing I've ever seen done to a shotgun

 

[CATCHDAWG]

Bought mine back in the 90's, never the first issue, the original barrel is ported but doesn't help with the recoil , have a rifled slug barrel and a 28" that I swing better on Dove than the 24". I mainly shoot semi auto 20-12 these days.

It's funny you say that! Mine has a 28" as well and when it comes to the dove field I can shoot WAY better with the cheap 500 than I can with my high end Benelli!

 

[Carlos Viagra]

I'd never buy a ported barrel.. subject to cracking between the holes.. a real pita to clean.. and will burst the eardrum of anyone standing beside you when you shoot.. porting is probably the dumbest thing I've ever seen done to a shotgun

I agree 100% on this.

 

[mike243]

How many have you all owned? I never noticed it being louder than other guns in a hunting setting, never seen a report of barrels cracking either, is this a issue with rifles that are ported?

 

[timberjack86]

How many have you all owned? I never noticed it being louder than other guns in a hunting setting, never seen a report of barrels cracking either, is this a issue with rifles that are ported?

I've got 2 500s and an 835 all ported. Never had an issue and shot thousands of rounds. Slugs, buckshot, turkey loads and game loads

 

[MickThompson]

How many have you all owned? I never noticed it being louder than other guns in a hunting setting, never seen a report of barrels cracking either, is this an issue with rifles that are ported?

Have you ever sat next to a shorter or ported barrel in a duck blind?

 

[mike243]

No but have dove hunting where not real close but back to back.

 

[mike243]

I can tell the difference in a rifle from about any distance at the gun range.