I was surprised to see people suggesting a Moss 500 for turkey hunting. I have one, but it has a slug barrel. Is changing a barrel something you can do yourself? I've done some minor stuff on it, just changing butt stocks and adding a side saddle and sling nuts. If I can get away with just changing the barrel back and forth for now, I'd rather do that, than invest in a new gun for something I'm just starting to do.
Thanks.
2007-01-16 01:03:20 · 6 answers · asked by TheGonk 2 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
What barrel would you recommend for turkey hunting?
2007-01-16 01:39:59 · update #1
Just remove the barrel retaining nut. Work the action to the rear and the barrel will basically fall right out. Install in reverse. Takes like 5 minutes. Just make sure you get the retaining nut tight.
Mossberg specifically makes their shotguns so the barrels can interchange. They make rifled barrels, black powder barrels, shot barrels, camo barrels, short 18.5 barrels, etc.
Here is a link to a standard shot barrel on EBAY.
Miketyson26
For turkey hunting I recommend the accu-choke barrel with the interchangeable chokes. I personally use an extra full choke in mine. But I would feel ok using a standard full choke in my shotgun as well. I killed a super nice doe this year with my 835 Mossberg with a modified choke in it, shooting 3' OO buckshot. The interchangeable chokes make for a super versatile shooting system.
Miketyson26
2007-01-16 06:08:27 · answer #1 · answered by miketyson26 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I use my 500 for everything from deer to ducks. The 24" rifled bbl. with scope mount shoots slugs great. For ducks, geese and other flying shots I use a 28" bb. since the longer bbl. gives me a better sight plane and helps with swinging through the target. For turkeys I have a 20" bbl with a extra full choke. More maneuverable than a 28" bbl. in tight spots and still shoots a great pattern. I also use the 20" bbl. for hunting rabbits in thick stuff. Just switch to an IC choke tube. You can also add fiber optic sights to your bbl. to make a more precise shot with a turkey load. You need a tight pattern so you can't be off much or you'll miss the bird. Always take head shots on turkeys because they are tough to kill with a body shot. Their feathers can block a lot of pellets.
2007-01-16 20:42:07 · answer #2 · answered by geobert24 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Slide the forearm back so the bolt is halfway opened, unscrew the barrel mag nut, and the barrel slides right out. Slip in the new one, screw it, close bolt. Takes all of like fifteen seconds.
That's one of the great things about a 500. You can have an 18.5" cylinder bore for home defense, a 28" vent rib for birds, even a .50cal blackpowder muzzle loader barrel and all it takes is fifteen secs.
2007-01-16 09:13:31 · answer #3 · answered by randkl 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have to agree with randkl, I have a mossberg 500 with a 18.5'' slug barrel that I use for deer and hog during general firearms season that I switch over to my 28'' vent rib and use during spring gobbler season, it is a great all around gun.
2007-01-16 13:23:47 · answer #4 · answered by Jon 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The things you listed that you have already done to your 500 are harder than changing the barrel.
2007-01-16 22:22:35 · answer #5 · answered by .40 Glock 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can. Mossburg 500 barrels change out quick and easy.
Just look at your owners manual to see how. If you don't have one I'm sure Mossburg will send you one no charge.
2007-01-16 09:09:41 · answer #6 · answered by elmechino 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋