I just trade some stuff for this Mossberg 20GA pump action. The person I got it from says it was purchased new 30 years ago. Only been shot a handful of times. The model is 500C. My question is how much is a gun like this worth? I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, just got it this afternoon. Any info on this gun is appreciated. Thanks
Older Mossberg 20GA
- Thread starter toolmaan
- Start date
the rifleer
New member
i have the same gun, only its new and it has a synthetic stock and came with both a 26'' and a 18'' barrel. i paid $219 for it.
its a good shotgun.
its a good shotgun.
Pm me the serial number and I will compare to mine from1988-89. The forestock isn't a shape I knew of on a Mossberg of that era.
But the mossbergs do not have an inherent collectors value. In great shape it is basically a 150-200 with a new price of 250-300 depending on configuration...
Brent
But the mossbergs do not have an inherent collectors value. In great shape it is basically a 150-200 with a new price of 250-300 depending on configuration...
Brent
It is a fine shotgun in all respects. I have two, a 500A 12ga and a 500C 20ga like yours. I use the 20ga far, far more than my 12ga; weighs less and recoils less. Looking at your two attached photos it appears someone placed an oversize 12ga recoil pad on your 20ga gun. The one question I have, does the gun have a fixed choke barrel or is it fitted w/choke tubes?toolmaan said:
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That knurled knob under the barrel is what you unscrew to remove the barrel and access the magazine spring. The choke is on the muzzle end of the barrel. A removable choke (like what is on modern versions) is threaded on the outside of the choke tube (tube is about 2 1/2" long). Matching threading is on the inside of the barrel. Look just inside the muzzle. If you see a pair of small notches, it will be the top of the choke. You will need a choke wrench (costs only a few bucks) to unscrew it.
If you don't see any notches at all, then you have a fixed choke. The degree of choke should be marked somewhere on the barrel. It will say something like "IMP CYL, MOD, or FULL".
If you don't see any notches at all, then you have a fixed choke. The degree of choke should be marked somewhere on the barrel. It will say something like "IMP CYL, MOD, or FULL".
oneounceload
Moderator
That recoil pad does not look like it fits, so I'm wondering if it is original. The barrel should state what the choke is on it somewhere. If it is a 28" barrel, my initial thought would be a modified choke - great for upland hunting. The knurled cap has nothing to do with the choke - that holds the forearm on
oneounceload
Moderator
Then you have a choke tube in there
Here's a page from Mossberg you might want to read:
http://www.mossberg.com/content.asp?ID=499
and yes, you will need to remove it so you can clean it, lube it, and possibly change it for a different one
Here's a page from Mossberg you might want to read:
http://www.mossberg.com/content.asp?ID=499
and yes, you will need to remove it so you can clean it, lube it, and possibly change it for a different one
oneounceload
Moderator
you're welcome....good luck with it
Yes. 2 reasons.
1. Remove it every time you clean the gun. Clean the threads (both barrel and tube), LIGHTLY lubricate with a good anti-sieze lubricant, and screw it in snugly but not overtight. Failure to do this could result in corroded threads that make future removal very difficult. It only takes a minute and you can prevent mucho problems with a little simple maintenance.
2. Buy yourself a different choke for each intended use. Cylinder for home defense and slugs, Improved Cylinder for skeet/sporting clays/quail hunting, Modified for waterfoul, dove, Full for trap/turkey.
If you have a Walmart near you that sells guns, they will sometimes put their Mossberg choke tubes on clearance.