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Mossberg 500 dedicated for Skeet (or 835)

MatthewGlenHill

MatthewGlenHill

.22LR
So my tax return is going to be here soon and my plans are to get a new Mossberg, specifically to be dedicated for Skeet Shooting. I have been looking at the 500 with a ported 28" barrel with a skeet choke. Does that seem like a good setup for skeet?

I have also been looking at the 835, would that be a better choice. I know I will not be shooting 3.5 shells so most of the pros I see are from the 835 are simply the overbored barrel.

Recommendations, should I go with the 500 or 835?

Thanks in advance for the help!
 
Take it from a guy that has a safe full of shotguns. O/U's, SxS, Pumps, no semiautos since I blew up 2 1100's a couple years ago

When shooting Skeet and Sporting Clays, the first guns I reach for are one of my 500's.

If you can work the pump you will have no problem. If you can't work it, you will learn real fast.
 
I think for skeet (and not that I have any skeet shooting experience) the 500 would be the better way to go. @LTB45 would be able to be more insightful.

I have an 835 and I have zero complaints but I believe that where it shines is with more payload. I wouldn't want to swing it for wing shooting though we have a couple members with the semi auto version, the 935, but aren't using it for something like trap or skeet.
 
Yeah, I am comfortable with a pump and prefer it actually. I'm not looking for competition but rather more for skeet fun and games with family and friends.

A local dealer has the 500 and 835 for nearly the same price which is what has created the dilemma.

When do skeet with your 500s what choke do you prefer?
 
I shoot Skeet with a Skeet choke. Cylinder or Improved Cylinder work just fine as well.

Skeet is a game of breaking targets very close. Trap on the other hand is where I use a Full choke in my Trap gun (not a 500)

If you are looking at not shooting real Skeet, Hi house Lo house and are talking about just shooting flying clays from a thrower (hand thrown or from a simple machine) then put a Mod in and never look back.
 
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For skeet I do not think you will see a benefit of the overbored barrel.

Even with trap I do not think you will see a noticible benefit.

That said I would buy whatever you can get the best deal on, both are good guns and with a couple minor tweaks both can share most components.
 
It will really be just shooting clays from a thrower, nothing advanced. I have been using a 590 Mariner which works okay but now I want to get my own primarily for that purpose.

I also do small amounts of Coyote hunting where I primarily use my AR but having a shotgun to go to in close range would be nice too.
 
MatthewGlenHill~

Somehow I sensed that you were really asking more about hitting going-away thrown clay targets not skeet. I'm glad that I asked the right question.
 
500 using a Mod choke will do you fine.
I am a bit bias though, I have 4 pump guns all 500's
:)
 
If you want to have fun with family and friends shooting at hand-thrown clays, and Lenny LTB45 says a 500 is good-to-go, there is really no more point in debating your choice of shotgun as far as this thread goes. I would buy a couple used older guns rather than a brand new one.
 
Thank you all for the help I am going back an forth on an all black 500 or a Mossy Oak 535 here at my local shop. The price isn't actually all that different so it is a tough call.
 
There is a thread out here about factory camo peeling.
2 of my 500's are camo. Paint that I did.
Those are used to hunt with as well as busting clays.

If you go with a black gun it will allow you to go with wood furniture some day. Lots of folks do. Just my 2 cents.
 
nitesite said:
If you want to have fun with family and friends shooting at hand-thrown clays, and Lenny LTB45 says a 500 is good-to-go, there is really no more point in debating your choice of shotgun as far as this thread goes. I would buy a couple used older guns rather than a brand new one.
Click to expand...
A right. Why would anyone want to buy a new 500 when every LGS has a few better quality older 500s for well under $200 usually.
 
Thanks for all the help everyone, I ended up going with a 535 that I got on a Memorial Day sale, I loved the lighter weight in that one... now I just have to get out there and do some shooting!
 
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