The Mossberg `Maverick’ safety is on the trigger guard, like Remington, so you can put an ATI top-folding stock on it.
If you go Saiga and want to get him something special, check out Marc Krebs of Krebs Customs. He pimps them out really nice.
I think a .45 handgun is more appropriate..........
Up side fully loaded, down side empty.
Here are my preferences (JMHO dont’cha know):
Centerfire Bolt Rifles: Winchester
Semi-Auto Centerfire Rifles: Remington
Rimfire Rifles: Marlin
Revolvers: Smith & Wesson
Semi-Auto Centerfire Pistols: Colt
Rimfire handguns: Ruger
Pump Shotguns: Remington
Semi-Auto Shotguns: Browning
Twice-Barreled Shotguns: Browning
I’ve had both the 500 and the 870. My 500, I got used and really beat up, but it still worked great. I had two interchangeable barrels— which is a nice feature on the 500. I only just recently sold my 500 kit to a buddy.
Overall, I prefer the safety placement on the 870. I think the 870 is maybe a little more robust— though I don’t really have any evidence for that. They’re both simply very good arms, and it’s hard to go wrong with either one.
Mine is named “Rosie”.
I’ve hunted for over forty years with my 500. Never used the variable choke much, but its a great field gun for all kinds of birds and small game.
I’ve also owned some expensive shotguns from Beretta and Remington. You wanna know why I mostly use the 500 in the field. I’m never scared of getting it dirty or scratched or whatever from the normal wear and tear in S. Texas brush country.
Let him buy a more expensive gun when he gets on his own for showing off—but he’ll always thank you for giving him his first old reliable 500.
For in-home defense, it is hard to beat a Mossberg 500 Persuader with an 18-1/2 inch barrel and six rounds of 00 buckshot. It’s a great shotgun for the price.
Pro Mossberg 500 with pistol grip option. What an awesome graduation present that would be. Rumor has it you can remove the plug and snick in a few more shells, just in case that’s what you want to do.
If the new graduate moves to “the big city” the Mossberg JIC
(Just In Case) package might make a nice gift.
I read about it may even two years ago, so I hope I got the name correct.
It’s a short Mossberg shotgun with a recoil-reducing hand-grip and plenty of
goodies packed into a compact tube.
A nice thing to have if you’re in a place where society goes straight
to heck in a couple of hours.
Think post-Katrina New Orleans.
Or just to keep in the car/truck when traveling.
Nothing like a shotgun to stay safe if your vehicle breaks down in
the “wrong place”.
Of course, packing a few 1911 .45 pistols can’t hurt! As I heard from
a guy who had a break down on the Imperial Highway in southern Los Angeles.
Two thugs were approaching him then ran away like H-ll when he produced
two Colt 1911s. That .45 inch hole at the barrel seems to focus the mind.
Even for some thugs.
So, between the original gun (wood stock/forearm and 28" barrel), and my new purchases (black synthetic stock/forearm, pistol grip, and 18.5" barrel), I can make several variations from the same gun and have only spent around $325 plus taxes/shipping.
Here in the Dakotas, shotguns are considered a tool for daily use.
Last week I stripped all the lubricant out and took my 835 out for winter pheasant hunting. Cycled just fine, even when at one point the action was packed with snow.
One is the placement of the safety on the tang as opposed to the trigger guard. That means you don't have to take your finger out of of position to operate it.
Then there's the loading gate. Under stress you can get a finger caught in the Remington design. The Mossberg doesn't use the gate, it's a drop in design. That's better under stress in my opinion.
Just my two cents. YMMV.
I was thinking about giving him a Mossberg 500 as a graduation present.
Thoughts ? Other recommendations ? Comments ?
There's nothing wrong with the Mouseburger 500, I'm using one myself and my sweetie is very fond of hers. But I suspect that given your son's military inclination and education, a military-spec Mossburg 590 model would be a bit more appropriate. In particular, the version with the bayonet lug. Which gives you the option of also giving him a bayonet for it at the same time, with an appropraie engraved inscription that'll mean a lot to him in later years.
Mossberg 500:
Military Mossberg 590A1:
The 590A1 9-shot 12 gauge has a 20” barrel, Ghost Ring sights, and a bayonet option. It weighs 7.25 lbs
Specifications:
590A1 – 9 Shot – 12 Gauge
Sights: Ghost Ring
Choke: Cylinder Bore
Overall Length: 41”
LOP: 13-7/8”
Finish: Parkerized
Stock: Synthetic/Synth. Speedfeed/Aluminum tube Adj. – depending upon model
Weight: 7-1/4 lbs
Origin: Made in the USA
Warranty: 10 yr Limited Warranty
For more details on the Mossberg 590A1, go online at www.mossberg.com
If you want it for shooting skeet or trap, don’t bother. Terrible shotgun for skeet shooting. Spend a little more and get something nicer that you can enjoy shooting skeet with.
I have a Mossberg 500 and a 590 (Along with a Remington 870). All are good guns and will give a years of good service. A lifetime of service if taken care of correctly.