Mossberg 500: specifications and photos

Pump shotguns in our country became known in the late 80's and early 90's, when on TV screens the militants began to flit, in which "good guys" dealt with "bad", using, for example, Mossberg 500. By the way, This gun recently celebrated its half-century (!) Anniversary.

Since 1961, when the first trunk of this brand was produced, more than ten million "Mossbergs" were produced. Why is the usual, seemingly pomp shotgun a real symbol of the era? Let's figure it out.

Distinctive features

A distinctive feature of this particular gun is the fuse located on the back of the receiver. In addition, even from other pump guns Mossberg 500 differs exceptionally loud sound when you jerk the shutter. Moreover, the gun is capable of tangibly clanking at any movement, for which it was nicknamed a "rattle".

Initially, the weapon was created as a simplified and cheaper remake of the shotgun Remington 870. The latter, in turn, is exactly the same ersatz shotgun Ithaca Model 37. Clanking and roar in many ways due to total savings on materials and technology: everything that could be cheaper and simpler ( And even throw out of the design), has long been simplified. But this does not mean that the quality of the Mossberg 500 is comparable to some domestic carbines. No "fine-tuning the file" is required. If during assembly some detail does not fall into size, it is simply sent for remelting.

Some shortcomings

But still, the savings give tangible side effects. After all, the gun is a complex pomp shotgun. To simplify and reduce the price of the assembly, the tolerances of the parts are made such that even the AKM of the year 49 can envy. Sometimes it's completely unclear how, with the shots, the whole clanking design does not fly away! The cartridge is a worldwide standard of the 12th caliber, so there will certainly be no problems with ammunition.

However, guns and other gauges are sold in the US, but they have not received much dissemination for obvious reasons. In this their role was played both by the high cost of such munitions, and by the very mediocre quality of their domestic counterparts.

For what it can be used?

Suitable for almost all types of tasks, for which firearms may generally be required: hunting, self-defense, police and military operations. However, there is an opinion that this model is still a weapon of self-defense and police, but not a hunting one. This attitude is due to the fact that this gun is seriously "pogromyhivaet", but because of a sensitive and cautious beast you will not be selected. But a colossal stopping force may well come in handy for hunters hunting wild boars.

In addition, it is quite suitable for hunting waterfowl. The peculiarity of this gun is that it was specially created as the most reliable and unpretentious. Considering that when shooting ducks you can dive a weapon more than once in water, this is a very important quality. Unlike much more expensive competitors, this "Mossberg" even in such conditions will work perfectly, there will be no perelikinivany, no problems with the extraction of shot cartridges.

Of course, this shotgun is just perfect for shooting shooting. Inexpensive, reliable, heaped, non-selective to the quality of ammunition, - what else is needed for a fan of mass plate shootings? Of course, someone can smirk contemptuously, but the tuned "Mossberg" is no worse than much more famous colleagues, and in accuracy and accuracy of combat, he is inferior to them in the stock version.

About patents

Even at the beginning of the project, the company's lawyers rightly remarked that it is necessary to introduce some important changes into the design of the gun, in order not to "get" on the suit from Remington. For this, the Mossberg 500 received an extremely modified shock-trigger mechanism. In addition, it was here that the same fuse appeared, according to which all modern "Mossbergs" can be recognized today. The first sample was released in late August 1961.

Since then, this model is leading in the segment of cheap pomp shotguns almost unconditionally. Despite some shortcomings, the gun has received fame of sound and reliable, and this is confirmed by dozens of awards around the world. In addition, the reliability and killing of these weapons has long been appreciated by police and military units, as well as their opponents. However, for "men's work" the company has long been releasing special versions, which differ in the best fit of parts, a bunch of fixtures for body kit, and a slightly different store.

About tuning

In addition, throughout the world, the adherents of the Mossberg 500 Custom are popular. Speaking in Russian, these are people who are engaged in tuning this kind of rifles. And their successes, to be honest, sometimes really amaze! From the cheapest gun (with the proper straightness of the hands), it turns out that such weapons are not embarrassing to put on special forces!

Of course, the financial costs in this case also vary. It's one thing to manually pick up and adjust the details so that they do not rattle, and the other - do the same thing, and even manually make attachments for a body kit, put tactical lights, designators, and other "tinsel". The price of such a custom can be three times the cost of the regular version, but enthusiasts do not stop it.

Basic information about the structure

What is the difference between the Mossberg 500 gun ? There are not so many features. This is a classic of pump guns, with a tubular magazine under the trunk, which (depending on the modification) is placed from five to nine cartridges. Recharge manual, carried out by distorting the movable forearm, through the window at the bottom of the receiver. The shooting sleeve is thrown to the right side. The fuse is easily tossed with the thumb of the hand that holds the handle. The locking of the trunk is also not distinguished by special refinements: for this purpose, a swinging larva is used that hooks into the state barrel.

The receiver itself is made of aluminum alloy. On sale there are dozens of different versions, and among them there are even civilian modifications with a pistol grip. There was even a version of the "bullpup", at which the store was located behind the trigger! At present, there are about 17 varieties of this weapon.

But the trunks for this weapon differ in a special assortment. As a rule, they are drilled with a cylinder as standard, but for some problems there are models with constant muzzle constrictions. In addition, you can purchase replacement chokes for the same purposes. But do not forget that you really will not find any police or military options in conventional weapons shops. In general, the same can be said about the options for shops.

The main advantages of weapons

The main advantages are cost and perfect ergonomics. The weapon is perfectly balanced. Since the design is widely used plastic and aluminum, the weight of the gun is not the most monstrous. The chamber and trunk are made in different technological cycles, with different quenching regimes. In fact, this was done to reduce the cost, but as a result, it was also possible to increase reliability. A very convenient and intuitive fuse, by which you can immediately understand whether the weapon is ready for shooting.

Endurance and reliability

Even "rattling" is not always a disadvantage, as dirt simply falls through the huge gaps of parts. Many people like to laugh when reloading, as it sounds very impressive. Because of the huge allowances, there are practically no problems with improper extraction of bulging shells, and therefore the quality of cartridges is the tenth thing. In conditions of domestic prices for ammunition - an undoubted advantage.

In addition, even the Mossberg 500 Tactical, not to mention more simple modifications, willingly "bursts" even old brass casings for multiple recharging. Considering that even the domestic "Saiga" is not famous for such things, this is another reason for buying.

However, the company itself recommends using only the recommended types of ammunition, but with such a reliable rifle it does not really matter. Of course, for such a popular weapon accessories are issued literally in the thousands. There are also models directly customized in the factory, produced by dozens of weapons companies privately and under license.

For example, in America itself is very popular shotgun Mossberg 500 with an adapter for the sector store. His willingness to buy and the police, because in the shootout where it is more convenient to stick the "horn", and not mess with the cartridges cartridges.

disadvantages

Well, the rifle was called a "rattle" for a reason. Everything staggers, and even the a lot of aesthetes cause a real cultural shock ... Besides, due to the extreme simplicity, the returns are simply brutal.

Various improvements are also very difficult to do. In this regard, "Rem 870" - a real designer! On the contrary, the Mossberg 500 trunk, for example, just can not be changed exactly. In addition, if you bought a model with an initially short magazine for five cartridges, you will not be able to insert an extension cord into it. No way. Well, if only you yourself make half of the parts anew. So when buying immediately decide which store exactly the capacity you need.

Difficulties only harden!

Of course, these enthusiasts are only teased with such complexities. There are even such originals that attach sector stores to the stock Mossberg, even if only for this it was necessary to remake half of the gun itself.

When the pistol grip is installed, it is very inconvenient to use the fuse. Given that military modifications have recently become very popular, this problem is quite common. But there is a way out! On sale there are versions with a handle, located as if on the old gangster edges of "Tommy Ghana". In this case, there are no difficulties, but such Mossberg 500, the butt of which is not very convenient, for the same hunting is practically unsuitable.

Development prospects

In 2013, the company with pomp noted the sale of a 10-million gun. Instances with anniversary numbers have left at auctions for huge money. This once again proves that this weapon has many admirers in all corners of the world.

And let some gun lovers scornfully call the Mossberg 500 pump rifle a "rattle". The advantages of this shotgun are incommensurably greater than the disadvantages. Some experts say that this model is sold most quickly. In a word, the classic of the genre. Excellent, unpretentious, reliable and inexpensive pump gun Mossberg 500/590. What else is needed for happiness?