Questions about a .410

[rtimgray]

I just picked up a Mossberg 500 chambered in .410. I've never had a .410 and have always thought that it wasn't a "worthwhile" cartridge, but after a little bit of shooting, I've changed my mind.

I enjoy shooting clay pigeons, but haven't enjoyed the recoil and noise of my 12 gauge. The .410 seems solve most of those problems. I've also been looking for a small, easy to carry shotgung to tote around the farm on occasion. I like this one better than my 12 gauge as well.

This brings me to my next question: Can anybody direct me to anyplace that sells replacement barrels? I would like to drop the barrel to 18 1/2". I see that Mossberg sells all sorts of barrels for 12 and 20 gauge, but I saw nothing for a .410. I know that they make versions of the 500 in .410 with 18 1/2" barrels, so they exist. I just can't find them for sale without buying the whole gun.

Next question: Even if I find one, it may cost as much (or more) as I paid for this gun. If I want the barrel shorter, is there anything wrong with cutting it off (at 18 1/2"). There is no choke in the barrel. It looks like I could cut it and bevel the edges and maybe re-blue the tip. I bought the gun used, and it looks alright, but you can tell it is used. I am not concerned about re-sale value at all. I was just wondering if anyone has done this (or something similar) and what their comments might be.

Lastly, does anyone know if the aftermarket stocks that fit the 500 12/20 gauges will fit the .410? If would like to change the existing to either a pistol grip or a preferably a T-6 collapsible. I have sent a couple of emails to manufacturers asking this question but haven't gotten a response.

Overall, I'm really happy with the .410 (and surprised). Yes, ammo is considerably more than 12 gauge, but I'm not shooting it THAT much, so that's not too much of a concern. I'm also not planning on it being a hunting/self-defense weapon as much as a close-range varmint (i.e. snakes, possums, etc). that I might have handy when fencing, looking for cows, etc.

I appreciate anybody's comments, suggestions, and insights.

Thanks for the help. Good luck and take care.

 

[beenthere]

I killed a turkey year before last with #4's in my double barrel .410
I like it a lot, as it is light to carry and has one barrel choked, the other not.


Sounds like you should get a T/C that will shoot .410 shells.

 

[sweettractors]

My first gun at 11 yrs old was a 410 over and under with 22 on top. I loved that gun, However, I was glad to graduate into a 12 guage pump about 3 yrs later. My Rabbit count per day went way up. Ken Sweet

 

[nybirdman]

You won't find a 12 or 20 gauge stock to fit the.410,different receiver,if you are not concerned with resale,the barrel can be cut but you will end up with open bore.OK for may-be 12 yards or so.Most .410 are choked from the factory full, to extend range.There is a lot of new ammo available for the .410 because of the Judge pistol mostly defendsive stuff,not cheap but is effective at close range.

 

[RollTideRam]

Maybe add another .410 that already has a shorter barrel. I looked at the taurus/rossi carbine Saturday. I would like to have one. It holds five shots, either .410 or .45 colt

 

[RobertBrown]

Maybe add another .410 that already has a shorter barrel.

There's your best option. Look for a used one, on line or in the pawn shops. Lots of people dumping thier guns these days......
You may want to try a short barrell, my .410 is full choke, but has been shot so many times it's opened up and leaves a lot of squirrells hanging on to tree limbs. It's not much good past 50'. Shoot's a slug better than you would think though.
I can do better with a .22 pistol, and it' a lot easier to carry.

 

[Sigarms]

Overall, I'm really happy with the .410 (and surprised)

I can say the same thing for the Remington youth 20 gauge I bought my wife for around the house:thumbsup: I probably use it more than she does.

 

[sldva00]

...the barrel can be cut but you will end up with open bore.OK for may-be 12 yards or so.Most .410 are choked from the factory full, to extend range...

Agree with nybirdman, my first shotgun is a Mossberg .410 pump action I got in the mid 80's. It is a full choke that is permanent. There are no screw on chokes (interchangeable) for this shotgun IIRC.

 

[RobertN]

As mentioned, the choke is built in the taper of the barrel. If you shorten the barrel, you will lose the choke.

 

[rtimgray]

Thanks for the information fellas.

I'll keep looking for a shorter barrel. Maybe one will eventually turn up.