Finally...

[ront]

We were on vacation this last week, visiting my daughter in Grants Pass. I stopped in at the Big 5 there and looked at their shotguns. I have been wanting one for quite sometime and they had a Mossberg 500 Persuader/Cruiser 8 shot model there for $239. Since there was no tax, this gun immediately became mine. It seemed like a pretty like a pretty good deal to me.
I have a lot to learn now.I picked up a box of Federal 12GA, 00 Buck and a box of Winchester Xpert 2 3/4 steel shot. I have been reading a bit here tonight and wondering if I should have purchased the the Winchester steel shot. Should I have gotten something else? I am just using it to familiarize myself and my wife with the gun. Should I take it back and get something else. Also is the 00 Buck ok? I would also like to get a few slugs. What would you suggest.
I also am considering changing the stock to a pistol grip/stock combo. What would you suggest here. I don't care for anything real fancy, but something that will last and is functional. At this point, I do not believe that I will be changing the sights.
I also would like a way to put a weapon light on the gun. I have a sure fire L4 and a Pentagon Light, either of which may work, but how do I attach them and what is the best way to activate them when needed.
Thanks for you input and help. I know that there will be different opinions stated, but I will learn from all of them

Thanks, Ron

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[FISTER]

Only reason for steel shot is if your hunting in an area that does not allow lead. Cant go wrong with 00 Buck but in the future no reason for steel. Also the pistol grip is a huge topic of debate. Chances are you are better off leaving the full stock on unless you are ever in a posistion where you need to store it some place where the full stock wont fit. I can shoot my standard stock from the hip just as easy as with a pistol grip.
9 times out of 10 the pistol grip does nothing but make it look cool.

[ront]

I do not want to get rid of the regular stock, I am considering a combo pistol grip with a regular stock in one.

Thanks, Ron

[Ram Rod]

I like the full length w/pistol grip stocks personally. You can get those in two piece designs as well, and just use the pistol grip or the whole thing when you want with the right hardware.

Shotgun Stocks

[boscobeans]

I put an ATI Shotforce adjustable on my Mossy. Stock adjusts from 9" to 13" and it has a pistol grip. My wife needs the shorter stock and I just pop it back to 13 inches when I use it. Practice with low recoil ammo and end your range time with a few rounds that you will be keeping in it..

I keep mine loaded with OOBuck reduced recoil loads.

bosco

[pgrass101]

The safety on Mossy's are easier to use without a pistol grip. I would get standard 00 lead buckshot and yes 00 is fine I would not go lower than 4 buck for a HD round. I keep slugs in my butt stock mag pouch in case I need them.

I like stocked shotguns and if storage space is limited I would use a ATI Top Folder

[KenpoTex]

I'd recommend a Hogue "overmold" stock (shorter is better, the factory LOP on many stocks is too long). They allow you to handle the weapon easily w/o keeping you from being able to manipulate a tang-mounted safety while maintaining your firing grip (something you won't be able to do with a pistol grip stock set).

just my $0.02

[ralphb72]

I thought I wanted the one with 8 shot and full length w/pistol grip stocks for years, slobbered over it in every add I saw, hung pictures in my locker (ok not quite that far) But then I went to buy one and actually handled it. It was uncomfortable to me and did not feel right at all. I got the 500 with 5 shots and no pistol grip. $100 less then the other one and feels great in my hands. Added two nylon 5-shot shell holders (one on either side of the stock) and now it is my nightstand gun.

[tigs40cal]

I've been reading on several fourms where they are using bird shot for home defence so you dont have to worry about over penatration. I have 00 in my shot gun though. I would take back the steel shot JMHO.

[Jay6]

I've been reading on several fourms where they are using bird shot for home defence so you dont have to worry about over penatration. I have 00 in my shot gun though. I would take back the steel shot JMHO.

There have been numerous tests proving bird shot to be a painfully inadequate self defense load. I would stick to slugs or buck shot (preferably reduced recoil).

And I agree with taking back the steel shot. Around here the only thing you would buy that for is duck or goose hunting and it sucks even for that. Just not allowed to shoot lead over water.

[TapRackBang]

Two good choices are the Knoxx CompStock and the Specops stock

These are great stock to reduce recoil. http://www.knoxx.com/index2.html

[ront]

I just thought that I would add a picture of my new gun for you. I purchased and installed the Advanced Technologies stock with pistol grip last night. That was very easy to do. I needed something that would accommodate both my wife and I for size. I still want to figure out a way to hang one of my flashlights on this gun. But here is what I have so far.

Ron

[FISTER]

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/31988-1.html I cant speak for quality , but I imagine this would work

[ront]

Thanks FISTER! I actually see several there that are pretty much what I was looking for.

Ron

[pgrass101]

Nice HD set up