.410 Family use Multi-purpose Shotguns

[Pfletch83]

I suffered a really bad wreck in 2005 and as a result I can't shoot a 12 gauge anymore (at least without feeling like my neck and shoulder have been re-arranged) and due to that I set about trying to find a light recoiling shotgun that fit my requirements.

Enter the Mossberg 500 E series.

After looking around I was able to locate a standard field model with 24-inch full choke barrel, and after doing ammo tests with defensive ammo ( Federal 2-1/2 inch '000' buck) I was left with an unforeseen problem. The pattern was far too open at close range (5-yards) to solve the problem I set about trying to find a cylinder choke barrel, not seeing any in the Mossberg catalogue. I began doing a bit of research into some of the other 500E's the company offered.

When I found the special purpose model 50455, after checking I found the magazine tube held the same amount as my field grade gun and I placed an order at my LGS.

After some time I was able to take it home and swap barrels for testing.

At the same 5-yard range the 18.5 inch tube threw a pattern much like a slug.

Then on a lark I called Mossberg to ask if they offer the .410 barrel on the 50455 on it's own, to my surprise they do ($66.18 tax and all).

I ordered the barrel and a 13.5 inch synthetic stock (to replace the pistol grip only setup) now I own two of these little beasts.





and to go with these little scatterguns I picked up an S&W Governor (the ability to take the same .410 ammo plus .45 LC and .45acp was just too much to pass up)

[froggy]

Salut,

On the chapter of using .410 into a handgun you might find this review/testing interesting.
http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot41.htm

[Pfletch83]

Thanks.

I've seen the Box O truth review and a few others on youtube before purchase.

It's mainly a close range defensive arm (when loaded with buckshot)

I've also used it for a meat kill on a 350 pound farm raised hog (Pork is hard to stop when it decides to move either domesticated or wild) one round of the '000' knocked it on its rear haunches mid stride. (Even with the reduced velocities from a short rifled barrel which surprised the heck out of me).

The Federal 2-1/2 inch '000' load is listed at 850 fps and the same load from a shotgun is listed at 1200 fps.

[Pfletch83]

What I've seen from the Federal 3-inch #4 Buckshot speaks volumes for it as a close range anti-personnel round (9-pellets of .22-.24 caliber per shot from an 18.5 inch cylinder choke patterns well @1100 FPS)

Recently I've taken a look at a Mossberg Model 183 it has a fixed full choke barrel. I'm going to try and see if I could fit a good set of sights on it after I have the barrel trimmed down, should make for a fine little slug gun.

[Sandgroper]

I really like the 410, unfortunately I wanted more rifles in my cabinet and my 410's had to go to make room.

On the other hand, I might just get a 410 barrel made for my Handi-rifle!

The S&W intrigued me, so I looked it up and it really appeals, unfortunately owning one in the UK is nothing more than a pipe dream.

[Pfletch83]

I really like the 410, unfortunately I wanted more rifles in my cabinet and my 410's had to go to make room.

On the other hand, I might just get a 410 barrel made for my Handi-rifle!

The S&W intrigued me, so I looked it up and it really appeals, unfortunately owning one in the UK is nothing more than a pipe dream.

I really wish that wasn't the case for you guys and gals in the U.K.

I hope that things can be turned around somehow and the people in your country can repeal those draconian laws.

Here is a link to a vid from Georgia shooter showing the capabilities of the Big Gov. with the federal buckshot loads.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlYXNhJXmXo

[Sandgroper]

Ouch - that'll make your eyes water!

[Pfletch83]

And how.

I had to switch the grips on mine because the ones supplied from the factory were a bit small for me and with the '000', my hand and wrist were taking a beating.

After swapping grips out (which were supplied by my 617) the recoil is nothing now, plus it helped to change the point of impact somewhat (which I think was mostly induced by flinching on my part)

[Sandgroper]

Out of curiosity, what's the accuracy of the S&W like with 45ACP and 45LC?

[Pfletch83]

It shoots pretty well with the .45 LC (Winchester PDX-1 225 grain bonded hollow point rated for 850fps if memory serves).

The .45 colt recoil is pretty tame next to the .410 buck loads.

I haven't tried the .45 ACP (was only able to find one box of 230 grain hardball) but with the right loads the accuracy is said to be a bit better than the .45LC's.

A lot of folks seem to think it's a gimmick or a snake gun due to the .410 capability...but to be honest after doing some homework and watching a few videos of actual defensive uses involving handguns, I think it was meant for something larger if you get what I mean.