Mossberg 500 vs. 500 Flex

[demarpaint]

TIA -I'm kicking around buying another shotgun, I passed on a few good deals because a $50 transfer makes buying from a gun store more sensible for certain models. Anyway I stumbled upon the 500 Flex, for a multi-purpose shotgun. Is it really worth the extra $$ compared to the tried and true 500?

 

[nwjones18]

Maybe if you are going to be swapping stocks around often.. For most people who are going to leave it alone forever I'd say no. If the cost was only a few bucks different I'd give it a shot. Swapping stocks isn't hard, the forend is slightly time consuming. I have a Hogue stock on a 500 and like it.

 

[demarpaint]

Thanks for the reply. I think but can't confirm since I haven't seen one yet, and their website isn't the greatest that the Flex uses a better trigger? I might opt for a stock with a shorter length of pull, but once installed odds are it will remain that way.

 

[nwjones18]

Thanks for the reply. I think but can't confirm since I haven't seen one yet, and their website isn't the greatest that the Flex uses a better trigger? I might opt for a stock with a shorter length of pull, but once installed odds are it will remain that way.

I'm not sure on the trigger. I know on the 590 you'll get a metal trigger assembly and safety vs polymer on the normal 500.

You probably already know this, but the Maverick 88 is essentially the same thing with a different safety and the receiver isn't drilled/tapped. I have a 88, 500 and a 835, and while I like the 500's safety a lot better, I'm not sure I like it enough to spend the premium over a $200 Maverick. There are some neat flex combos out there that aren't any more than a normal 500.

https://gun.deals/product/mossberg-...-combo-shotgun-w28185-barrels-3-chamber-21825

https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/015813541695

https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/015813551137

 

[demarpaint]

I'm not sure on the trigger. I know on the 590 you'll get a metal trigger assembly and safety vs polymer on the normal 500.

You probably already know this, but the Maverick 88 is essentially the same thing with a different safety and the receiver isn't drilled/tapped. I have a 88, 500 and a 835, and while I like the 500's safety a lot better, I'm not sure I like it enough to spend the premium over a $200 Maverick. There are some neat flex combos out there that aren't any more than a normal 500.

https://gun.deals/product/mossberg-...-combo-shotgun-w28185-barrels-3-chamber-21825

https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/015813541695

https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/015813551137

Thanks for the links!

 

[burbguy82]

TIA -I'm kicking around buying another shotgun, I passed on a few good deals because a $50 transfer makes buying from a gun store more sensible for certain models. Anyway I stumbled upon the 500 Flex, for a multi-purpose shotgun. Is it really worth the extra $$ compared to the tried and true 500?

I own several mossys, 500 and 590 and 590a1........none of then are flex. I see no value to them at all. Best stock for the M500 is the speedfeed stock.

I suggest the 590a1, thicker barrel and metal trigger guard. 8rd tube with ghost rings......killer gun.

 

[demarpaint]

I own several mossys, 500 and 590 and 590a1........none of then are flex. I see no value to them at all. Best stock for the M500 is the speedfeed stock.

I suggest the 590a1, thicker barrel and metal trigger guard. 8rd tube with ghost rings......killer gun.

Thanks for the reply! The only problem with the 590A1 IIRC is you can't get a 26"-28" replacement barrel for it? Unless I'm missing something.

 

[burbguy82]

Thanks for the reply! The only problem with the 590A1 IIRC is you can't get a 26"-28" replacement barrel for it? Unless I'm missing something.

Well that is a good point, barrel replacement is a thing, but it is unlikely that one would ever need one.........but for a combo gun, the 500 is really the way to go, you can have a target/bird barrel, an 18.5 inch security barrel and a rifled barrel with express sights.

590A1 ia 18.5 and 20 inch only

The 535 would be a good choice and possible use of 3.5 inch shells.

All in all the flex system is cool, but I would not strive to get one......

 

[demarpaint]

Well that is a good point, barrel replacement is a thing, but it is unlikely that one would ever need one.........but for a combo gun, the 500 is really the way to go, you can have a target/bird barrel, an 18.5 inch security barrel and a rifled barrel with express sights.

590A1 ia 18.5 and 20 inch only

The 535 would be a good choice and possible use of 3.5 inch shells.

All in all the flex system is cool, but I would not strive to get one......

Yes the 590A1 is pretty much a dedicated HD, Police, or Military weapon. I looked at the 835, the ported barrel has its cons, I've never had use for 3.5 inch shells which has me circling back to the 500. The Flex is cool, and I agree with you. I have a feeling I wouldn't be swapping out a stock more than once so it would probably be a waste of $$. Thanks!

 

[burbguy82]

Yes the 590A1 is pretty much a dedicated HD, Police, or Military weapon. I looked at the 835, the ported barrel has its cons, I've never had use for 3.5 inch shells which has me circling back to the 500. The Flex is cool, and I agree with you. I have a feeling I wouldn't be swapping out a stock more than once so it would probably be a waste of $$. Thanks!

One facet of the M500 family is the safety and takedown. Vertical grip stocks, in every case require the stock bolt be used to secure the grip, thus a tool is needed for disassembly, one thing to consider.........

another is the position of the safety, on the tang. It can only be readily used from a standard montecarlo style stock......so if you use the safety, such as for hunting, or breaching a door(haha).......a pistol grip can be a problem.

The flex system seem to have addressed this takedown issue, but not the safety issue.

You can also get the conversion kit as opposed to getting a new gun.

The above is one thing that makes the 870 a more versatile gun overall in regards to functionality with different stock options. I still find the M500 family the best pumps on earth, but everything has its advantages and disadvantages......

 

[demarpaint]

One facet of the M500 family is the safety and takedown. Vertical grip stocks, in every case require the stock bolt be used to secure the grip, thus a tool is needed for disassembly, one thing to consider.........

another is the position of the safety, on the tang. It can only be readily used from a standard montecarlo style stock......so if you use the safety, such as for hunting, or breaching a door(haha).......a pistol grip can be a problem.

The flex system seem to have addressed this takedown issue, but not the safety issue.

You can also get the conversion kit as opposed to getting a new gun.

The above is one thing that makes the 870 a more versatile gun overall in regards to functionality with different stock options. I still find the M500 family the best pumps on earth, but everything has its advantages and disadvantages......

Yes! I have two 870s, I like the location of the Mossberg safety better, and have no plans for buying a piston grip. I saw the Flex conversion kit, great idea. After thinking about it, I really don't need another shotgun, I want another shotgun. LOL I'm leaning toward another 500, I have a very old one. I would probably get a stock with a shorter length of pull, install it, and be GTG. The more I think about the Flex it's cool, but not practical for me. The Flex stocks also cost a little more than the 500 stocks. As a side note, it's a shame they don't offer more barrel choices for the 590A1, that IMO would be a home-run. They're built like tanks!!

 

[burbguy82]

The Magpul SGA is a very good option aswell.....for a shorter pull. Have a good one

 

[demarpaint]

The Magpul SGA is a very good option aswell.....for a shorter pull. Have a good one

Thanks, bookmarking it, I like it.

 

[ChrisD46]

Some have shared the 500 model Flex either did not feel as secure as the 500 non - Flex model or Flex connection points loosened over time .

 

[demarpaint]

Some have shared the 500 model Flex either did not feel as secure as the 500 non - Flex model or Flex connection points loosened over time .

Thanks, it looked to me like that could be an issue.