Mossberg .410 vs. Mossberg 20 Gauge
Can someone compare and contrast the Mossberg .410 with the Mossberg 20 gauge? I'll be using it exclusively as a weekend skeet shooting weapon. Eventually, I want to introduce my boys to gun safety with a Mossberg once they get a little older.
Why the Mossberg? Well, when I was a kid, the first gun I learned to shoot was a Mossberg .410 model 183KC (single action bolt, 3" repeater, with an adjustable choke). In fact, my Granddad taught all 7 of his grandkids to shoot with the .410. He just passed away after 98 years (!!!), but when we cleared out his things, the Mossberg was nowhere to be found.
I've spent the last week researching old Mossberg .410's, but now I'm beginning to wonder whether I ought to invest in a 20 gauge Mossberg 185C, instead. It would still remind me of the .410, but from what I've read the .410 is not a good choice for a skeet weapon unless you're an expert marksman. I'm a pretty good shot, but I'm not that good! [:)] It seems like the 20 gauge might be a better choice, but still be gentle enough for young kids to shoot.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated (including the cost of .410 shells vs 20 gauge shells). If the original weapon my Granddad owned were still available, the choice would be an easy one. But since it isn't, I don't want to spend $150-$200 on the wrong shotgun if I can buy a 20 gauge and still capture the flavor of the olde Mossberg .410.
Why the Mossberg? Well, when I was a kid, the first gun I learned to shoot was a Mossberg .410 model 183KC (single action bolt, 3" repeater, with an adjustable choke). In fact, my Granddad taught all 7 of his grandkids to shoot with the .410. He just passed away after 98 years (!!!), but when we cleared out his things, the Mossberg was nowhere to be found.
I've spent the last week researching old Mossberg .410's, but now I'm beginning to wonder whether I ought to invest in a 20 gauge Mossberg 185C, instead. It would still remind me of the .410, but from what I've read the .410 is not a good choice for a skeet weapon unless you're an expert marksman. I'm a pretty good shot, but I'm not that good! [:)] It seems like the 20 gauge might be a better choice, but still be gentle enough for young kids to shoot.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated (including the cost of .410 shells vs 20 gauge shells). If the original weapon my Granddad owned were still available, the choice would be an easy one. But since it isn't, I don't want to spend $150-$200 on the wrong shotgun if I can buy a 20 gauge and still capture the flavor of the olde Mossberg .410.
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I certainly understand your attachment to the Mossberg, but it's not a very good gun for the task you put forth. If you feel you must go with the B/A gun, then the 20 ga. is probably a better choice as you can reload low power shells for the kids to learn on.
For my own purposes I'd probably go with a utility double. Two shots available, easy to load, easy to teach gun safety. That and a 20 ga. Stevens won't break the bank nor will it decrease in value to any great extent.
Over time the youngsters will begin to appreciate guns in different ways. Some will always see the virtues of utility and the ability to toss shot. Others will begin to appreciate the beauty and art of fine firearms. The Stevens double will lead to interest in classics such as Smith, or Lefever, or Parker.
Not a bad way to start a lifetime interest.
Nord0 -
If money is not an issue, the .410 ga is fun and challenging to shoot skeet. I can bust the heck out of them with my old Marlin 59 but you'll go broke buying ammo. I would go with 20 gauge if buying a new one (which is exactly what I'm looking for now for that very purpose). As for the Mossbergs, a friend of mine has a 12ga and we took it out skeet shooting and that dang thing would get so hot I'm surprised it didnt turn colors. We werent excessively shooting either, just wouldnt dissipate the heat well.
shane
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I'm curious about one thing. You said:
quote:Originally posted by nord
I certainly understand your attachment to the Mossberg, but it's not a very good gun for the task you put forth.
Is this because a single shot, bolt action gun is slow compared to a double, or do you think that Mossberg's in general aren't good guns for sheet shooting?
In my case, speed of shooting/reloading isn't a concern. The site where I would shook skeet is sectioned off into two areas: one that is "family friendly" and another area for serious competitors. In the family section, you're not allowed to have more than one shell in the gun at any time (no exceptions), so speed of reloading and shooting in a non-issue: you get one shot when it's your turn, and that's it! And given the age of my kids, it's likely that I'll be hanging out exclusively in the family area for many, many years.
My understanding is that Mossbergs were (and are) affordable guns without a lot of bells and whistles, but in terms of accuracy I would guess that while there might be minor differences compared to high-end guns, the Mossbergs can hold their own in the hands of skilled shooter.
As for buying some other newer gun, it just wouldn't have the same sentimental meaning for me. And in any event, for my taste the older Mossbergs are beautiful guns with elegant lines that remind me of the 1940's and 1950's. Most newer .410s and 20 gauges that I've looked at seem like they were designed by an anonymous computer CAD program, not by a craftsman. Newer guns say "I'm powerful!" rather than "I'm elegant".0 -
I just happened to look at 20 & .410 shells at Wal-Mart yesterday.
The cheapest 20 guage were under $3 & the .410s were over $7. The lightest 20 guage loads should not produce much more felt recoil than the .410s since the shotgun will be heavier.0 -
A fine utility gun... Just not made for the purpose of skeet shooting.
Had you said that you were knocking down a few clay birds, then I wouldn't have made the comment.
Nord0 -
From what I've read so far, it seems like the Mossberg 185 20 gauge shotgun is the way to go.
It looks a lot like the 183 .410 bore model, so there's the all-important sentimental connection with my first shotgun.
20 gauge shells are also MUCH cheaper (about half the price) and are available in a variety of loads relative to .410 shells.
20 gauage shotguns are easier to shoot skeet with compared to a .410 bore (which is considered to be an expert's skeet gun)
Finally, if I ever move on to hunting small birds, I'll probably have better luck with a 20 guage shotgun0
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