500 with ATI stock- shooting high

[EddieE]

I have a 500 with the ATI collapsible stock that I bought about 10 years ago. I found out very quickly that it shot very high at 25 yards. Research seems to point to the ATI stock and the angle not being right. Even when I force my cheek weld, I am unable to get better than 5" high at 25 yards. I put it back in the safe, but now I'm thinking about what I can do with this shotgun. Either I need to fix it, or trade in.

Has anyone figured out how to fix this? Is Mossberg good to deal with for warranty?

I have included two photos....both at 25 yards. Slug and buckshot. Note that the buckshot spreads on the two targets. All shot from rested on a base. After this I gave up on the gun. I have 2 identical guns. Both do the same thing.

thanks

 

[Ernst]

Can you give us some information regarding the front bead you currently have installed and how you maintain your sight picture when shoting. In other words how are you aligning your shotgun sight picture with the center of the target. Do you have a rail mounted on the rear of your gun?

Some shooters have found that a taller front bead helps.

Welcome to the forum

 

[EddieE]

Thanks.

The bead is the original that comes from the factory. The targets shown are with me only seeing the bead, I didn't see the top of the barrel/rail. I was really forcing my cheek down on the stock. Those targets were shot a long time ago....I was probably holding dead center. No rail, the gun is factory original. Thought about just putting a red dot on it, but attaching the rail I got interfered with the safety, so I tossed that idea. Once it warms up I will head to the range to do a few more targets.

 

[Ernst]

Based on what you've said I suspect the basic 500 action is shooting fine and the issues revolve around the aftermarket stock configuration, your eye placement and bead alignment issues you're experiencing.

If you have a yardsrick or some straight edge take it and let it sit on top of the front bead and the rear of the receiver. Then as it extends rearward measure the drop height differential where you typically would have your cheek and eye placement.

Maybe this diagram will help explain my words.

I'm not familiar with the aftermarket stock you're using but the principles are the same.

You may find that you either need to change the bead to target aim point or may need a bead with increased height.

Please let us know what you think and are experiencing and maybe some of us can help further.

 

[Ernst]

Reference your comment on a rail. Does your 500 shotgun have a drilled and tapped receiver? Should have four small screws in tapped holes on top of the receiver.

If so, easy to attach a scope rail and they don't interfer with your tang safety.

Please post a picture or two of the gun and the stock & receiver.

Regards

 

[EddieE]

Thanks for the help. I will pull the gun out of the safe tomorrow and post some pics. The rifle is bone stock from factory. Back then they were selling them with ATI stocks. Not sure if they are still doing that. It is drilled and tapped.

 

[Ernst]

 

[ricky_bobby]

My .02 - no need to trade it in, its a great shotgun just not the best furniture included-

Get rid of the ATI collapsible stock (they are horrible on Mossbergs for the safety location being on top of receiver) since the ATI doesn't have the drop that a Mesa Tactical LEO adapter would (and similarly on a factory stock)

I can almost guarantee if you put a Hogue (cheapest option) stock on there, or a Magpul SGA, or even a factory Mossberg stock, you'd notice you don't have to bury your cheek as hard as you do with the ATI, your safety manipulation is improved, and you should get a better sight picture with the bead

XS makes a great epoxy on replacement bead, and Defender Tactical also makes a higher/larger brass bead as well if you are having trouble with the factory one

Never was a fan of the ATI stocks on Mossbergs personally they are just too straight, and its not an AR15 with higher sight height

 

[Bobster]

I think you are asking a bead to do what should be the job of ghost ring sights or an optic--perhaps even a red dot. If you want to reach out with it you can either adjust your aim when using the bead or get a red dot on a rail would probably be the least expensive choices.

You'll have to sight an optic (or bead) in to the ammo you will be using, preferably all from the same batch. If you sight in with buckshot, you may find POI with birdshot will be off and so on.

 

[ricky_bobby]

I still say $55 on a Hogue stock (normal LOP or 12" LOP if you like compact, add the matching forend for $10) would allow him to get his eye down low enough - that ATI stock is straight back like an AR doesn't drop -

 

[EddieE]

I was looking to change the stock, Mossberg is sold out. I bought the collapsible to accommodate my wife since she is smaller. But, that was a mistake since she refuses to use it due to the recoil. Went 20G hoping it would have less recoil than 12G. Limited HD ammo for the 20G.

With the replacement stocks, do I need additional parts (screws, bolts, shims, washers, etc)?

Thanks

 

[Ernst]

I've used 12 inch Hogue overmould stocks and forends and found them excellent.

The only thing I'd check would be the bolt length being used for the ATI stock. Not sure whether it the same length that as the one used on a convential stock.

Good luck and let us know what direction you take.

Regards

 

[ricky_bobby]

I was looking to change the stock, Mossberg is sold out. I bought the collapsible to accommodate my wife since she is smaller. But, that was a mistake since she refuses to use it due to the recoil. Went 20G hoping it would have less recoil than 12G. Limited HD ammo for the 20G.

With the replacement stocks, do I need additional parts (screws, bolts, shims, washers, etc)?

Thanks

Your wife will thank you if you change the stock - nothing worse than a gun she doesn't want to shoot

The ATI stock I do not believe uses a factory stock bolt as the angle would not match -

I've purchased Mossberg parts from this seller many times he ships fast and OEM Mossberg parts - $10 for a stock bolt with washers, and have bought Hogue before from this seller -

for Mossberg/M88 500,535,590,835, 12 & 20ga STOCK BOLT+ 2 washers Ships FREE | eBay

500, 505, 535, 590, 590a1, 835, 930, 935, 940 & M88. AUTHENTIC and/or COMPATIBLE MOSSBERG/ MAVERICK PARTS Mossberg/ Maverck models RETIRED & ACTIVE DUTY US Marines who just happen to love the Mossberg shotgun.

www.ebay.com

Up to you if you want the 12" LOP stock (for your wife I think it would be more comfortable for home defense and more compact for HD as well for you) - Hogue is actually cheaper than most if ordering direct

OverMolded Shotgun Stock (12" L.O.P.) & Forend Kit - Black

Hogue, Inc

www.hogueinc.com

Factory 14" LOP length stock/forend is actually $20 more, I always recommend the 12" LOP as it lets you get more squared up with target and less 'wing shooting' style, but you have both options

OverMolded Shotgun Stock & Forend Kit - Black

Hogue, Inc

www.hogueinc.com

Also last note, you will need to double check your Action slide tube length - if you find it is 6.75", you will need the forend adapter from Hogue as well - if you have the factory 7 3/8 action tube, no other parts are needed - here is the adapter nut ( again cheapest from Hogue directly) - there is a pic on that page showing how to measure the tube, although I think you probably have the factory 7" tube, only really see the 6.75" tube on youth models or Shockwaves-

Forend Adapter Nut

Hogue, Inc

www.hogueinc.com

But for right about $100 you can get proper furniture, a lighter weapon, and one that you and your wife will likely enjoy to shoot!

Is this your gun with ATI stock? If so, you have the long action tube already, no adapter nut is necessary, but that straight back M4 stock from ATI in my opinion is horrendous for function, recoil mitigation etc- and yes, you would need the Ebay link for a factory stock bolt/washers set when you remove it as that does not use the factory stock bolt-

 

[EddieE]

Here is a picture of mine.



I will check out the links provide. I think I will upgrade this as suggested. Not sure about the action slide tube length. Will have to dissemble and look. Thanks

 

[ricky_bobby]

Yep thats the one - straight back M4 stock with no drop so you cant get a good sight picture - very annoying on a shotgun

Order the fiorend nut adapter too - based on your photo I can almost guarantee from the picture 99.9% positive that is a 6 3/4 action tube -

Just use the links I sent trust me I am all about the price savings - but for $100 you can have a properly stocked weapon you like to shoot!

If your wife likes a shorter LOP and you do too, do yourself a favor (and its cheaper) to get the 12" LOP stock-

I'd swap your parts in for free if you were close to central NC

 

[EddieE]

Thanks. I'm not near NC at all. Should be able to figure it out.

I might get the 12" since its cheaper and easier to maneuver. Although, I might just get the buttstock and skip the forend. Save a few bucks and I don't mind the forend on the gun now.

This isn't a gun I will be shooting much. So perfect fit isn't that much of a concern.

 

[ricky_bobby]

Thanks. I'm not near NC at all. Should be able to figure it out.

I might get the 12" since its cheaper and easier to maneuver. Although, I might just get the buttstock and skip the forend. Save a few bucks and I don't mind the forend on the gun now.

This isn't a gun I will be shooting much. So perfect fit isn't that much of a concern.

*** My only caveat - if you look at Hogue's website (good choice on the 12" LOP stock, it is my favorite of the affordable standard Mossberg stocks! - I would recommend getting the full 12" LOP kit with forend, it sells the same price as the stock by itself!*** - the only savings you'd have is maybe $10 at most if you didn't get it, the stocks sell for $60 all day long easily on Amazon etc (same as a breakfast at Waffle House)

If you want to double check your action tube length, but I think you need the adapter nut, it is only $15 - I will say the forend you have is fine, but for $15 with the adapter nut (since the stocks are the same price) you'd have the option to swap the forend if you like the texture - Hogue has a super positive grippy rubbery texture to it and it is very slim (on the forend) which makes a great combo and 'hand/weapon interaction'

My neighbor had the same forend as you, and wanted just the stock, so I told him listen the kits are the same as just getting the stock itself and he thanked me for getting the forend too since he liked both so much once I put them on for him.

If you decided you wanted to get the forend by itself down the line, they sell them for $35 separate thats why I say get the kit (and if you need the adapter nut it adds $15 - if you dont need the adapter nut, which I think you do, one of us on here would gladly take it off your hands-

And trust me - if I was recommending perfect fit, I'd recommend Magpul - Hogue fits good, very functional, and great value for the price

 

[Ernst]

Good information on stock above.

The Hogue setup is, IMO, one of the best on the market. Been running them for years.

And if you get the 12 inch LOP it really makes the gun maneuverable for HD and CQB.

If you're doing a lot of target or bird hunting and need a longer LOP simply add a LimbSaver.

Best of both worlds.