Mossberg Hate...and some questions
So, I went to pick up my new Mossberg 500 yesterday (her name is Mary Anne) and the reaction I got from some of the staff regarding the Mossberg brand was quite negative
The older staff members didn't have anything to say (they mostly didn't care one way or another) but since it was the end of the day they were leaving and left the green horns in charge of the transfer. So, while I was waiting an hour for FDLE to approve the transfer 3 of the college freshman boys who work there all sneered at the Mossberg name. It started with "So, why did you buy a Mossberg?" and then we got into a discussion that it was the best deal for the money I found and thought that it was reliable. I asked why they didn't like Mossberg and one of them said that "The Mossberg and Remington 870 are the most widely sold shotguns and are very low end guns but if you're using the Mossberg for home defense it should fire every time you need it-emphasis on the should."I asked what he shot and he said he uses a Baretta. I mostly ignored their remarks because I figured they are young, opinionated, and I figured that since this was a trap/skeet field they all used guns specifically for trap/skeet or whatnot.
Then another kid came in and pretty much said the same thing about the Mossberg and when I asked him why he didn't like them and he said "well I inherited the hate from my dad. But I did try a Mossberg pump out and I didn't like it because the shells didn't eject properly and it felt crappy". (hey at least he was honest about the inheriting the hate part).
Then later, we started talking about handguns and I asked the kid who shoots the Baretta what handgun he wanted and he said he wanted a Baretta (mostly an M9) and I asked why. He said because it is reliable which is indicated by the fact that armed forces uses them. So, at this point I couldn't resist to point out that the military uses Mossberg and according to his logic that must mean it's reliable too right? He just responded with "well they only use the Mossberg for door breaching" so I said even if that was the case, that's what they use. We wrapped up the conversation by agreeing that military contracts are generally awarded on price and not durability.
Anyway, sorry for the rant but I just wanted to share my experience with you all and say that I was genuinely shocked by the hate Mossberg attracted here. I am going to chalk it up to them being kids and not knowing any better as the older employees didn't say a word (although they weren't around for any of the conversation). I am going to assume that the majority of the responses here will consist of ranting and raving reviews about the Mossberg 500 and how reliable it really is...I am looking forward to hearing all of the goods things!
I do have two questions though:
While I was cleaning the Mossberg last night it came to my attention that I cant remove the magazine tube. I think this is a poor design but am willing to put up with it. I did some research and some people have removed the tube but it takes some effort and I am not willing to take a torch to my new gun. Does the magazine tube ever really need to be cleaned/maintained? If so, what is the best way to do that? Just spray some all purpose cleaner/lube down it?
Also, what is the best way to unload the magazine since I can't take it apart? Just cycle the shells out? This seems unsafe...is there another way? I am brand new to shotguns (this is my first) so I might be overlooking something. Also, is it bad for the spring to leave it loaded? I have heard some people say they needed to remove the magazine tube because their spring was worn out (this was after several years but I still don't want this happening to me any time soon).
Finally, I bought some 00 buckshot from walmart. They were Remington, I think 9 pellets. I can shoot this through my mossberg without worry of damaging it, right? Are there certain ammo types I definitely need to stay clear of? I figured it's a shotgun and can mostly shoot anything...
Thanks in advance for the help!
Edited: added questions/removed questionable humor.
