Going to pick up a Mossberg 410 bolt action

silenthunterstudios

silenthunterstudios

Slipjoint Addict
Joined
Feb 2, 2005
Messages
20,039
After reading a small article about 410 bolt actions in Backwoodsman magazine, I've been interested in these. I'm not as knowledgeable about guns as I'd like, but from what I've read, this looks like a good gun. Also, the guy I'm buying from is pretty reliable. Any thoughts, suggestions on this gun? Game?
 
I have an old 20ga version. Mossberg 185D with the traditional screw-on chokes. If yours has a C-lect choke which is one external choke that allows you to dial in the constriction it would make the shotgun a little more desirable. That being said, these guns are definitely on a low end of the economic spectrum. They were meant as farm/truck/knockabout guns. Fit and function are fine but not up to higher priced firearms. Mine lists for about US$75.00 and is probably not worth that, but I've had it for over 25 years and when I do my part it will bring home dinner.
 
I had one for many years. If you dont get one with a variable choke get one with a closed choke. Use 3 inch shells. Number 6 shot is best all around, 4 for rabbits, and 7 1/2 for dove. The closed choke will ensure that it wont go off and suffer but will usually die outright and it will improve your aim because there is little room for error.
 
That was my first gun. (in 20 ga.) That would have been the early 60s, while I was still in high school. Screw-on collet-type choke, 2-round box magazine.

Long and rather clumsy, the bolt action was quite smooth and I got so I could reload rather handily. Not a bad little piece!

I always thought those old bolt-action shotguns would make pretty decent slug guns.
 
my second gun was a 20 gauge stevans bolt action, it had a bad sear and fired when i slammed the bolt shut one day (before turning the bolt down to lock) which wasnt a good thing, but thats a rare thing to happen to them they are really pretty reliable old shotguns, and cheap too, of course a pump is a lot better imho, but all in all they are ok.

hard to beat a used 12 or 20 gauge pump though for reliablility and price i saw a couple of used plain jane pumps last show for less than $150.
 
sog said:
I had one for many years. If you dont get one with a variable choke get one with a closed choke. Use 3 inch shells. Number 6 shot is best all around, 4 for rabbits, and 7 1/2 for dove. The closed choke will ensure that it wont go off and suffer but will usually die outright and it will improve your aim because there is little room for error.
Click to expand...

CAUTION! Be very careful using 3" shells. I don't believe any of the older guns are chambered for 3". Only 2 3/4". Please check your firearm before using the magnum shells.
 
they're ugly and crude but work great and seem to last forever. if you need parts you can go to gun parts corporation, or numrich arms if you need anything. later,ahgar
 
Not sure how much you want to spend---but for $239 for can get a laminated stock Remington Express 12 or 20ga at Wally World.

WAAAAAAAAAAY better choice than ANY bolt action shotgun


Ammo is cheaper than .410 too
 
I found one of these in my closet recently, guess it has been back there for over 25 years. I bought it for rats, as I recall no problems at all. May clean it up and put it in trade forum.
 
I have had one for 37 years. Took more dove with it than any other shotgun since. Still hangs in a closet and shoots fine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top