Actually, there are two Mossberg 500s in my safe, that have most of thirty years of time between production-a late 60s vintage gun that was left here by a neighbor, and a late 1990s gun that I purchased for gun safety class for kids. Neither gun has ever had a bit of trouble, and the old one used to live in a duckboat, or, a pickup truck box, full-time. The trigger guard is not plastic per say, it is structural nylon, and contains the complete fire control mechanism in an assembly that needs no lubrication or maintenance. I could demonstrate it's superiority to the unit on a Huglu with my maul, if you would like, however, various branches of armed services have deemed quality sufficient. I never look down my nose at anyone shooting a pump, even a cheap one, like a Mossberg, since I figure it's a pretty safe bet they haven't joined Greenpeace, and likely share a few interests of mine. In other words, they are a friend. I've witnessed a few folks over the years treating a kid, woman, or new shooter with a Mossberg, or, something similar, like a leper, and it really ticks me off.
Barrel rugulation on lower cost doubles, from any country, is the most vexing problem I've noted, and, when we are talking tools, a pump or other single barrel gun side-steps this issue quite nicely.
Anyway, yes, as long as big green and Mossberg have a plant somewhere in the US, turning out guns that have a reputation for being reliable, I have some warm fuzzys, and a slot in the safe for an example, or two. I've never introduced a kid to shooting sports with either of my doubles, but I've introduced lots of 'em with my Mossbergs.
They are the right tools for the job.
Best,
Ted
