Just got a Bolt Action 12 ga Shotgun for a gift

[Beansie_Time]

I just found out I'll be receiving my father-in-laws bolt action Mossberg 395KB 12 guage as a gift next week. This will be my first shotgun (first long gun of any kind for that matter) It has a 3 round detachable box magazine. Does anyone have experience with this gun (or other bolt action shotguns) that might be helpful to me or suggestions on ammo or a place I might be able to find additional magazines?
It has a "c-lect-choke" on the end of the barrel which has a switch the allows you to adjust the choke between 3 settings without changing tubes. If I set the choke to "full" is it OK to fire slugs through this barrel or should I remove the choke completely before trying to fire slugs? Like I said before while I have some experience with handguns I am new to shotguns so any advice is helpful.
thanks in advance
Beansie

 

[Palladin]

I have one of these! My father had it cut down as a slug gun and put adjustable sights on it.
I have a mag that I believe is a 2 round box. The army was shipping these to Vietnam in the early 60's with 5 round mags. I've had my eyes open for them for a couple of years; mostly the auction sites, but haven't found any. I did come across a few of the reg box though.

For slugs I believe the choke is removed...others here may know better, it's been years since dad had it cut down.

Have fun with it!

Joe

 

[WVBob]

Set it to the most open setting you have, CL or MC.

 

[one-eyed Jack]

Check your serial number. Mossberg had a problem with some of these going off when the bolt was being closed. They put a recall on M000101 thru M015304. Jack.

 

[Mike-Mike]

I have a really old mossberg 410 bolt. Its a great little gun.

Good luck!

 

[N.E. CHARTERS]

I works real well on Doves.

I bought one of those in Montgomery Ward back when I was in the NAVY I think I paid $50 fr it Brand New.

12 GA 3" Bolt with a 38" Barrell.


It is an absolutly Great GOOSE GUN. Not so good on Doves.

It came with a leather sling that really helped steady tose long shots. The sights sucked so I cut a V grove into the rear barrel tang and added a gold bead up front.


I must have put 10,000 rounds of super Mag reloads thru it before I put it in the attic and forgot about it.


I ended up selling to an Indian Guy in Lowell for $40 or $50 so he could go deer hunting with me when he was on workmans comp for a couple of years with his arm in a sling. Poor Guy.


I wonder if its the same gun?

 

[Beansie_Time]

Palladin,
I think you are right about the 2 round box and he probably told me its total capacity is 3 rounds with one in the tube.

One Eyed Jack,
I'll check the serial number when my father in law brings it up to NH to give to me in a couple weeks.

I'll post pics then too

Thanks for the info.

 

[b79holmes]

use caution

I just took the hunter safety course in the fall and all the instructors discouraged bolt action shotguns.

I think it is because the don't really lock-up like a bolt action rifle and the bolt can come back at you.

I think some are still available new though, and your sounds quite old so I'd have it checked out by a gunsmith first.

Bill

 

[Chris]

They make great conversation pieces for Basic classes. As do pump action rifles.

 

[Ripach]

Cool, A bolt action slug gun has been on my want-list for a while.

They make great conversation pieces for Basic classes. As do pump action rifles.

Anybody else see the pump action AK-47 J&G has advertised in SG News. Only $190, I was thinking of looking into one just for the novelty of it.

 

[Palladin]

Check your serial number. Mossberg had a problem with some of these going off when the bolt was being closed. They put a recall on M000101 thru M015304. Jack.

Serial number?
mine don't have no stinkin' serial number!

(or at least not in any obvious location)
Purchased in 1965..!

 

[WVBob]

Palladin,

You may have to take the front stock off to find the serial number.

I had a bolt 20ga as a kid. My dad got it used so I don't know how old it was. It was not fast to use but I did take a lot of rabbits with it.

 

[N.E. CHARTERS]

Cool, A bolt action slug gun has been on my want-list for a while.QUOTE]


I also. Check out the TAR Hunt Slug Guns.


http://www.tarhunt.com/tarhunt/downloadable_files/tarhunt_2006_product_catalog_rev02062006.pdf

 

[Ripach]

Cool, A bolt action slug gun has been on my want-list for a while.QUOTE]


I also. Check out the TAR Hunt Slug Guns.


http://www.tarhunt.com/tarhunt/downloadable_files/tarhunt_2006_product_catalog_rev02062006.pdf

Those are sweet, and apparently accurate, the $2500 starting price is a tad north of my spending limit.

 

[Beansie_Time]

Ripach
I found more of these bolt action Mossbergs on gunbroker for less than $200
I won't have mine for a couple more weeks but i'll let you know how it shoots when I get it. The general consensus here seems like they aren't bad though

 

[Palladin]

I'll take a smidge under $2500 for mine

 

[Ripach]

Ripach
I found more of these bolt action Mossbergs on gunbroker for less than $200
I won't have mine for a couple more weeks but i'll let you know how it shoots when I get it. The general consensus here seems like they aren't bad though

Thanks for the tip and I look forward to your range report.

I'll take a smidge under $2500 for mine

With friends like these....