DIY Mossberg 500 Modifications: What You Can Do at Home

 One of the most popular and versatile shotguns in the world, the Mossberg 500 is a highly customizable and affordable pump-action shotgun. 

Whether you use it for home defense, hunting, or range days, it’s a solid platform that can be configured in various ways. What’s the most attractive part? 

Many of its upgrades can even be accomplished right there at your workbench with the right tools and know-how.

In this guide, you’ll learn safe, effective DIY Mossberg 500 mods even beginners can do and things to avoid. Remember: The most important thing is safety and knowing your limitations.

Understanding Your Mossberg 500

Before picking up a wrench, you need  to identify the components of your Mossberg 500: barrel, receiver, forend, magazine tube, and trigger group.

Understanding your shotgun will enable you to make informed decisions and help you avoid errors. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual before making any changes.

Essential Safety Precautions

Before you get started on any DIY work on your shotgun, make sure you adhere to these non-negotiable safety principles:

  • Empty the gun—look into the chamber and magazine tube two times.

  • Clear all cartridges from the immediate area.

  • Use eye protection — springs and small parts can fly away.

  • Work on a well-lit, flat surface with a mat or pad to place your gun parts.

  • (Keep your manual nearby, and consult trusted guides or videos when in doubt.)

  • If you are unsure at any time, please consult an experienced gunsmith.

Those measures are not just about securing your firearm but about ensuring you.

DIY Modifications You Can Tackle

Modification 1: Replacing the Forend

Purpose: Improve ergonomics, add accessory rails, or achieve a better grip.

Tools Required:

  • Forend wrench or spanner wrench

  • Flathead screwdriver

  • Punch and hammer (for disassembly)

Step-by-Step:

  1. Remove the barrel and slide the forend off the action bars.

  2. Use the forend wrench to remove the forend nut inside the forend.

  3. Slide off the old forend and replace it with the new one.

  4. Reassemble the nut and put everything back together.

Pro Tip: I once swapped in a Magpul forend with M-LOK slots for a light and sling mount—it changed the whole feel of my home-defense build. Just make sure your new forend is compatible with your model and gauge.

Benefits: Better grip, accessory compatibility, improved aesthetics.
Drawbacks: Some aftermarket forends may require minor fitting.

Modification 2: Upgrading the Follower

Purpose: Improve feeding reliability and visibility during checks.

Tools Required:

  • Flathead screwdriver

  • Needle-nose pliers (optional)

  • Snap-cap rounds for testing

Step-by-Step:

  1. Remove the magazine cap and spring (be careful—it’s under pressure).

  2. Tip the gun muzzle down and shake the old follower out.

  3. Insert your new follower (aluminum or high-visibility polymer).

  4. Reinsert the spring and screw the magazine cap back on.

Pro Tip: After a few range jams, I upgraded to a bright orange aluminum follower and immediately saw smoother cycling. Bonus: The color helps you instantly spot an empty tube during press checks.

Benefits: Improved reliability, easier safety checks.
 Drawbacks: Minimal, though some followers may wear down over time.

Modification 3: Installing a Sling

Purpose: Improve portability, especially for field or tactical use.

Tools Required:

  • Sling kit (sling, swivels, and mounts)

  • Phillips screwdriver or Allen wrench (depending on the kit)

Step-by-Step:

  1. Remove the magazine cap and install the front sling mount or use a clamp-on version.

  2. Install the rear sling swivel to the stock (some stocks come pre-drilled).

  3. Attach the sling to the mounts and adjust to your preferred length.

Pro Tip: I installed a two-point sling for a turkey hunt and never looked back. It freed up my hands on long treks and made carrying much easier. For tactical builds, consider a quick-adjust sling for more control.

Benefits: Hands-free carry, improved mobility, tactical readiness.
Drawbacks: Poorly installed slings can get in the way or snag.

Modification 4: Adding a Shell Holder

Purpose: Quick access to extra rounds for faster reloads.

Tools Required:

  • Side saddle or buttstock holder

  • Screwdriver (usually Phillips)

  • Optional: Threadlocker

Step-by-Step:

  1. If installing a receiver-mounted shell holder, remove the trigger group pins and replace them with the provided hardware.

  2. Align and attach the holder according to the manufacturer's instructions.

  3. For buttstock holders, slide on or attach via hook-and-loop (Velcro).

Pro Tip: I keep mine stocked with 00 buckshot and a few slugs at the rear. Just remember: a loaded shell carrier adds weight. Balance is key.

Benefits: Fast reloads and emergency access to shells.
Drawbacks: Added weight, possible interference with cycling if poorly mounted.

Modifications to Avoid at Home

While the Mossberg 500 is DIY-friendly, some mods should be left to the pros, such as:

  • Trigger work or lightening the trigger pull

  • Shortening the barrel (this can get you into serious legal trouble)

  • Drilling and tapping the receiver for optics without a jig or press

Leave it to a gunsmith if it involves precision machining or NFA compliance.

Conclusion

The Mossberg 500: An Infinitely Customizable Shotgun. It is an excellent starter firearm, but an improved shooter will eventually want to upgrade. 

With a little bit of time and patience, you can trick out your standard gun to be a customized extension of yourself.

Just keep in mind: safety is paramount. Know your gun, research every mod before jumping, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What Makes SIG Sauer Firearms Suitable For Shooters At All Levels?

Image
  Finding a firearm that feels right can be difficult, especially when experience levels vary. Beginners often feel overwhelmed by complex controls, while seasoned shooters demand consistency and refinement.  Many platforms lean too far in one direction, either oversimplifying or requiring advanced familiarity. That gap leaves shooters searching for something balanced.  A firearm should grow with the shooter, not limit progress or confidence. This is where SIG Sauer firearms stand out.  Their design philosophy prioritizes ease of use without compromising performance, making them accessible to new shooters while still meeting the expectations of experienced users. User-Friendly Design For New Shooters New shooters benefit most from an intuitive design. Controls are placed where they feel natural, reducing the learning curve during early training.  Grip ergonomics encourage proper hand placement, which helps build good habits from the start.  Trigger systems...
Read more

How the Century Arms VSKA Redefines the American-Made AK?

Image
  For decades, the AK-47 was synonymous with rugged reliability—but not necessarily American manufacturing.  The rifle’s origins in Eastern Europe defined its identity, and many shooters doubted whether a U.S.-made version could ever match the durability of its imported predecessors.  That perception began to shift when Century Arms introduced the VSKA, an AK-style rifle manufactured entirely in the United States using modern materials and engineering.  Today, the VSKA doesn’t just imitate the classic AK—it redefines what an American-made version can be. A New Era for American AK Manufacturing Before the Century Arms VSKA , most AKs available to American buyers were imported or assembled from surplus parts kits. They often varied in quality and consistency, depending on origin and import restrictions.  Century Arms saw the gap growing—especially as imports became increasingly difficult to source—and decided to bring AK production fully in-house. The result was ...
Read more

How to Install and Set Up a P320 Grip Module

Image
  If you want to change the feel of your pistol without buying a whole new gun, swapping out the P320 grip module is a smart move.  This how-to guide walks you through choosing the right module, removing and installing it, checking its fit and function, and maintaining it to keep working well over time.  Read through the steps, try them slowly the first time, and you will get comfortable swapping modules in and out like a pro. What You Will Need Before you start, gather a few basics. You will need a clean work surface, eye protection, a soft cloth, and the pistol manual.  Keep any small parts in a tray to prevent them from rolling away. Make sure the area is well-lit and free of live ammo. Having your magazines and a holster on hand helps when you test-fit the new module. Safety First, Clear the Firearm Always treat the gun as if it were loaded until you have verified it is unloaded. Point the muzzle in a safe direction, remove the magazine, rack the slide, lock it o...
Read more