Let’s Dive into Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Less Lethal Long Forend
The Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Less Lethal Long Forend offers a distinctive solution for adapting your Mossberg 500 for less-lethal applications. Manufactured by Choate Tool, this forend is designed with safety in mind, featuring a bright orange color to clearly differentiate it from standard, lethal configurations. This simple, yet effective design alteration can prevent accidental use of lethal ammunition in situations where less-lethal options are preferable.
I was looking for a reliable way to adapt my Mossberg 500 for property defense without the risk of serious injury. The need for a readily identifiable, less-lethal option became apparent after a few close calls with wildlife encroaching on my property at night.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the vibrant orange color – impossible to miss, which is precisely the point. The polymer felt sturdy, though noticeably lighter than the original wood forend it replaced. The build quality seemed adequate, with no obvious flaws or imperfections.
Compared to other less-lethal options like complete shotgun systems or dedicated less-lethal launchers, the Choate Tool forend offered a more cost-effective and integrated solution. I favored this approach over a dedicated system as it allowed me to leverage my existing firearm. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic – the bright color inspired confidence in its intended role, while the lighter weight raised a few concerns about long-term durability.
Real-World Testing: Putting Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Less Lethal Long Forend to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Choate Tool forend extensively at my private shooting range, focusing on simulating real-world scenarios for property defense. I cycled through various less-lethal rounds, including beanbag rounds and rubber buckshot, to assess its performance with different loads. The weather was dry, with temperatures hovering around 70 degrees Fahrenheit – ideal conditions for testing.
The forend functioned as intended, allowing for smooth and consistent cycling of less-lethal ammunition. No issues arose with the loading or ejection of rounds. I found the longer length of the forend offered better grip and leverage, especially when rapidly cycling rounds.
No immediate issues emerged, though the lighter weight of the polymer made the shotgun feel slightly unbalanced compared to the original wood forend. Also, the slightly different texture of the polymer took a short amount of time to get used to.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Less Lethal Long Forend has proven surprisingly resilient. There are no cracks or signs of structural weakness. The orange color has remained vibrant, resisting fading from exposure to sunlight.
Despite regular use, the forend has only accumulated minor cosmetic scuffs and scratches. Cleaning is simple – a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove any dirt or residue. I have also used a polymer protectant to help reduce UV damage and ensure the color stays bright.
Compared to my previous experiences with aftermarket shotgun components, the Choate Tool forend has exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and reliability. It has effectively transformed my Mossberg 500 into a dedicated less-lethal platform.
Breaking Down the Features of Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Less Lethal Long Forend
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Choate Tool
- Gun Make: Mossberg
- Gun Model: Mossberg Model 500
- Gun Rail: Standard
- Included Accessories: Standard (none)
- Country of Origin: USA
- Gun Type: Shotgun
- Quantity: 1
- Material: Glass-filled polymer
- Color: Molded-in safety orange
- Compatibility: Mossberg 500 with 7 3/4″ forend and steel tube action bars.
The glass-filled polymer construction offers a balance between weight and durability, while the bright orange color ensures immediate visual identification. Compatibility with standard Mossberg 500 models is essential for easy installation and integration.
Performance & Functionality
The Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Less Lethal Long Forend excels in its primary function: enabling the reliable operation of a Mossberg 500 with less-lethal ammunition. The longer length enhances grip and control, facilitating smoother and more consistent cycling of rounds. Its ease of installation and compatibility with standard Mossberg 500 models are significant strengths.
The main limitation is its specific compatibility: it only fits Mossberg 500 shotguns with a 7 3/4″ forend and a steel tube in the center connecting to the action bars. It does not fit models where the forend attaches to the action bars with pins. While it performs flawlessly with the intended models, its narrow compatibility is something to consider.
It meets my expectations for a less-lethal solution, offering a practical and affordable way to adapt an existing shotgun for specialized purposes.
Design & Ergonomics
The Choate Tool forend features a simple, functional design. The glass-filled polymer is lightweight, which can affect the overall balance of the shotgun, but also makes it comfortable to manipulate for extended periods. The longer length improves grip and leverage, especially beneficial for rapid cycling.
The molded-in texture provides a secure hold, even in wet or slippery conditions. The installation process is straightforward, requiring only basic tools and minimal gunsmithing knowledge.
Durability & Maintenance
The glass-filled polymer construction provides adequate durability for its intended purpose. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional application of a polymer protectant will help to prolong its lifespan.
Due to its simple design and construction, the forend requires minimal maintenance or repair. Replacement is easy and affordable if damage occurs.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Less Lethal Long Forend does not come with any additional accessories beyond the forend itself. Because it’s a forend, it doesn’t directly accommodate attachments like optics. The user can add a rail system to it, although it will require purchasing that separately.
It’s compatible with any standard Mossberg 500 less-lethal ammunition, including beanbag rounds, rubber buckshot, and pepper balls. The user can swap the original Mossberg 500 forend for this with basic tools.
Pros and Cons of Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Less Lethal Long Forend
Pros
- Bright orange color for clear identification as a less-lethal option. This is a critical safety feature.
- Affordable price point, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Exceptional value for the intended purpose.
- Longer length enhances grip and control, facilitating smoother cycling. Improved handling for less-lethal applications.
- Durable glass-filled polymer construction.
- Easy to install and maintain.
Cons
- Compatibility limited to specific Mossberg 500 models with 7 3/4″ forend and steel tube action bars.
- Lighter weight can affect the overall balance of the shotgun.
Who Should Buy Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Less Lethal Long Forend?
The Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Less Lethal Long Forend is perfect for:
- Homeowners and property owners seeking a less-lethal self-defense option.
- Security personnel and law enforcement officers requiring a clearly identifiable less-lethal platform.
- Individuals who already own a compatible Mossberg 500 shotgun and want to adapt it for specialized purposes.
This product is not suitable for:
- Individuals who do not own a compatible Mossberg 500 shotgun.
- Users seeking a universal less-lethal solution that fits multiple firearm platforms.
- Those prioritizing lightweight over balance and handling.
A must-have modification is an accompanying less-lethal ammunition load, and a dedicated storage solution to keep lethal and less-lethal rounds completely separate.
Conclusion on Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Less Lethal Long Forend
The Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Less Lethal Long Forend provides a practical and affordable solution for adapting your Mossberg 500 for less-lethal applications. The bright orange color, enhanced grip, and durable construction make it a reliable and safe choice for homeowners, property owners, and security personnel.
At a price of $20.25, the value proposition is exceptional, especially considering its potential to prevent accidental use of lethal ammunition. I would personally recommend this product to anyone seeking a responsible and effective less-lethal option for their compatible Mossberg 500 shotgun.
Take control of your safety and responsibility – equip your Mossberg 500 with the Choate Tool Less Lethal Long Forend today.