Hogue TAMER PG/FD MOSS 500 Review

The Hogue TAMER PG/FD MOSS 500 Made a Bold First Impression

The Hogue TAMER PG/FD MOSS 500 isn’t just another pistol grip and forend; it’s a statement. It screams performance and comfort, promising to tame the beast that is the Mossberg 500. Hogue is a well-respected name in firearm accessories, and their reputation precedes them.

I’ve spent years wrestling with uncomfortable shotgun grips. My main problem was recoil management and a secure, confident hold. I needed something that could stand up to heavy use and provide superior control, especially when running mini-shells.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the distinctive Hogue OverMolded rubber. The texture felt incredibly grippy and comfortable. It was far superior to the factory plastic furniture. My initial thought was how confident it made me feel, the grip was just that good. It felt like it was molded specifically for my hand.

I considered other options like Magpul’s SGA stock and forend or even some of the cheaper, generic polymer sets. Ultimately, I chose the Hogue TAMER PG/FD MOSS 500 because of Hogue’s reputation for quality rubber and the specific TAMER design that promised enhanced recoil absorption. The positive user feedback regarding mini-shells helped make up my mind. I was excited to finally upgrade my workhorse Mossberg.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue TAMER PG/FD MOSS 500 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Hogue TAMER PG/FD MOSS 500 was at my local shooting range. I wanted to test its performance with various loads, from light target rounds to heavy buckshot. The weather was typical for late fall: damp and slightly chilly.

The difference was immediately noticeable. The overmolded rubber provided an exceptional grip, even with wet hands. Recoil felt significantly reduced, even with the more powerful loads. It took no time to get used to the new grip and forend. I was quickly back to shooting tight patterns and the comfort level was notably increased.

There weren’t any immediate issues, but I did notice that the forend felt slightly shorter than the factory one. This was an advantage when using mini-shells, but I had to adjust my grip slightly when using full-length 3″ shells.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Hogue TAMER PG/FD MOSS 500 has proven to be incredibly durable. There are no signs of wear and tear, even after being exposed to rain, mud, and the occasional bump against a tree. The rubber material seems to be resistant to solvents and cleaning agents, making maintenance a breeze. I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use.

Compared to the factory plastic furniture, the Hogue TAMER PG/FD MOSS 500 is a night and day difference. Recoil management is vastly improved, and the enhanced grip provides a more secure and confident shooting experience. It has definitely exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Hogue TAMER PG/FD MOSS 500

Specifications

The Hogue TAMER PG/FD MOSS 500 is specifically designed for Mossberg 500, 590, and 835 series shotguns (forend not compatible with 835 series). It features Hogue’s renowned OverMolded rubber construction for superior grip and recoil absorption. The grip itself has a finger-groove design for enhanced control and ergonomics. The forend is a standard ribbed design that enhances grip and handling. It comes in a MOSS color. The price is listed around $33.96.

These specifications are critical to the product’s overall effectiveness. The OverMolded rubber provides a comfortable and secure grip, even in adverse conditions. The finger grooves help prevent slippage and enhance control. The standard forend design is simple and functional.

Performance & Functionality

The Hogue TAMER PG/FD MOSS 500 excels at its primary function: improving grip and reducing felt recoil. The enhanced grip allows for faster follow-up shots and greater accuracy. Recoil is noticeably reduced, making it more comfortable to shoot for extended periods.

The grip’s texture is exceptional and provides a non-slip surface in wet or dry conditions. The grip cushions recoil well, especially when using 1.75″ to 3″ shells. One area that could be improved is forend length for larger shooters.

The product meets and exceeds expectations for most users. Its primary benefits are improved comfort, enhanced grip, and reduced recoil.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hogue TAMER PG/FD MOSS 500 features a simple yet effective design. The OverMolded rubber is comfortable to the touch and provides an excellent grip. It feels durable and well-made.

The grip is designed to fit most hand sizes comfortably, while the finger grooves help to promote a consistent grip. There is no real learning curve with this product. Simply remove the old furniture and install the Hogue set. The ergonomic improvement is immediate and noticeable.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Hogue TAMER PG/FD MOSS 500 is built to last. The OverMolded rubber is resistant to wear and tear. It is easy to clean and maintain with common household cleaners.

It should last for many years of regular use with proper care. The one-piece construction of the grip and forend further enhances its durability.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hogue TAMER PG/FD MOSS 500 does not come with any accessories. It’s designed as a direct replacement for the factory grip and forend.

It is compatible with most Mossberg 500 accessories, such as sling mounts and shell carriers. There aren’t many customization options for this product other than color variations (if available). The primary customization comes from the inherent improvement in grip and recoil management.

Pros and Cons of Hogue TAMER PG/FD MOSS 500

Who Should Buy Hogue TAMER PG/FD MOSS 500?

The Hogue TAMER PG/FD MOSS 500 is perfect for anyone looking to improve the grip and recoil management of their Mossberg 500, 590, or 835 series shotgun. It’s especially beneficial for shooters who use their shotguns for home defense, hunting, or recreational shooting. It’s also a great choice for those who frequently use mini-shells, as the shorter forend can make cycling easier.

Those with unusually large hands or those seeking extensive customization options may want to explore other alternatives.

A sling and a side-saddle shell carrier are must-have accessories to complement the Hogue TAMER PG/FD MOSS 500.

Conclusion on Hogue TAMER PG/FD MOSS 500

The Hogue TAMER PG/FD MOSS 500 is a worthwhile upgrade for any Mossberg 500 owner seeking enhanced grip, reduced recoil, and improved control. The price of $33.96 is more than justified by the significant improvement in performance and comfort.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this product to anyone looking to enhance their shooting experience.

Upgrade your Mossberg today! You won’t regret it! It’s a small price to pay for a significant improvement in performance and comfort.