Mossy 500 heat shield?

[London]

Put some money down on a nice Mossberg 500A for home defense. Only cost $175, still waiting for the NICS idiots to clear me for the transaction. It's everything I want in a self-defense shotgun, but does not have the heat shield. Can anyone tell me if it's worth it to plunk the extra $30 on one and install it myself?

I only want to buy it if it actually does a good job of keeping people from frying themselves on the barrel. If it's just a stamped piece of metal which makes the gun look cool, I'll spend the money on ammo instead. Can anyone tell me how well it works? Thanks!

 

[dobarker]

I've owned a 590 with the heat shield and a 500 without it, it would take a near impossible amount of rapid fire to get it near the point of necessity for a heat shield, that's just my opinion though. I figure going through 9 shots as quick as I could would heat it up something fierce, but it really wasn't that hot at all. I think the heat shields are mainly fluff.

 

[jtriron]

I respect your statement sir, However the heat shield is a nice addition IMO.

I've owned a 590 with the heat shield and a 500 without it, it would take a near impossible amount of rapid fire to get it near the point of necessity for a heat shield, that's just my opinion though. I figure going through 9 shots as quick as I could would heat it up something fierce, but it really wasn't that hot at all. I think the heat shields are mainly fluff.

 

[TheDan]

I put one on mine, but decided to take it back off. I think it's more of a cosmetic thing...

 

[RetArmySgt]

Only reason i have one on mine is becasue it has ghost ring sights and i shoot only slugs from it. But if you're down in the Houston area i have the original one that came on my 500 if you want it.

 

[London]

Heh heh- careful what you put out there, Sarge. Just might end up with a gun nut on your porch expecting you to hand out parts one day! Thanks for the replies everyone. I owe you all a beer!