Both of my older boys shoot 500's and have for a few years now. I bought them both shotguns for Christmas a few years back. Although Mossberg definitely doesn't have the fancy fit and finish of some guns they do seem to hold up well. The boys aren't huge waterfowlers but I would say probably put a couple hundred shells a year through the guns over the last 7 or 8 years and so far no problems. My middle son has shot trap with his as well for the last 2 years with us and has had no issues. Personally I like the guns, for the price value I beleive they are hard to beat. You can buy one with confidence knowing it will work for years to come. Heck Mossberg has been in business for years and they wouldn't be if they made junk..

Of course this IMHO..