Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Mark 6 Shotgun Stock Review

Does the Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Mark 6 Shotgun Stock Live Up to Its Name?

The quest for the perfect shotgun stock is often a deeply personal one, a balance of form, function, and feel. For many Mossberg 500 owners, this search leads to aftermarket options that promise improved ergonomics, enhanced utility, or a more robust build. The Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Mark 6 Shotgun Stock positions itself as a reinforcement, a dependable addition to any serious shooter’s arsenal. It touts a unique feature: integrated storage for extra shotshells, a practical element for those times when every round counts. My own journey to this particular stock was born out of a desire to improve the handling of my well-worn Mossberg 500, specifically seeking a more substantial and comfortable grip than the factory offering. While I considered a few other polymer stocks and even some more minimalist wooden alternatives, the promise of integrated storage and the reputation of Choate Tool for durable polymer components ultimately swayed my decision. My initial impression upon unboxing this stock was one of sturdy construction; the glass-filled polymer felt solid and ready for some serious use.

Real-World Testing: Putting Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Mark 6 Shotgun Stock to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing occurred on a crisp autumn afternoon at a local outdoor shooting range, a familiar haunt for me. I fitted the stock to my Mossberg 500, performing a standard installation that, thankfully, required no special tools beyond what was readily available in my toolkit. The feel of the grip during the first few practice swings was promising, offering a solid purchase. However, the very first real indicator of a potential issue emerged as I settled into my firing stance: a noticeable gap between the trigger guard and the pistol grip portion of the stock became immediately apparent. This was unexpected, as I anticipated a flush fit. Despite this ergonomic hiccup, I proceeded to fire a variety of loads, from light target rounds to heavier buckshot. The stock performed its primary function of providing a solid mounting point, absorbing recoil adequately.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the subsequent months, the Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Mark 6 Shotgun Stock has seen consistent use during various shooting excursions, including several bird hunting trips and numerous trips to the clay pigeon range. The integrated shotshell storage, though an attractive concept, has proven to be somewhat temperamental. While it can indeed hold five extra shells, their retention can be questionable, especially during more vigorous activities like walking through brush or cycling the shotgun rapidly. I’ve experienced a few instances where a shell would dislodge unexpectedly, which is a significant concern for reliability. The durability of the glass-filled polymer itself has held up commendably; despite being dropped once onto a gravel surface from a low height (around waist-level), the stock showed no signs of cracking or structural damage. Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward, as one would expect with a polymer stock; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. When compared to the original factory stock I replaced, this Choate offering provides a more substantial feel, but the significant gap at the grip has been a persistent drawback.

Breaking Down the Features of Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Mark 6 Shotgun Stock

Specifications

The Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Mark 6 Shotgun Stock is constructed from glass-filled polymer, a material chosen for its known strength and resilience. It is designed specifically for the Mossberg Model 500 shotgun and comes in a classic Black color. The overall length of the stock measures 14 inches, a standard dimension for many shotgun stocks. This particular model is manufactured in the USA, a point of pride for many consumers. The key feature advertised is its ability to hold five extra shotshells within the stock itself.

The glass-filled polymer construction contributes significantly to the stock’s perceived durability and resistance to environmental factors like moisture and temperature fluctuations. While 14 inches is a standard length, it’s worth noting that some shooters may prefer a shorter or longer pull length, and this fixed dimension caters to a broad but not universal audience. The USA origin often signifies adherence to quality control standards and supports domestic manufacturing. The integrated five shotshell storage capacity is a unique selling proposition, though its practical efficacy is something that requires careful consideration in real-world scenarios.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of any shotgun stock is to provide a stable platform for aiming and to manage recoil effectively. In this regard, the Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Mark 6 Shotgun Stock performs adequately. The rigid glass-filled polymer absorbs some of the shot’s energy, making follow-up shots slightly more manageable, particularly with heavier loads. However, the significant gap I encountered between the trigger guard and the pistol grip negatively impacts the ergonomics and the confidence in my grip. This gap creates an uncomfortable feeling and can lead to a less secure hold, especially during rapid firing sequences or when wearing gloves.

The integrated shell storage feature, while innovative in concept, functions inconsistently in practice. The retention of shells is not always secure, meaning they can potentially fall out during movement or recoil. This lack of absolute reliability detracts from its utility in situations where immediate access to spare ammunition is critical. For basic functionality as a stock, it’s passable; for its advertised extra features, it falls short of ideal.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Mark 6 Shotgun Stock leans towards rugged utility, as is typical for Choate Tool products. The glass-filled polymer provides a matte finish that offers decent grip, and the overall shape is generally comfortable for shoulder placement. The pistol grip portion is substantial, intended to offer a firm hold, but this is where the major ergonomic flaw becomes apparent. The pronounced gap between the trigger guard and the grip is a significant detractor; it feels like an unfinished area, leaving an awkward space for the hand. This disconnect in the grip design is palpable and undermines the otherwise solid construction.

The integrated shell slots are a clever idea on paper but are executed in a way that compromises their practical security. They are designed to be accessible, but their depth and retention mechanism are not robust enough to prevent accidental dislodging. This design choice prioritizes perceived utility over guaranteed reliability.

Durability & Maintenance

The glass-filled polymer construction is undoubtedly the stock’s strongest suit in terms of durability. I’ve already noted its resilience to drops and general wear and tear. This material is inherently resistant to rot, warping, and the common issues that can plague wooden stocks when exposed to moisture and temperature changes. Maintaining this stock is exceedingly simple; a quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep it clean of dirt, mud, or powder residue.

There are no complex moving parts or delicate finishes to worry about. The potential failure point here is not the material itself, but rather the design of the shell storage. If the retention clips or internal shape of the slots were to wear down over time, the ability to hold shells securely would diminish further. However, for the core function of being a stock, its durability is commendable.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Mark 6 Shotgun Stock does not typically come with significant accessories beyond the stock itself, as it is designed as a direct replacement part. Its primary “accessory” is the integrated five shotshell storage. While there aren’t typical customization options like swappable grip panels or adjustable length-of-pull, the stock is designed to be compatible with the standard Mossberg 500 platform. This means it will work with most standard Mossberg 500 trigger guards and other common shotgun accessories that interface with the receiver.

The lack of additional bundled accessories is not necessarily a negative, given its price point and intended function as a utilitarian replacement part. However, shooters looking for highly customizable stocks might find this model somewhat limited in that regard.

Pros and Cons of Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Mark 6 Shotgun Stock

Who Should Buy Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Mark 6 Shotgun Stock?

This stock is best suited for the pragmatic Mossberg 500 owner who prioritizes rugged durability and functional storage above all else, and who may not be overly sensitive to minor ergonomic imperfections. If you are a hunter or sport shooter who frequently finds themselves needing quick access to extra shells and primarily operates in environments where stock durability is paramount, this model warrants consideration. However, if precise ergonomics, a perfect grip feel, or absolute reliability in all accessory-carrying functions are critical for your shooting discipline, you might want to look elsewhere.

Those who are comfortable with DIY modifications might find this stock acceptable, as the gap issue could potentially be addressed with custom padding or filler material. However, out-of-the-box perfection in ergonomics is not its strong suit. For a no-frills, tough-as-nails stock with a unique storage feature, it fits a niche.

Conclusion on Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Mark 6 Shotgun Stock

The Choate Tool Mossberg 500 Mark 6 Shotgun Stock presents a mixed bag of strengths and weaknesses, true to its utilitarian design philosophy. Its primary asset is undoubtedly the robust glass-filled polymer construction, which promises longevity and resilience in demanding conditions, a hallmark of Choate Tool products. The integrated shell storage is an appealing concept for quick reloads, offering a practical advantage in specific scenarios. However, the significant ergonomic flaw—the pronounced gap between the trigger guard and the pistol grip—is a considerable drawback that impacts the overall shooting experience and feel. Furthermore, the reliability of the shell retention in this storage system is questionable, diminishing its practical value.

For its price point of $84.20, the value proposition is complex. You gain a durable, American-made stock with a unique feature, but you sacrifice refined ergonomics and guaranteed function of that feature. If your priority is sheer toughness and you can overlook or plan to remedy the grip discomfort, this stock might serve its purpose. However, for shooters who demand a seamless and comfortable interface with their firearm, the compromise might be too great. I would recommend this stock cautiously, primarily to those who can tolerate its ergonomic quirks in exchange for its durability and unique shell-carrying capability, and who might be inclined to make their own minor modifications.