Mossberg 500 with 18.5 inch barrel choke suggestions

[HFultzjr]

Ok, here is what I have:

Mossberg 500
12 gauge 3"
18.5 inch barrel
Now using an HS Strut Undertaker
Shooting Federal 3" #6 Flite Control wads (best I've used out of testing many different loads). I've probably tried at least 10-12 different loads and shot sizes.

This is a great 25-30 yard gun. 35 yards.....gets a little iffy, but if my estimation of 30 is off a bit, will get the job done. 40 yards.....wouldn't do it. Just not comfortable. Minimal pellets are there, but very spotty.
This set-up also does an OK job at 10 yards. Pretty tight though (softball sized), so wouldn't be too hard to miss. 25 -30 yards are the magic numbers for this set-up.

Since I've already tried numerous shells, I would like to look for a choke tube that may tighten up my 35 and 40 yard pattern.

Any suggestions? Willing to buy used in our classifieds, if available. I really don't want to try more than 1 or 2, due to the price. Looking around $75.00, maybe more if it would give good results.

If not, I'm happy with what I got. Just get him in another 10-15 yards, but you know how that goes.

Your advice please.

[coyote1]

I shoot a 28" barrel on my 500, so take my suggestion for what its worth. I would try longbeard #5 and #6 with the choke you have. Im getting impressive 40 yard patterns with the undertaker .665 and longbeard #5's. I tried a sumtoy and stardot but the undertaker shot the best pattern by far. Of coarse every gun is different. If you would like to try the sumtoy I would sell it for $50 TYD. It has maybe 20 shots through it.

[HFultzjr]

Thanks coyote1,
I appreciate the offer on the sumtoy.
Maybe at a later date. Right now the season starts in a week and I think I'm going with what I have.
Not too much time left to experiment, plus I bought some news calls and you know how that goes.
I'll just keep an open mind for later on.
I thought of the long beards, but was worried about close shots.
Where I hunt a 10 yard shot is as possible as a 40 yard shot.
Last year's bird was very close and I almost missed him. Caught the edge of the pattern as his head moved just as I shot.

Thanks again.

[Izzyjoe]

I'd say a Carlson Longbeard .660 choke, and some Lb 5's.

[coyote1]

I hear you, bought way too many calls this year myself. The longbeard pattern is really tight up close, baseball size at 20.

[HFultzjr]

Thanks izzyjoe,
I'll add it to my list of ones to check.