Home Forums Birds & Dogs Shotguns Turning a Mossberg 500 Defender into a hunting shotgun - how to?

OK, I have a 7-shot Mossberg 500 12ga. I would like to turn it into a hunting shotgun that can use a longer than 20" choked barrel.

From what I understand, I will have to change the barrel AND the magazine tube, correct?

Will I also need to get a new mag spring, end-knob (hopefully one with a built-in swivel/sling), and mag follower?

Any suggestions on what to get parts-wise, what length barrel and what kind of tube? This will be mostly or small-game and bird hunting, though I suppose buckshot deer hunting or with slugs (rifled barrel eventually?) could be in order in the future.

I think you just need a plug to restrict the number of shells it will hold and you are good to go, if you are tight on money.
Another barrel would be nice if the budget will allow and the one you have does not have screw in chokes. Most home defense guns don't have screw in chokes.
Don't think you can change the mag tube out as most are affixed to the receiver with silver solder or the like.

I was told the mag tube could be removed, but I tried it once on a Mossberg 500A and never got anywhere despite a lot of elbow grease, torque, and PB Blaster.

If you use a wood dowel cut long enough to restrict you to three shells you should be fine.