I would like to purchase an inexpensive shotgun to hunt turkeys and for home defense. I know that there are plenty of accessories for that gun, but how do they pattern at 40 yards? I keep reading about those great pattern densities in high dollar gas guns, but very little about the Mossberg 500. What say you? Thanks...

The pattern is partly the barrel (length and polish) but is much more dependent on the choke tube chosen - those patterns you read about are shot with PureGold, Rhino, Indian Creek, Kick's, etc., specialty tubes. You can go as obsessively tight as you want - read all about it on the Old Gobbler forums (best turkey hunting forum on the internet).

Agree,
If your not going to spend the money on a high end choke, some of the cheaper options are the Jelly Head, SSX, just to name 2.

The mossberg 500 12gauge will puit them down just as well as all the big money guns! we have killed many birds at 40+ yards with the 500's.Try the Primos "tight wad" choke tube or a kick's gobbling thunder" my favorite" and you won't have any problem putting em down out that far.

Love my 500. Killed dozens of birds with it. Choke it comes with leaves something to be desired so I bought an extended choke tube for it and it is awesome. My 500 came with two barrels which is nice so I can use it for upland and duck hunting but my half dozen citoris would get jealous so I only use the 500 for turkeys

My 500 works great for everything. I have an Undertaker choke tube for it. It is actually almost too tight a pattern for where I hunt. I often use the regular full choke that came with it. I hunt in the rugged N.C. mountains where the shots can be very close. It is hard to beat a Mossberg 500.

I personally would buy a Remington 870. Might be a few more $ but worth it in my eyes.

Yes the 870 is tried and true. Great gun. But there is nothing at all wrong with the mossberg

Uuuhh, not really....

Easily.