If you’re in search of the best Mossberg 500 pistol grip, it’s important to find one that specifically addresses your personal needs and preferences.
The main purpose of a pistol grip is to ensure that you have full control over your Mossberg 500 shotgun while you fire it; you’ll be dealing with a great deal of recoil, which in turn will cause the muzzle to rise. If you can’t control a gun while it’s recoiling, the accuracy and precision of your shots will be way off.
We’ve tracked down eight of the best Mossberg 500 pistol grips currently on the market. It will take some time and research to determine which one is most ideal for you. Plus, there is no one pistol grip that is perfect for everyone. It will come down to a few factors and most importantly, what you’re looking for in a pistol grip of your own.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Mossberg 500 Pistol Grips
- OUR TOP PICK: Mossberg Flex Synthetic Pistol Grip
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Hogue - Tamer Pistol Grip & Forend
- BEST 410 PISTOL GRIP: Mossberg 500 410Ga Pistol Grip Kit
Comparison Chart of the Best Mossberg 500 Pistol Grips
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  |
| View Latest Price → |
Best Budget Option  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
Are All Pistol Grips The Same?
One question we’re often asked about gun accessories is whether or not they are all the same. While all pistol grips generally serve the same purpose in giving you better control over your shotgun, they differ in a few other ways.
First, the design may be different from one grip to another. More specifically, some pistol grips have been designed with ridges to ensure a better, firmer grip, while others have not. Another difference is the material that they are made from. Like stocks, pistol grips will either be made from wood or synthetic materials like polymer.
What Makes a Great Pistol Grip?
What separates a great pistol grip from one that will be cheap and low quality? Knowing how to distinguish one from the other will make your decision process dramatically easier while you’re looking for a pistol grip.
There are a few things you’ll need to know before making a purchase. Here are what some past buyers would recommend you look for in a great quality pistol grip:
Material
As mentioned before, you’ll need to consider stocks as an example of what a pistol grip will be made out of. The materials that are used to manufacture pistol grips are wood and polymer.
In a contest between the two, polymer has the upper hand in a variety of ways. One of them is the ability to handle weather conditions like rain or snow. Polymer is impervious to water damage. At the same time, they will also be able to withstand oils and cleaning solvents. On the other hand, a wooden grip can sustain damage if it comes into contact with water, oil, or solvents.
Another key difference is their ability to handle shock associated with recoil. Polymer is designed to take a lot of punishment, while wood will absorb some recoil but not as much.
Design
The design is something you might want to look at while you're carefully reading through the eight pistol grips that we'll be reviewing. It will play a huge role in how you utilize your grip and how much control you'll have over your Mossberg 500.
One such design to look out for is the ridges where you can place your fingers. With these, you can get a firmer grip on your shotgun than you could without the use of gloves. Also, the design will play a major role in ergonomics and comfort. This will ensure that your hand doesn't get tired or strained after long shooting sessions.
Installation
Of course, a great pistol grip is worth the investment if you don't want to waste any time on the installation process. Most of these pistol grips are drop-ins, which means that they can be easily installed without advanced gunsmithing skills or tools.
Review of the Best Mossberg 500 Pistol Grips
In this section, we’ve compiled information on eight of the best Mossberg 500 pistol grips on the market. It could be very beneficial for you to look through each of these carefully since there may be a unique feature or two that might pertain directly to your list of personal preferences. Whether you have some money to play with or you’re on a budget, we may have your next pistol grip right here on this list.
Best Overall:
Mossberg Flex Synthetic Pistol Grip
Pros
Cons
The first pistol grip on our list is the Mossberg Flex Synthetic Pistol Grip. Right out of the gate, we’re not surprised to see that the best overall pistol grip is made from synthetic materials. This grip is made from durable polymer and is compatible with Mossberg 500s and 590s.
This grip is designed using Mossberg’s patented Flex System, which is designed to make it easier for Mossberg users to switch out their stocks, pistol grips, forends, and recoil pads. Simplicity and quickness in switching out are a couple of benefits that you’ll enjoy with this pistol grip. On top of that, you’ll absorb a lot of the shock that comes from recoil. This grip will ensure that recoil reduction is assured.
If you're looking for a pistol grip that is easy to install, comfortable to use and gives you firm control over your Mossberg 500, there is no denying that the Mossberg Flex Synthetic Pistol Grip is the best overall in these categories. This may even be your favorite pistol grip to use for years to come.
Bottom Line
This pistol grip deserves the title of Best Overall for all the right reasons. For one, its ability to be installed on your Mossberg with the greatest of ease thanks to its Flex system is a huge relief.
Another reason is that this grip is a tough as nails kind of pistol grip, which guarantees great comfort, better control, and overall performance. If you're looking for the total package in one pistol grip, then you probably won't be disappointed with the Mossberg Flex Pistol Grip.
Best For The Money:
Hogue - Tamer Pistol Grip & Forend
Pros
Cons
In this category, we always look for overall quality as the top priority when looking for a budget product. We will never find an accessory that will be cheap and crappy in quality. While others say “you get what you pay for”, we say “you’ll get more than what you pay for”. That’s our philosophy and we won’t be changing that at any point in the future.
Keeping that in mind, our pick for the best pistol grip for the budget shopper is the Tamer Pistol Grip and Forend by Hogue. Hogue is best known for designing overmolded grips, ensuring that their products will absorb as much shock as possible and keep the recoil of your Mossberg 500 to a minimum. This is exactly what you'll need regardless of what you use your shotgun for.
The materials used to construct this grip is a combination of polymer and rubber. The inclusion of these materials means that Hogue is making good on their promise regarding shock absorption and recoil reduction. If you're a left-handed shooter, you won't have to suffer anymore with handling issues. That's because this is an ambidextrous pistol grip that will work with both right handed and left handed shooters.
This is the grip for you if you want the best in usability at an affordable price. Even if you have money to play around with, buying a budget grip is not a bad idea, considering that you can then use the money you’ve saved to purchase upgrades for other components of your shotgun.
Bottom Line
For a budget Mossberg 500 pistol grip, this lives up to our "you get more than you pay for" philosophy. If you're not satisfied with your current pistol grip or if you're new to using the Mossberg 500 and want a starter pistol grip, then investigating this particular grip would be a perfect place to start.
You might even love it so much that this might be the only pistol grip you want for every Mossberg shotgun you'll ever own. Best of all, you'll be getting it at a price that you can afford.
Best 410 Pistol Grip:
Mossberg 500 410Ga Pistol Grip Kit
Pros
Cons
We'll now be looking at the best Mossberg 500 pistol grip for those who use a .410 caliber. This item is made from synthetic materials and has grooves that allow for maximum grip and control. Since it's made from polymer, you'll obviously expect this to absorb shock and reduce as much recoil as possible.
Not only is the grip itself included, but this product also comes with assembly accessories like the grip bolt, flat and lock washers, front and rear studs, washers, and an Allen wrench to make the installation process as easy as possible. Not only is the .410 a good shotgun to have, but it's also arguably one of the best hunting shotguns in the business, especially if you're an avid bird hunter.
Bottom Line
Over time, we’ll often talk about 12 gauges and 20 gauges. But the .410 caliber Mossberg 500 deserves its share of the discussion. Some .410s are ideal for hunting, while others are good for home defense use.
Regardless, you deserve a pistol grip that will fit perfectly. This might be the pistol grip for you if you want better grip, better control, and most importantly, a better look on your Mossberg 500 .410 caliber shotgun.
Best For 12 Gauge:
ATI Outdoor Talon Rear Pistol Grip
Pros
Cons
Next, we’ll be turning our attention at the best pistol grip for the 12 gauge Mossberg 500. The first thing that you need to know about is the type of polymer that is being used for this pistol grip. More specifically, it uses Extreme Temperature Glass Reinforced Polymer that is developed by DuPont. Yes, it is the same DuPont that has long been the leader in designing kevlar material for bulletproof vests.
Now that you know that they create more than just bulletproof vests, you’ll know that this is some pretty durable stuff. This grip will take on any weather elements, oils or solvents that gets in the way. No matter what, this won’t be damaged in the slightest.
If you’re looking for a pistol grip that will eliminate recoil, this one certainly does a good job of that. Without recoil, you’ll have better control over your shots and in turn, your shots will be more accurate and precise.
This is great to have in situations where you have to use your Mossberg in a home defense situation or in competitive shooting contests. But it can work with all other applications. So no matter what, this will considerably improve the overall performance of your Mossberg 500.
To top it off, this is an ambidextrous pistol grip. So if you’re left-handed, you’re going to love this. If you’re a right-handed shooter, you’ll love it too. It doesn’t matter what hand you shoot with, this is the pistol grip you’ll want if you need an excellent upgrade for your Mossberg 500 12 gauge.
Bottom Line
Judging by the look, feel, and overall performance, this is probably the one pistol grip that will give the rest on this list a run for their money. We expected this pistol grip to be one tough customer after we learned that it used a type of polymer that would be hard to beat when contested against a regular polymer.
If you want something that’s easy to use (for either hand), easy to install, and takes recoil out of the equation, then this is the pistol grip that you’ll want on your 12 gauge Mossberg 500.
Best For 20 Gauge:
Barska Mossberg 500 Pistol Grip
Pros
Cons
We now have a pistol grip that will benefit most Mossberg 500 20 gauge owners. This is the Mossberg 500 pistol grip brought to us by Barska. This is a pretty good grip that you can add to your 20 gauge for all the right reasons.
The design ensures that you will have a very comfortable, ergonomic grip. This is an added bonus to have when you already have firm control over your shotgun. Plus, this is made from synthetic materials so you know that this will reduce recoil and absorb the shock that goes along with it.
This also includes hardware that you’ll need to use for the installation process. The good news is that the installation is not as challenging and can be easily installed in just minutes. If you’re looking for a pistol grip that is great in quality and is easy to install without having master gunsmithing skills, the Barska is something worth looking at a bit further for your Mossberg 500 20 gauge shotgun.
Bottom Line
Like the previous pistol grip we reviewed, this is sort of the equivalent. One of the few differences is it is for the 20 gauge. Other than that, it performs just as great, if not better than most. If you’re looking for a more comfortable pistol grip, then the Barska may be something worth looking at.
At the end of the day, this is an excellent all-round pistol grip that will fit most Mossberg 500 20 gauge shotguns that is ideal for any application.
Best For Home Defense:
Hogue Tamer Shotgun Pistol Grip
Pros
Cons
We wrap up our review list with the best pistol grip for those who use a Mossberg 500 for the sake of home defense.
This time, we go back to the Hogue brand with its Tamer Shotgun Pistol Grip, which is made from polymer material and is overmolded to ensure that it will absorb more than enough recoil and shock; with this grip on your firearm, you can be able to keep control of your Mossberg shotgun at a time when you need it most. In this situation, you'll need to have full control when you're attempting to scare off or if need be, shoot at a home invader.
This has grooves that will allow for maximum comfort and ergonomics. The last thing you want to deal with in a home defense situation is to worry about whether or not a pistol grip is uncomfortable for you or not. Your life and your home are more important.
Bottom Line
When it comes to home defense, we always look for the best pistol grip that will give you more comfort, less recoil, and more control. If you can't control your Mossberg due to recoil in a life or death situation, this will spell trouble for you. So in order to avert any potential disasters, you may want to consider a pistol grip like the Hogue as a must-have upgrade for your Mossberg 500.
Best Wood Pistol Grip:
Mossberg - Buttstock, Cut Checkering, Stained Birch
Pros
Cons
Of course, we could never forget all the Mossberg 500 owners out there that hold a deep affinity for wood pistol grips. There is nothing wrong with that at all. You may want a wood pistol grip not just for the ability to control your shotgun, but also as something that will give your shotgun that classic wood look.
The Mossberg Buttstock with Cut Checkering is what you’ll need to consider. This is a stained birch buttstock that is stained with a walnut brown finish to give it that old fashioned Mossberg shotgun look. To ensure that you will absorb as much recoil as possible, the buttstock comes equipped with a rubber recoil pad that is designed to take on the shock that the recoil produces.
If you’re looking for a pistol grip that will allow you to preserve that wood-like look on your Mossberg 500, then you should consider getting the Mossberg buttstock.
Bottom Line
There is no shame in preferring wood over synthetic when it comes to pistol grips or buttstocks. And that is one of the reasons why we decided to find the best pistol grip that isn’t made from synthetic materials. If you’re looking for an upgrade without having to sacrifice the aesthetics of a true Mossberg 500 shotgun, you’ll probably be happy with the Mossberg Buttstock.
8. Mossberg - Cruiser Grip
Pros
Cons
Next on the list is the Mossberg Cruiser Grip. This grip is constructed using polymer that will ensure maximum durability and shock absorption from recoil. The contoured ridges on this grip allow for excellent control over your firearm, which will make you even more effective with your Mossberg 500. This is especially important in situations where you only have one shot at a huge hunting opportunity or when your life is on the line in a self-defense situation.
This is an ideal pistol grip if you own a 12 gauge Mossberg 500. More specifically, this pistol grip is designed for the Mossberg 500 Cruiser 12 gauge. If you’re looking for a pistol grip that allows better control, absorbs a great deal of shock, and will look pretty awesome on a Mossberg 500 12 gauge, then you’ll want to look at the Mossberg Cruiser Grip a little further.
Bottom Line
Considering that this is the runner-up on our list, it is still a dang good pistol grip for its intended purpose. This item reminds us of a tough, tactical-style pistol grip. So if you’re looking to give your shotgun that tactical, beastly aesthetic, then this very well may be the grip for you.
Bear in mind that just because it fits on a Mossberg 500 Cruiser, doesn’t mean it will fit on all other Mossberg 500 shotguns. That said, give it a try if this grip is more your speed and you probably won’t be disappointed.
Pros and Cons of Having a Pistol Grip on Your Shotgun
Having a pistol grip on your shotgun has serious advantages. At the same time, it does come with its own set of disadvantages. We have presented a list of what you might experience in terms of advantages and disadvantages when you use a pistol grip for your Mossberg 500:
Better Control
Of course, we begin with one of the best advantages of them all. Your Mossberg has a respectable amount of recoil. And you'll need to reduce as much of it so you can accurately hit your target no matter what you use your Mossberg for.
Pistol Grip On A Stock Okay… But Stand Alone Not Okay?
We can't blame Mossberg owners for personal preferences. One major con about pistol grips is that as a stand-alone, some owners are turned off by the idea of purchasing a standalone model. However, they're OK with purchasing it so long as it comes with a stock. But everyone is different when it comes to how they want to purchase a pistol grip.
More Compact
Space is key if you have a pistol grip. Especially when you need to store away your Mossberg 500. A shotgun with a pistol grip won't take up too much space as opposed to other shotguns. At the same time, compact means better reach and handling for you.
Less Stability
This is an issue if you're racking or reloading your shotgun. Stability issues may also arise if you're utilizing the pistol grip only. That's why it's important to handle the shotgun with both hands.
Conclusion
Finding the best Mossberg 500 pistol grip doesn't need to be a difficult undertaking. As long as you know what to look for and can distinguish a great pistol grip from a not so great one, the selection process will be a lot easier. Remember to do your due diligence prior to making a decision on purchasing a pistol grip. This includes customer reviews, gun forums, or even other articles that pertain to the pistol grip that you are interested in buying.
