I looking at some used Mossberg .410s on the internet ( UK ) they are all around the same price but a couple look older and have 26" barrels, one looks quite new with a 24" barrel and fitted recoil pad. My question is are the older Mossberg 500 .410s more reliable than the newer models ?
Brand new Mossberg shotguns are expensive over here or I would buy new.

I doubt the older ones are more reliable, but they likely have nicer wood. Also, the longer barrel is desirable, IMO.

Bought one new about 7-8 years ago. It has a 24” barrel and the recoil pad. Don’t know about the reliability of the older models but mine has not had any issues. Use it for squirrel hunting.

Thanks for replies, the older ones do look good but the newer model with the 24" barrel looks a lot less used.

One thing to consider is that some of the barrel lengths had different chokes, like the 20" I believe had a MOD while the longer barrels had a Full,

I did have one a few years back that had a 24" and a Mod choke, not sure the age.

Also the 500 .410 is known for feeding issues, most of mine did, I called mossberg and they sent me new shell stops etc at no charge and it was a 10 min fix, annoying but the parts came fast and I new ahead of time it may be an issue, having had a few in the past. Although being in the UK you may have to wait a bit longer for parts Just be aware.

My newest one has been 100% reliable.
also winchester ammo is the most trouble free as far as feeding.

Good luck!

Thanks Kal52, being in the UK is more of a problem than you think, Winchester .410 ammo is unbelievably expensive $27.42 for 25 and that's if you can find them and used Mossberg's are more expensive than new ones in the States.
I have just ordered a X Ring survival reloader because availability of .410 shells is pretty restricted over here too.

I bought a mossberg 500 410 ga TSS turkey gun. 26 inch barrel screw in choke. Fiber sight camo gun. It has been a great little gun for squirrels.

Should be joining the 410 Mossberg club very soon too, as I have made a deal to buy one that has been Hushpower converted

I think I gave my 2 boxes of Eley 410 ammo to a mate a few years ago when he was looking for a 410 for his young daughter to use. I also loaned him/her a Webley bolt action for free...

The plan with my Mossberg 410 is to home load the ammo, but using converted .303 brass.
If you look at the website four ten dot org dot uk you will find a lot of data on there about the caliber and the best way to feed the guns that take it...
The all brass cases I make should allow for reloading without the need for a press or too much special tooling. They can also be made from 444 brass.
I'm doing 50 to start with, but as I have several hundred spare 303 cases, I can easily make more as I feel the need...assuming my 500, when it arrives, takes a liking to them!

Repeat ten times: A shotgun is not a rifle. Start now: A shotgun is not a rifle. A shotgun is not a rifle. A shotgun is not a ...

Please just buy your .410 shotshells and slugs. How many could you possibly shoot, anyway? Good luck, sir.