Mossberg .22 (model 480) info?

puukkoman

puukkoman

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Sep 30, 2004
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Hey, I just recently got hold of a Mossberg .22, a model 480 if I'm not mistaken. It's a neat little plinker, semi-automatic .22LR, iron-sights, loads through the stock... But I really can't seem to find any info on it.

Who else has one? Can anybody tell me when these were made? Or any other interesting tidbits?
 
I think you have a Model 380. I don't believe they made a Model 480.

The 380 has a 15 shot tubular magazine that loads through the stock and sports a 20" barrel. They were made from 1980-85.

Does it look like this?

13147-1.gif_thumbnail1.jpg


Can you post a pic?
 
Yes, it's very similar to that one, although there's a nice, chamfered hole in the right-hand side of the stock to load your rounds (instead of through the rear of the stock). Same tubular magazine, though. I think mine only holds 13 rounds... I've tried to stuff 15 in there, and couldn't slide the magazine tube fully back into place.
Can't post a pic yet (I'll snap one when I get home from work)... but it's definitely stamped 480 and not 380.
 
The only Mossberg's I see in the catalog archives that have the loading port on the right side of the stock are the Model 351 and the Model 377 Plinkster.
 
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I'm pretty positive it's 480, but I'll snap a photo once I get home, just to be certain.
 
puukkoman said:
I'm pretty positive it's 480, but I'll snap a photo once I get home, just to be certain.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty interested in what you have. My uncle, who has every Mossberg catalog from 1968 until present is curious as to what you have. He is suggesting that it may be a one-off non-catalog exclusive for a specialty store or retailer because there is no mention of a 480 in any catalog.
 
Wow, that's intriguing. Ok, I'll make a point to photograph it this evening and post pics. :D
 
Here are some quick snapshots. It's definitely stamped 480.
mossberg480001.jpg

mossberg480002.jpg

mossberg480003.jpg

mossberg480004.jpg

mossberg480005.jpg


Any light you can shed on this? Thanks!
 
Well, it is clearly a target rifle based solely on the stamping on the barrel of "AC-KRO-GRUV". This indicates that it is a target rifling. From what I can gather the 480 is exactly the same as the 380 and only differs with the addition of the side loading port on the stock. I can't find any other info on it though I have my uncle looking into it deeper.
 
Also... I assume this is a blowback rifle... am I correct in this assumption? Or is it recoil-operated?

Gosh, the more I delve, the more I discover how little I know.
 
Here's a response from Cheryl, at the Mossberg Collectors' Association:
-------------------------
Hi Alex:

The New Haven line was Mossberg's economy line - made to sell in hardware and discount chains for about 20% less than the comparable Mossberg Model.

New Haven 480 is same as Mossberg 380 - semi auto tube fed through butt stock made 1980-1986 - I can narrow that for you with a serial number. Not rare - valued $100-$200 based on overall condition.

Thanks for your inquiry.


Havlin Sales/Mossberg Collectors
PO Box 487
Festus, MO 63028
636-937-6401a
-------------------------

I just emailed her back, wondering whether she made a typo in her message, since my rifle is stamped "North Haven," instead of "New Haven."
 
Ken C. said:
Well, it is clearly a target rifle based solely on the stamping on the barrel of "AC-KRO-GRUV". This indicates that it is a target rifling.
Click to expand...

hmmm, strange "target rifle" with a skinny barrel, semi auto action and open sights.

i'm used to target rifles with heavier barrels with little to no taper, bolt actions and micrometer adjustable peep sights, heavier stocks and very nice triggers. something like the Mossberg 144 (keeping to the same brand) or Winchester 52, Remington 513T or 540X / 540XR as examples in other brands. (just off the top of my head from what's in the safe here)

IMHO, "AC-KRO-GRUV" sounds like a marketing response to Marlin's MicroGroove Rifling. sorry, i don't have a bore scope, so i can't go look at the rifling in my Mossberg 144 right now.

the rifle in the pics appears to be about the same weight as a Ruger 10/22 or Marlin 60, which is to say that it's a "sporter" or "plinker", not a smallbore target gun, even if it has the same riffling as what they used on their target rifles.
 
Yep, that's me on gunforums. That forum doesn't seem to get a whole lot of traffic, though. :rolleyes:

Thanks for the insight, everybody.
This little rifle works great for what I've asked of it so far, in the short time I've owned it: paper targets, plinking, and teaching my somewhat timid wife to shoot. :D
 
I purchased a 22 years ago and for the first time removed it to clean it I went online to check specs and found nothing till I came accross your thread. Mine is also a 480 and North Haven. it does not have the sling swivels but, other than that identical to yours what can you tell me.

FredC
 
Fred,
All the info I have is here in this thread, basically. See post #11 for the "official" word on the matter.
 
I just got a model 380 from a yard sale. It has the side loading slot stock on it. Could this be a 380 transferred onto a different stock?
 
puukkoman said:
Hey, I just recently got hold of a Mossberg .22, a model 480 if I'm not mistaken. It's a neat little plinker, semi-automatic .22LR, iron-sights, loads through the stock... But I really can't seem to find any info on it.

Who else has one? Can anybody tell me when these were made? Or any other interesting tidbits?
Click to expand...

It's a later Mossberg. Manufactured 1980-1985. Not uncommon. Value is $100+ depending on condition.
 
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