The Mossberg 500 was never marketed as anything but a no-nonsense, economical multiple purpose scattergun. It is reliable of cared for and very easy to shoot. Arguably not a family heirloom or competition gun, but a good value for the money. As to a home defense gun, I really don't think a burgler is going to care about how expensive the gun is when he/she hears you racking a shell into the chamber.
