Marushin M500 SSB

Marushin Mossberg M500 SSB

(Image courtesy of RedWolf Airsoft)

	Stock Specifications
*Model*	Mossberg M500 SSB
FPS	240 - 300fps (after upgrade)
Length:	960mm
Weight:	2800g
Ammo capacity:	150 rounds

Marushin Website

When does it get here ?

Hopefully to be my next purchase, assuming I can find a supplier with one in stock. I'm after the M500SSB in black (gas version), with the valve upgrade and a spare pistol grip. That way I'll have a full stock grip and a pistol grip that I can interchange for different scenarios. I'm planning on buying it from RedWolf, assuming they have it in stock, and I don't find a better deal in the UK. (update February 17, 2001 RedWolf don't have it in stock, and won't have it for ages)

This is the closest image of the rifle I'm after I could find - I modified it slightly in PhotoShop

The rifle comes in 2 variations, the M500SSB (super sonic barrel) and the M500SSB Shorty.

The 'Shorty' version comes with a shortened barrel (by about 2 inches) and a pistol-grip style stock. The straight 'M500' has a large stock, which looks much like any other shotgun stock, made of tough ABS plastic.

You can then get these as either a gas or spring version.

There are also options from Marushin to have full-wood grips and stocks. These do look rather nice, but they add a hefty 10% or so to the price, and as I'm not made of money, I'm going to stick to the straight matt-black rifle. Again, these options can be found at most retail websites, particularly RedWolf,

(Added February 17, 2001) From speaking to various folks, and doing a bit of web research I've found out a few things. Apparently 'SSB' is Marushin's hop-up system, I've got no idea how it works, but I assume that there will be images and a manual in the box when I get it.

The ammo (150 bb's) is loaded into the lower barrel in 3 separate inner barrels, and after you have fired the first 50, you have to turn the lower barrel 1/3 of a turn, to fire the next set, and so on. I also gather that it can fire 3-5 rounds, I don't know if this is variable, or if different models fire different amounts.

I also found what I believe to be the correct gas valve upgrade from ANGS - see below.

You want a what ?

The other impossible-to-find bit of kit I'm after is a leather (or equivalent) back holster. If anyone's seen "Evil Dead 2" (or 3) they'll know what I'm after; it's much like a leather pistol holster but strapped across your back, allowing you to draw the rifle out, over your shoulder. I've searched everywhere, and can't find one.

There's only 3 decent gun-shops near me anyway, so I may need to look a little further afield, or just make it myself. As my Gran's a demon with a needle I may see if I can ask a favour =)

I've pulled some images off my "Evil Dead 2" and "Army of Darkness" DVDs to show you what I mean:

The hag explains to Ash why dental hygiene really is so important

Looking at the surrounding crowd, Ash realised that he really shouldn't have drunk those last 15 pints of lager.

As people who read my site know, I have an extensive movie collection, and I have a habit of taking screen grabs from obscure and/or classic movies. For anyone who doesn't know - the bloke in these screen shots is 'Ash' played by Bruce Cambell (he does the voice-over for Johnny Bravo, amongst other things).

If you haven't seen, either "Evil Dead 2" or "Army of Darkness"- go out and buy them, NOW!. (Don't bother with "Evil Dead 1", unless you are a real horror movie buff)

They are kinda obscure so you'll have to go to Play247 or DVDMod and buy them online (if you are in the UK)- I really recommend them if you like funny, classic 'B' movies. Oh, and buy the Anchor Bay Region1 release if you can - it's better.

Looking at the out-of-focus horse Ash knew he was still badly hung-over...

How, big chief! - Why we in big pseudo-iron-age quarry?

You can find the EvilDead2 page at IMDB here. Anyone got any thoughts on the construction or purchase of this? - If so send me an email .

UPDATE! - ANGS Power Valve Upgrade

Having had a look around on the web I've found what I believe to be the correct valve upgrade for the gas M500. The parts number is ANG-VP006, you can find it on the ANGS website under their products section. I've emailed RedWolf to see if they can get it for me, as ANGS will not ship internationally (so they say on their website) .

It looks like it'll be a real bummer to fit, as so far I cannot find ANY instructions for this upgrade in English.. Ah well - life wouldn't be as fun if things like this were easy.

This is the only image I can find of the valve set, courtesy angs.co.jp

External Links

There's a nice review with images of the spring shorty version, at the Team TANGO website.

You can find another review at the 'Southern California Airsoft League' website. It's a review of the spring action shorty - but still worth a read.

This page last updated: Saturday, February 17, 2001 10:55 PM