Overview

The Mossberg 500 stands as one of the most successful and widely produced shotgun designs in firearms history, with over 11 million units manufactured since its 1961 introduction. This pump-action workhorse has earned its reputation through decades of reliable service across military, law enforcement, and civilian applications, becoming the shotgun equivalent of the AK-47 in terms of ubiquity and dependability.

What sets the 500 apart isn't revolutionary technology or premium materials—it's the combination of solid engineering, affordable pricing, and exceptional modularity. The platform's ability to swap barrels and configurations easily has made it a favorite among budget-conscious shooters who want one gun that can handle everything from home defense to waterfowl hunting.

History & Development

O.F. Mossberg & Sons developed the Model 500 in 1961 as their answer to the dominant Remington 870, which had been released a decade earlier. The company's engineers focused on creating a more affordable alternative while maintaining reliability and introducing some unique features that would differentiate their offering in a crowded market.

The key innovation was the top-mounted safety located behind the trigger guard—a departure from the traditional crossbolt safety used by most competitors. This ambidextrous design became one of the 500's signature features, though it would later prove controversial among some users. Mossberg also implemented a dual action bar system (on most models) for smoother cycling compared to single-bar designs.

The 500 gained significant credibility when it became the first shotgun to pass the U.S. military's rigorous 3,000-round torture test without a single malfunction. This led to military adoption with the 590 variant, cementing the platform's reputation for reliability under adverse conditions. The basic design has remained largely unchanged for over 60 years, with improvements focused on materials, finishes, and accessory compatibility.

By the 1980s, the 500 had become a law enforcement staple, and the civilian market embraced its modularity and value proposition. Today, it remains one of the best-selling shotguns in American history, with the basic design spawning numerous variants and configurations.

Technical Specifications

Operating System: Manually operated pump-action with dual action bars (single bar on some budget models)

Feed System: Tubular magazine mounted beneath barrel, loaded through ejection port

Sights: Standard bead front sight on field models; ghost ring or rifle sights on tactical variants

Safety Features: Top-mounted sliding safety behind trigger guard (ambidextrous), disconnector prevents firing unless action fully closed

Construction: Aluminum alloy receiver, steel barrel and bolt, polymer or wood furniture depending on model

Choke System: Accu-Choke threading on most models (some fixed choke variants available)

Variants & Models

• 500 Field - Hunting configuration with 26" or 28" barrel, wood stock
• 500 Security - Short-barrel home defense model (18.5" barrel)
• 500 Tactical - Military-style features, synthetic furniture, accessories rails
• 500 Combo - Package including both field and security barrels
• 500 Bantam/Super Bantam - Youth models with shorter length of pull
• 500 Slugster - Dedicated slug gun with rifled barrel and rifle sights
• 500 Mariner - Corrosion-resistant marine finish
• 590 Series - Heavy-duty military/LE variants with thicker barrel wall
• 590A1 - Military-spec version with metal trigger guard and safety

Performance Characteristics

The Mossberg 500 delivers workmanlike performance across all applications without excelling dramatically in any particular area. Accuracy with slugs typically runs 3-4 MOA from a bench with quality ammunition—adequate for most hunting scenarios but not match-grade. The platform handles both light target loads and heavy magnum shells reliably, though the lightweight receiver can make 3" magnums punishing to shoot.

Reliability is the 500's strongest suit, with the design proving virtually bulletproof when properly maintained. The action cycles smoothly with most ammunition types, though very light loads may occasionally require more assertive manipulation. The gun's reputation for functioning in adverse conditions is well-earned, with the simple design having fewer points of failure than more complex competitors.

Ergonomics are generally good, though the top-mounted safety can be awkward for shooters accustomed to crossbolt designs. The pump stroke is smooth and positive, with the dual action bars providing even pressure distribution. Trigger pull is typical for a utility shotgun—functional but not refined, breaking around 6-7 pounds with some creep.

Notable Users

• U.S. Military (590 variants)
• Numerous law enforcement agencies nationwide
• Civilian hunters and sport shooters
• Home defense users
• Competitive 3-gun shooters (budget class)

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Read the original article in The Handbook | By Boise Gun Club Editorial Team

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Join the Discussion

If you've run a Mossberg 500, how does it stack up against other budget pump shotguns you've handled—what surprised you most about it, good or bad?