Brand Info
Mossberg
Manufacturer

| Overview | |
|---|---|
Founded | 1919 |
Headquarters | North Haven, CT |
| Tagline | Shotguns and rifles for hunting, sport shooting, home defense, tactical and law enforcement. Mossberg has been a leader in firearms innovation since 1919. |
SAAMI | Member |
Products | |
| Key Products | Company Background, Current Product Lines, What Makes Them Different, Real-World Performance, Common Issues, The BGC Take |
Links | |
| www.mossberg.com | |
Mossberg
Reference article
From The Boise Gun Club Handbook
O.F. Mossberg & Sons has been cranking out reliable shotguns since 1919, when Swedish immigrant Oscar Frederick Mossberg decided America needed affordable firearms that actually worked. A century later, they're still family-owned and still making guns that don't break the bank.
The Model 500 is probably sitting in more American gun safes than any other shotgun--over 12 million produced. It's the gun every shop recommends for your first home defense shotgun, and there's a reason for that.
Company Backgroundedit
Early Years and Foundation
Mossberg started small in 1919 with .22 rifles, but the 1961 introduction of the Model 500 pump shotgun changed everything. That design became the backbone of American shotgunning--from duck blinds to police cruisers to bedroom closets.
Key milestones in Mossberg's century-long history
The company hit another milestone in 1988 with the Model 835 Ulti-Mag, the first pump shotgun chambered for 3.5" shells. When you needed to reach out and touch those high-flying Canada geese, Mossberg had you covered.
Military Recognition
The 1990s brought military credibility when the Model 590A1 became the only pump shotgun to pass U.S. Military MIL-SPEC 3443 testing. That's not marketing fluff--it's actual torture testing that most shotguns can't survive.
| Year | Milestone | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1919 | Company founded by Oscar Frederick Mossberg | Started with .22 rifles |
| 1961 | Model 500 introduction | Became backbone of American shotgunning |
| 1988 | Model 835 Ulti-Mag release | First pump shotgun for 3.5" shells |
| 1990s | Model 590A1 military adoption | Only pump to pass MIL-SPEC 3443 testing |
The Model 590A1 became the only pump shotgun to pass U.S. Military MIL-SPEC 3443 testing—actual torture testing that most shotguns can't survive.
Current Product Linesedit
Pump-Action Shotguns
The heart of Mossberg's business, and for good reason:
| Model | Gauge | Chamber | Capacity | Street Price | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model 500 Field | 12, 20, .410 | 3" | 5+1/6+1 | $400-500 | All-around hunting |
| Model 500 Tactical | 12 | 3" | 5+1/7+1 | $400-600 | Home defense |
| Model 590 | 12 | 3" | 8+1 | $500-600 | Law enforcement |
| Model 590A1 | 12 | 3" | 8+1 | $550-700 | Military spec |
| Model 835 Ulti-Mag | 12 | 3.5" | 5+1 | $400-500 | Waterfowl/turkey |
| Maverick 88 | 12, 20 | 3" | 5+1/7+1 | $200-250 | Budget option |
The Maverick 88 deserves special mention. At around $200, it uses the same action as the Model 500 and will eat anything you feed it. You can swap barrels between the two models. For a truck gun or your first shotgun, nothing beats the value.
Semi-Auto Shotguns
Mossberg's been playing catch-up in the semi-auto game, but they're getting there:
- Model 930: Their workhorse semi-auto in hunting and tactical configurations ($500-700)
- Model 940 Pro: Competition-focused gun developed with Jerry Miculek ($900-1000)
- SA-20: 20-gauge option for smaller-framed shooters ($550)
Rifles
Not their strong suit, but decent budget options:
- Patriot: Bolt-action hunting rifle with a surprisingly good trigger ($350-500)
- MVP: Takes AR magazines, which is handy ($500-700)
- International 715T: .22 LR plinker that looks like an AR ($300)
Mossberg's current product family tree
What Makes Them Differentedit
Tang Safety Innovation
Mossberg's tang-mounted safety is the smartest design decision in shotgun history. Instead of fumbling for a crossbolt in your trigger guard like on a Remington 870, you just push forward with your thumb as you shoulder the gun. Works exactly the same for lefties and righties.
Mossberg's tang-mounted safety is the smartest design decision in shotgun history—works exactly the same for lefties and righties.
Platform Versatility
The Model 500 platform uses dual extractors for redundant shell extraction. The barrels swap out in seconds--field barrel for hunting, 18.5" cylinder bore for home defense, rifled barrel for slugs. One gun, multiple roles.
| Feature | Mossberg Design | Traditional Design | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety Location | Tang-mounted | Crossbolt in trigger guard | Ambidextrous, faster access |
| Extractors | Dual extractors | Single extractor | Redundant shell extraction |
| Barrel System | Quick-change | Fixed or threaded | Multiple configurations |
| 835 Bore | .775" overbored | .729" standard | Better patterns, less recoil |
Overbored Technology
The Model 835's overbored barrel (.775" instead of the standard .729") patterns better and kicks less with those 3.5" magnums. When Federal developed the 3.5" shell, they worked with Mossberg to make sure it would run right.
Real-World Performanceedit
Universal Shop Recommendation
Every gun shop in America stocks Mossberg because they know what customers actually need. The Model 500 is the universal "first shotgun" recommendation because it's reliable, affordable, and does everything adequately.
Military-Proven Reliability
For serious use, the 590A1 passed military torture testing that would kill most shotguns. The heavy-walled barrel and aluminum trigger guard aren't just features--they're what kept it running when other guns quit.
Hunting Success
Duck hunters swear by the 835 because it patterns 3.5" shells better than guns costing twice as much. Turkey hunters love the short-barreled, camo-dipped models that disappear in the woods.
Common Issuesedit
Mossberg prioritizes function over finish. These aren't safe queens--they're tools that look the part. Some models can feel loose compared to a Remington 870, but they run just as reliably.
The semi-auto 930 had some reliability hiccups in early production. The 940 Pro seems to have sorted those issues, but if you want guaranteed function, stick with the pump guns.
Their bolt-action rifles are budget-tier quality. The Patriot will put deer on the ground, but don't expect Tikka fit and finish at Mossberg prices.
| Issue | Affected Models | Severity | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finish quality | All models | Cosmetic | Accept tool-like appearance |
| Loose feel | Some Model 500s | Minor | Normal for design |
| Early reliability | 930 semi-auto | Moderate | Resolved in 940 Pro |
| Budget materials | Patriot rifles | Minor | Adequate for price point |
The BGC Takeedit
Mossberg makes the most practical shotguns in America, period. The Maverick 88 at $200 is probably the best value in all of firearms--it'll outlast guns costing three times as much.
The Model 500 at $400 does everything you need a shotgun to do without breaking the bank.
If you're left-handed, Mossberg should be your first choice. That tang safety works identically for both hands, while crossbolt safeties favor righties. Even if you're right-handed, the tang safety is faster and more intuitive.
The 590A1 is what I'd grab if things got serious. Military testing isn't marketing--it's proof the gun works when your life depends on it. At $600, it costs less than most "tactical" shotguns that haven't passed any real testing.
Gun snobs look down on Mossberg because they're not prestigious enough. Their loss. While they're polishing their collector pieces, Mossberg owners are out there actually shooting.
See Alsoedit
- Remington - The eternal competitor
- Home Defense Shotguns - Choosing your setup
- Waterfowl Hunting - Where the 835 shines
- Quail Creek Plantation(Okeechobee, FL)
- Val Verde Gun Club(Del Rio, TX)
- Boston Firearms(Everett, MA)
- 2aHawaii(Honolulu, HI)
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