Mossberg

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.

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.

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.

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.

The heart of Mossberg's business, and for good reason:

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.

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)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• •Remington - The eternal competitor
• •Home Defense Shotguns - Choosing your setup
• •Waterfowl Hunting - Where the 835 shines