
O.F. · Shotgun
Mossberg 500
Pump action · 12 Gauge · introduced 1961
Also known as Mossberg 500 Persuader, Mossberg 500 Tactical, Mossberg 500A
About the Mossberg 500
The Mossberg 500 is a pump-action shotgun chambered in 12 Gauge, produced by O.F. Mossberg & Sons since 1961. This American-manufactured firearm reflects the engineering traditions and quality standards of its country of origin, designed to meet the demands of both civilian and professional users in a competitive global marketplace. Featuring a 6-round magazine capacity, this shotgun offers compact firepower. The 18.5-inch barrel maximizes accuracy potential and ballistic performance, making this an excellent choice for target shooting, competition, or field use. At 3175g (112.0 oz), this is a substantial firearm whose weight contributes to reduced felt recoil and enhanced stability during precision shooting. The aluminum alloy frame achieves a notable weight reduction compared to all-steel construction while maintaining the structural rigidity required for safe, reliable operation. This firearm represents its manufacturer's commitment to delivering a well-engineered, reliable product that serves the needs of discerning shooters seeking quality, accuracy, and dependable performance from a proven platform.
The Mossberg 500 is the only pump-action shotgun whose military variant (590A1) has passed the U.S. military's demanding MIL-SPEC 3443 testing standard. Its distinctive top-mounted tang safety provides truly ambidextrous operation, a feature that has kept it competitive against the Remington 870 for over 60 years. The shotgun is offered in over 55 factory configurations.
Mossberg 500 specifications
General
- Type
- Shotgun
- Action
- Pump action
- Firing mechanism
- Hammer-fired
- Trigger
- Single stage
- Calibres
- 12 Gauge, 20 Gauge
- Magazine capacity
- 6 rounds
- Magazine
- Tubular magazine
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 470 mm (18.5 in)
- Overall length
- 1041 mm (41.0 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 3.17 kg (7.00 lb)
Barrel
- Rifling
- None
- Grooves
- 6
Materials
- Barrel
- Steel
- Receiver / frame
- Aluminum
- Stock
- Polymer
- Finish
- blued
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 457 m/s (1499 fps)
- Muzzle energy (typical)
- 3340 J (2463 ft·lb)
- Effective range
- 40 m
History
- Introduced
- 1961
- Production status
- In production
- Country of origin
- US
- Designer
- Carl Benson
Available calibres
Features
- Dual extractors
- Twin action bars
- Anti jam elevator
- Easy barrel swap
- Top mounted tang safety
- Steel to steel lockup
Safety
- Top tang ambidextrous safety
The top-tang ambidextrous safety is a key distinctive feature versus the Remington 870 which uses a cross-bolt safety. The 590A1 MIL-SPEC variant meets MIL-SPEC 3443G with its heavy-walled barrel, metal trigger guard and safety, clean-out magazine tube, and Parkerized finish. The 590A1 was officially adopted by the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy in the mid-1980s. Mossberg shotguns are used by military and law enforcement in over 70 countries. The receiver is anodized aluminum with a steel bolt carrier. Specifications listed are for the standard 500 Tactical with 18.5-inch barrel.
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