Mossberg 500
O.F. Mossberg & Sons · Shotgun · In Production · 1961
Also known as: Mossberg 500 Persuader, Mossberg 500 Tactical, Mossberg 500A
Overview
The Mossberg 500 is a pump-action shotgun chambered in 12 Gauge, produced by O.F. Mossberg & Sons since 1961. Featuring a 6-round magazine capacity, this shotgun offers compact firepower.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3175 g (112.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1041 mm (40.98") |
| Barrel Length | 470 mm (18.50") |
| Action Type | Pump Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tube |
| Muzzle Velocity | 457 m/s (1499 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3340 J (2463 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12 ga, 12 bore
- 20 Gauge — also known as 20 ga, 20 bore
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Top Tang Ambidextrous Safety
- Features: Dual Extractors, Twin Action Bars, Anti Jam Elevator, Easy Barrel Swap, Top Mounted Tang Safety, Steel To Steel Lockup
Variants
- Mossberg 500 Tactical — Tactical
- Mossberg 500 Persuader — Home Defense
- Mossberg 590 — Military Pattern
- Mossberg 590A1 — Mil Spec
- Maverick 88 — Budget
Service history
Operators
- United States Marine Corps · adopted 1985 · as 590A1
- United States Navy · adopted 1985 · as 590A1
- Netherlands Armed Forces · as 590A1
- Japan Self-Defense Forces · as 590A1
- Brazilian Armed Forces · as 590A1
- Malaysian Armed Forces · as 590A1
Production
Estimated total produced: 12,000,000 · Production years: 1961-present
Over 12 million units sold across all 500 series variants; one of the best-selling shotguns in history
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Carl Benson
Notes
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.
Background
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.