The Mossberg 500 pump shotgun is one of the most versatile shotguns available and features interchangeable barrels for use in different applications. Produced by O.F. Mossberg & Sons to military specifications, the guns emphasis is on durability, tolerance and dependability. The shotgun has a capacity of 6 rounds, with five in the magazine, and one in the chamber. The 500 series is made up of varying models with hammerless repeaters which share similar receivers and action but differ in barrel length, stock and forearm materials, magazine capacity, bore size, and choke options.
Mossberg 500 Pump Action Variations
The 500 pump action series was first introduced in 1961 and although all model 500’s are based on the same basic design, there are many variants available that cater to a number of different applications.
Mossberg 500 Pump Action Field Model
The field models are the sporting variation intended for use in shooting slugs and hunting game, waterfowl, or turkey. Available in a variety of barrel length and finishes, smoothbore models feature vent rib barrels and choke tubes that are interchangeable, while slug models may have smooth cylinder bore or rifled barrels, as well as scope bases, or rifle sights.
Mossberg 500 Pump Action Home Security Model
Only available in .410, the model 500 HS410, or “Home Security” model is especially designed for defensive use. Featuring a vertical foregrip, spreader choke, a special muzzle break, and a youth-sized stock, the .410 is by far the least powerful shotgun in the series but still remains a formidable weapon. This model is designed for novice users who require a defensive weapon that is easy to use and come with an introductory video that details safety and proper usage.
Mossberg 500 Pump Action Law Enforcement Model
Currently designated law enforcement models, the 590A1s models, differ from other 500 models because they come with heavier barrels, metal safeties, and metal trigger guards. Available in fourteen inch, eighteen inch, and twenty inch barrels, the 590A1 is used by the U.S armed forces having passed the strict standards set by the U.S army.
Mossberg 500 Pump Action Special Purpose Models
The Mossberg 500 pump action special purpose models are manufactured for use by the army, law enforcement, or for domestic self defence. Only the Model 590 and the 8-shot Model 500s are sold as special purpose models and they have shorter barrels, although the barrels are interchangeable with any models that may have the same magazine tube length in the 500 series. With special designations such as Tactical, SPX, or Mariner, special purpose variations feature specialty parts like an adjustable stock, fiber optic sights, picatinny rail, heatshield, muzzle brakes and more.
Mossberg 500 Pump Action Accessories
Sold as a multipurpose firearm, the Mossberg 500 Pump Action shotgun has a variety of accessories available for purchase. There are many configurations that an owner can achieve, and with the appropriate parts, one Model 500 shotgun can be used for military, police, field, trap or skeet, and civilian defence gun. One unique item sold by Mossberg is a line launcher kit which uses a blank cartridge to propel a shaft with a floating head and a light rope that can achieve distances of up to over 330 feet, or 700 feet without the floating head.
All Mossberg 500 models are shipped with a wooden dowel, or duck plug, found in the tube magazine to comply with migratory bird laws in the United States. The dowel regulates and reduces the number of shells that can be loaded into the gun, although it can be removed and replaced with a metal one. All Mossberg models also feature a pre- drilled receiver for use with an upper Picatinny rail to allow for the mounting of different types of optics such as red dot sights.