If you could only have one gun, what would it be? A 12 gauge shotgun is a common answer, and for good reason. The flexibility to chase everything from birds to bears with a single firearms is unparalleled. While there are many action types and styles of shotguns, the pump-action remains popular given its reliability and affordability. Today we look at one of the most popular pump shotgun models available today: the Mossberg 500.
History
The Mossberg 500 was designed in 1960 by Carl Benson. It is a pump action shotgun designed to shoot up to 3 inch shells. Originally offered in 12 gauge, 20 gauge and 410 models are also currently available, and some models were previously produced in 16 gauge before being discontinued.
While the original design has gone mostly unchanged throughout the years, one significant modification was made in 1970. The original Mossberg 500 used only a single action bar. This was not a design decision as much as a necessity; at the time Remington held the patent for twin action bars from their the Model 870. Eventually, when the patent expired in 1970 Mossberg updated the Model 500 to the more reliable dual action bar system.
In 1980 Mossberg submitted a modified Model 500, the 590A1 to the US military for testing. The 590A1 is the only shotgun to withstand the American military’s torture test and they adopted the gun as their shotgun of choice. Rumour has it that the 590A1 fired 3000 rounds of 00 buckshot without a stoppage or parts breakage.
Specifications
The standard Mossberg 500 Field is a side eject pump action shotgun with a 5 round tubular magazine. Like most modern scatter guns, the shotgun ships with removable chokes that can be easily swapped by the end user. The chokes fit flush with the end of the barrel and the included Mossberg key works well to remove them without much hassle.
The Field model in 12 gauge has a 28 inch barrel and weighs 7.5lbs. The weight is a little lighter than a lot of comparable models, due in fact to the Mossberg using an aluminium alloy receiver instead of a traditional steel receiver. This is possible because the bolt locks directly into a cut out in the barrel, so the receiver doesn’t actually withstand any of the pressure from firing. There is also a single sling swivel attached to the end of the magazine tube.
The safety is located on the tang, which in my opinion is the best location for a safety on most firearms. It is easily visible from field shooting conditions and is naturally accessed from normal gun handling positions. The trigger is mediocre but this somewhat irrelevant for most shooters as a shotgun is a point shooting tool. There is an action release at the rear of the trigger guard, similar to that of the Winchester SXP. This is much more ergonomic than the 870’s slide release which is located at the front of the trigger guard.
Strengths
First off, the durability and reliability of the Mossberg 500 is the stuff of legend. The dual extractors ensure positive extraction every time, and the dual action bars keep the pump from jamming even when dirty or abused. The internal hammer protects the firing pin from dirt and debris and keeps the gun running reliably.
Another strength of the Mossberg is the ergonomics. Compared to the 870, the safety and the action release are in more intuitive locations on the Mossberg. Also, unlike many other popular designs, the shell lifter on the Mossberg 500 folds up under the bolt on a closed action. This means that the shooter can load the shotgun without having to push the lifter out of the way with each shell. This is particularly advantageous when wearing gloves, because it removes the possibility of one’s fingertips getting snagged.
A third advantage of the Mossberg 500 is how easy it is to work on. The Model 500 uses push pins and screws to hold its parts in place. Contrasted with the Remington 870’s use of rivets, the 500 is a much easier design to maintain.
Weaknesses
The design decisions that made the Model 500 so reliable are not free of compromises. One such decision is to have relatively loose tolerances. This provides room for parts to continue to move as intended even in harsh conditions with lots of dirt or mud. However, a side effect of this decision is that the handguard of the Mossberg 500 has a persistent rattle. While there is no effect on function, the shotgun does not have the feel of a finely fitted machine. Furthermore, these loose tolerances make the action of the Model 500 less smooth than many of its competitors.
Another shortcoming of the Model 500 families are the firing pin return springs, which are a bit too strong for the design. The author has twice encountered Model 500’s experiencing light primer strikes. This was due to the hammer not being strong enough to overpower the firing pin return spring. It is worth noting both shotguns had many thousands of rounds through them before this issue arose. After removing half a coil from the firing pin return spring both guns returned to 100 percent reliability.
A final weakness of the Mossberg 500 is the balance. This disadvantage diminishes with practice, but if new shooters to the 500 will find it is front heavy. This is due to the aluminium receiver. Familiarity quickly eliminates this disadvantage but initial impressions can be disconcerting.
Competition
Most North American manufacturers make their own version of a pump action shotgun. On top of this, recently Turkey has been producing a myriad of different shotguns under different names and logos from who knows how many different factories. That said, the classic debate always pits the Remington 870 against the Mossberg 500.
The Mossberg has better ergonomics and in the authors experience is a very slight hair more reliable. The 870 on the other hand will have a smoother bolt, and its all steel receiver makes the gun balance a little more evenly on the shoulder. Also, the shell lifter on the Mossberg is in a better place for loading, but the 870’s magazine release system allows single releasing shells straight from the magazine. This is useful if one does not want to chamber the shells during an unload.
As a short aside, the Winchester SXP is also another great pump action option. The rotating bolt design is incredibly smooth and it balances very well. There is less aftermarket support for the SXP than the 870 or the 500 though, although that may change the longer the design is on the market.
Closing Thoughts
The Mossberg 500 is a working man’s shotgun. It may not handle like a piece of artwork or balance like a ballerina. However, the controls are easy to use, the shotgun is unfailingly reliable, and it has an incredible tolerance for neglect. While there are better options for a sporting shotgun, in tough environments like wetlands or thickets, the Model 500 really shines. The Mossberg 500 is an excellent choice for upland or waterfowl hunting, deer hunting, or as a combat shotgun.