One of the most popular American shotguns is the Mossberg 500.

The Mossberg 500 smoothbore pump-action shotgun is considered one of the most common repeating shotguns with a movable forend. The shotgun was first released in 1961. It is currently produced in various modifications, which are designed for hunters, representatives of security services and police, or for self-defense. At the same time, the general appearance of the weapon remains unchanged.

Many people have seen the Mossberg 500 shotgun in various movies, it is truly considered legendary.

Note that this model is a cheaper clone of the Remington 870, with some changes in the trigger mechanism - the location of the manual cocking lever. In the Mossberg 500, this lever is located on the neck of the stock. The shotgun has a classic type under-barrel magazine, where the cartridges are located one after the other. The most popular model of the Mossberg 12-gauge pump-action shotgun with a safe wooden handle.

History of creation

The first copies of the Mossberg 500 smoothbore shotgun appeared back in 1961. This weapon was designed and produced in the USA by the O. F. Mossberg and Sons Inc." During its existence, the company produced many examples of smoothbore weapons, but it was the Mossberg 500 pump-action shotgun that truly made it famous.

At that time, an incredible interest in smooth-bore weapons arose in the United States. Both official American authorities and the general population became interested in this type of firearm. Taking into account everyone's wishes, I decided to design a smoothbore gun that would simultaneously satisfy the needs of both the official authorities and the American people. It was supposed to be used for hunting, for self-defense, as well as for performing combat missions by special forces.

When developing the Mossberg 500 shotgun, the goal was to create a design with a minimum number of parts, and each component should be easy to manufacture and not require manual adjustment.

The receiver is made of aluminum by milling, while the barrel is locked by the protrusion of the bolt cylinder, which fits into a groove on the barrel. This reduces the load on the light alloy receiver.

On the guns of the first releases, the movable forend was connected to the bolt by one rod, since the patent for the use of double rods was held by Remington at that time.

In 1970, the patent expired, and Mossberg 500 shotguns also began to be equipped with a forend with two rods. In the same year, the company began mass production of the Mossberg shotgun. The first version of this weapon became the basis for a whole list of shotguns. Despite the variety and some further changes in design, this gun has not changed and remains the same as it was at the very beginning.

Description

Mossberg smoothbore shotguns with a pump-action reloading principle were developed by the company of the same name. The company was founded back in 1919 and operates successfully to this day. It gained worldwide popularity due to the Mossberg 500, which is widely popular in the United States and other countries. Its development started back in 1960, and a year later the employees provided an option that became the basic one. As you know, the Mossberg is based on the Remington pump-action shotgun (870 series). It has a classic type under-barrel magazine, where the cartridges are located one after the other. The most popular model of the Mossberg 12-gauge pump-action shotgun with a safe wooden handle.

The manufacturer recommends using only cartridges with paper sleeves. After repeated testing, the Mossberg 500's rugged design has proven to work in many circumstances, even when exposed to sand or water.

Mossberg 500 Home Security

Design features of the Mossberg 500

The Mossberg 500 smoothbore shotgun is made in accordance with the traditional design of pump-action shotguns. It has a movable forend, as well as a non-removable tubular under-barrel magazine. The trigger type gun has a plastic body, all working parts of the weapon are located inside the body. The body itself can be easily removed when the need arises to disassemble the weapon.

Disassembly is extremely simple and does not require much time. Thanks to the ease of disassembly, any owner can quickly clean the weapon and just as quickly put it back into working condition. The shotgun is available with or without a stock (with a pistol grip), while the Mossberg 500 stock can be made of wood or plastic, depending on what material the body is made of.

This gun is non-automatic, and therefore it is reloaded manually, by moving the forend back and forth. The bolt and forend are connected to each other by two rods located on both sides of the magazine. The principle of operation of the gun mechanism is also standard: the forend, moving backward, ejects the spent cartridge case and cocks the hammer. Moving forward, the forend sends a charge into the chamber. The barrel is locked using a wedge. The safety is equally convenient to use for right-handers and left-handers.

The magazine of the very first modification of the gun could hold no more than five charges. Moreover, if we were talking about charges of 12/76 caliber, then only 4 of them were included in the magazine. Charges whose caliber was 12/70 could fit 5 in the magazine. Subsequent versions of the weapon began to be produced with longer magazines that could hold 8 charges .

From the very beginning of its work, the company fulfilled the order of the US Army. That is, one of the versions of this weapon was supposed to be intended for the American military. It was assumed that it would be used in the most unfavorable natural conditions, including those where there may be an excess of moisture, therefore, during the manufacture of the gun, a special solution was also developed to protect the weapon from rust. The entire body of the gun was covered with this solution. This is a matte solution that has an anti-reflective effect, making it much easier to aim a gun in sunny weather.

When characterizing the barrel with which the Mossberg 500 shotgun is equipped, it should be noted that the barrels equipped with versions for self-defense and hunting differ in length from the barrels intended for combat special operations. The civilian version of the gun has barrels with lengths of 610, 660 and 710 mm, while the military version has barrels with lengths of 350, 470 and 510 mm.

From the very beginning it was planned that the barrels of the civilian modification of weapons should be longer than those of the combat versions. However, recently designers have met people's wishes halfway. For example, if someone now has a civilian Mossberg 500 12 gauge with a long barrel, then such a barrel can easily be replaced with a shorter one of the same caliber, moreover, not smooth, but rifled, from which, accordingly, you can fire bullets.

From the above it is clear that the Mossberg 500 shotgun is designed in such a way that it allows for the replacement of barrels. This is done easily by unscrewing the locking washer. In terms of its caliber, the replacement barrel must match the caliber of the gun itself.

Not long ago, designers equipped the gun barrel with a compensator brake. According to the designers, its purpose is to dampen the upward movement of the barrel during shooting. Thanks to the mentioned device, it became easier to aim the gun and, accordingly, easier to hit the target.

Although the gun has a sighting mechanism, it is not always used when shooting (footage from Western action films is evidence of this). The gun is designed for shooting primarily at short range. In addition, the rate of fire of the gun is usually high (it depends on how quickly the shooter can move the fore-end), and therefore, for the most part, there is no time required for aiming. In addition, the gun has very harsh recoil, which can be unsafe for the shooter.

Versatility and Ease of Re-Loading with Interchangeable 5, 10, 15 and 20-Round Magazines

Introducing the Mossberg 590M Mag-Fed 12-gauge shotgun, built on Mossberg's legendary pump-action, tactical platform combined with the world's first double-stack, 10-round shotgun magazine; with optional 5, 10, 15 and 20-round capacity magazines sold as accessories. The 590M is initially available in two 10-round configurations; ideal for home security, tactical and competitive applications.

Based upon Mossberg's proven pump-action platform, standard features of the 590M include non-binding twin action bars; positive steel-to-steel lock-up; anti-jam elevator; dual extractors; anodized aluminum receiver drilled and tapped for convenience of adding optics; heavy-walled barrel; convenient cleanout magazine tube; and universally-recognized, ambidextrous top-mounted safety. With the included 10-round magazine, these 12-gauge 2.75-inch pump-actions have a total round capacity of 10+1.

Innovation is at the core of the 590M with the detachable magazine's uniquely-designed, integral stabilizing ribs which engage the magazine directly to notches engineered into the receiver, ensuring a positive lock-up. The all-steel, heated-treated magazine release button and housing are optimally-positioned in front of the trigger guard for quick, ambidextrous access for unloading and reloading the 590M. The location of the mag release does not interfere with cycling of the action. The well-executed design allows for proper balance, better swing and controlled-manipulation with a full-magazine located at the center of gravity point.

The patented double-stack magazine is constructed with hardened-steel feed lips, over-molded steel shell ramps and an anti-cant, rounded follower to ensure reliable feeding. Other design features include an easy-grip, molded external shell; proprietary self-lubricating polymer magazine body; heavy-duty ASTM-A-228 music-wire magazine spring for extended service life; removable floor plate for ease of cleaning; and durable black oxide finish on the steel components. The proprietary double-stack magazine provides greater capacity in less magazine length versus competitor's single stack magazine. For greater shooting flexibility, 590M magazines are available in 5, 10, 15 and 20-round capacities and are designed for use with 2.75-inch shells only. Transition quickly from a target load, to buckshot, to slugs, to less lethal with the convenience of designated magazines.

590M Mag Fed 10-Round (50205)

This base model includes all of the field-proven features of Mossberg's pump-action platform with an 18.5-inch, heavy-walled cylinder bore barrel; bead sight; black synthetic stock and forend; matte blue metal finishes; and 10-round, double-stack magazine. MSRP: $721

590M Mag Fed Tri-Rail 10-Round (50206)

For greater versatility, this version features a Tactical Tri-Rail forend with full-length bottom rail and dual side rails for easy attachment of lights and accessories; 18.5-inch heavy-walled barrel with interchangeable ACCU-CHOKE choke tube system (cylinder bore tube included); protective heat shield; Ghost-Ring sight; black synthetic stock and forend; matte blue metal finishes; and 10-round, double-stack magazine. MSRP: $801

No other manufacturer can deliver the durability, innovation and total-round capacity of the 590M with Mossberg's proven pump-action platform combined with a proprietary, double-stack shotgun magazine design. For more information on the 590M Mag-Fed pump-action shotgun, please visit www.mossberg.com

Mossberg 590M Mag-Fed Pump-Action Shotgun Specifications:

Mossberg 590M Mag-Fed Accessory Magazines Specifications:

Operating principle

Since the Mossberg 500 shotgun was aimed at use among the masses of the population, the developers tried to simplify it as much as possible:

• Before charging, the Mossberg 500 is put on safety. To do this, move the firing pin release lever to the lower position.
• The cartridges are placed in the magazine with the cartridge case muzzle forward, with the primer towards the firing pin.
• In order for the cartridge to be directly in the chamber, the forend is sharply moved back and returns back.
• Before the shot itself, the gun is removed from the safety by the reverse action (the lever rises up). A red dot indicates readiness.
• Pull the trigger.

To block the shutter, there is a lock with a long shackle, which allows you to secure it so that the shutter opens halfway.

Specifications

The performance characteristics of the Mossberg 500 include:

• Type of weapon: pump-action shotgun.
• Calibers: 12, 20, 410. Each type has its own chamber length.
• Barrel: 360, 470, 510 mm – used in the production of security weapons; 610, 669, 710 mm – for a hunting rifle.
• Capacity: 5,6,8 rounds.
• Total length of weapon: 1105 mm.
• Weight of the gun with loaded magazine: 3.3 kg.

Let's compare the main parameters of the Mossberg 500 shotgun with its main competitors - the Remington 870 and Winchester 1200 shotguns.

Analogs

• In Russia, two types of smooth-bore pump-action shotguns are produced. These are the Bekas models, which are made at the Molot VPO, and the MP-133, manufactured at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant.
• The Mossberg 500's direct competitor is the Remington 870 pump-action shotgun, which has been in production since 1950 and differs from it only in the absence of a manual cocking lever.

If you can’t find anything analogous, pay attention to other worthy pump-action models with different characteristics: Mossberg 590, Krieghoff Semprio, Remmington 7600, etc.

This video will tell you about the Mossberg 500 Persuader:

Modifications

Due to its popularity, the Mossberg 500 has a number of modifications and analogues:

• Mossberg 500 hunting: Combo Field, Combo Turkey, Slugster, Waterfowl.
• Mossberg 500 flex with quick layout system
• Mossberg 500 Tactical 6 or 8 round: Adjustable Stock, HS410 Home Security, SPX, Thunder Ranch, Tri-rail Forend.

Mossberg 500 is available in several calibers:

• 12, with chamber lengths of 70, 76 and 89 mm.
• 20, chamber 76 mm.
• .410, chamber 70 and 76 mm.

Hunting modifications of the Mossberg 500:

• Barrels are 61, 66 or 71 cm long.
• Barrel narrowings of different gradations, including replaceable nozzles.
• Solid or ventilated sighting rib, optional rear sight and front sight, like a rifle.
• Magazine capacity of five or six rounds.
• The stock is semi-pistol, made of solid wood or plastic, camouflage painted (Slugster model).

Security modifications:

• Barrels are 36, 47 or 51 cm long. No narrowing is provided (cylinder).
• sighting devices consisting of a front sight with a solid bar and (or) a dovetail mount for installing optics.
• Magazines with a capacity of five to eight rounds.
• The stock is semi-pistol or “sawn-off” - a handle without a butt.

Design

The first Mossberg 500 was made more than fifty years ago. Mossberg has a non-removable tubular under-barrel magazine and a movable type forend. Many years have passed since the release of the first model and the Mossberg design has changed slightly.

Now the product is produced in several calibers:

• 12, with a chamber of 70, 76, 89 mm.
• 20, chamber 76 mm.
• 410, chamber length is 70 and 76 mm.

It is worth noting that this Mossberg model is non-automatic and to reload you must manually move the shutter. On the sides of the magazine there are two rods that act as a kind of connecting element between the bolt and the forend. The security model can have 4 holes with metric threads for Picattini rails.

Mossberg 500 Field dress deer with optics

The safety is convenient for both right-handers and people who use their left hand more often. Placed on the rear trigger of the barrel box. The button moves along the receiver. The receiver of the weapon is made of aluminum alloy by milling with durable walls. The butt and fore-end can be wooden or plastic. A stock made from these materials is excellent for shooting offhand or from the hip. The handle can also be made of wood if desired.

The bolt has a smooth cylinder that locks the breech by moving up and hooking onto the protrusion. The spent cartridge case is thrown to the right. When assembling or disassembling the Mossberg, do not forget that it is necessary to remove the cartridge elevator from the receiver. The magazine in this type of weapon is located under the barrel and is of a tubular type. The loading hopper window is located at the bottom of the receiver. The magazine can hold 5-8 rounds.

The butt plate is equipped with a shock-absorbing element designed to reduce recoil. This model comes with a huge number of useful accessories. For example, you can install a sighting device consisting of a front sight and optionally a rear sight.

Mossberg 500 Turkey

Barrel design

In this type of weapon, it is worth paying attention to the design of the barrel part. Almost everything depends on it - the strength of the weapon, the firing power.

The Mossberg 500 device allows its owner to change barrels. However, it is worth considering one detail: the caliber of the barrel must be the same as the caliber of the weapon. This part can be removed without much difficulty - by unscrewing the locking washer.

When assembling and disassembling the weapon, the magazine and barrel are disconnected by unscrewing the screw connecting them. There is a wide range of replacement barrels on the market. It is worth paying attention to the purpose. The barrel lengths of civil defense weapons are 710, 660 and 610 millimeters. While the Mossberg 500 for combat missions has such barrels with a length of 510, 470, 350 millimeters. It is important to remember when purchasing that Mossberg’s length designation is in inches, so be able to quickly convert everything into millimeters.

Mossberg 500 Flex white coyote

Advantages and disadvantages of Mossberg 500

The Mossberg 500 pump-action shotgun is widely known throughout the world and is considered one of the most popular types of weapons. He has his positive and negative qualities.

The advantages of this gun include:

• Affordable price segment.
• Light weight due to the use of plastic and aluminum in production.
• Well thought out ergonomics.
• Unpretentiousness in content.
• Simple, but at the same time reliable design.
• Ease of use.

Despite the impressive advantages of the Mossberg 500, it also has its disadvantages:

• Noisy operation of the mechanisms, which is especially audible during reloading.
• Due to the lightness of the model, there is a strong recoil when fired.
• Difficulty in tuning.
• Small weapons store.
• Inconvenience of turning on the fuse.

Over many years of using the gun, the Mossberg has become popular among the general population, who, although aware of its shortcomings, considers them insignificant. That's why Mossberg has been a leader in sales for so long.

Operation of the gun

After receiving a large order from the US government for the production of the Mossberg 500, the development company did not stop there and it was then that it decided to make an even better gun. This is how the 590th was born. As mentioned above, the Mossberg 590 shotgun is coated with a special solution that improves anti-corrosion properties. The body itself is painted matte black.

The engineers positioned their product as a weapon capable of withstanding any climatic tests. It was possible to shoot from it both in extreme heat and in severe frost. However, as practice has shown, this statement is controversial. It turns out to be true if the weapon is carefully monitored and cleaned regularly. In general, it all depends on each owner.

It is worth noting that only the body of the shotgun is coated with an anti-corrosion solution; the internal components are not subject to such treatment. If you use the Mossberg 590 shotgun in conditions of high humidity with the bolt open, there is a high probability of subjecting the “internals” to corrosion, which will lead to rapid breakdown of the shotgun.

Disassembly

To disassemble a shotgun, you need to do the following:

1. Unload the weapon by jerking the fore-end several times. Make sure there are no cartridges in the magazine - the red pusher is visible through the loading window. Twist the forend again and perform a control descent.
2. Move the forend so that the bolt opens halfway (to the hole for the safety lock).
3. Unscrew the screw on the front end of the magazine.
4. Move the barrel forward and remove it from the receiver.
5. Using a Phillips-head or bit-head screwdriver, press out the trigger mechanism mounting pin.
6. Remove the trigger.
7. Place the gun with the bottom edge of the receiver up, remove from it two shaped plates located on both sides from the inside.
8. Push the forend back until it stops. Remove the bolt slider.
9. Remove the cartridge elevator by squeezing its branches at the butt plate of the receiver.
10. Remove the bolt.
11. Push the forend forward and remove its rods from the receiver.
12. Open the store.

If a pistol grip is installed on the gun, it is removed before removing the trigger. To remove the Mossberg 500 stock, you need to remove the butt plate and unscrew the fastening screw through the long hole.

Tuning

The design of the gun does not allow changing the magazine to a more capacious one. But you can install a pistol grip instead of a butt or change its shape. The strength of the receiver allows you to attach rails or brackets for optical sights to it.

The price and reviews of the Mossberg 500 shotgun are given below.

Mossberg 500 Cruiser JIC8

Price

In the minimum configuration, the Mossberg 500 costs about 50 thousand rubles. Owners note the reliability and ease of use of the gun.

The Mossberg 500 shotgun is perfectly balanced and comfortable for offhand shooting. The shooting qualities are very good, the combat is tight and sharp. Many people consider the recoil of the Mossberg 500 to be excessively strong. The shooter must be prepared for it not only mentally, but also physically. Incorrect positioning of the weapon and insufficiently secure holding of the weapon when shooting can lead to injury.

It is known that any gun with a more or less long history has its own special charm, if not charisma. The Mossberg 500 shotgun is no exception. But in addition to metaphysical categories, this apparatus is also famous for its very real advantages. It is considered reliable, unpretentious and quite versatile.

It is called the Vietnamese broom, it was used during the Vietnam War, originally imported for sale to the military as a hunting rifle, it began to be used for tactical purposes during battles in the jungle.

The Mossberg 500 shotgun turned out to be the most important milestone in the history of the company, which became one of the leading players in the market of hunting and service weapons from a little-known manufacturer of sporting shotguns. Designed to be a cheap and accessible hunting tool, this legendary pump-action shotgun has found use in a variety of applications and has outlasted even its more established competitors.