About this record: Initial high-recognition/high-use starter set; not an official national sales ranking. Exact variants can differ. Check the current manufacturer manual and local law before use, transport, purchase, or transfer.
At a glance
- Manufacturer
- O.F. Mossberg & Sons
- Firearm type
- Shotgun
- Action
- Pump action
- Chamberings
- 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410 appear across variants
- Introduced
- 1961
- Status
- Current model family
- Record scope
- Model-family record. Chamber, barrel, and configuration must be verified for each Mossberg 500 listing.
What it is
The Mossberg 500 is a pump-action shotgun family. Mossberg sells multiple configurations under the 500 name, so barrel, chamber, stock, sights, and capacity must be tied to the exact variant.
Development and history
Introduced in the early 1960s, the 500 became a major competitor in the pump-action market. Its safety layout, interchangeable configuration options, and broad distribution helped make it familiar to many owners.
Why it matters
The 500 is a useful comparison point for the Remington 870 and for studying how a manufacturer maintains one model family across hunting, sport, security, and service contexts.
Safety and owner resources
Use the manual for the exact Mossberg 500 configuration. Check the chamber marking and barrel fit before loading or firing, and follow current safe-storage guidance.
