Key facts
- Manufacturer
- O.F. Mossberg & Sons
- Model
- Mossberg 500
- Type
- Shotgun
- Action or operating system
- Pump action
- Chamberings
- 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410 appear across variants
- Introduced or adopted
- 1961
- Status
- Current model family
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.
Sources
Each source is linked to the facts it supports.
- Mossberg 500 product page
- Type
- Manufacturer
- Reviewed
- August 7, 2026
- Mossberg manuals
- Type
- Manufacturer
- Reviewed
- August 7, 2026
Reviewed August 7, 2026 Version 1
Report an error
Send a source for an incorrect or missing fact. Changes are reviewed before publication.
Use the current manual for the exact firearm. Follow all safety and legal requirements.