Mossberg 500: Still a Strong Seller 60 Years Later

by
posted on October 10, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
mossberg-500.jpg

The first Mossberg 500s were produced in 1960, and it wasn’t long before enthusiasts discovered the reliability and performance that has kept it at or near the top in shotgun sales ever since. There’s a lot to like in this rugged pump-action, one designed before most readers were even born.

Sixty years—six decades—is a long time and an overwhelming endorsement of the Mossberg 500. Its popularity remains strong to this day. Last year it was No. 5 in GunBroker.com’s the top-10 pump-action shotgun list, ranked by sales volume. It would have claimed third, were it not for another pair of Mossberg models—the 590 and 590 Shockwave—claiming first- and second-place honors.

The 500’s design ensures reliable and smooth cycling with a pair of action rods attached to the fore-end pump. The distance between them and the receiver is generous enough to minimize wear during cycling, another feature that ensures years of fuss-free service.

It has served civilians and law enforcement and U.S. military personnel with distinction. Inside every model made today beats the heart of a 500, although their looks are often vastly different from the original.

The Model 500 ATI Scorpion, for example, features ATI components that give it a modularity and adaptability that rivals modern sporting rifles. Polymer furniture, a six-position adjustable stock, 1-inch adjustable cheek riser and side-saddle shotshell carrier are just the tip of the iceberg. American Rifleman ran the gun through its paces a while back and the review and video are available here.

If you’re a little more sporting in your firearm selection, Mossberg 500s are available in Hunting and Flex versions, wearing camouflage and black, respectively. Chamberings in the former include 12- and 20-gauge, along with .410 bore. The tubular magazines have a five shotshell capacity and barrel lengths vary from 20 to 28 inches. Flex models come in 12- and 20-gauge, most with 22-inch barrels. The youth model includes a 24-inch tube.

For home- and self-defense purposes Mossberg offers Cruiser models and a Retrograde. And there’s an entire line of 500s dedicated to young shooters.

Diversity is one reason the Mossberg 500 remains near the top of pump actions in popularity ratings. Add decades of uncompromising performance and it’s a solid choice for anyone in the market for a shotgun.

Latest

Sellmark Ranch Entrance
Sellmark Ranch Entrance

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

I Have This Old Gun: Japanese Type 94 Pistol

Among the pantheon of World War II military sidearms, the Japanese Type 94 stands out for a number of undesirable reasons. Aside from its ungainly look, many regard it as one of the most dangerous firearms ever made.

New For 2025: GForce Arms 12Hammer

The latest option in the diverse lineup of GForce Arms shotguns is the 12Hammer, an AR-style platform chambered for 12-ga. shotshells that feeds from detachable box magazines.

Tips & Techniques: DIY Fire Bluing

Is there anything prettier than fire bluing? This bright, “peacock” blue color is one of the world’s oldest firearm finishes and can be found on guns dating back as early as the 16th century and is still used on some of today’s high-end custom arms.

Rifleman Q&A: Eddystone Bayonets

"I recently started collecting World War I U.S. military firearms. I want to obtain a Model 1917 rifle made by each contractor—Winchester, Remington and Eddystone—along with bayonets for each. However, I can only locate bayonets made by Winchester and Remington. Why are bayonets made by Eddystone so hard to find?"

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.