The Mossberg 500 is more than just a shotgun. It’s a legacy built on reliability, affordability, and adaptability. Since its introduction in the early 1960s, the Mossberg 500 has become a household name in American firearms. Whether for hunting, home defense, or military use, the Mossberg 500 has proven itself time and again. Its continued popularity in the modern firearms market is a testament to its design and performance.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at the history of the Mossberg 500, explore what makes it such an iconic firearm, and explain why it continues to be a favorite among shooters of all types.

The Birth of a Legend

O.F. Mossberg & Sons, a company founded in 1919 by Swedish immigrant Oscar Frederick Mossberg, has long been known for producing dependable and affordable firearms. But it wasn’t until 1961 that they launched what would become one of their most enduring creations: the Mossberg 500.

Designed by Carl Benson, the Mossberg 500 was created to be a versatile, rugged pump-action shotgun that could serve multiple roles. From the outset, the design focused on simplicity, durability, and ease of maintenance — traits that would define the series for decades to come.

The Mossberg 500 was initially marketed toward hunters, but its modular design made it easy to customize. That modularity would later make it a popular choice for law enforcement, military, and civilian home defense applications.

Design and Functionality

The Mossberg 500 is a 12-gauge, pump-action shotgun — though it also comes in 20-gauge and .410 bore models. One of its key design features is the aluminum receiver, which contributes to a lightweight yet sturdy platform. Despite using an aluminum receiver, all critical parts — like the bolt, barrel extension, and locking block — are made of steel, ensuring strength where it matters most.

Another defining characteristic is the ambidextrous tang safety located on the rear of the receiver. This feature makes the gun easy to use for both right- and left-handed shooters, a point of distinction compared to other shotguns like the Remington 870, which uses a cross-bolt safety.

The Mossberg 500 also boasts dual action bars, which help prevent twisting or binding while cycling the action. The pump is smooth and reliable, capable of functioning even in rough conditions like mud, sand, and snow. Many field tests over the years have demonstrated its reliability under extreme circumstances.

Modularity and Versatility

One of the reasons the Mossberg 500 remains so popular is its modularity. Users can easily swap out barrels, stocks, and other components to suit a variety of needs. A hunter can use a 28-inch barrel for birds in the morning and switch to an 18.5-inch barrel for home defense at night — all with the same shotgun.

This kind of versatility is rare, especially at the price point Mossberg offers. The gun accepts a wide variety of aftermarket parts, from tactical stocks and side saddles to pistol grips and optics rails. There are even conversion kits available to turn it into a “shockwave”-style firearm or a fully tactical home defense gun.

Over the years, Mossberg has also released many different configurations of the 500, including:

• Field models for hunting

• Tactical models with Picatinny rails and ghost ring sights

• Combo kits with multiple barrels

• Marine models with corrosion-resistant finishes for use on boats or in humid environments

This ability to serve so many roles with a single platform is a significant reason for its long-standing popularity.

Proven in the Field and in Combat

While originally a civilian hunting shotgun, the Mossberg 500 has found extensive use in military and law enforcement settings. Its cousin, the Mossberg 590, was designed specifically with military use in mind, but the core design remains the same.

The U.S. military has adopted both the 500 and 590 series for various applications, including breaching and close-quarters combat. Mossberg is one of only two manufacturers whose shotguns meet the rigorous MIL-SPEC 3443E standards for military use (the other being Remington).

Police departments across the U.S. have long trusted the Mossberg 500 for patrol and tactical operations. It’s not uncommon to see a Mossberg shotgun mounted inside a squad car, loaded with buckshot or slugs for critical situations.

The gun’s ruggedness and low maintenance requirements make it ideal for high-stress environments where equipment failure is not an option.

Affordability Without Sacrificing Quality

One of the strongest selling points of the Mossberg 500 has always been its affordability. While it offers features and reliability that can rival or surpass more expensive shotguns, it is priced within reach of the average shooter.

This makes it an excellent choice for beginners, but also a dependable option for experienced users who don’t want to break the bank. Whether you're a weekend hunter, a prepper, or just someone who wants a reliable home defense firearm, the Mossberg 500 gives you high value for your money.

Importantly, the low cost doesn’t mean low quality. Mossberg maintains tight quality control standards, and the shotgun's performance in military and law enforcement scenarios speaks volumes about its durability.

Why It’s Still Relevant Today

Despite being introduced over 60 years ago, the Mossberg 500 is still in high demand — and not just for nostalgic reasons. Several factors contribute to its ongoing relevance in today's firearm market:

1. Proven Reliability: Few guns have the track record of the Mossberg 500. It's been tested in every environment imaginable and has consistently come out on top.

2. Ease of Use: The straightforward design, intuitive controls, and ease of disassembly make it a favorite for new shooters and seasoned pros alike.

3. Customization Options: With countless aftermarket accessories and different factory configurations, users can tailor the 500 to suit nearly any purpose.

4. Home Defense Friendly: In a world where personal safety is a growing concern, the Mossberg 500’s effectiveness in close-quarters situations makes it an ideal home defense firearm.

5. Hunting Versatility: Whether you're after deer, ducks, or turkeys, the Mossberg 500 can be configured to fit the job with a quick barrel change.

6. Legal and Widely Available: In many jurisdictions, pump-action shotguns face fewer restrictions than semi-automatic rifles, making the 500 a practical and legal choice for many gun owners.

The Legacy of the Mossberg 500

Very few firearms stay in production for over six decades without undergoing major overhauls. The Mossberg 500 has remained largely true to its original design, a testament to the brilliance and foresight of its creators.

From its humble beginnings as a budget-friendly hunting shotgun to its place on the battlefield and in the hands of homeowners across the country, the Mossberg 500’s journey is one of consistent excellence. It stands as a symbol of American ingenuity and practicality — a tool that works when you need it most.

As new technologies and trends emerge in the firearms world, many companies chase the latest innovations. Mossberg, meanwhile, has found a way to combine tradition with relevance, offering updates and accessories without losing the identity that made the 500 great in the first place.

Where to Find One Today

If you’re in the market for a reliable, time-tested shotgun that can perform across a wide range of applications, the Mossberg 500 should be high on your list. Whether you’re looking for a brand-new model or a gently used one, platforms like GunsAmerica offer a wide selection for every budget and use case.