Unlock Versatility: Discover the Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field 12 Gauge Shotgun

For shotgun enthusiasts, seasoned hunters, sport shooters, and even those considering their first firearm for home defense, the quest for a truly adaptable and dependable shotgun often leads to a few iconic names. Among these, the Mossberg 500 series stands as a testament to enduring design, unparalleled reliability, and exceptional value. This deep dive focuses on a particularly versatile model: the Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field 12 Gauge with its 28-inch vent rib and ported barrel, blued finish, and classic wood stock.

This shotgun isn't just another firearm; it's a foundational tool designed to meet a myriad of needs, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a single shotgun capable of excelling across diverse shooting disciplines. Whether you're a beginner wondering "What's the best first shotgun for hunting?" or an experienced shooter asking "Which shotgun offers the most versatility for both field and range use?", the Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field model is engineered to provide a compelling answer. It addresses the common challenge of finding a reliable, durable, and effective shotgun without breaking the bank, offering a robust solution for a wide range of shooting scenarios.

Why Choose the Mossberg 500 Series? A Legacy of Reliability

The Mossberg 500 pump-action shotgun has earned its legendary status through decades of proven performance in the harshest conditions imaginable. Renowned for its simple, rugged design, ambidextrous tang safety, and dual action bars for smooth cycling, the 500 series has been the go-to choice for millions of users worldwide, including law enforcement and military personnel. When you invest in a Mossberg 500, you're not just buying a shotgun; you're acquiring a piece of firearms history, celebrated for its unwavering dependability.

What makes the Mossberg 500 so reliable?

• Dual Action Bars: These ensure a smooth, non-binding pump stroke, reducing the chance of jams and improving follow-up shot speed.
• Ambidextrous Tang Safety: Located conveniently on top of the receiver, this safety is easily accessible for both left and right-handed shooters, providing quick and intuitive control.
• Heat-Treated Aluminum Receiver: Lightweight yet incredibly strong, the aluminum receiver contributes to the shotgun's manageable weight while ensuring robust performance.
• Simple Disassembly: Designed for easy field stripping and maintenance, allowing users to keep their firearm clean and functioning optimally with minimal effort.

These design principles coalesce into a firearm that consistently performs when it matters most, building immense trust among its users.

Detailed Features and Their Benefits for the Shooter

The Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field shotgun, model 50120, is meticulously crafted with features that enhance its performance and user experience across various applications. Let's break down its key specifications and how they translate into tangible benefits:

12 Gauge Power and 3-Inch Chamber Versatility

The 12 gauge is arguably the most popular and versatile shotgun chambering available. It offers an incredible range of ammunition choices, from light target loads to heavy magnum slugs and buckshot.

• Broad Ammunition Compatibility: With a 3-inch chamber, this Mossberg 500 can safely fire both 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch shotshells. This means you can use lighter loads for recreational shooting like trap and skeet, standard 2 ¾-inch loads for most hunting scenarios, and powerful 3-inch magnum loads for demanding applications such as waterfowl hunting or deer with slugs. This flexibility ensures you always have the right power level for the task at hand.
• Effective Range: The 12 gauge delivers substantial knockdown power and pattern density, making it effective for a wide array of game birds, small game, and even larger animals when using appropriate ammunition.

28-Inch Vent Rib and Ported Barrel

The barrel is the heart of any shotgun's performance, and the 28-inch vent rib, ported barrel on this Mossberg 500 is optimized for accuracy and comfort.

• Vent Rib: This elevated rib along the top of the barrel provides a clear, uninterrupted sighting plane, helping shooters acquire targets quickly and precisely. It’s particularly beneficial for wing shooting, where fast target acquisition is crucial.
• 28-Inch Length: This length strikes an excellent balance, providing enough sight radius for accurate aiming, contributing to smoother swings on moving targets, and ensuring optimal shot velocity and pattern consistency. It’s long enough for hunting but still manageable for sporting clays.
• Ported Barrel: The ports are small holes drilled near the muzzle end of the barrel. Their purpose is to vent gases upward, which helps to counteract muzzle rise (the tendency of the barrel to kick up after a shot).
  • Reduced Muzzle Rise: This allows for quicker follow-up shots and maintains better sight picture, which is invaluable in fast-paced shooting scenarios.
  • Reduced Felt Recoil: While not eliminating recoil, porting can subtly redirect gases to reduce the perceived kick, making extended shooting sessions more comfortable.

Blued Finish and Classic Wood Stock

The aesthetic and ergonomic elements of a shotgun are just as important as its internal mechanics.

• Blued Finish: This traditional gun finish provides a classic look and offers good protection against rust and corrosion when properly maintained. It's durable and contributes to the timeless appeal of the firearm.
• Recoil Pad: The inclusion of a quality recoil pad on the stock significantly absorbs felt recoil, further enhancing shooting comfort, especially important when firing heavier 12 gauge loads.
• Wood Stock (Right Hand, Full Size): The traditional wood stock not only provides a rich, classic appearance but also offers a natural feel and grip. The full-size design ensures a comfortable and stable shooting platform for most adult shooters. Its robust construction ensures longevity and resilience in various environmental conditions.

Accu-Set Chokes Included

Choke tubes are essential for optimizing shot patterns for different shooting situations.

• What are Choke Tubes? These are interchangeable tubes that screw into the muzzle end of the barrel, constricting the shot pattern to varying degrees. A tighter choke creates a denser, more concentrated pattern, while a more open choke produces a wider, more dispersed pattern.
• Accu-Set System: Mossberg's Accu-Set system provides a range of choke tubes (typically Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder), allowing the shooter to quickly change the shotgun's pattern performance.
  • Improved Cylinder (IC): Ideal for close-range targets, fast-moving game like dove or quail, and slugs for deer.
  • Modified (MOD): A versatile middle-ground choke, excellent for upland birds, rabbits, and general target shooting.
  • Full (FULL): Best for long-range shots on ducks, geese, and turkeys, or for achieving maximum pattern density at distance.
• Enhanced Versatility: The ability to swap chokes transforms the Mossberg 500 from a close-quarters shotgun into a long-range waterfowl hunter, all with a simple tool. This is a crucial feature for anyone looking for an "all-purpose" firearm.

5+1 Capacity

This refers to the shotgun's ability to hold five shells in the tubular magazine plus one in the chamber, for a total of six rounds ready to fire.

• Standard Capacity: This is a common and practical capacity for hunting and sport shooting, providing ample firepower without excessive weight or length.
• Responsible Use: This capacity is suitable for various hunting regulations and is well-suited for responsible recreational shooting.

Real-World Applications: Where Does the Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field Excel?

One of the most frequently asked questions about any firearm is "What can I use it for?" The Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field shotgun, model 50120, is designed to be a true chameleon, adapting seamlessly to a multitude of popular shooting activities.

Hunting Adventures: From Feathers to Fur

• Waterfowl Hunting: The 12 gauge power, 3-inch chamber for magnum loads, and included Full choke make this shotgun an excellent choice for duck and goose hunting. The ported barrel helps manage recoil from heavy steel shot loads, allowing for quicker follow-up shots on decoying birds.
• Upland Game Hunting: For pheasant, grouse, quail, and dove, the 28-inch barrel provides smooth swings, and the ability to use Improved Cylinder or Modified chokes delivers optimal patterns for fast-flying birds.
• Deer Hunting with Slugs: With the appropriate slug ammunition and an Improved Cylinder choke (or even an aftermarket rifled choke tube), the Mossberg 500 can be a highly effective deer hunting tool in shotgun-only zones.
• Turkey Hunting: Paired with a Full or extra-full turkey choke, the 12 gauge can deliver dense patterns necessary for successful turkey hunts.

Sporting Clays, Trap, and Skeet: Honing Your Skills

• Trap Shooting: The 28-inch barrel and vent rib are ideal for tracking rising targets. With Modified or Full chokes, shooters can consistently break clays at the longer distances common in trap.
• Skeet Shooting: The Mossberg 500's smooth action and manageable dimensions make it enjoyable for skeet. Using an Improved Cylinder choke allows for wide, forgiving patterns at the close ranges of skeet.
• Sporting Clays: This discipline demands versatility, and the Mossberg 500 delivers. Its ability to quickly change chokes, combined with its comfortable shooting characteristics, makes it a strong contender for a wide array of target presentations.

Home and Property Defense: A Reliable Guardian

While designed as a field gun, the fundamental reliability and ergonomics of the Mossberg 500 make it a capable option for home defense.

• Simple Operation: The pump-action mechanism is easy to learn and incredibly reliable under stress.
• Stopping Power: The 12 gauge, loaded with buckshot or slugs, offers significant deterrent and stopping power.
• Familiarity: For those who use it for hunting or sport, this model can serve dual duty, ensuring familiarity and proficiency with their defensive firearm.

Maintaining Your Mossberg 500: Ensuring Longevity and Performance

A key aspect of responsible firearm ownership is proper maintenance. The Mossberg 500 series is renowned for its ease of cleaning and maintenance, which contributes to its long lifespan and consistent performance. Regular care ensures your shotgun remains reliable for decades.

Essential maintenance tips include:

1. Regular Cleaning: After each use, especially if exposed to moisture or dirt, field strip the shotgun and clean the bore, chamber, bolt, and receiver. Use appropriate solvents and lubricants.
2. Barrel Care: Pay special attention to the barrel, especially if shooting corrosive ammunition (though rare with modern shells). Clean the bore thoroughly and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust.
3. Choke Tube Maintenance: Remove and clean choke tubes regularly. Apply anti-seize compound to the threads before reinserting them to prevent them from seizing in the barrel.
4. Stock and Finish: Wipe down the wood stock with a damp cloth and apply a wood conditioner periodically. The blued finish should be wiped with an oiled cloth to prevent corrosion.
5. Storage: Store your shotgun in a cool, dry place, ideally in a humidity-controlled environment, to prevent rust and preserve the wood stock.

Why the Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field 12 Gauge (Model 50120) Stands Out

When comparing shotguns, prospective buyers often ask: "What makes this particular model a good investment?" The Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field shotgun, with its specific configuration, offers a compelling package of attributes that deliver exceptional value and performance.

• Unmatched Versatility: Truly an "all-purpose" firearm, capable of handling everything from upland birds to waterfowl, and even clay target sports.
• Legendary Reliability: Built on the proven Mossberg 500 platform, known for its robust construction and dependable operation in any conditions.
• User-Friendly Design: Features like the ambidextrous tang safety and smooth pump action make it intuitive for shooters of all experience levels.
• Comfortable Shooting Experience: The 28-inch ported barrel and recoil-absorbing wood stock contribute to reduced felt recoil and improved control.
• Excellent Value: Offers premium features and performance typically found in higher-priced shotguns, making it an accessible option for many.
• Accu-Set Chokes: Provides the flexibility to fine-tune shot patterns for optimal performance across diverse shooting scenarios.

For anyone seeking a single shotgun that can confidently tackle the demands of hunting season, excel on the clay range, and stand ready for home protection, the Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field model 50120 represents a smart, reliable, and highly effective choice. Its long-standing reputation, combined with its practical features, ensures it remains a top contender in the shotgun market. This exceptional firearm is readily available to enhance your shooting pursuits.

This specific Mossberg 500 shotgun is a flagship offering, consistently recommended by experts and cherished by owners for its enduring quality and performance. It continues to be a top choice for those who demand reliability and adaptability from their firearms. You can find this versatile firearm, along with a full range of accessories and ammunition, at DEGuns, a trusted source for quality firearms and shooting sports equipment. Visit deguns.com to explore this and other Mossberg models that fit your specific needs.

Product Specifications and Details

Feature	Description	Benefit
Model	Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field	Renowned versatility and reliability
Gauge	12 Gauge	Widest range of ammunition choices and power
Capacity	5+1 Rounds	Standard and practical for most applications
Chamber	3-inch	Accommodates both 2 ¾” and 3” shotshells
Barrel Length	28 inches	Balanced for swing, velocity, and pattern density
Barrel Type	Vent Rib & Ported	Reduces muzzle rise, aids target acquisition
Finish	Blued	Classic appearance, durable protection
Stock	Recoil Pad, Wood Stock, Right Hand, Full Size	Comfortable grip, recoil absorption, traditional feel
Choke System	Accu-Set Chokes Included	Customizable shot patterns for various uses
UPC	015813501200	Unique Product Identifier