Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field 20 Gauge Shotgun: The Quintessential Versatile Firearm

For enthusiasts and first-time firearm owners alike, selecting a shotgun that offers unwavering reliability, exceptional versatility, and a comfortable shooting experience is paramount. The Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field 20 Gauge Shotgun stands as a testament to these core values, offering a robust platform designed to excel in a multitude of shooting applications. Whether you're a seasoned hunter tracking upland game, a sport shooter honing your skills at the range, or a homeowner seeking a dependable defensive tool, the Mossberg 500 series has earned its reputation as one of the most trusted names in the firearm industry. This particular 20-gauge model, with its 26-inch vent rib barrel and classic hardwood stock, epitomizes the balance between modern functionality and traditional aesthetics.

Why Choose the Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field 20 Gauge?

The Mossberg 500 platform has been rigorously tested and widely adopted, from private households to military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. This specific 20-gauge configuration is particularly well-suited for a broad spectrum of users, including those sensitive to recoil, smaller-statured shooters, or anyone seeking a lighter, more agile firearm without compromising on performance.

• Unrivaled Versatility: From hunting small game and birds to target shooting and even personal defense, the Mossberg 500 adapts seamlessly. Its "All-Purpose Field" designation isn't just a name; it's a promise of adaptability across various shooting scenarios.
• Legendary Reliability: Built to the same uncompromising mil-spec standards as the renowned Mossberg 590, this shotgun is engineered for consistent, flawless operation under demanding conditions. It's a firearm that simply works, every time.
• Reduced Recoil: The 20-gauge chambering offers a significant reduction in felt recoil compared to its 12-gauge counterparts, making it more comfortable for extended shooting sessions and an excellent choice for new shooters or younger enthusiasts.
• Intuitive Operation: The top-mounted ambidextrous safety, combined with its smooth pump action, ensures ease of handling for both right and left-handed shooters.

Understanding the 20-Gauge Advantage

When considering a shotgun, one of the first decisions revolves around the gauge. While the 12-gauge is often seen as the standard, the 20-gauge presents several compelling advantages, especially as seen in the Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field.

• Manageable Recoil: This is perhaps the most significant benefit. Less recoil translates to less shooter fatigue, allowing for more enjoyable practice sessions and quicker follow-up shots in hunting scenarios. It's an ideal entry point for individuals who might find a 12-gauge too jarring.
• Lighter Weight: Generally, 20-gauge shotguns and their ammunition are lighter than 12-gauge equivalents. This reduces the overall carrying burden during long hunts in the field. The Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field 20 Gauge itself weighs approximately 7 lbs, making it easy to carry.
• Effective for Diverse Game: Don't let the smaller gauge fool you; the 20-gauge is highly effective for a wide range of game. It's perfectly capable for:
  • Upland Birds: Pheasants, quail, grouse.
  • Waterfowl: Ducks and geese (with appropriate loads and chokes).
  • Small Game: Rabbits, squirrels.
  • Turkey: When using specialized turkey loads and full chokes.
  • Deer: With appropriate slug ammunition, making it a powerful and versatile option for many deer hunting regulations.
• Learning Platform: For new shooters, starting with a 20-gauge can build confidence and good shooting habits without the intimidation factor of heavier recoil, fostering a more positive learning experience.

Detailed Features and Engineering Excellence

The Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field 20 Gauge is more than just a sum of its parts; it's a meticulously engineered firearm built for performance and durability.

Smooth and Reliable Action

At the heart of any pump-action shotgun is its operating system, and the Mossberg 500 excels here with features designed for consistent, jam-free performance.

• Dual Extractors: These ensure that spent casings are reliably pulled from the chamber, minimizing the chance of stovepipes or failures to eject.
• Positive Steel-to-Steel Lockup: This critical design element provides a strong, secure lockup between the barrel and the receiver, contributing to accuracy and safety.
• Twin Action Bars: Unlike single-action bar designs found on some shotguns, the Mossberg 500 utilizes twin action bars. This symmetrical design prevents twisting or binding during the pump cycle, ensuring exceptionally smooth and reliable operation, even under rapid firing. This is often referred to as "Quiet Carry" dual-action bars due to its smooth and quiet nature.
• Anti-Jam Elevator: This component guides shells precisely into the chamber, preventing misfeeds and ensuring smooth cycling of ammunition.

Barrel and Choke System: Precision for Every Shot

The 26-inch vent rib barrel and Accu-Set Choke system are key components that enhance accuracy and adaptability.

• 26-inch Vent Rib Barrel: The length of the barrel strikes an optimal balance between maneuverability and sight radius, aiding in target acquisition. The vent rib design serves multiple purposes:
  • Heat Dissipation: It allows heat to escape more efficiently during rapid firing, reducing mirage effect that can distort the sight picture.
  • Improved Sight Picture: The elevated rib provides a clear, uncluttered sight plane for the dual bead sights, guiding the eye directly to the target.
  • Weight Reduction: The "vented" design reduces overall barrel weight without compromising strength.
• Accu-Set Chokes: This system allows shooters to easily change chokes to optimize shot patterns for different ranges and types of game. The Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field typically includes:
  • Full Choke: Produces the tightest pattern, ideal for long-range shots on turkey or waterfowl.
  • Modified Choke: Offers a medium pattern, versatile for various upland game and general hunting.
  • Improved Cylinder Choke: Provides a wider pattern, excellent for close-range flushing birds or skeet shooting.
  Understanding and utilizing these chokes is fundamental to maximizing the effectiveness of your shotgun in different hunting and shooting scenarios.

Ergonomics and Durability

Every aspect of the Mossberg 500 is designed with the shooter in mind, from safety to material selection.

• Ambidextrous Tang Safety: Positioned conveniently on the top tang of the receiver, this safety is easily accessible and intuitive to operate with either thumb, making it truly ambidextrous. Its clear ON/OFF visual indicator enhances safety in the field.
• Hardwood Stock: The classic hardwood stock not only provides a timeless aesthetic but also offers robust durability and a comfortable grip. Its brown finish complements the blued metal, creating a traditional and attractive look. The length of pull is a comfortable 13.87 inches, suitable for a wide range of shooters.
• Blued Metal Finish: Both the barrel and receiver feature a durable blued finish, which provides excellent corrosion resistance and a classic appearance that stands the test of time.
• 3" Chamber: The ability to chamber 3-inch shells significantly expands the ammunition options, allowing users to select heavier loads for increased power when needed, while still accommodating standard 2 ¾-inch shells.

The Mossberg 500 Legacy: A Standard of Excellence

For over 50 years, the Mossberg 500 has been a staple in gun safes and shooting ranges across the globe. Its enduring popularity stems from its core philosophy: provide a reliable, affordable, and highly adaptable shotgun. The "mil-spec" designation, a standard often associated with the closely related Mossberg 590, underscores the rigorous testing and durability requirements this platform meets. This isn't just a marketing term; it signifies a commitment to performance under extreme conditions, ensuring that your Mossberg 500 will stand up to the rigors of the field, season after season.

From the dual extractors that ensure positive shell removal to the twin action bars that deliver smooth, reliable cycling, every component is designed for unwavering performance. The top-mounted safety is a hallmark of Mossberg shotguns, offering ambidextrous operation and easy, intuitive access for quick engagement or disengagement.

Optimal Use Cases for Your Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field 20 Gauge

If you're asking, "What can I realistically do with this shotgun?", here are some prime examples:

• Upland Bird Hunting: Its lightweight nature, 26-inch barrel, and Accu-Set chokes make it perfect for chasing pheasants through tall grass, flushing quail from brush, or navigating dense cover for grouse.
• Small Game Hunting: From rabbits to squirrels, the 20-gauge provides ample power for effective and ethical harvesting.
• Waterfowl Hunting: With appropriate steel shot and choke selection, this 20-gauge can be surprisingly effective for ducks and geese, especially over decoys.
• Turkey Hunting: When paired with a full or extra-full choke and specialized turkey loads, the 20-gauge is a formidable turkey gun, lighter to carry through the woods.
• Sporting Clays, Skeet, and Trap: The reduced recoil and smooth action make it a pleasure to shoot at the range, helping you improve your skills and enjoy the shooting sports without bruising your shoulder.
• General Field Use: It's an excellent choice for a walk-around shotgun, versatile enough for impromptu target shooting or pest control on the farm.

Maintaining Your Mossberg 500

Like any precision tool, your Mossberg 500 will benefit from regular cleaning and maintenance. A few simple steps can ensure decades of reliable service:

1. After Every Use: Field strip the shotgun, clean the bore with a bore snake or cleaning rod, and wipe down metal surfaces to remove residue.
2. Lubrication: Apply a light coat of gun oil to moving parts, such as the action bars, bolt, and trigger assembly components.
3. Storage: Store your shotgun in a dry, safe environment, ideally in a humidity-controlled gun safe.

These practices will preserve the blued finish and ensure the smooth operation of the internal mechanisms.

Why Buy Your Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field 20 Gauge from DEGuns?

When investing in a firearm as significant as the Mossberg 500, choosing a reputable dealer is crucial. DEGuns offers a comprehensive selection of firearms, competitive pricing, and knowledgeable customer service, ensuring you get the right product for your needs. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and extensive inventory make them a trusted source for all your firearm acquisitions. The Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field 20 Gauge (UPC: 015813501361) is a prime example of the quality firearms available.

The Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field 20 Gauge is more than just a shotgun; it's an investment in a legacy of reliability and versatility. Its balanced design, manageable recoil, and robust construction make it an exceptional choice for anyone seeking a dependable firearm for hunting, sport, or general utility.

Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field 20 Gauge Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Mossberg
Model	500
Series	All Purpose Field
Gauge	20 Gauge
Chamber	3"
Action	Pump
Capacity	5+1 (Max Capacity: 5)
Barrel Length	26"
Barrel Description	Vent Rib
Barrel Finish	Blued
Receiver Material	Steel
Receiver Finish	Blued
Stock Material	Hardwood
Stock Finish	Hardwood (Brown Group)
Safety	Tang (Ambidextrous)
Sights	Dual Bead
Choke Configuration	Accu-Set
Chokes Included	Full / Improved Cylinder / Modified
Overall Length (OAL)	45.50"
Length of Pull	13.87"
Weight	7 lbs
Hand	Right Hand
Application	Field
UPC	015813501361