The Ultimate Guide to the Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field Shotgun (Model 56420)

For enthusiasts, seasoned hunters, or those just entering the world of sporting shotguns, choosing the right firearm is paramount. When performance, reliability, and versatility are at the top of your list, the Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field 12 Gauge shotgun, specifically model 56420, consistently emerges as a top recommendation. This comprehensive guide will delve into what makes this particular Mossberg 500 variant an exceptional choice for a wide array of shooting activities, from upland bird hunting to clay target sports.

Why is the Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field a Popular Choice?

The Mossberg 500 series has earned its legendary status over decades, with millions of units sold worldwide. Its reputation is built on a foundation of rugged dependability and adaptability. The All-Purpose Field model extends this legacy, designed to meet the demands of diverse shooting scenarios.

Users frequently ask questions like:

• "What is the best shotgun for hunting small game and waterfowl?"
• "Which shotgun offers a good balance of reliability and affordability?"
• "How do I choose a versatile pump-action shotgun for both field and sport shooting?"
• "What features should I look for in a durable hunting shotgun?"

The Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field addresses these very questions, offering a robust, feature-rich platform that stands the test of time and tough conditions. Its design emphasizes ease of use, superior handling, and consistent performance, making it a favorite among experienced shooters and a highly recommended starting point for newcomers.

Unpacking the Core Features of the Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field (Model 56420)

Let's break down the key attributes that define the Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field and contribute to its exceptional functionality:

Precision Barrel and Finish for Optimal Performance

• 28-inch Vent Rib Barrel: The 28-inch barrel length is a sweet spot for field shotguns. It provides an ideal sight radius for accurate wing shooting, ensuring smoother swings and follow-through on moving targets. The vent rib not only aids in dissipating heat during extended shooting sessions but also provides a clear, elevated sighting plane, reducing glare and aiding in target acquisition. This barrel length is particularly effective for delivering consistent patterns with various shot sizes, crucial for successful hunting and clay sports.
• Matte Blued Metal Finish: The entire metalwork, including the barrel and receiver, is treated with a durable matte blued finish. This finish serves multiple critical purposes. Firstly, it offers excellent resistance against corrosion and wear, which is essential for a firearm exposed to the elements in field environments. Secondly, its non-reflective nature helps prevent glint and glare, a significant advantage when hunting, as it helps you remain undetected and avoids distracting reflections in bright conditions.

Legendary Mossberg Reliability: The Heart of the 500 Series

The Mossberg 500 platform is renowned for its unfailing action, a testament to its engineering and manufacturing quality. The All-Purpose Field model inherits these critical design elements:

• Dual Extractors: This robust design ensures a strong, reliable grip on the spent shell casing, pulling it firmly from the chamber. This significantly reduces the chances of a "stuck" case, even under adverse conditions or with various ammunition types.
• Positive Steel-to-Steel Lockup: The bolt locks directly into a steel extension on the barrel, providing an incredibly strong and secure lockup. This design maximizes shot consistency and contributes to the firearm's overall durability and longevity, handling repeated firing with ease.
• Twin Action Bars: Unlike many shotguns that use a single action bar, the Mossberg 500 features twin action bars. This symmetrical design provides exceptionally smooth and reliable pump cycling, eliminating binding or twisting that can occur with single-bar systems. The "Quiet Carry" aspect mentioned further enhances this by minimizing noise during operation, a distinct advantage in hunting scenarios where stealth is key.
• Anti-Jam Elevator: This component is specifically designed to prevent ammunition from jamming or misfeeding during the cycling process. Combined with the twin action bars, it ensures a virtually flawless feeding system, allowing for rapid and consistent follow-up shots when needed.

These internal mechanisms collectively provide the seamless, dependable operation that millions of users rely upon, whether they are in the duck blind, on the sporting clays course, or traversing challenging terrain.

Superior Ergonomics and User-Friendly Design

• Black Synthetic Stock: The high-strength synthetic stock is built to withstand the rigors of the field. It is impervious to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and impacts, making it incredibly durable and low-maintenance. The black finish is practical and timeless. Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable and secure grip, promoting better control and reducing fatigue during extended periods of carrying or shooting. The 13.87-inch length of pull (LOP) is well-suited for a wide range of shooters, offering a balanced and natural feel.
• Ambidextrous Tang Safety: A signature feature of the Mossberg 500 is its top-mounted tang safety. Positioned conveniently on the receiver, it is equally accessible and intuitive for both right-handed and left-handed shooters. This ambidextrous design allows for quick, positive engagement and disengagement of the safety without shifting your grip, enhancing safety and responsiveness in critical moments.
• Adjustable Trigger with Lightning Pump Action (LPA): The Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field model 56420 incorporates an adjustable trigger, often featuring the revolutionary Lightning Pump Action (LPA) system. The LPA trigger allows users to adjust the pull weight, offering a crisp, creep-free break that can significantly improve accuracy and consistency. A refined trigger pull helps reduce flinching and allows for more precise shot placement, a definite advantage whether you're aiming for a fast-flying bird or a stationary target.

Versatility through Choke System and Chambering

• 3-inch Chamber: This shotgun is chambered for 3-inch shells, which means it can safely and reliably fire both 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge ammunition. This versatility allows shooters to select the appropriate load for their specific needs, from lighter target loads to heavier magnum loads for larger game or extended range.
• Accu-Set Chokes Included (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder): The Mossberg Accu-Set system provides immediate adaptability for various shooting situations. Choke tubes control the spread of the shot pattern as it exits the barrel. The inclusion of Full (F), Modified (M), and Improved Cylinder (IC) chokes means you can customize your shotgun's performance on the fly:
  • Full (F): Provides the tightest pattern, ideal for long-range shots on wary birds like geese or turkeys, or for reaching distant clay targets.
  • Modified (M): A versatile middle-ground choke, excellent for medium-range hunting of ducks or pheasants, and a great all-around choice for sporting clays.
  • Improved Cylinder (IC): Delivers a more open pattern, perfect for close-range shots on fast-flushing birds like quail or dove, or for tackling up-close clay targets where a wider spread is beneficial.
  Swapping chokes is a straightforward process, empowering the shooter to optimize their pattern for specific targets and distances.

Ideal Applications for the Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field

The "All-Purpose Field" designation truly reflects the shotgun's design philosophy – to excel across a spectrum of outdoor shooting disciplines.

Hunting Expeditions

• Upland Bird Hunting: With its balanced feel, quick handling, and the ability to switch between IC and M chokes, this shotgun is perfectly suited for hunting pheasants, grouse, quail, and other upland game birds. The 28-inch barrel provides excellent pointing characteristics for swift, reactive shots.
• Waterfowl Hunting: Equipped with the Full or Modified choke and capable of handling 3-inch magnum loads, the 56420 becomes a formidable tool for duck and goose hunting. Its matte blued finish helps minimize visibility in the blind, and its robust synthetic stock withstands wet, muddy conditions without compromise.
• Small Game Hunting: For rabbits, squirrels, or other small game, the versatility of the chokes allows for precise pattern management, ensuring clean harvests.

Sport Shooting Disciplines

• Trap Shooting: The 28-inch vent rib barrel and consistent patterning capabilities make this an effective choice for trap shooting. The adjustable trigger contributes to precision, helping shooters break more clays.
• Skeet Shooting: While skeet typically favors shorter barrels and more open chokes, the 56420 can certainly be used, especially with the Improved Cylinder choke, for practice and enjoyment.
• Sporting Clays: Often called "golf with a shotgun," sporting clays courses present a wide variety of target presentations. The ability to quickly change chokes and the shotgun's inherent versatility make it a capable companion for navigating these diverse courses.

The Mossberg 500 Legacy: Mil-Spec Reliability and Uncompromising Standards

The Mossberg 500 series holds the distinction of being the only shotgun platform to pass all of the U.S. Military’s stringent Mil-Spec 3443E requirements. While the 56420 is an "All-Purpose Field" model, it is "built to the same uncompromising mil-specs as the renowned Mossberg 590." This means that the fundamental design, materials, and manufacturing processes adhere to incredibly high standards of durability, reliability, and performance under extreme conditions.

This commitment to military-grade specifications translates directly into a shotgun that civilians can trust implicitly. Whether facing harsh weather, extended periods of use, or simply the demanding nature of hunting and sport shooting, the Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field is engineered to perform without fail, echoing the reliability demanded by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide.

Maintenance and Care for Your Mossberg 500

Maintaining the Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field is straightforward, contributing to its long lifespan and consistent performance. The synthetic stock requires minimal care, typically just wiping down with a damp cloth. The matte blued finish benefits from regular cleaning and light oiling, especially after exposure to moisture, to prevent rust. Routine barrel cleaning and proper storage will ensure your shotgun remains in pristine condition for years of reliable service.

Why Purchase from DEGuns?

When considering a significant investment like the Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field (UPC 015813564205), it's essential to choose a reputable dealer. DEGuns is a trusted source for firearms, offering competitive pricing, a wide selection, and expert customer service. You can find this exceptional Mossberg 500 model, ready to enhance your hunting and shooting experiences, available at DEGuns.com.

Mossberg 500 All-Purpose Field (Model 56420) Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Mossberg
Model	500
Series	All Purpose Field
Category	Shotguns
Action	Pump
Gauge	12 Gauge
Capacity	5+1
Chamber	3"
Barrel Length	28"
Barrel Finish	Matte Blued
Barrel Desc.	Vent Rib
Receiver Mat.	Steel
Receiver Finish	Matte Blued
Stock Material	Synthetic
Stock Finish	Black
Safety	Tang
Trigger	Adjustable
Sights	Dual Bead
Choke Config.	Accu-Set
Chokes Incl.	F, M, IC
OAL	47.50"
Length of Pull	13.87"
Weight	7.50 lbs
Hand	Right Hand
Application	Field
UPC	015813564205