Unlock the World of Field Hunting with the Mossberg 500 Bantam 12 Gauge Shotgun

Are you searching for the perfect starter shotgun for a young hunter? Or perhaps you're an adult with a smaller stature looking for a reliable, well-fitting pump-action firearm? The Mossberg 500 Bantam 12 Gauge Shotgun answers these questions with resounding clarity. Renowned for its unparalleled reliability and thoughtful design, the Mossberg 500 Bantam, specifically model 52132, stands out as an exceptional choice for those who prioritize comfort, safety, and performance in the field.

The Mossberg 500 series has earned its legendary status across households, law enforcement agencies, and military forces worldwide, testament to its versatile and robust platform. The Bantam variant takes this proven foundation and tailors it for youth and smaller-framed shooters, addressing a common challenge: finding a shotgun that truly fits. With its intelligently designed dimensions and user-friendly features, the Bantam ensures a more comfortable and confidence-inspiring shooting experience, directly solving the problem of ill-fitting firearms that can hinder proper technique and enjoyment.

Why the Mossberg 500 Bantam is the Ideal Choice

Choosing a shotgun, especially for a new or young shooter, involves many considerations. The Mossberg 500 Bantam excels in several key areas that make it a top recommendation:

• Optimized Fit for Smaller Shooters: The most significant advantage of the Bantam is its compact dimensions. Featuring a 13-inch Length of Pull (LOP), which is one inch shorter than standard field models, it allows for a more natural and comfortable shooting stance. This improved fit translates directly into better recoil management, enhanced accuracy, and a more enjoyable experience overall, especially during extended hunting trips or shooting sessions.
• Unwavering Reliability and Durability: At its core, the Bantam inherits the Mossberg 500's reputation for rugged dependability. Its construction boasts features like dual extractors, ensuring consistent and reliable spent shell ejection. The positive steel-to-steel lockup provides immense strength and security with every shot. Furthermore, the twin action bars contribute to incredibly smooth pump operation, minimizing any binding or jamming, even under challenging conditions. The anti-jam elevator system further solidifies its reputation for flawless cycling.
• Versatility for Diverse Hunting Applications: Equipped with a 24-inch vent rib barrel and the versatile Accu-Set choke system (including Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder chokes), this 12-gauge shotgun is incredibly adaptable. Whether you're pursuing upland birds, waterfowl, or small game, you can quickly change chokes to optimize your shot pattern for the specific hunting scenario, maximizing your success rate in the field.
• Designed with Safety in Mind: For any firearm user, particularly beginners, safety is paramount. The Mossberg 500 Bantam features a top-mounted tang safety, a design element widely praised for its ambidextrous operation and intuitive placement. This accessible safety mechanism allows for quick and secure manipulation by both left- and right-handed shooters, adding an essential layer of security and peace of mind during handling and hunting.
• Exceptional Value: When considering a firearm purchase, especially a first shotgun, balancing quality with affordability is crucial. The Mossberg 500 Bantam offers an outstanding blend of premium features, legendary reliability, and a youth-friendly design, representing an excellent long-term investment for growing shooters and their families.

A Closer Look at the Bantam's Engineering and Ergonomics

Understanding the specific features that make the Mossberg 500 Bantam a standout choice provides deeper insight into its performance and user experience.

The Foundation: Legendary Mossberg 500 Platform

The Mossberg 500 series is one of the most widely used and trusted pump-action shotguns globally. Its robust design and time-tested mechanics form the bedrock of the Bantam. This means when you invest in a Bantam, you're not just getting a youth shotgun; you're getting a scaled-down version of a combat-proven and field-ready system. This heritage directly contributes to its reputation for enduring performance and minimal operational issues.

Precision Engineering for Flawless Operation

The internal mechanisms of the Mossberg 500 Bantam are engineered for smooth, consistent operation.

• Dual Extractors: Unlike some shotguns that rely on a single extractor, the Bantam's dual extractors grip the spent shell rim on both sides. This provides more positive and reliable extraction, significantly reducing the chances of a "stovepipe" jam or other ejection failures, even with varied ammunition types.
• Twin Action Bars: The pump-action mechanism is actuated by twin action bars. This design ensures that the forend moves smoothly and consistently along the receiver, preventing any twisting or binding that can occur with single action bar designs. This translates to incredibly smooth cycling, allowing for rapid follow-up shots when needed.
• Positive Steel-to-Steel Lockup: When a round is chambered, the bolt locks directly into the barrel extension with a robust steel-to-steel connection. This strong lockup enhances the shotgun's structural integrity, contributes to its overall durability, and ensures safe operation by securely containing the pressures generated during firing.
• Anti-Jam Elevator: This component works in conjunction with the other action parts to ensure that shells feed from the magazine tube into the chamber without interruption. It's a critical element in maintaining the Mossberg 500's reputation for anti-jamming reliability.

Comfort and Control: Ergonomic Design Elements

The Bantam isn't just about internal mechanics; its external design is meticulously crafted for user comfort, especially for its target audience.

• EZ-Reach Forend: The forend on the Bantam is designed to be easier to grasp, a crucial feature for smaller hands. It’s also positioned closer to the shooter, reducing the reach required to operate the pump action. This thoughtful design minimizes fatigue and promotes more natural, fluid movement during shooting.
• Hardwood Stock: The shotgun features a durable and aesthetically pleasing hardwood stock with a blued finish on the metal components. This classic look is not only appealing but also contributes to the shotgun's overall balance and sturdy feel. The 13-inch Length of Pull (LOP) is specifically tailored to fit younger or smaller shooters, ensuring proper cheek weld and shoulder placement for optimal aim and recoil absorption.
• Ambidextrous Top-Tang Safety: The safety switch is located conveniently on the top tang of the receiver. This placement makes it easily accessible and operable with the thumb of either hand, without requiring a significant shift in grip. This ambidextrous design is a major advantage, making the Bantam equally comfortable and safe for right- and left-handed shooters alike.
• Adjustable Trigger: The Mossberg 500 Bantam features an adjustable trigger, allowing for fine-tuning to the shooter's preference. This capability contributes to improved trigger control and shot placement, a significant benefit for developing proper shooting habits and maximizing accuracy.

Barrel and Choke System for Optimal Performance

The 24-inch vent rib barrel, finished in a durable blued metal, is designed for optimal patterning and target acquisition. The ventilated rib helps dissipate heat and provides a clear, elevated sight plane, allowing for quicker and more precise aiming with the dual bead sights. The inclusion of the Accu-Set choke system (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder) means the shooter can easily adapt the shotgun's shot pattern to various distances and game types. For instance, an Improved Cylinder choke is excellent for close-range shots on fast-moving targets like quail, while a Full choke is better suited for longer shots on ducks or turkeys.

Who Benefits Most from the Mossberg 500 Bantam 12 Gauge?

The Mossberg 500 Bantam is not just a shotgun; it's a gateway to responsible firearm ownership and a lifetime of outdoor enjoyment. It is specifically tailored for:

• First-Time Shooters and Beginners: Its intuitive operation, reduced size, and focus on safety make it an excellent platform for learning the fundamentals of shotgun shooting and hunting.
• Young Hunters: For youth transitioning from smaller calibers or just starting their hunting journey, the Bantam provides a full-power 12-gauge experience in a manageable package, allowing them to participate fully in field activities.
• Individuals with Smaller Frames: Any adult shooter who finds standard-sized shotguns too large or cumbersome will appreciate the Bantam's comfortable fit and improved ergonomics, leading to better control and reduced fatigue.
• Dedicated Field Hunters: With its reliable action, versatile choke system, and durable construction, the Bantam is a capable and dependable partner for a wide array of hunting pursuits, from waterfowl to upland game.

Maximizing Your Mossberg 500 Bantam Experience

To fully leverage the capabilities of your Mossberg 500 Bantam and ensure a safe and successful experience, consider these crucial aspects:

• Proper Fit is Key: While the Bantam is designed for smaller shooters, ensuring the fit is absolutely perfect for the individual is critical. A qualified instructor or gunsmith can help assess fit, which impacts recoil management, sight picture, and overall shooting comfort.
• Understanding Choke Tubes: Take the time to learn about the different choke tubes included (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder) and their effects on shot patterns. Experiment at a shooting range with different loads and chokes to see how they perform at various distances. This knowledge is invaluable for ethical hunting and maximizing your effectiveness.
• Regular Maintenance and Care: Like any precision instrument, your Mossberg 500 Bantam requires regular cleaning and maintenance. A clean and properly lubricated shotgun will perform reliably for decades. Refer to the owner's manual for specific cleaning instructions and recommended lubrication points.
• Prioritize Firearm Safety: Always adhere to the four fundamental rules of firearm safety:
  1. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
  2. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
  3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
  4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
  Supervised instruction and consistent reinforcement of these principles are vital, especially for young shooters.

The Mossberg 500 Bantam isn't just a purchase; it's an investment in skill development, outdoor adventure, and the enduring legacy of a trusted American firearm manufacturer. Its blend of youth-friendly ergonomics, robust reliability, and field-proven performance makes it a highly recommended choice for anyone seeking a versatile and comfortable pump-action shotgun.

This exceptional shotgun, the Mossberg 52132 500 Bantam 12 Gauge, is available for purchase at DEGuns.com. As a reputable source for firearms, DEGuns offers a wide selection and expert advice to ensure you find the perfect fit for your needs.

Mossberg 500 Bantam 12 Gauge Specifications

Feature	Detail	Additional Notes
Brand	Mossberg	Trusted American Manufacturer
Category	Shotguns	Pump-Action Field Model
Series	Bantam	Optimized for Youth / Smaller Shooters
Model	500	Legendary Platform
Gauge	12 Gauge	Versatile for Various Game
Barrel Length	24 inches	Vent Rib Barrel for Aiming
Stock Finish Group	Brown	Classic Hardwood Appearance
Capacity	5+1 Rounds	Standard Capacity
Stock Material	Wood	Durable Hardwood Construction
Action	Pump	Smooth Twin Action Bars
Overall Length (OAL)	42.62 inches	Compact for Easy Handling
Hand	Right Hand	Ambidextrous Safety Operation
Sights	Dual Bead	Clear Sight Picture
Size	Youth	Shorter Length of Pull (LOP)
Chamber	3 inches	Accommodates 2-3/4" and 3" Shells
Barrel Finish	Blued	Durable Metal Finish
Choke Configuration	Accu-Set	Interchangeable Choke System
Application	Field	Ideal for Hunting
Chokes Included	F, M, IC	Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder
Receiver Material	Steel	Robust and Durable
Safety	Ambidextrous Top Tang	Easy Access for All Shooters
Length of Pull (LOP)	13 inches	Reduced for Better Fit
Max Capacity	5 Rounds	Magazine Capacity
Receiver Finish	Blued	Matches Barrel Finish
Trigger	Adjustable	Customizable for Shooter Preference
Weight	7.25 lbs	Manageable for Youth and Smaller Adults
Stock Finish	Hardwood	Traditional Aesthetic
UPC	015813521321	Product Identification Code