Mossberg

The Mossberg 500 Series: America’s Best-Selling Pump Shotgun

The Mossberg 500 has been in continuous production since 1961 and has sold more units than any other pump shotgun in history. Its dual extractors, ambidextrous tang safety, and interchangeable barrel system make it the most versatile platform in the category — a single receiver can run a 28” field barrel for upland birds, an 18.5” cylinder bore for home defense, and a rifled slug barrel for deer season. The 500 is available in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410, in configurations from youth-stocked field guns to tactical models. It’s the right answer for any buyer who wants one shotgun that does everything.

Mossberg 590 and 590A1: The Tactical Standard

The Mossberg 590 builds on the 500 platform with a heavier barrel, metal trigger guard and safety, and an extended magazine tube for increased capacity. The 590A1 takes it further — it’s the only pump shotgun to pass the U.S. military’s MIL-SPEC 3443 torture test, which requires 3,000 rounds of proof loads with zero failures. Ghost ring sights, Picatinny rail, and bayonet lug configurations are available. For home defense buyers who want maximum durability and don’t want to wonder whether their shotgun will cycle under stress, the 590A1 is the benchmark. The 590S variant accepts 1¾” mini shells in addition to standard 2¾” and 3” loads, increasing capacity significantly.

Mossberg 940 Pro: Competition-Ready Out of the Box

The 940 Pro series is Mossberg’s answer to serious competitive shooters and demanding hunters who want a semi-automatic shotgun that cycles anything without tuning. The gas-operated action is self-regulating, handling light target loads and heavy 3” magnums without adjustment. The 940 Pro Tactical — 18.5” barrel, fiber optic sights, optics-ready receiver — has become one of the most popular home defense semi-autos on the market. The 940 Pro field guns offer ported barrels and extended choke systems for hunters who want to go straight from the box to the blind. At its price point, the 940 Pro competes directly with guns costing significantly more.

Mossberg Shockwave: The Unique Non-NFA Firearm

The Mossberg Shockwave is technically classified as a “firearm” rather than a shotgun under federal law — its 14.375” barrel and overall length over 26” with a bird’s head grip place it outside both shotgun and short-barreled shotgun definitions, requiring no NFA tax stamp. The result is an extremely compact 12 gauge or .410 platform that can be owned and transferred like a standard firearm in most states. It’s popular for truck guns, storage in tight spaces, and buyers who want maximum compactness without NFA paperwork. Note that some states have additional restrictions — check your local laws before purchasing.

Mossberg Gauges and Configurations: Choosing the Right Model

Most Mossberg platforms are available across multiple gauges. The 500 and 590 series come in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410, with youth-length configurations in the smaller gauges. For hunting, the 500 Field and 505 Youth are the practical choices. For home defense, the 500 Persuader, 590, and 590A1 in 12 gauge are the core recommendations. For competition, the 940 Pro in 12 gauge is the flagship. Mossberg’s barrel interchangeability across the 500 platform means you can start with one configuration and expand as your needs change without buying a second receiver.

Frequently Asked Questions: Mossberg Shotguns

Which is the best Mossberg shotgun?
The best Mossberg depends on your use. For home defense, the Mossberg 590A1 is the gold standard — it passed US military qualification testing and is the most durable production pump shotgun available. For hunting and general use, the Mossberg 500 is the best-value pump shotgun in the market. For competition and 3-Gun, the Mossberg 940 JM Pro is the choice, designed with competitive shooter Jerry Miculek. For a compact non-NFA home defense option, the Mossberg Shockwave is unique in the lineup.

What are the different Mossberg shotgun models?
Mossberg’s primary shotgun lineup includes: the 500 series (the foundational pump-action in 12, 20, and .410 bore), the 590 and 590A1 (heavy-duty tactical pump-actions), the 590S (accepts 1.75-inch Mini Shells), the 940 Pro series (semi-automatic including the 940 JM Pro competition model), the Shockwave (non-NFA 14-inch firearm), and the MC1sc and MC2c pistols. Mossberg also produces the Maverick 88, a value-tier pump-action sold under the Maverick Arms brand.

Is the Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 better?
Both are excellent pump-action shotguns and the two most popular in American history. The Mossberg 500 has an ambidextrous tang safety, a slightly smoother action feel for many shooters, and strong aftermarket support. The Remington 870 has a steel receiver (vs. aluminum on the 500) and slightly more aftermarket options. Both are reliable — the choice is ergonomic preference. The Mossberg 590A1 is clearly superior to the 870 for tactical/defense use due to its military-specification construction.

What gauge does the Mossberg 500 come in?
The Mossberg 500 is available in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410 bore. The 12 gauge is the most widely available with the most configuration options. The 20 gauge is popular for youth shooters, bird hunters, and those who want reduced recoil. The .410 bore is the smallest and lightest configuration.

Does Mossberg make semi-automatic shotguns?
Yes. Mossberg’s 940 Pro series is their flagship semi-automatic shotgun lineup, using a gas-operated system that cycles reliably across a wide range of loads. The 940 JM Pro is the competition-optimized variant designed with champion shooter Jerry Miculek, and the 940 Pro Tactical is the defensive configuration. The 940 series competes directly with the Beretta A300 and Browning Maxus in the mid-tier gas semi-auto segment.

See Also: Mossberg 500 • Mossberg 590A1 • Mossberg 940 JM Pro • Mossberg Shockwave • Pump-Action Shotguns