How Many Shells Does a Mossberg 500 Hold?
The Mossberg 500 is a popular pump-action shotgun widely used for hunting, self-defense, and sport shooting. One of the most common questions asked about this gun is how many shells it can hold. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide you with all the information you need to know about the Mossberg 500’s magazine capacity.
What is the Mossberg 500?
Before we dive into the magazine capacity, let’s take a brief look at the Mossberg 500. The Mossberg 500 is a series of pump-action shotguns manufactured by O.F. Mossberg & Sons. It’s a versatile firearm that’s available in various gauges, including 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and 410-gauge. The Mossberg 500 is known for its durability, reliability, and ease of use, making it a popular choice among shooters.
Magazine Capacity
The Mossberg 500’s magazine capacity depends on the gauge and type of shell used. Here’s a breakdown of the magazine capacity for each gauge:
- 12-Gauge: The 12-gauge Mossberg 500 can hold 4-6 shells, depending on the shell length and type. Slugs and extra-long shells may require a magazine extender to hold 6 shells, while standard 2 3/4" and 3" shells can fit 4 shells in the standard magazine.
- 20-Gauge: The 20-gauge Mossberg 500 can hold 4-5 shells, depending on the shell length and type. Standard 2 3/4" and 3" shells can fit 4 shells in the standard magazine.
- 410-Gauge: The 410-gauge Mossberg 500 can hold 2-3 shells, depending on the shell length and type. Standard 2 1/2" shells can fit 2 shells in the standard magazine.
Important Considerations
When carrying a Mossberg 500, it’s essential to consider the following:
- Shell length: Shorter shells, such as 2 1/2" shells, take up less space in the magazine than longer shells, such as 3" shells.
- Shell type: Some shells, like slugs, may require a magazine extender to fit in the standard magazine.
- Gauge: The gauge of the shotgun affects the magazine capacity. Larger gauges, like 12-gauge, can hold more shells than smaller gauges, like 410-gauge.
Magazine Extenders
If you need to carry more shells than the standard magazine capacity, you can use a magazine extender. These extenders are designed to fit on the end of the standard magazine, increasing the overall length and capacity. Some popular magazine extenders for the Mossberg 500 include:
- 6-shell extender for 12-gauge (fits 2 3/4" and 3" shells)
- 5-shell extender for 20-gauge (fits 2 3/4" and 3" shells)
- 3-shell extender for 410-gauge (fits 2 1/2" shells)
Comparison Table
Here’s a comparison table summarizing the magazine capacity for each gauge:
| Gauge | Standard Magazine Capacity | Magazine Extender Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 12-Gauge | 4-6 | 6 |
| 20-Gauge | 4-5 | 5 |
| 410-Gauge | 2-3 | 3 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mossberg 500’s magazine capacity varies depending on the gauge and type of shell used. Understanding the standard magazine capacity and the availability of magazine extenders can help you optimize your shotgun’s performance. Whether you’re a hunter, sport shooter, or self-defense enthusiast, it’s essential to know how many shells your Mossberg 500 can hold to ensure you’re always prepared for any situation.
Additional Tips
- Always check your local laws and regulations regarding shotgun magazine capacity and shell types.
- Consider using a magazine extender to increase your shotgun’s capacity, especially for longer hunting trips or tactical situations.
- Practice regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure your Mossberg 500 remains reliable and functional.
- Consider taking a shotgun safety course to learn more about shotgun handling and usage.
