When you head into the field for turkey season, the right shotgun makes the difference between a confident setup and a day of second-guessing. This review walks through a purpose-built pump-action platform that balances proven reliability with turkey-specific upgrades so you can focus on the shot and the stalk.
MOSSBERG 500 TURKEY is designed around the familiar pump-action fundamentals that made the series a staple, but it’s tuned for turkey hunting with specialized sights, an X-Factor choke and a camouflage, weatherproof stock. Shop this product here
Platform and Fit: Why the 500 Frame Works for Turkey
The Mossberg 500 family is known for a rugged, simple pump action. This turkey-specific variant keeps core features like the twin action bars and dual extractors for smooth, reliable cycling and positive ejection under field conditions. The takedown design makes transport and cleaning straightforward, which is important when you’re moving between stand and blind.
Ergonomics and Controls
Ambidextrous tang safety keeps operation intuitive for right- or left-handed shooters and helps with fast follow-up shots. The fixed length of pull at 13.875 inches suits most hunters and the overall length of 39.25 inches with a 22-inch barrel makes it maneuverable in tight blinds without sacrificing sight radius.
Barrel, Sights, and Patterning for Turkey Loads
The MOSSBERG 500 TURKEY comes with a vent rib barrel designed to give a clear sight plane for the rifle-style fiber optic sight. The adjustable fiber optic front sight is tuned specifically for the close-to-medium ranges common in turkey hunting, helping you quickly mount and acquire a tight pattern on center-mass or head shots.
Choke System and Bore Capacity
Equipped with an X-Factor ported turkey choke, this shotgun helps you get dense, consistent patterns with heavy turkey-specific loads. The product description also notes a five-shot tubular magazine configuration in some iterations, while the 20-gauge specification lists a 6-round capacity and a 3″ chamber—an advantageous combination for hunters who want additional follow-up shots without sacrificing pattern performance.
Durability and Finish
The synthetic stock and Mossy Oak Obsession barrel finish are weatherproof, minimizing the impact of wet conditions or dense early-season brush. At a dry weight of about 6.75 pounds, the gun strikes a comfortable balance between carryability and recoil mitigation when paired with 20-gauge turkey loads.
Mounting and Optics
A cantilever scope mount on the receiver gives you room to install a red dot or low-power scope while retaining a generous sight picture with the fiber optic front. This mounting geometry lets you choose between an optic for extended snaps or the fiber-optic sight for instant bead alignment.
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Tactical Handling and Field Use
From a tactical perspective, the MOSSBERG 500 TURKEY keeps things straightforward: a reliable pump action with enhancements that matter in the turkey woods. The ambidextrous safety and straightforward controls reduce cognitive load at the moment of truth, and the vent rib/adjustable fiber optic combination is tuned for the close ranges turkey hunting demands.
Ammunition and Load Selection
Chambered for 3″ shells and offered in 20 gauge on this model, the shotgun provides faster follow-up handling with reduced felt recoil compared to larger gauges. Use premium turkey loads matched to the X-Factor choke to get the tight patterns needed on long-bearded birds. Because the MOSSBERG 500 TURKEY supports a range of loads and has a generous chamber, you can test patterning at 30–40 yards to determine your sweet spot.
Specs at a Glance
Key specifications to keep in mind: Gauge: 20, Capacity: 6 (per spec sheet), Chamber: 3″, Barrel Type: Vent Rib, Barrel Length: 22″, Sight: Adjustable Fiber Optic, Choke: X-Factor, LOP: Fixed 13.875″, Barrel & Stock Finish: Mossy Oak Obsession, Weight: 6.75 lb, Overall Length: 39.25 in. Price listed: $502.99.
Who Should Consider the MOSSBERG 500 TURKEY?
This model is aimed at shooters who want a reliable pump-action shotgun with turkey-focused features out of the box. It’s ideal for hunters who value a weatherproof synthetic stock, a purpose-built sighting system, and the option to mount optics via the cantilever mount. The 20-gauge balance of reduced recoil and effective terminal performance makes it approachable for younger or recoil-sensitive hunters without compromising patterning potential.
Maintenance and Longevity
Routine field maintenance is straightforward thanks to the takedown design and the simplicity of the pump-action platform. Keep the action clean, check the extractors and twin action bars for wear, and periodically inspect the adjustable sight and choke threads to ensure consistent performance season after season.
If you’re ready to evaluate fit and finish in person or make a purchase, Check current availability on the product page—clicking the link takes you to our shop where you can review details and complete the purchase via the retailer.
Whether you prioritize tight turkey patterns, weather-resistant finishes, or a platform that’s simple to maintain, the MOSSBERG 500 TURKEY pairs proven pump-action reliability with turkey-specific refinements that matter in the blind. Assess patterning with your chosen loads, verify fit, and you’ll have a shotgun well-suited for serious turkey seasons ahead.
People Also Ask
What makes this product stand out from competitors?
This product offers superior quality and innovative features that set it apart in the market. Its design focuses on both performance and reliability, making it a top choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Is this product suitable for beginners?
Yes, this product is designed with user-friendly features that make it accessible to beginners while still offering advanced capabilities for experienced users.
What warranty or support is available?
The product comes with comprehensive warranty coverage and excellent customer support to ensure your satisfaction and peace of mind.
How does this compare to similar products in its price range?
This product offers exceptional value for its price point, providing features and quality that typically cost significantly more in comparable alternatives.
What maintenance is required?
Minimal maintenance is required thanks to the product’s durable construction and quality materials. Regular cleaning and occasional inspections will keep it performing optimally.
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