mossberg® 500: the complete story of an american icon

The Mossberg 500 is a shotgun that was designed and developed by O.F. Mossberg & Sons, a company that has been producing firearms for over 100 years. The Mossberg 500 was first introduced in 1961, and has since become one of the most popular and widely used shotguns in the world.

The Mossberg 500 was designed to be a simple, reliable, and affordable shotgun that could be used for a wide range of applications, including hunting, shooting, and self-defense. It was built to be easy to use and maintain, with a design that consisted of just a few basic parts.

O.F. Mossberg & Sons first years

O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. was founded in 1919 by Oscar Frederick Mossberg, who had previously worked as a tool and die maker in the automotive industry. Mossberg saw an opportunity to enter the firearms industry and began producing a line of high-quality, affordable shotguns and rifles. In the early years of the company, Mossberg focused on producing reliable and accurate firearms for hunters, sports shooters, and law enforcement agencies.

The company's first product was the Mossberg Brownie, a four-barrel .22 caliber handgun. The Brownie was designed as a pocket pistol and was intended for use as a backup or concealment firearm. It is a very small handgun, measuring only 4.5 inches in length and weighing just over 10 ounces. The gun has a unique design, with four barrels arranged in a square pattern and a single hammer that fires all four barrels simultaneously. It is a double action only firearm, meaning that pulling the trigger both cocks and releases the hammer. The Brownie was popular at the time of its production due to its small size and low price, but it is now a collector's item and is not commonly found.

In the following decades, Mossberg continued to innovate and expand its product line, introducing new models and features that have made the company a leader in the firearms industry.

1960s

The Mossberg 500 is introduced in 1961 and quickly becomes popular with hunters and shooters. It is known for its simplicity, reliability, and affordability.  This is the original model of the Mossberg 500, and is known for its simplicity, reliability, and affordability. It is available in a variety of barrel lengths and stock options, and is suitable for a wide range of applications, including hunting, shooting, and self-defense.

The "500" in the name refers to the fact that these shotguns were designed to handle a variety of 500 different shotgun cartridges.

1970s

Mossberg 500A (introduced in 1974): The Mossberg 500A is an updated version of the original Mossberg 500, with a few minor improvements. It is available in the same barrel lengths and stock options as the original, and is suitable for the same applications.

1980s

Mossberg 500 Bantam (introduced in 1980): The Mossberg 500 Bantam is a version of the Mossberg 500 that is specifically designed for smaller shooters. It has a shorter stock and barrel, and is available in 20 gauge as well as 12 gauge.

Mossberg 500 Cruiser (introduced in 1986): The Mossberg 500 Cruiser is a compact version of the Mossberg 500 that is designed for easy handling and quick target acquisition. It has a shorter barrel and a pistol grip stock, and is available in 12 gauge only.

Mossberg 590 (introduced in 1988): The Mossberg 590 was introduced by O.F. Mossberg & Sons in 1988. It is a tactical version of the Mossberg 500, which is a popular hunting shotgun. The 590 is known for its durability, reliability, and versatility, and it is widely used by military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters. There are several versions of the Mossberg 590, including the 590A1, which is a military-grade shotgun that meets strict Mil-Spec requirements for durability and reliability. The 590A1 has a heavier barrel, a metal trigger guard and safety, and a bayonet lug.

m500 vs m590: the guide

1990s

Mossberg 500 Persuader (introduced in 1994): The Mossberg 500 Persuader is a tactical version of the Mossberg 500 that is designed for self-defense and law enforcement use. It has a shorter barrel and a tactical style stock, and is available in 12 gauge only.

Original Mossberg 500 1979 advertisement. Source: O.F. Mossberg & Sons

Other versions of the Mossberg 590 include the 590 Shockwave (2017),which has a shorter barrel and a "bird's head" grip, making it classified as a "firearm" rather than a shotgun under US federal law. The 590 Shockwave is popular for its compact size and ease of handling. There is also the Mossberg 590M (2019), which is a magazine-fed version of the 590 with a detachable box magazine that can hold up to 15 rounds o f ammunition. The 590M is popular for its high capacity and quick reloading capability.

These are just a few examples of the many different models of the Mossberg 500 that have been introduced over the years. There are many more variations available, each with its own unique features and capabilities.

why mossberg 500 became american icon

The Mossberg 500 has become an American icon for a number of reasons. Here are a few of the key factors that have contributed to its enduring popularity and cultural significance:

  •   Reliability: One of the main reasons that the Mossberg 500 has become an American icon is its reliability. It is known for being a shotgun that you can count on to work every time, no matter what. This reliability has made it a favorite of hunters, shooters, law enforcement agencies, and military units around the world.

  •   Simplicity: The Mossberg 500 is a simple, straightforward shotgun that is easy to use and maintain. Its design consists of just a few basic parts, making it a great choice for those who may not have a lot of experience with firearms.

  •   Versatility: The Mossberg 500 is a versatile shotgun that can be used for a wide range of applications, including hunting, shooting, self-defense, and law enforcement. Its versatility has contributed to its popularity and made it a go-to choice for many people.
 
  •  Durability: The Mossberg 500 is a durable shotgun that is built to withstand heavy use. Its high quality materials and sturdy construction make it a reliable choice that can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.

  •   Cultural significance: Finally, the Mossberg 500 has become an American icon due in part to its cultural significance. It has appeared in countless movies, TV shows, and video games, and has become a symbol of American culture and heritage. Its iconic status has helped to make it a beloved and enduring symbol of the American way of life.

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