Description
I remember the first time I took a Mossberg 500 TURKEY OR Shotguns Pump Action into the woods. The pre-dawn chill, the quiet anticipation, and the absolute confidence that when a tom finally strutted into range, this tool wouldn’t let me down. That’s the experience this shotgun is built for. So, what is the 500 TURKEY OR Shotguns Pump Action? It’s a purpose-built, 12-gauge pump-action shotgun from Mossberg, designed specifically for turkey hunting with features like a specialized turkey choke, camo finish, and a shorter barrel for maneuverability in the blind. It’s a no-nonsense, reliable hunting implement that gets the job done without fuss.
Here’s the thing—you don’t need a $2,000 semi-auto to bag a gobbler. What you need is a dependable action, a pattern that holds tight at 40 yards, and a gun that won’t snag on every branch. The 500 TURKEY OR delivers exactly that. The pump action is the same proven, dual-action-bar design Mossberg has used for decades; I’ve put hundreds of rounds through various 500s, and they just run. The 20-inch barrel, chambered for 3-inch shells, keeps the overall length manageable. At just over 7 pounds unloaded, it’s light enough to carry all morning but has enough heft to soak up the punch of heavy turkey loads.
The key features start with the name: “TURKEY OR.” The “OR” stands for Overland Refuge, Mossberg’s official camo pattern that breaks up your outline perfectly in mixed hardwoods and brush—exactly the kind of terrain we have across Missouri. It comes from the factory with an extended, extra-full turkey choke tube installed, which is critical for getting that dense, head-stopping pattern at distance. The fiber-optic rifle-style sights are a huge upgrade over a simple bead when you’re trying to place a precise shot on a turkey’s neck. It’s a system that fits out of the box, with no gunsmithing required to start patterning it for the season.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3″ Chamber) |
| Action | Pump Action |
| Barrel Length | 20 Inches |
| Overall Length | 40.5 Inches |
| Weight | 7.25 lbs (approx.) |
| Capacity | 5+1 Rounds |
| Finish | Overland Refuge Camo |
| Choke | Extended Turkey Choke (Installed) |
Let’s talk pros and cons. The pros are straightforward: legendary Mossberg 500 reliability, a dedicated turkey-hunting configuration right off the shelf, and excellent sights for precise aiming. The cons? It’s a pump, so follow-up shots are slower than a semi-auto—but in turkey hunting, your first shot is usually the only one that matters. The shorter barrel isn’t ideal for waterfowl or clays. And while the synthetic stock is durable, it lacks the warmth of wood. That said, for its intended role, the compromises make perfect sense.
Who is this for? It’s for the Missouri hunter who wants a dedicated, affordable turkey gun that works. It’s for the landowner who needs a rugged shotgun for predator control around the property. It’s also a fantastic first shotgun for a new hunter, thanks to its simple manual of arms and manageable price point of $433.79. Because it’s built on the standard Mossberg 500 platform, it’s compatible with a vast ecosystem of aftermarket parts—stocks, forends, and accessories from brands like Hogue and Magpul are all potential upgrades down the line if you want to personalize it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this shotgun shoot 3.5-inch magnum shells?
A: No. The chamber is for 3-inch shells (and shorter 2.75-inch shells). This is typical for many 500 models and is more than sufficient for turkey hunting with modern, high-density loads.
Q: Is the choke tube removable for cleaning or changing patterns?
A: Absolutely. It uses a standard Accu-Choke thread system. The included extended turkey choke is ideal for TSS or heavy lead shot, but you can swap it for a modified or improved cylinder tube for other uses, like deer slugs with the rifle sights.
Q: Is it ready to hunt straight from the box?
A: Yes, with one critical step. You need to pattern it with your chosen ammunition at various distances to see exactly where it hits. The gun is mechanically ready, but knowing your pattern is essential for ethical hunting. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases when it ships to Missouri and compliant US states.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy, purpose-driven shotgun that won’t complicate the hunt, the Mossberg 500 TURKEY OR deserves a close look. Check its availability at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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