Description
I remember the first time I handed a full-size 12-gauge to a new shooter, especially a younger one or someone with a smaller frame. The look of intimidation was real. That’s the exact problem the Mossberg 500 Bantam Combo Pump 20 ga 3″ 22″/24″ Wood Stock Blued solves. It’s a purpose-built, versatile shotgun designed for shooters who need a shorter length of pull and a milder 20-gauge chambering, all wrapped in Mossberg’s legendary 500-series reliability.
So, what is it? The Mossberg 500 Bantam Combo is a 20-gauge, 3-inch chamber pump-action shotgun with a 13-inch length of pull “Bantam” stock, making it ideal for youth, smaller-statured adults, or anyone seeking a more compact fit. It comes as a combo with two barrels: a 22″ vent-rib barrel for field use and a 24″ slug barrel with rifle sights, offering immediate versatility for hunting and target shooting right out of the box.
Built for Fit, Engineered for Versatility
Look, the core of this package is the “Bantam” stock. Mossberg didn’t just chop down a standard stock; they designed this one with a 13″ length of pull. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through guns with this configuration, and the difference in control and comfort for a shooter under 5’8″ is night and day. It promotes a proper mount and reduces felt recoil because you’re not stretching to reach the grip. The classic American walnut finish gives it a timeless look that doesn’t scream “youth gun.” The dual-barrel combo is the real genius, though. You can swap from the 22″ vent-rib barrel for clays or upland birds to the 24″ slug barrel with adjustable rifle sights in under a minute—no gunsmithing required. That gives you a single platform capable of handling everything from squirrels and turkey with shot to deer with rifled slugs, all for a price of $454.86.
Mossberg 500 DNA: Proven Simplicity
At its heart, this is a Mossberg 500. That means you’re getting the same twin action bars, steel-to-steel lockup, and tang-mounted safety that the platform is famous for. The safety is a huge plus—it’s ambidextrous and easy to click on and off with your thumb, something I always point out to new owners. The 20-gauge chambering is the sweet spot for many. It delivers plenty of power for small game and defense with significantly less recoil than a 12-gauge, making practice sessions more enjoyable and sustainable. The 5+1 capacity is standard and reliable, feeding smoothly from the under-barrel tube magazine. It’s a system that’s been proven in fields, blinds, and duty racks for decades, and this Bantam version simply makes that proven system accessible to more people.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge / Chamber | 20 Gauge / 3″ |
| Action | Pump Action |
| Barrel Combo | 22″ Vent Rib & 24″ Slug Barrel |
| Stock | American Walnut, 13″ Length of Pull |
| Finish | Blued |
| Overall Length (approx.) | 41.5″ with 24″ barrel |
| Sights | Bead (Vent Rib), Rifle (Slug Barrel) |
The Honest Take: Pros & Cons
Pros: The shorter stock is a game-fit changer for its intended audience. The two-barrel combo offers incredible value and immediate utility. Mossberg 500 reliability is unquestioned. The 20-gauge is a manageable, effective round. The classic wood and blued steel look is always in style.
Cons: For a full-grown adult with a long wingspan, the stock may feel too short (though standard 500 stocks are available to swap later). It’s a pump action, so follow-up shots are slower than a semi-auto. The blued finish, while classic, requires more care to prevent rust than modern coatings.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is the first serious shotgun I recommend for a new, younger shooter stepping up from a .410. It’s perfect for a smaller-framed adult hunter who wants a single, do-it-all shotgun for Missouri whitetail, turkey, and small game. It’s also an excellent choice for a home defender who finds a 12-gauge overwhelming. The combo nature means it’s a one-stop shop—you buy this, and you’re literally ready for the season. This package is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a standard adult-sized stock be put on this later?
A: Absolutely. The receiver is a standard Mossberg 500 pattern. If the shooter outgrows the Bantam stock or you want a different configuration, you can easily swap on any aftermarket stock made for the Mossberg 500/590 series, like those from Hogue or Magpul, giving the gun a long service life.
Q: What’s the real difference between the 22″ and 24″ barrels?
A: The 22″ vent-rib barrel is for shooting shot shells (birdshot, buckshot). The vent rib helps with sighting and heat dissipation. The 24″ slug barrel has rifle sights and is designed for improved accuracy with foster-type rifled slugs, making it your dedicated deer barrel. The swap takes less than 60 seconds.
Q: Is the 20-gauge powerful enough for deer hunting?
A: With proper rifled slugs and within reasonable distances (say, under 75 yards), the 20-gauge is a very effective whitetail cartridge. It has less recoil than a 12-gauge slug, which often leads to better shot placement. Always check your local regulations, but in Missouri, it’s a proven deer getter.
If you’ve been looking for a versatile, high-quality shotgun that actually fits you or a new shooter in your life, the Mossberg 500 Bantam Combo is one of the most sensible places to start. See more details on our site.
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