Description
Let’s talk about the Mossberg 500 L-Series Pump 12ga 28″ 3″ Realtree Max-4 Synthetic Stock Left Hand. This is a purpose-built, left-handed pump-action shotgun designed for the southpaw hunter. It features a 28-inch vent-rib barrel chambered for 3-inch shells, a left-side ejection port, and comes dressed in a Realtree Max-4 camo synthetic stock. At $390.37, it’s a dedicated tool that solves the age-old problem for lefties—keeping hot brass and the action out of your line of sight. I’ve put plenty of rounds through the 500 platform, and this left-hand configuration is the real deal for anyone who’s tired of adapting to a right-handed world.
Key Features
- True Left-Handed Design: Ejection port is on the left side, sending spent shells away from a left-handed shooter’s face and field of view.
- Realtree Max-4 Camo Finish: Full synthetic stock and forend are finished in an effective, all-season camouflage pattern for Missouri timber and field blends.
- 28″ Vent-Rib Barrel: Provides a long, smooth swing for waterfowl and turkey hunting, with a brass bead front sight for quick target acquisition.
- Dual Action Bars: Mossberg’s twin action bars ensure smooth, reliable pumping and reduce the chance of binding under heavy use or in adverse conditions.
- Ambidextrous Safety: The tang-mounted safety is easily operated with your thumb, whether you’re right or left-handed—a feature I’ve always appreciated on the 500.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 28″ Vent Rib |
| Overall Length | Approx. 48.5″ |
| Stock | Synthetic, Realtree Max-4 Camo |
| Capacity | 5+1 (with included plug) |
| Action | Pump, Left-Hand Ejection |
| Safety | Tang-Mounted |
The weight, coming in around 7 to 7.5 pounds, gives it a solid feel that soaks up recoil without being a burden on a long walk. Here’s the thing—this isn’t a gimmick. The L-Series is a genuine factory-built lefty. The camo isn’t just a dip; it’s a durable finish that holds up to briars and weather. And because it’s a Mossberg 500, you have access to a massive aftermarket. Want to swap barrels for deer season? A standard right-handed Mossberg 500 barrel won’t work due to the ejection port, but Mossberg and brands like Carlson’s make dedicated left-handed barrels that are drop-in ready. That modularity is a huge plus.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This shotgun is built for one person: the left-handed hunter. If you’re a southpaw chasing turkey, waterfowl, or upland game and you’ve been making do with a right-handed gun, this changes the game. It’s also a fantastic option for a new left-handed shooter who wants to learn on a platform that fits them naturally from day one. The 28-inch barrel and full camo make it a dedicated field gun, not a home defense tool (though you could certainly set it up for that with a shorter barrel).
Pros & Cons
Pros: Finally, a true factory left-handed pump action. The Realtree Max-4 is highly effective in many Missouri environments. Mossberg 500 reliability is legendary—this is a workhorse. The price point is very accessible for a specialized firearm. The tang safety is ambidextrous and intuitive.
Cons: Aftermarket support for left-handed specific parts (like barrels) is good but not as vast as for the standard model. The synthetic stock, while durable, doesn’t have the classic feel of wood. At 48.5 inches overall, it’s a long gun, which is great for swinging on birds but can be cumbersome in tight blinds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use my existing right-handed Mossberg 500 barrels on this L-Series model?
A: No, you cannot. The left-side ejection port means the barrel’s ejection port cut is mirrored. You must use barrels specifically designed for the Mossberg 500 Left-Hand series. They are available from Mossberg and several aftermarket manufacturers.
Q: What is the actual shell capacity?
A: The magazine tube holds 5 shells of 2 3/4″ length. With one in the chamber, that’s 5+1. It includes a plug to limit capacity to 2+1 for migratory bird hunting, as required by federal law. For 3″ shells, capacity is slightly less due to the longer hulls.
Q: Is the safety truly left-handed?
A: The safety is tang-mounted, right on top behind the receiver. It’s pushed forward with your thumb to fire, back for safe. This design is completely ambidextrous and is one of the best safety locations available, in my opinion. It works perfectly for both right and left-handed shooters.
Look, if you’re a lefty who hunts, you’ve probably compromised for years. The Mossberg 500 L-Series in Realtree Max-4 ends that compromise. It’s a reliable, dedicated tool that fits you, not the other way around. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. If this specs out to what you need, it’s a solid investment in a shotgun that will last a lifetime of seasons.
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