Description
You’ve been there—crouched in a Missouri timber bottom, waiting for the turkeys to come off the roost, and your right-handed buddy’s pump-action clatter sends them the other way. Or maybe you’re teaching a young left-handed shooter, and every spent shell flying across their field of view breaks their concentration. For southpaws, finding a dedicated, no-compromise shotgun that doesn’t break the bank has always been a challenge. That’s where this specific model steps in.
The Mossberg 500 Left Hand, 20 Ga, Blued/Synthetic Stock, 26″, 6rd is a purpose-built, budget-friendly pump-action shotgun designed from the ground up for left-handed shooters. It features a reversed ejection port and safety for natural operation, chambered in manageable 20-gauge with a 26-inch vent-rib barrel and a 6-round capacity, all for a price that makes sense.
Let’s talk about the core value. Mossberg didn’t just mirror an image and call it a lefty model. The entire control layout is reversed. The ejection port is on the left side, sending spent hulls away from your line of sight. More importantly, the iconic Mossberg top-mounted safety is positioned at the rear of the receiver, perfectly under your left thumb for intuitive, positive engagement and disengagement with your firing hand. This is a huge deal for safety and speed—no gunsmithing required to get a setup that finally works with your dominant hand.
The 20-gauge chambering is a smart choice for this platform. It offers substantially less recoil than a 12-gauge, making it an ideal candidate for younger shooters, those with a lighter frame, or anyone who values comfort during a long day at the range or in the field. Don’t underestimate it, though. With modern 20-gauge turkey loads or buckshot, it’s plenty capable for most game in Missouri, from squirrels and rabbits up to deer and turkey. The 26-inch vent-rib barrel strikes a great balance between maneuverability in a blind or thick cover and a smooth swing for wing shooting.
Durability is where the Mossberg 500 has built its reputation. The dual action bars provide smooth, reliable pumping that resists binding. The synthetic stock is impervious to weather and rough handling, and the blued finish offers classic corrosion resistance. At just under 6.5 pounds unloaded, it’s light enough to carry all day without fatigue. The 6-round total capacity (5+1) gives you a few extra follow-up shots without the bulk of an extended magazine.
Here’s the thing—you’re getting Mossberg’s legendary reliability in a true left-handed configuration for under $400. Compare that to the cost of most right-to-left conversions, or the premium charged for other lefty shotguns on the market. The value proposition is clear.
| Gauge | 20 Gauge (2 ¾” and 3″) |
| Barrel Length | 26″ Vent Rib |
| Overall Length | Approx. 46.5″ |
| Capacity | 5+1 Rounds (6 Total) |
| Weight | Approx. 6.5 lbs |
| Choke | Modified Accu-Choke (Mossberg 500 series compatible) |
| Safety | Top-Tang, Left-Hand Configuration |
Pros & Cons
The biggest pro is obvious: it’s a genuine left-handed shotgun at a right-handed price. The 20-gauge reduces recoil, broadening its appeal. The synthetic and blued finish is low-maintenance and durable. The Mossberg 500 ecosystem is vast, meaning accessories like sling swivels, stocks, and compatible with standard Mossberg 500 20-gauge barrels (in left-hand configuration) are readily available. The main tradeoff? It’s a basic, no-frills workhorse. You won’t get fancy checkering or a high-gloss finish for $376.74. Some may prefer a shorter barrel for pure home defense, but the 26″ is a superb all-around length.
Who This Is For
This shotgun is for the left-handed shooter who has always made do. It’s for the parent introducing a southpaw kid to hunting or clay sports. It’s for the budget-conscious hunter who needs a reliable, lightweight tool for small game and upland birds. It’s also a solid, low-recoil option for home defense where over-penetration is a concern. If you’re a lefty wanting a dependable, first shotgun that fits you correctly, this is a standout candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use standard 12-gauge Mossberg 500 accessories with this 20-gauge left-hand model?
A: Not directly. While the platform is the same, 20-gauge specific parts like barrels and magazine tubes are required. However, many generic accessories like slings, swivels, and recoil pads designed for the Mossberg 500 stock dimensions will fit just fine.
Q: Is the 20-gauge powerful enough for deer hunting in Missouri?
A: Absolutely, when using the appropriate ammunition. With a slug barrel (sold separately) and modern sabot or rifled slugs, a 20-gauge is a highly effective and often more accurate choice for deer within reasonable ranges, thanks to its lighter recoil allowing for better shot placement.
Q: What chokes does it come with, and are others available?
A: It typically includes a Modified Accu-Choke tube. The barrel uses the standard Mossberg Accu-Choke thread pattern, so the full range of aftermarket choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Full, Turkey chokes, etc.) for Mossberg 500 20-gauge barrels are available to tailor your pattern for any game or target.
This Mossberg 500 Left Hand model represents a rare find: a specialized tool without the specialty price tag. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. If you’re a left-handed shooter tired of adapting, see if this dedicated platform is the fit you’ve been waiting for.
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