Description
The Mossberg 500 Scorpion 12 Ga, 18″ Barrel, Flat Dark Earth, TALO Special Edition is a purpose-built, tactical 12-gauge pump-action shotgun. It combines Mossberg’s legendary 500-series reliability with a modern, aggressive aesthetic and a feature set tailored for home defense and close-quarters use. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through various 500s, and this Scorpion variant is one of the most ready-to-roll packages I’ve seen—it fits out of the box with no gunsmithing required.
Key Features
- TALO Exclusive Flat Dark Earth Finish: A distinctive, non-reflective coating that sets it apart from standard black shotguns.
- 18.5″ Cylinder Bore Barrel: The ideal length for maneuverability indoors without sacrificing ballistic effectiveness.
- Scorpion Textured Grip & Forend: Provides a supremely positive, non-slip hold even with wet or gloved hands.
- Dual Extractors & Twin Action Bars: Mossberg’s proven system for smooth, reliable cycling and extraction.
- Ambidextrous Safety: A top-mounted, easy-to-reach tang safety for quick, intuitive operation.
- Ghost Ring Sights: A fast-acquisition rear aperture paired with a highly visible front bead for precise shot placement.
Specifications & Details
| Gauge: | 12 Gauge (3″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length: | 18.5 Inches |
| Overall Length: | 38.5 Inches |
| Weight: | Approx. 6.75 lbs |
| Capacity: | 5+1 Rounds |
| Finish: | Flat Dark Earth |
Look, the specs tell part of the story, but the feel is what sells it. The 38.5-inch overall length makes it incredibly pointable in tight spaces, and the 6.75-pound weight soaks up recoil effectively. That said, the real magic is in the Scorpion texturing—it’s aggressive without being abrasive, giving you total control. At $545.19, this TALO edition offers a lot of specialized utility for the price, especially when you consider the included ghost ring sight system, which is often an add-on expense.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This isn’t a clay-breaking or waterfowl gun. The Mossberg 500 Scorpion is for the shooter who needs a dedicated, no-nonsense defensive tool. It’s perfect for the Missouri homeowner seeking a reliable, intimidating, and straightforward firearm for property protection. It’s also a great choice for the tactical shotgun enthusiast who appreciates a factory package that’s already optimized for serious work, right down to the non-glare finish and enhanced grip.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Legendary Mossberg 500 reliability. The Scorpion grip texture is a genuine upgrade for control. The ghost ring sights are excellent for defensive accuracy. The Flat Dark Earth finish is both practical and cool. The 18.5″ barrel is the legal sweet spot for a fighting shotgun without NFA paperwork.
Cons: The texturing might be too aggressive for some with sensitive hands during extended dry-fire practice. As a dedicated tactical model, its utility for hunting or sport is limited. The finish, while tough, may show wear on high-contact points faster than a Parkerized finish would.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will it accept standard Mossberg 500 accessories like stocks and forends?
A: Absolutely. This is a core Mossberg 500 action. You can swap the Scorpion forend for any standard 500-series forend, and the stock is compatible with a huge aftermarket selection from brands like Magpul (their SGA stock is a popular upgrade) and Hogue. The receiver is also drilled and tapped for optic mounts.
Q: What’s the difference between this and a standard Mossberg 500 Persuader?
A: The Scorpion is a TALO distributor exclusive, so you get the unique Flat Dark Earth finish and the specialized Scorpion texturing on the grip and forend. Many standard Persuader models come with a bead sight only, whereas this includes the superior ghost ring sight system right from the factory.
Q: Is it ready for a light or sling?
A: Yes and yes. The pump forend has a Picatinny rail section mounted directly to it, allowing you to attach a weapon light—a Streamlight TL-Racker is a fantastic, drop-in ready option. The stock includes a sling swivel stud, and the magazine cap can be easily replaced with a swivel-equipped model for a two-point sling setup.
If you’re in the market for a defensive shotgun that brings serious credibility and unique features straight from the factory, the Mossberg 500 Scorpion TALO edition deserves a close look. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
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