Mossberg 500 Tactical Turkey Pump 12ga 20″ Barrel

Description

Picture this: you’re in a Missouri bottomland, the sun’s just starting to peek through the oaks, and you hear that first gobble. You need a shotgun that’s not just a field gun—it’s a tool built for the ambush, with the ruggedness to handle thick brush and the precision to make that one shot count. That’s the niche this Mossberg fills. It’s a purpose-driven, no-nonsense pump built for the turkey woods, but with a tactical edge that makes it incredibly versatile for home defense or as a rugged truck gun. I’ve put a variety of loads through this platform, from heavy TSS turkey loads to lighter defensive buckshot, and its simplicity is its greatest strength.

So, what is the Mossberg 500 Tactical Turkey Pump 12ga 3″, 20″ Barrel, Adjustable Synthetic MO Obsession Fin, 5rd? It’s a specialized, short-barreled pump-action shotgun chambered in 12-gauge 3″, featuring a 20″ barrel, Mossy Oak Obsession camouflage finish, an adjustable comb stock for precise sight alignment, and a 5-round capacity. It’s designed for close-quarters hunting in dense cover and offers serious tactical utility.

Let’s talk about that 20″ barrel. It’s the sweet spot. Long enough to maintain decent velocity and a tight pattern with modern turkey chokes, but short enough to be quick-handling in a blind or when navigating thick timber. The Mossy Oak Obsession pattern isn’t just for show—it breaks up your outline perfectly against early spring foliage. The adjustable “fin” comb on the synthetic stock is a game-winner. You can dial in the height so your cheek weld is perfect every time, whether you’re using a red dot, a low-profile ghost ring, or just the bead sight. This is a feature you usually see on much more expensive shotguns, and having it here is a huge advantage. It means this gun fits out of the box, because you can make it fit you.

The action is pure Mossberg 500—proven, reliable, and easy to maintain. The 5+1 capacity gives you that extra follow-up shot without making the gun overly long or cumbersome. The twin action bars provide smooth, reliable pumping, and the tang-mounted safety is intuitive and easy to manipulate, even with gloves on. At a total length of just around 40.5 inches, this is a compact package that stores easily but still shoulders solidly. Weighing in at approximately 7.5 pounds, it’s heavy enough to soak up recoil from stout 3″ magnum loads but not so heavy you’ll dread carrying it all day.

Here are the key specifications laid out cleanly:

Action	Pump Action
Gauge/Chamber	12 Gauge / 3″
Barrel Length	20 Inches
Capacity	5+1 Rounds
Finish/Stock	Mossy Oak Obsession Camo / Synthetic w/ Adjustable Comb
Safety	Tang-Mounted

Pros & Cons
The pros are clear: incredible versatility bridging hunting and tactical use, the invaluable adjustable comb for a custom fit, the proven Mossberg 500 reliability, and a compact, maneuverable form factor. The camouflage finish is durable and highly effective. That said, the shorter barrel means less swing for pass-shooting birds like ducks, so it’s specialized. The synthetic stock, while tough, doesn’t have the classic feel of wood. And like any specialized tool, it’s a compromise—but a very smart one.

Who is this for? It’s for the serious turkey hunter who wants a dedicated, short-stroke gun for the blind. It’s for the landowner who needs a single, do-it-all shotgun for predator control, home defense, and the occasional hunt. It’s also a fantastic option for someone looking for a rugged, reliable defensive shotgun that doesn’t look like it came from a SWAT armory. For $522.72, you’re getting a feature-set that’s hard to beat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What chokes does this model come with, and is it threaded for aftermarket ones?

A: It typically comes with a factory-installed Accu-Choke tube (often an Extra Full turkey tube). The barrel is threaded for the standard Mossberg Accu-Choke system, so you have a wide range of compatible aftermarket tubes from brands like Carlson’s, Truloke, and Jeb’s for tuning your pattern.

Q: Can I easily mount a red dot or optic on this shotgun?

A: Absolutely. The receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope mount, making it simple to add a Picatinny rail or a direct-mount base for popular micro red dots like the Holosun 407C or Sig Sauer Romeo5. The adjustable comb is key here, letting you get a proper cheek weld with the optic installed.

Q: Is this suitable for home defense with standard buckshot?

A: Yes, it’s an excellent defensive tool. The 20″ barrel is highly maneuverable indoors, and the 5-round capacity is practical. Just swap the turkey choke for a cylinder or improved cylinder tube for better buckshot performance at room distances. Remember, FFL transfer required for firearm purchases when you order, and this model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide where compliant.

If you need a tough, adaptable shotgun that excels in the turkey woods but isn’t afraid of other duties, this Mossberg 500 Tactical Turkey model deserves a close look. Check its availability on our site.