Description
The Mossberg 500 Wild Hog 12 Ga, 20″, Matte Black, Cylinder Bore, Bead Sight, 8rd is a purpose-built, no-frills pump-action shotgun designed for close-quarters control and high-capacity reliability in dense terrain. It’s a rugged, affordable tool that prioritizes function and fast handling over aesthetics, making it a serious option for hunters and property defenders who need to stop a threat or take down game at spitting distance.
Key Features
- 20″ Cylinder Bore Barrel: Optimized for short-range power with slugs or buckshot, offering minimal choke for maximum pattern spread.
- 8-Round Capacity: That extra two shells in the tube magazine can make all the difference when you’re dealing with multiple targets or follow-up shots.
- Matte Black Finish: A durable, non-reflective coating that shrugs off brush, moisture, and wear—this isn’t a safe queen.
- Bead Sight: Simple, fast, and utterly reliable for instinctive point-and-shoot scenarios under pressure.
- Dual Extractors & Steel-to-Steel Lockup: Classic Mossberg 500 reliability that I’ve trusted for years, even with the roughest ammunition.
Specs & Details
| Gauge: | 12 Gauge (3″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length: | 20 Inches |
| Choke: | Cylinder Bore (Fixed) |
| Sights: | Bead Front |
| Capacity: | 7+1 Rounds (8 Total) |
| Finish: | Matte Black |
| Overall Length: | Approx. 40.5 Inches |
| Weight: | Approx. 7.5 lbs |
Look, the specs tell the story: this is a compact, maneuverable shotgun. That 20-inch barrel keeps the overall length around 40.5 inches, which is a sweet spot for swinging through thickets or clearing a hallway. At roughly 7.5 pounds, it has enough heft to manage recoil with heavy loads but isn’t so heavy you can’t carry it all day. The fixed cylinder bore means what you see is what you get—no swapping chokes, just consistent performance with the ammunition it’s designed for. Here’s the thing—this configuration is drop-in ready for a sling, too, using standard swivel studs, so you can add a simple Uncle Mike’s or similar sling without any fuss.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is for the Missouri hunter stalking thick timber for feral hogs or deer, where shots are measured in feet, not yards. It’s for the rural property owner who needs a dependable, high-capacity tool for predator control or home defense. It’s also a fantastic, budget-friendly entry into the world of serious pump-action shotguns—a platform you can learn on and trust implicitly. If your needs involve fast handling and decisive power inside 40 yards, this Mossberg 500 variant deserves your attention.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The price point at $370.16 is frankly hard to beat for a proven, American-made shotgun with this feature set. The 8-round capacity is a tangible tactical advantage. The matte black finish is practical and durable. Mossberg’s tang safety is, in my opinion, superior for right-handed shooters and intuitively placed. The action is famously robust and mil-spec compatible with a huge aftermarket for stocks, forends, and sights if you ever want to customize.
Cons: The cylinder bore is a limitation if you ever want to shoot at longer ranges or use it for clay sports—this is a specialist. The bead sight is basic, though effective for its role. The finish, while tough, can show wear marks quickly, which some might see as character but others as a flaw. It’s a tool, not a jewel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use this for turkey hunting or waterfowl?
A: For turkey, with the right tight-patterning ammunition designed for cylinder bore, it could work at very close ranges, but a choked barrel is typically preferred. For waterfowl, the lack of choke and non-toxic shot requirements make it a poor choice—it’s really built for larger projectiles like buckshot and slugs at close quarters.
Q: Is the magazine plug included for hunting compliance?
A: Typically, yes, Mossberg includes a magazine plug to limit capacity to the legal requirement for migratory game bird hunting (often 2+1). You’ll need to install it yourself, but it’s a simple process—no gunsmithing required.
Q: What’s the difference between this and a standard Mossberg 500?
A: The “Wild Hog” model is a specific configuration: the 20″ cylinder bore barrel and 8-round tube are the key differentiators. A standard field model often has a 28″ barrel with chokes and a 5-round capacity. This is a dedicated short-range, high-capacity setup.
After putting several hundred rounds of everything from light target loads to punishing 3″ magnum slugs through this platform, I can tell you it just works. The balance is quick, the action smooths out nicely with use, and it points naturally. It’s a straightforward, honest firearm that excels at a specific set of jobs. If your needs align with its design, it represents tremendous value. This Mossberg 500 Wild Hog 12 Ga is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. See if it’s the right tool for your kit.
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