Description
The Mossberg 500L Persuader 12/20 Bl/Sy Lh is a left-handed, budget-friendly pump-action shotgun designed for home defense and tactical use. It features a 20-inch barrel, a 6+1 shell capacity, and a synthetic stock, offering reliable performance at an accessible price point for southpaw shooters who need a dependable tool without a premium cost.
Key Features
- Left-Handed Friendly: Designed specifically for left-handed shooters, with a top-mounted safety and shell ejection port on the left side.
- Persuader Configuration: Comes with a 20-inch cylinder-bore barrel ideal for defensive loads and a 6+1 round capacity for practical use.
- Budget-Conscious Build: Synthetic stock and blued finish keep costs down while maintaining Mossberg’s renowned reliability.
- Dual Action Bars: Smoother, more reliable pump action compared to single-action-bar designs on some competing models.
- Top-Tang Safety: Ambidextrous safety placement is easy to operate naturally with your thumb, a hallmark of the Mossberg 500 series.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (chambered for 2 3/4″ and 3″ shells) |
| Barrel Length | 20 inches |
| Overall Length | 41 inches |
| Capacity | 6+1 rounds |
| Stock | Synthetic |
| Finish | Blued |
| Choke | Cylinder Bore (fixed) |
| Action | Pump Action |
Weighing in at approximately 7.5 pounds, this shotgun manages recoil effectively for a 12-gauge, especially with standard buckshot or slug loads. The fixed cylinder bore choke is perfect for its intended role—it patterns defensive rounds effectively at home-defense distances without the complexity of interchangeable chokes. Here’s the thing—for the price, you’re getting a proven platform that’s been trusted for decades. The synthetic stock is durable and weather-resistant, a practical choice over wood for a tool that might sit in a closet for years. At $405.41, it sits in a sweet spot between bare-bones economy models and tricked-out tactical rigs. This model is drop-in ready for its primary role; just add ammunition. It ships to Missouri and compliant US states, making it a straightforward purchase for residents here.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This Persuader is built for the left-handed shooter who prioritizes value and reliability over bells and whistles. It’s an ideal first defensive firearm for a southpaw or a cost-effective dedicated home defense tool. It also serves well as a truck or ranch gun where its simple, robust operation is more valuable than a fancy finish. If you’re a righty, you’ll likely find the standard 500 models more convenient, but for lefties, this configuration is a rare find that doesn’t command a huge ‘special order’ premium. Think of it as the workhorse of the shotgun world—it might not win beauty contests, but it gets the job done without fuss.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The primary advantage is the left-handed design at a mass-market price—try finding that elsewhere. Mossberg’s dual-action bars and aluminum receiver make for a smooth, lightweight action. The top-tang safety is intuitive and ambidextrous. The 20-inch barrel offers a good balance between maneuverability and sight radius. Finally, the massive aftermarket support for Mossberg 500 series means stocks, forends, and sights from brands like Magpul or Hogue are widely available if you want to customize later.
Cons: The blued finish requires more care to prevent rust than modern coatings like Parkerization or Cerakote. The synthetic stock, while tough, may feel hollow or cheap compared to higher-grade polymers. The fixed cylinder choke limits versatility for any potential sporting use. Some may find the action a bit stiff initially, but it breaks in with use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this a true left-handed model, or just a standard gun with the safety switched?
A: This is a true left-handed configuration. The shell ejection port is on the left side of the receiver, directing spent shells away from a left-handed shooter’s line of sight and body, which a simple safety swap on a standard model does not accomplish.
Q: Can the magazine tube be extended for more capacity?
A: Yes, but it typically requires a gunsmith. The 6+1 capacity is standard for this barrel length and is considered sufficient for most defensive scenarios. Many users opt to keep it simple and use a side-saddle shell holder for extra rounds instead of modifying the tube.
Q: What’s the main difference between this and a Mossberg 590?
A: The 590 often has a heavier-walled barrel, a metal trigger guard, and a magazine tube that is easier to disassemble. The 500 is the more budget-oriented line, but both share core reliability. For most users, the 500 offers more than enough durability at a lower price point—that’s the trade-off.
Ready to secure this left-handed workhorse? This Mossberg 500L Persuader is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. An FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases, so you can proceed with confidence knowing the process is handled correctly.




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