Description
Picture this: you’re in a blind at dawn, the chill in the air, and you need a shotgun that’s light, points naturally, and won’t intimidate a young shooter. That’s the exact scenario the Mossberg Duck Commander 500 Super Bantam Yth Pump 20ga 22″ 3″ Synthetic Max-5 was built for. It’s a purpose-built, compact pump-action shotgun designed for youth and smaller-statured hunters, featuring a shortened stock and forend, chambered in manageable 20-gauge, and wrapped in the effective Max-5 camouflage pattern. I’ve put a few boxes of target and field loads through one, and its balance for its intended role is spot-on.
So, what is the Mossberg Duck Commander 500 Super Bantam Yth Pump 20ga 22″ 3″ Synthetic Max-5? It’s a youth-model pump-action shotgun built on Mossberg’s legendary 500 action, featuring a 13″ length of pull stock and a 22″ vent-rib barrel chambered for 3″ 20-gauge shells. It’s dressed in Duck Commander’s Max-5 camo and is engineered specifically for introducing new hunters to the field or serving as a ultra-maneuverable tool for adults in tight quarters. This model ships to Missouri and compliant US states.
Let’s talk about the Super Bantam system—that’s the real magic here. Mossberg didn’t just chop the stock down; they designed a shorter forend to match, creating a proportionally scaled shotgun that feels right, not just shortened. The 13-inch length of pull is the key data point, making it a perfect fit for younger shooters without feeling like a toy. The 20-gauge chambering is the sweet spot for this role: enough power for waterfowl, upland birds, and clays, but with significantly less recoil than a 12-gauge. That makes for a more confident and enjoyable first experience. The gun weighs in at a very manageable 6.5 pounds, which a kid can carry all day without complaint.
The Max-5 camouflage isn’t just branding—it’s a highly effective, layered pattern that breaks up your outline in a variety of environments, from timber to marsh. The synthetic stock and forend are virtually impervious to the elements, meaning you can focus on the hunt, not babying the finish. The 22″ vent-rib barrel with a bead sight is quick to point, and its shorter length makes swinging through brush or in a blind a non-issue. Here’s the thing—this is a true Mossberg 500 at its core. That means it’s compatible with the vast ecosystem of 500-series barrels and accessories, allowing you to swap to a longer barrel or different choke system down the line. The action is the same proven design, and it’s drop-in ready for the field—no gunsmithing required to get started.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge (3″ Chamber) |
| Action | Pump Action |
| Barrel Length | 22″ Vent Rib |
| Overall Length | 41.5″ |
| Length of Pull | 13″ |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs |
| Finish/Camo | Max-5 Synthetic |
| Capacity | 5+1 Rounds |
Pros: The scaled-down dimensions are perfectly executed for youth. The 20-gauge is an ideal introductory caliber. Max-5 camo is field-ready and durable. Built on the ultra-reliable Mossberg 500 platform. At $396.11, it represents solid value for a dedicated youth hunting package.
Cons: The short stock may be too small for average-sized adults to shoot comfortably (though stock spacers are available). As a specialized youth model, its primary role is narrow—it’s not a do-everything shotgun for a seasoned adult hunter looking for a one-gun solution.
So who is this for? Primarily, it’s for a parent or mentor looking to introduce a young person to hunting or shooting sports the right way—with a gun that fits them. It’s also a brilliant choice for any hunter of smaller stature who wants a lightweight, maneuverable 20-gauge for dense cover or as a dedicated turkey gun. If you need a single shotgun to pass between multiple full-sized adults for various tasks, a standard 12-gauge model is probably more versatile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can an adult comfortably shoot this shotgun?
A: For most average or larger-framed adults, the 13″ stock will be too short for a proper cheek weld and comfortable shooting. However, Mossberg sells stock spacer kits that can add up to 1.5″ of length, making it usable for adults as a compact brush gun.
Q: What chokes does it come with?
A: It typically comes equipped with a Modified Accu-Choke tube installed. This is a great all-around choke for everything from waterfowl to upland hunting. You can purchase additional choke tubes (like Improved Cylinder or Full) to tailor performance for specific game.
Q: Is it just for waterfowl hunting?
A: Not at all. While the camo and Duck Commander branding lean that way, this is a fantastic all-around youth field gun. With the right load and choke, it’s perfectly suited for turkey, squirrel, rabbit, and dove. It’s also a capable gun for shooting clays to build fundamentals.
If you’re looking for a serious, no-compromise first shotgun for a young hunter that they won’t outgrow in a season, the Mossberg Duck Commander 500 Super Bantam deserves a close look. You can find it available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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