Description
The Mossberg Silver Reserve II Sporting Over/Under 12 Ga, 28″, 3″, Walnut/Silver is a purpose-built, entry-level competition shotgun designed for clay target sports. It offers classic over/under reliability, a crisp single selective trigger, and a handsome silver nitride finish on a Turkish walnut stock, all at a price point that makes serious sporting clays accessible. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of target loads through one, and here’s what you need to know.
Key Features That Stand Out
- Sporting Configuration: The 28-inch barrels with ventilated rib and mid-bead are tuned for target acquisition and smooth swings on the course.
- Single Selective Trigger: A mechanical trigger lets you choose which barrel fires first—ideal for setting up your preferred shot string.
- Silver Nitride Finish: More than just good looks, this finish provides excellent corrosion resistance on the receiver and barrels.
- Hand-Select Turkish Walnut: The stock features a classic pistol grip and a satin finish that fits out of the box with a solid, comfortable feel.
- Automatic Safety: Engages automatically when the action is opened, a standard safety feature for field and competition use.
Specifications & Details
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 28″ |
| Overall Length | Approx. 45.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 7.5 lbs |
| Chokes | Includes 5 Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke tubes (IC, M, IM, F, Skeet) |
Look, the specs tell part of the story. That 7.5-pound weight is a sweet spot—heavy enough to soak up recoil during a long day of shooting, but not so heavy it becomes sluggish. The included Mobil-style chokes are a huge plus, giving you immediate flexibility for any station on the sporting clays course or trap/skeet field. This system is widely used, so finding aftermarket tubes from brands like Carlson’s or Trulock is straightforward.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is the shooter ready to step up from a pump or semi-auto into a dedicated clay gun without a four-figure price tag. It’s for the new competitor, the weekend warrior at the local range, or the hunter who wants a single, reliable over/under for occasional clays. If you’re eyeing a Browning Citori or Beretta 686 but your budget says “not yet,” the Silver Reserve II Sporting sits in that crucial gap. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Pros & Cons From the Field
Pros: The value is undeniable at $932.09. You get a complete sporting package with chokes. The fit and finish for the price are impressive, and the mechanical trigger is a reliable choice. The balance is neutral, making it easy to point naturally. Here’s the thing—it just works. No gunsmithing required to start breaking clays.
Cons: It’s not a Browning. The action won’t have the same silky-smooth, worn-in feel of a gun costing twice as much. The wood-to-metal fit is good, not flawless. Over thousands and thousands of rounds, a higher-end gun will likely demonstrate its longevity advantage, but for most recreational shooters, this platform is more than sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this a good gun for a beginner in sporting clays?
A: Absolutely. It’s designed for it. The 28-inch barrel provides a smooth swing, the weight manages recoil, and having five chokes lets you learn how different constrictions affect your break. It’s a dedicated starting point that won’t hold you back as you learn.
Q: Can I use this for hunting?
A: You can, but it’s optimized for the range. The sporting configuration and weight are perfect for clays but might feel a bit portly for a long walk in a dove field. It’s a 3-inch chamber, so it can handle most waterfowl loads with steel shot, but always check choke compatibility for non-toxic shot.
Q: What’s the difference between the ‘Sporting’ and ‘Field’ models?
A: The Sporting model typically has a wider, ventilated rib for better sighting, a mid-bead, and often comes with more choke tubes. The Field model is lighter and simpler, built for carrying afield. For primarily shooting clays, the Sporting model is the right choice.
So, is the Mossberg Silver Reserve II Sporting the one gun to buy? If you’re a Missouri shooter looking for an affordable, no-nonsense entry into over/under clay shooting, it makes a compelling case. It delivers core performance where it counts and gets you on the course. Check its availability and see if it fits your next season.
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