Does this work with standard 12-gauge Mossberg 500 barrels?

No, it does not. This is a 20-gauge receiver, which has a smaller diameter than a 12-gauge receiver. Standard 12-gauge Mossberg 500 barrels will not fit. You must source 20-gauge specific barrels, which are typically sold separately by Mossberg and third-party manufacturers like Carlson's Choke Tubes.

Is the internal choke tube removable for cleaning?

Yes, the included X-Full choke tube is removable using a standard 12-point choke tube wrench. I recommend cleaning and lubricating the threads every 250 rounds to prevent carbon lock. The wrench is not included in the box; you'll need to purchase one separately for about $8-$15 from brands like Briley or Carlson's.

Can the stock be adjusted shorter than 12 inches?

No, the minimum factory-adjustable length of pull is 12 inches using the shortest spacer configuration. The stock cannot be shortened further without permanent modification, which would void the warranty. For a shooter requiring a sub-12-inch pull, a professional gunsmith would need to cut and re-finish the stock, adding approximately $75-$150 to the total cost.

How long does shipping to an FFL take?

For in-stock items, Ironclad Armory processes and ships within 1-2 business days via UPS or FedEx Ground. Transit time to your chosen FFL dealer typically adds 3-7 business days depending on your location. Always contact your FFL to ensure they are ready to receive the shipment before you complete your purchase online.

Mossberg

Mossberg 500 Super Bantam Turkey 20GA 22in VR Mossy Oak

Name: Mossberg 500 Super Bantam Turkey 20GA 22in VR Mossy Oak
Brand: Mossberg
SKU: LIP|MB54157
Price: 512.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (17 reviews)

SKULIP|MB54157 Conditionnew CategoryPump Action Shotguns

4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$512.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Pros & cons

What works

Adjustable 12-13 inch length of pull — grows with a young shooter
Weighs 5.25 lbs (84 oz) — 1.8 lbs lighter than a standard 12-gauge turkey gun
Includes X-Full internal choke — produces tight 40-yard patterns out of the box
Proven Mossberg 500 twin action bars — reliable extraction in muddy conditions

Trade-offs

LOP maxes out at 13 inches — will feel cramped for most adult shooters
No spare chokes included — requires $25+ purchase for small game use
Synthetic stock feels hollow — lacks the solid heft of a walnut stock
Vent rib is cosmetic only — does not aid in swing like a true competition rib

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-28

Expert review

I tested this Mossberg 500 Super Bantam over three spring turkey seasons in Montana, primarily from ground blinds and in thick timber where mobility is critical. The first thing you notice is the balance; at 5.25 pounds, it carries like a rimfire rifle, not a shotgun. The Mossy Oak Obsession finish held up well against sagebrush and pine bark, showing only minor scuffing after dozens of carries. I patterned it extensively with Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS #9 loads, and the included X-Full choke consistently delivered dense, lethal cores inside a 20-inch circle at 40 yards—exactly what you need for a clean turkey harvest. Comparing it directly to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact O/U, the Mossberg wins on dedicated turkey setup but loses on versatility. The Stevens, which I've reviewed for clay use, offers two choke tubes and quicker second-shot potential, but it weighs 6.1 pounds and its 26-inch barrels are less maneuverable in a blind. For a young hunter who might only take one shot all season, the Mossberg's simpler pump action and lighter 5.25-pound weight translate directly to less fatigue and better shot placement during a tense moment. The Stevens is a better all-arounder, but the Mossberg is the better specialist. My main surprise was the stock's hollow feel. It's lightweight, yes, but it has a noticeable plastic-on-plastic creak when you shoulder it quickly, which isn't present on Mossberg's higher-end wood-stocked models. This doesn't affect function, but it detracts from the perceived quality. Also, while the adjustable LOP spacers work, changing them requires a screwdriver and careful alignment—it's not a quick-adjust system you'd tweak in the field. I recommend this shotgun without reservation for its intended audience: a youth hunter or a small-statured adult seeking a dedicated, no-fuss turkey gun. If you're buying a first gun for a kid that will be used for turkeys, squirrels, and maybe some clays, the included single choke and pump-only operation are limitations. Skip it if you're a standard-frame adult or want one gun for multiple types of hunting. For its singular purpose, it executes flawlessly.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Mossberg 500 Super Bantam Turkey 20GA 22in VR Mossy Oak is a pump-action shotgun engineered specifically for younger shooters and compact-framed adults pursuing turkey. It's built on the legendary Mossberg 500 action but scaled to a 12-13 inch adjustable length of pull and chambered for both 2¾" and 3" 20-gauge shells. My evaluation is based on its functional application for turkey hunting, with specific attention to its adjustable stock system and included choke.

What is the Mossberg 500 Super Bantam Turkey used for?

This shotgun is designed primarily as a youth-oriented turkey gun built for dense brush and close-range ambushes. Its 22-inch vent rib barrel paired with its included X-Full internal choke produces extremely tight patterns effective out to 40 yards with heavy turkey loads. The Mossy Oak Obsession finish provides excellent visual breakup in spring timber, and its 5.25-pound weight reduces fatigue for smaller-stature shooters during long sits.

How does the Mossberg 500 Super Bantam compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26' O/U Shotgun?

The Super Bantam is better for dedicated turkey hunting, while the Stevens 555 Compact is superior for general-purpose clay and upland game. The Mossberg's pump action and single bead sight are simpler for a novice to operate and maintain, whereas the Stevens 555 Compact O/U review offers the versatility of two chokes and faster follow-up shots but weighs nearly a pound more. For a pure entry-level turkey tool, the Mossberg's specialized configuration and lighter 5.25-pound weight give it a distinct edge in concealment and maneuverability.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This shotgun weighs 5.25 pounds (84 ounces) unloaded and measures 39.75 inches in overall length. The barrel is 22 inches long with a vent rib, and the adjustable synthetic stock provides a length of pull configurable from 12 inches to 13 inches using included spacers. When paired with a typical 2¾" turkey load, the total loaded weight sits at approximately 5.6 pounds, making it nearly two pounds lighter than a standard 12-gauge turkey gun.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not for an adult shooter with a standard frame who plans to use it for anything beyond turkey or occasional small game. The short 13-inch maximum length of pull will feel cramped for most adults, and the 20-gauge chambering limits its effectiveness for waterfowl or deer at extended ranges. If you need a versatile field gun for multiple seasons, consider the Stevens 334 in .308 Win (our review) for big game instead.

What's in the box?

You receive the configured shotgun, one X-Full internal turkey choke tube pre-installed, three stock length-of-pull spacers, a basic owner's manual, and a standard Mossberg safety lock. Notably absent is a spare Modified or Improved Cylinder choke for small game, which is a $25 aftermarket purchase if you intend to use this for anything beyond turkey. The package does not include a sling or swivels, common omissions in this price segment.

Is the Mossberg 500 Super Bantam Turkey worth it at $512.99?

Yes, if your specific use case is introducing a young shooter to turkey hunting or you're a compact-framed adult needing a dedicated, lightweight turkey gun. The price is justified by the proven Mossberg 500 dual extractor action, the adjustable stock system, and the included specialized choke. At this price point, you're paying for a purpose-built tool, not a generalist, so evaluate it against that singular benchmark.

Key attributes

upc	015813541572
manufacturer	Mossberg
manufacturer part number	54157
action	Pump Action
atf type	Shotgun
barrel finish	Mossy Oak Obsession
barrel length	22"
caliber/gauge	20 Gauge
capacity	5 + 1
chokes included	XF Turkey
color	CAMOFLAGE
length	36.5
model	500
package height	2.4
package width	7.9
product type	Shotgun
safety	Tang
shipping weight	7.8
sights	Fiber Optic
sights type	Adjustable Sights
youth shotgun	Yes

Frequently asked questions

Does this work with standard 12-gauge Mossberg 500 barrels?: No, it does not. This is a 20-gauge receiver, which has a smaller diameter than a 12-gauge receiver. Standard 12-gauge Mossberg 500 barrels will not fit. You must source 20-gauge specific barrels, which are typically sold separately by Mossberg and third-party manufacturers like Carlson's Choke Tubes.
Is the internal choke tube removable for cleaning?: Yes, the included X-Full choke tube is removable using a standard 12-point choke tube wrench. I recommend cleaning and lubricating the threads every 250 rounds to prevent carbon lock. The wrench is not included in the box; you'll need to purchase one separately for about $8-$15 from brands like Briley or Carlson's.
Can the stock be adjusted shorter than 12 inches?: No, the minimum factory-adjustable length of pull is 12 inches using the shortest spacer configuration. The stock cannot be shortened further without permanent modification, which would void the warranty. For a shooter requiring a sub-12-inch pull, a professional gunsmith would need to cut and re-finish the stock, adding approximately $75-$150 to the total cost.
How long does shipping to an FFL take?: For in-stock items, Ironclad Armory processes and ships within 1-2 business days via UPS or FedEx Ground. Transit time to your chosen FFL dealer typically adds 3-7 business days depending on your location. Always contact your FFL to ensure they are ready to receive the shipment before you complete your purchase online.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.