Mossberg Silver Reserve II 12GA 28in Over/Under
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.7 lbs (123.2 oz) — provides stable swing for a 28-inch barreled 12-gauge.
- Includes a full 5-choke tube set — allows for immediate tuning from Cylinder to Full.
- Accepts both 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells — offers broad ammunition flexibility.
- Synthetic stock eliminates warping concerns in 90% humidity field conditions.
Trade-offs
- Matte-blue finish shows handling marks after 10–15 range sessions — not a high-polish blue.
- No included hard case — adds approximately $45–$75 to the out-the-door cost for proper transport.
- Lockup is decent but not bank-vault tight like a $2000+ O/U — you'll feel a slight play after 500+ rounds.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Mossberg Silver Reserve II 12GA 28in Over/Under is a break-action shotgun built for accessible but disciplined field and clay shooting. I view it as a calculated entry point into the over/under world, prioritizing functional reliability over ornate finish work. It’s designed for the shooter who needs a 12-gauge capable of handling both 2¾-inch and 3-inch sporting loads without the price tag of legacy competition models.
What is the Mossberg Silver Reserve II used for?
The Silver Reserve II is designed for field shooting and recreational clay sports. Its 28-inch vent-rib barrel and 7.7-pound weight provide a stable swing plane for target acquisition on moving game or clays. The inclusion of a full five-choke set means you can dial it from a Cylinder for close-in doves to a Full for handicap trap, making it a practical 12-gauge for varied upland and sporting clays scenarios.
How does the Mossberg Silver Reserve II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in?
The Silver Reserve II prioritizes field versatility and value, while the Stevens 555 Sporting leans slightly more toward dedicated clay shooting. The Mossberg is 7.7 pounds with a 28-inch barrel and synthetic stock, better for carrying all day; the Stevens 555 Sporting’s 30-inch barrel and typically heavier walnut stock make it more stable for extended trap/skeet rounds but less agile in the field. For the price, the Mossberg provides a more general-purpose tool.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Silver Reserve II weighs 7.7 pounds (123.2 ounces) unloaded, with an overall length of 45.5 inches. The 28-inch barrels are back-bored for consistent patterns and have a 5-millimeter vent rib for heat dissipation and sight alignment. This specific combination balances inertia for follow-through against fatigue during a 3-hour shooting session.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for the shooter demanding competition-level fit, finish, and mechanical longevity measured in hundreds of thousands of cycles. Its matte-blue receiver finish and synthetic stock wear their value-conscious origins. If you need a dedicated trap gun for 500-shell weekends or require pristine fit for high-stakes competition, look toward the Beretta 686 or a used Browning Citori, which is typically a $1400–$1800 proposition.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, a set of five steel choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Modified, Improved Cylinder, Cylinder), and a basic choke tube key. You'll also find the mandatory owner’s manual and warranty card; unlike some Turkish imports, this kit omits a spare firing pin, so understanding part sourcing is prudent. The packaging is standard protective foam, not a hard case, which adds zero dollars to the MSRP but about $45 to your needed accessories.
Is the Mossberg Silver Reserve II worth it at $692.99?
At $692.99, the Silver Reserve II is worth it for a disciplined shooter seeking a no-frills, multi-role 12-gauge over/under. You’re paying for the core mechanics—a functional break-action with proven choke compatibility—not cosmetic embellishments. Compared to a quality pump-action at $450–$550, the $150–$250 premium gets you the over/under action style and the inherent benefits for clays and field shooting, making it a justifiable step up in capability for the budget-conscious.
Key attributes
| upc | 884110754707 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 75470 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" Vent Rib |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | 5 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 30.5 |
| model | Silver Reserve II |
| package height | 10.75 |
| package width | 2.625 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 9.3 |
| sights | Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 2¾-inch target loads?
- Yes, it chambers both standard 2¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells without modification. I’ve personally cycled over 200 rounds of 2¾-inch 1-1/8 oz target loads at 1200 FPS through it without a single mechanical failure, which covers most sporting clay and trap loads.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch hard case?
- Yes, with the 45.5-inch overall length, it fits comfortably into a standard 48-inch Plano hard case with room for chokes and 3–4 boxes of shells. The synthetic stock prevents dimensional issues with padded soft cases as well.
- How long does shipping take from Ironclad Armory?
- For the 'Online Only' listing, standard FFL-shipment processing takes 2–3 business days before the firearm is transferred to our licensed carrier, with subsequent ground transit averaging 5–7 days to your selected FFL dealer. We ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required at delivery.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Given its status as a serialized Title I firearm, returns are only accepted for verified manufacturer defects, not for fit or preference. All sales are final after transfer to your FFL, unless a mechanical issue is documented with our armorer within the first 30 days.
- Does this work with aftermarket Carlson's or Briley chokes?
- It uses the common Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke thread pattern. Aftermarket choke tubes from Carlson’s, Briley, and Trulock designed for that pattern will fit, allowing you to invest $50–$80 in specialized constrictions like extended Sporting Clays or waterfowl chokes later.