Mossberg 500 Field/Security Combo 12ga 28″ & 18.5″ Wood
About this product
What is the Mossberg 500 Field/Security Combo 12ga 28″ & 18.5″ Wood? It's a dual-barrel pump-action shotgun configured for hunting and defensive roles, shipped with hardwood furniture and a pistol-grip kit. The platform delivers adaptable utility through simple, serviceable components—a 28-inch vent-rib field barrel paired with an 18.5-inch cylinder-bore security barrel—all built on Mossberg's proven 500-series action. In a market leaning toward modular chassis systems, this combo remains a straightforward, cost-effective answer for shooters who need one firearm to handle multiple tasks without excessive customization.
What is the Mossberg 500 Field/Security Combo used for?
The Mossberg 500 Field/Security Combo is used for waterfowl hunting, upland game, and close-quarters home defense, depending on which barrel is installed. With the ported 28-inch field barrel, it patterns consistently for birds at 40 yards; with the 18.5-inch cylinder-bore barrel, it delivers reliable performance with buckshot or slugs inside 25 yards. This configuration eliminates the need for a dedicated hunting shotgun and a separate defensive firearm, provided you accept the manual pump-action cycling.
How does the Mossberg 500 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Mossberg 500 is better for shooters who need a versatile, budget-friendly firearm for both hunting and defensive roles, whereas the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge is superior strictly for recreational clay shooting and field hunting due to its faster twin-barrel design. The Mossberg’s pump action cycles slower than an over-under—about 2-3 seconds between aimed shots versus 1-2 seconds—but offers greater adaptability with its dual barrel set and lower price point. Choose the Stevens if your primary use is sporting clays; choose the Mossberg if you need one firearm to cover multiple practical roles.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Mossberg 500 Field/Security Combo weighs 7.5 lbs with the 28-inch barrel installed and measures 47.5 inches in overall length. With the 18.5-inch security barrel mounted, overall length drops to approximately 38 inches, making it maneuverable in tight spaces like hallways or blinds. The length of pull is 13.87 inches, a standard dimension that fits most adult shooters without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for competitive shooters who require rapid follow-up shots, or for those seeking a lightweight, specialized firearm for a single purpose. The pump-action design demands manual cycling between shots, adding 2-3 seconds to your shot string compared to a semi-auto or over-under. Additionally, the 7.5-lb weight with hardwood furniture is nearly 1.5 lbs heavier than synthetic-stocked tactical models, which may be a concern for extended carry in the field.
What's in the box?
The box includes the Mossberg 500 receiver and action, two barrels (28-inch vent-rib field barrel and 18.5-inch cylinder-bore security barrel), a hardwood stock and forend, a separate pistol grip kit, and one Accu-Set choke tube for the field barrel. You will need to supply your own ammunition, a choke tube wrench, and basic cleaning supplies—the package does not include extra chokes beyond the cylinder bore already installed in the security barrel.
Is the Mossberg 500 worth it at $497.99?
At $497.99, the Mossberg 500 Field/Security Combo is worth it for budget-conscious shooters who need a single, adaptable firearm for both hunting and home defense. You are effectively getting two configured shotguns for the price of one, with the added value of the pistol-grip kit for alternative handling. Compared to buying a dedicated field shotgun and a separate defensive model, this package saves you at least $300-400, though you sacrifice the specialized performance of purpose-built firearms like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge for clays or a dedicated tactical semi-auto for defense.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes two barrels (28" field and 18.5" security) — eliminates need for separate firearms
- Weighs 7.5 lbs with hardwood stock — balances recoil for manageable follow-up shots
- Accepts all Mossberg 500-series aftermarket barrels — maintains platform compatibility
- 13.87-inch length of pull — fits 95% of adult shooters without modification
- Ported 28-inch barrel reduces perceived recoil by approximately 15% compared to non-ported versions
Trade-offs
- Pump-action design adds 2-3 seconds between aimed shots versus semi-auto or over-under
- Hardwood furniture adds 0.8 lbs compared to synthetic alternatives — not ideal for extended carry
- Includes only one Accu-Set choke tube — additional chokes cost $25-40 each
- Blued finish requires regular oiling to prevent corrosion in humid environments
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 015813541695 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 54169 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 |
| chokes included | Cylinder Bore |
| color | Blue |
| length | 47 |
| model | 500 |
| package height | 3.7 |
| package width | 9.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Ambidextrous Top Tang |
| shipping weight | 12.25 |
| sights | Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it fit in a standard 42-inch rifle case?
- Yes, with the 18.5-inch security barrel installed, the overall length is approximately 38 inches, allowing it to fit in a standard 42-inch rifle case with room for foam. With the 28-inch field barrel, the overall length is 47.5 inches, requiring a case at least 48 inches long. I recommend Pelican's 1750 case for storage of both barrels and accessories.
- Is it compatible with Mossberg 500 aftermarket barrels?
- Yes, it accepts any Mossberg 500-series barrel with a 3-inch chamber and the appropriate action tube length. This includes both field and security barrels from manufacturers like Carlson’s and Mossberg’s own catalog. Confirm the barrel’s magazine cap thread pattern matches your forend tube before purchase.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping typically takes 7-10 business days for standard ground service, depending on your location and FFL availability. Expedited options through UPS or FedEx can reduce transit to 3-5 business days for an additional fee. All shipments require a verified Federal Firearms License for delivery.
- Can I return it if it doesn’t fit?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery, provided the firearm is unfired, in original packaging, and accompanied by all included components. A 15% restocking fee applies, and return shipping must be arranged through a licensed FFL. Contact Ironclad Armory support to initiate a return authorization.
- Does this work with a Mesa Tactical side-saddle shell carrier?
- Yes, the Mesa Tactical side-saddle shell carrier (model #MTS-SS-6) mounts directly to the receiver using the existing trigger pin and stock bolt holes. Installation requires a hex wrench and takes about 10 minutes. Ensure you purchase the version designed for the Mossberg 500, not the 590 or 590A1.
- Is the pistol grip kit included or sold separately?
- The pistol grip kit is included in the box alongside the standard hardwood stock. It consists of a synthetic pistol grip, mounting hardware, and a shorter stock bolt. Swapping between the traditional stock and pistol grip requires a 3/8-inch wrench and takes approximately 5 minutes.