Mossberg 500 Bantam Youth 20ga 22″ Vent Rib Blued/Wood
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Mossberg 500 Bantam Youth 20ga 22″ Vent Rib Blued/Wood? It's a purpose-built pump-action shotgun engineered specifically for younger or smaller-framed shooters who need reliable performance without the bulk of full-sized models. Built on Mossberg's proven 500 action with a shortened 13-inch length of pull and 22-inch vent-rib barrel, this shotgun delivers the same mechanical reliability as its larger counterparts in a compact package. The shortened stock dimensions and reduced 20-gauge recoil make it an ideal entry platform for shooters who might struggle with standard 12-gauge platforms.
What is the Mossberg 500 Bantam Youth used for?
This shotgun is primarily designed for introducing younger or smaller-statured shooters to field shooting and hunting applications. The 22-inch barrel with Accu-Set choke system makes it versatile enough for everything from trap shooting to small game hunting, while the 6.5-pound weight and shortened dimensions ensure manageable handling. I've seen this platform successfully used for everything from introductory clay courses to dove hunting where quick mounting and light recoil are critical advantages.
How does the Mossberg 500 Bantam Youth compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″ O/U Shotgun?
The Mossberg 500 Bantam Youth offers superior mechanical simplicity and lower maintenance compared to the over/under action of the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact. While the Stevens provides two quick shots without pump cycling, the Mossberg's pump action is more forgiving of maintenance neglect and costs $150 less at current pricing. For a first shotgun where reliability and cost-effectiveness matter more than rapid follow-up shots, the Mossberg is the better choice – though experienced shooters might prefer the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact O/U for its faster second-shot capability.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs exactly 6.5 pounds with an overall length of 41.5 inches and barrel length of 22 inches. The critical dimension for fit is the 13-inch length of pull, which is 1.5 inches shorter than standard adult shotguns like the Stevens 334 Rifle. This reduction makes the difference between proper cheek weld and uncomfortable stretching for shooters under 5'4" tall. The vent rib adds 0.25 inches to the sight plane height while maintaining the shotgun's balanced handling characteristics.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not suitable for adult shooters with standard proportions or those needing high-volume shooting capability. The shortened stock will feel cramped for anyone with an arm length over 14 inches from trigger to elbow, and the pump action limits your rate of fire compared to semi-automatics. If you're primarily shooting sporting clays or need quick follow-up shots, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge instead for its faster action and longer sight radius.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun with three Accu-Set choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), owner's manual, and Mossberg's standard warranty documentation. The chokes are properly fitted at the factory with anti-seize compound, and the action comes lubricated with 2.5 ounces of factory grease that should be cleaned and replaced with your preferred lubricant before first use. Missing from the box are any additional choke keys or cleaning kits that some competitors include.
Is the Mossberg 500 Bantam Youth worth it at $450.99?
At $450.99, this shotgun represents solid value for its intended purpose of youth and compact shooter introduction. The price positions it $75-100 below comparable youth models from Remington while maintaining Mossberg's reputation for durability. For the money, you're getting a platform that can grow with a young shooter – the stock can be replaced with a standard 14.5-inch version when they outgrow the youth dimensions, making this a 10-year investment rather than a temporary solution.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 13-inch length of pull – 1.5 inches shorter than standard adult shotguns
- 6.5-pound total weight – 1.2 pounds lighter than comparable 12-gauge youth models
- Accu-Set choke system with three included tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder)
- Dual-bead sight system with 22-inch vent rib for quick target acquisition
Trade-offs
- No included choke tube wrench – requires $12.99 additional purchase
- Factory grease requires complete cleaning before first use – adds 15-minute prep time
- Pump action limits rate of fire compared to semi-automatic alternatives
Key attributes
| upc | 015813541329 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 54132 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | Black |
| length | 36.5 |
| model | 500 |
| package height | 2.4 |
| package width | 7.9 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Ambidextrous Top Tang |
| shipping weight | 8.0 |
| sights | Dual Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| youth shotgun | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with standard Mossberg 500 accessories?
- Yes, the receiver accepts standard Mossberg 500 stocks and forends, allowing you to upgrade to adult-sized components when needed. The 22-inch barrel uses standard Accu-Choke threading identical to full-sized 500 models. Only the youth-specific stock and shortened forend differentiate it from standard configurations.
- Can I use 2.75-inch shells in this shotgun?
- The chamber accepts both 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells interchangeably, though the shorter shells will cycle more reliably for new shooters. I recommend starting with 2.75-inch target loads for the first 200 rounds to properly break in the action before moving to 3-inch magnum loads for hunting applications.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Standard shipping to Montana addresses takes 3-5 business days through our FedEx Ground partnership. All firearms ship within 24 hours of FFL verification completion. We require signature confirmation upon delivery and provide tracking numbers within 2 hours of shipment.
- Does this come with a choke tube wrench?
- No, the package includes only the three choke tubes without a dedicated wrench. You'll need a standard Mossberg accu-choke wrench (part #90065) or a 3/4-inch open-end wrench for tube changes. The wrench costs $12.99 separately and is essential for proper choke maintenance.