Mossberg 500 Tactical Turkey 12GA 20″ Mossy Oak Obsession
About this product
What is the Mossberg 500 Tactical Turkey 12GA 20" Mossy Oak Obsession? It's a purpose-built pump-action shotgun designed specifically for modern turkey hunting scenarios requiring tight patterning and rapid follow-up shots in dense cover. This 12-gauge features a 20" vent-rib barrel with an X-Factor ported turkey choke tube that delivers exceptional pattern density at typical engagement ranges of 25-40 yards. The Mossy Oak Obsession camouflage provides effective concealment against the varied backgrounds of spring timber and field edges where turkeys are commonly hunted.
What is the Mossberg 500 Tactical Turkey used for?
This shotgun is engineered specifically for turkey hunting in dense cover where maneuverability and fast target acquisition matter most. The 20" barrel length—4" shorter than traditional turkey guns—provides better handling in tight quarters while the 6-position adjustable stock accommodates shooters wearing thick hunting clothing. The fiber optic front sight stands out against low-light conditions common during early morning setups.
How does the Mossberg 500 Tactical Turkey compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Mossberg 500 delivers superior reliability and faster follow-up capability compared to the break-action Stevens 555 Sporting. While the Stevens 555 offers the advantage of two quick shots without pumping, the Mossberg's 5+1 capacity and proven pump mechanism handle dirt, moisture, and harsh field conditions better. For hunters who encounter multiple birds or need rapid second shots on running targets, the Mossberg provides a tangible tactical advantage worth the $200 price difference.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 7.5 pounds unloaded and measures 36.5 inches in overall length with the stock fully extended. The 20" barrel contributes to the compact profile while the synthetic stock material keeps weight manageable during long stalks. At 14.25" length of pull at its shortest setting, it accommodates shooters from youth size up to large-frame adults wearing bulky hunting layers.
Who is this NOT for?
This configuration isn't ideal for waterfowl hunters who need longer barrels for swing dynamics or clay shooters wanting balanced weight distribution. The tactical stock and short barrel prioritize close-quarters handling over the smooth swing required for pass shooting or sporting clays. If you primarily hunt ducks over decoys or shoot competitive clays, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U with its 30" barrels instead.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun with installed X-Factor turkey choke tube, one spare choke tube wrench, and basic owner's documentation covering Mossberg's warranty terms. Unlike some competitors, Ironclad Armory includes a complimentary chamber flag and detailed choke tube patterning data specific to this barrel length and ammunition types.
Is the Mossberg 500 Tactical Turkey worth it at $607.99?
At just over $600, this shotgun delivers exceptional value for dedicated turkey hunters who need reliability above all else. The combination of Mossberg's proven action, adjustable stock, and specialized choke system would cost significantly more if purchased as separate upgrades. For hunters who spend 20+ days annually in the turkey woods, this represents a solid investment that will perform for decades with basic maintenance.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Proven Mossberg 500 action with over 10 million units in service worldwide
- 20" barrel provides 4" shorter profile than traditional 24" turkey guns
- 6-position adjustable stock accommodates 14.25" to 15.5" length of pull
- X-Factor choke delivers 75% pattern density at 40 yards with turkey loads
Trade-offs
- Synthetic stock lacks the weight stability of wood for steady offhand shooting
- Vent rib collects debris in muddy conditions—requires frequent cleaning
- No sling swivels included—adds $25-40 for quality mounting hardware
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 015813532655 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 53265 |
| action | Pump Action |
| barrel length | 20 |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 46.8000 |
| model | 500 |
| shipping weight | 9.65 |
| sights | Adjustable Fiber Optic |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| chokes included | X-Factor Ported |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 9.1 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Mossberg 500 barrels?
- Yes, this accepts all Mossberg 500 barrels with standard magazine tube attachments. The 20" barrel uses the same mounting system as other 500-series shotguns, allowing you to swap for longer field barrels up to 28" if needed for different game.
- Does it fit in a standard shotgun case?
- The 36.5" overall length requires a compact case rather than full-size shotgun cases. I recommend Plano's 42" All-Weather case or similar compact models—avoid standard 52" cases that leave excessive empty space and add unnecessary bulk.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL shipments within 2 business days, with transit times varying by location. Most orders reach their designated FFL dealer within 5-7 business days from order confirmation, subject to your local FFL's processing speed.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms purchases through Ironclad Armory are final once transferred through an FFL, consistent with industry standards. We recommend confirming fit with your local FFL before completing the transfer—the adjustable stock accommodates most adult shooters from 5'4" to 6'4".
- Does this work with aftermarket pistol grip stocks?
- Yes, the receiver accepts all standard Mossberg 500 aftermarket stocks including pistol grip configurations. The tang safety remains functional with most replacements, though we recommend Mesa Tactical or Hogue products for guaranteed compatibility.