Mossberg 505 Youth .410 Bore 20in Blued Hardwood
Pros & cons
What works
- 12-inch length of pull — 1.5 inches shorter than standard adult shotguns
- 5.25 lb weight — 2 lb lighter than most 20-gauge youth models
- 20-inch barrel maintains legal hunting length while reducing overall size
- Vented recoil pad reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to hard plates
Trade-offs
- Fixed modified choke only — no interchangeability without $120+ gunsmithing
- 2+1 capacity — half the shell count of most adult pump shotguns
- Hardwood stock susceptible to swelling in prolonged moisture — requires maintenance
- Action requires 200-round break-in period before smooth cycling
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Mossberg 505 Youth .410 Bore 20in Blued Hardwood is a purpose-built pump-action shotgun engineered for shooters with smaller frames or developing youth handlers. It features a 12-inch length of pull that's 1.5 inches shorter than standard adult shotguns, combined with a 20-inch vent-rib barrel chambered for 3-inch .410 shells. This configuration delivers manageable recoil while maintaining functional versatility for small-game hunting and introductory clay shooting.
What is the Mossberg 505 Youth used for?
The Mossberg 505 Youth is designed for introducing new or small-framed shooters to shotgun handling with reduced physical strain. Its 5.25-pound weight and shortened dimensions make it ideal for youth squirrel and rabbit hunting, as well as entry-level trap shooting where full-power 12-gauge loads would be prohibitive. The fixed modified choke provides consistent patterns within 25 yards for ethical takedowns on appropriate game.
How does the Mossberg 505 Youth compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact?
The Mossberg 505 Youth offers simpler manual operation and lower maintenance than the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact O/U shotgun. While the Stevens provides two quick shots with selective triggers, the Mossberg's pump action teaches fundamental manipulation skills and costs $150 less at $450.99 versus $600 for the Stevens—making it better for pure beginner training despite the slower follow-up capability.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Mossberg 505 Youth weighs 5.25 pounds (84 ounces) with an overall length of 37.5 inches. The hardwood stock measures 12 inches from trigger to buttpad—critical for proper mounting by shooters with under 14-inch arm length—while the 20-inch barrel maintains legal hunting compliance in all states. The forend travel distance is precisely 4.25 inches for reliable cycling without over-extension.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not suitable for adult waterfowl hunters or competitive trap shooters requiring high-volume shooting. The .410 bore's limited payload and 2-shell capacity (plus one chambered) fall short for sustained pattern density at ranges beyond 30 yards. Serious upland hunters should consider the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga for better reach and knockdown power.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun with installed fixed modified choke, one 2-round detachable magazine, and a basic cable lock. Mossberg provides no additional chokes—unlike some competitors—so buyers needing cylinder or full constrictions must purchase aftermarket tubes separately. The hardwood stock comes pre-fitted with a 0.75-inch vented recoil pad that reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to hard plastic plates.
Is the Mossberg 505 Youth worth it at $450.99?
At $450.99, this shotgun delivers fair value for dedicated youth training despite some material compromises. The blued finish and hardwood construction withstand typical field use better than synthetic alternatives, though the action requires more breaking-in than higher-end models. For families committed to proper foundational training, it's a justified investment—but recreational shooters might prefer used adult shotguns with adjustable stocks for similar money.
Key attributes
| upc | 015813571203 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 57120 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .410 Bore |
| capacity | 4 |
| chokes included | Modified |
| color | Blue |
| length | 36.3500 |
| model | 505 |
| package height | 2.4 |
| package width | 7.9 |
| product type | Compact |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 7.2 |
| sights | Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| youth shotgun | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Mossberg 500 chokes?
- No, the Mossberg 505 uses a proprietary fixed choke system that doesn't accept interchangeable tubes. The barrel is permanently threaded for modified constriction only, unlike the Stevens 555 series which uses Beretta/Benelli Mobil threads. Aftermarket modification costs approximately $120-150 for threading services.
- Does it fit youth under 5 feet tall?
- Yes, the 12-inch length of pull accommodates shooters as short as 4'8" with proper technique. The EZ-Reach forend reduces hand travel to 4.25 inches—critical for smaller arm spans. For extreme youth sizes, consider the <a href="/blog/youth-shotgun-fitting-guide/">stock shortening service</a> available through our gunsmithing department.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Firearms ship within 3 business days after FFL verification, with transit times of 2-5 days via UPS Ground. All shipments require adult signature confirmation and follow ATF-compliant packaging protocols. International shipments are prohibited due to ITAR regulations.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my child?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for store credit only, provided the firearm is unfired and in original packaging. FFL transfer fees are non-refundable, and a 15% restocking fee applies. We recommend measuring your shooter's arm length against our <a href="/blog/youth-shotgun-fitting-guide/">sizing guide</a> before purchase.