Mossberg Gold Reserve Super Sport 12GA 30″ Walnut
Pros & cons
What works
- Adjustable length of pull from 13 to 15 inches via included spacers for a custom fit.
- Includes a complete 5-piece stainless steel external choke set for immediate pattern tuning.
- 17-inch sight radius on the 30-inch vent rib barrel promotes consistent sight picture.
- Grade A satin walnut stock provides a premium aesthetic and stable bedding surface.
Trade-offs
- Proprietary external Accu-Choke system limits aftermarket choke options compared to industry-standard internal threads like Beretta/Benelli Mobilchoke.
- Polished silver receiver and engraving require diligent maintenance to prevent fingerprints and oxidation in humid conditions.
- At 7.8 pounds unloaded, it is nearly 1.3 pounds heavier than a field-grade over/under, affecting swing speed for some shooters.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Mossberg Gold Reserve Super Sport 12GA 30” Walnut is a premium over-and-under shotgun engineered for competitive clay target disciplines like sporting clays and 5-Stand. Its construction prioritizes balance, precise sighting, and fast handling through a 30-inch vent-rib barrel and an adjustable walnut stock. At $1,227.99, it places itself as a high-value entry into the competitive shotgun market, offering engraved aesthetics typically found on guns costing thousands more.
What is the Mossberg Gold Reserve Super Sport used for?
This shotgun is built for formal clay target sports, specifically sporting clays and 5-Stand. Its long 30-inch barrel provides a smooth swing plane and consistent follow-through, which are critical for breaking long-crossing and rising targets. The 5-piece external choke set allows precise pattern tuning for different stations, while the lightweight but dense walnut stock at 7.8 pounds minimizes shooter fatigue during a 100-target round.
How does the Mossberg Gold Reserve compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting?
The Mossberg Gold Reserve Super Sport offers superior fit, finish, and target-focused features over the more utilitarian Stevens 555 Sporting O/U. Specifically, the Mossberg's receiver features polished silver with scroll engraving and gold inlay, compared to the Stevens' basic blued finish. More importantly, the Mossberg includes an adjustable length of pull (13–15 inches) for a custom fit, while the Stevens has a fixed stock. For serious clay shooters investing in their primary competition gun, the Mossberg's enhancements in fit and aesthetics justify its higher price point for dedicated use.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Mossberg Gold Reserve Super Sport has an unloaded weight of 7.8 pounds (124.8 oz) and an overall length of 46.5 inches. The 30-inch barrels create a 17-inch sight radius from the fiber-optic front bead to the shallow notch at the receiver's rear, promoting consistent eye alignment. The walnut stock features a 14.5-inch length of pull out of the box, adjustable via included spacers, with a drop at comb of 1.5 inches and a drop at heel of 2.25 inches for a heads-up shooting posture.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for hunters seeking a lightweight, all-day carry gun or tactical users. At 7.8 pounds and 46.5 inches long, it is cumbersome for walking upland fields compared to a 6.5-pound, 26-inch-barreled model. The intricate scroll engraving and polished finishes are prone to showing scratches and wear in brush, and the 30-inch barrels are less maneuverable in a blind or thick cover than the 26-inch barrels found on our Stevens 555 Sporting Compact.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, a 5-piece external sport choke set (cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, improved modified, full), a set of three stock spacers to adjust length of pull, and a basic hard case. The choke tubes are made of stainless steel and thread directly into the barrel's externally threaded muzzle, allowing for tool-free changes in under 10 seconds between stations, a critical feature during competition.
Is the Mossberg Gold Reserve Super Sport worth it at $1,227.99?
Yes, for the shooter committed to clay sports seeking features above entry-level without entering the $2,500+ custom-fit tier. The value is in the combination of the adjustable walnut stock, the polished and engraved receiver, and the comprehensive choke set—features often sold separately. If your budget is strictly under $1,000 and you accept a fixed stock and plain finish for occasional use, the Stevens 555 represents a more economical choice.
Key attributes
| upc | 884110754745 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 75474 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 30" High Vent Rib |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | 5 |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 30.5 |
| model | Gold Reserve II |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 11.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 15.25 |
| sights | Front Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with 2 ¾-inch shells?
- Yes, the 3-inch chamber accepts both 3-inch magnum and standard 2 ¾-inch shells without issue. For target loads, I recommend sticking with 2 ¾-inch, 1-1/8 oz loads at 1,200 fps for optimal recoil management and pattern consistency through the included chokes.
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- It uses Mossberg's proprietary Accu-Choke external thread pattern. Direct replacements are available from Mossberg, and some aftermarket manufacturers like Carlson's and Briley produce compatible tubes. Confirm the product listing specifies 'Mossberg Accu-Choke (External Thread)' before purchasing.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing typically takes 1-3 business days, with ground shipping via FedEx or UPS taking an additional 3-7 business days to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. You must contact your FFL in advance to provide their license details and coordinate pickup upon arrival.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- All firearm sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. We strongly recommend verifying the stock dimensions—especially the 14.5-inch default length of pull—against your own measurements before completing the purchase. Consider visiting a local dealer to handle a similar model first.