Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in firearms and FFL transfers. The Mossberg 500 Slugster 12 Gauge Mossy Oak Shotgun is a reliable pump-action shotgun designed for slug hunting and general utility. Its Mossy Oak finish provides effective concealment in various environments. Available now for $499.00.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
What are the specifications of the Mossberg 500 Slugster?
| Product Type | Pump-Action Shotgun |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Capacity | 5+1 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 24″ Rifled Slug Barrel |
| Sights | Adjustable Rifle Sights |
| Material | Alloy Receiver, Steel Barrel |
| Manufacturing | USA |
| Finish | Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camouflage |
| Weight | Approximately 7.25 lbs |
| Overall Length | Approximately 44.5″ |
| Stock | Synthetic, Mossy Oak Break-Up Country |
| Compatibility | Mossberg 500 series interchangeable barrels (non-ported) |
| Installation/Usage | Ready to use out of the box, requires proper cleaning and lubrication before first use. |
| Condition | New |
| SKU | 54243 |
What are the key features of the Mossberg 500 Slugster?
- Rifled Slug Barrel: The 24-inch rifled barrel is designed to stabilize slugs, improving accuracy for deer hunting or other applications where slugs are preferred over shot. This isn’t just a smoothbore; it’s built for precision with those heavier projectiles.
- Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Finish: This camouflage pattern helps the shotgun blend into various hunting environments, from timber to open fields. It’s a practical finish for hunters who need to stay concealed.
- Adjustable Rifle Sights: Equipped with adjustable rifle sights, this shotgun allows for precise zeroing with your preferred slug ammunition, which is critical for consistent shot placement at varying distances.
- Dual Extractors: A hallmark of the Mossberg 500 series, the dual extractors provide reliable cycling and ejection of spent shells, even under adverse conditions. This is a robust system that you can count on.
- Ambidextrous Tang Safety: The top-mounted tang safety is easily accessible and operable by both right and left-handed shooters, a practical feature for quick, instinctive use in the field.
- Proven 500 Series Reliability: The Mossberg 500 platform has a long-standing reputation for durability and consistent performance, having been in production for decades and widely used by hunters, law enforcement, and military. It’s a workhorse.
- Interchangeable Barrel System: While this model comes with a dedicated slug barrel, the Mossberg 500 series allows for easy barrel changes, offering versatility for different hunting seasons or applications if you pick up additional barrels later.
Who should consider the Mossberg 500 Slugster?
This Mossberg 500 Slugster is a solid choice for specific users.
- ✅ Deer Hunters in Slug-Only Zones: If you hunt deer in areas where rifles are prohibited and only shotguns with slugs are allowed, this shotgun is purpose-built for that application. The rifled barrel makes a difference.
- ✅ Hunters Needing Versatility: While set up for slugs, the Mossberg 500’s modular design means you can potentially swap barrels for bird hunting or home defense if you invest in additional barrels.
- ✅ Budget-Conscious Hunters: For its price point, you’re getting a reliable, dedicated slug gun that performs its intended role without breaking the bank. It’s a practical tool.
- ✅ Anyone Seeking a Dependable Pump Action: The Mossberg 500 platform is known for its robustness. If you need a shotgun that just works, this fits the bill.
- ✅ Kansas Hunters: For those of us in Kansas, a shotgun like this is a common sight in the field, especially during deer season in certain units.
Who should pass on the Mossberg 500 Slugster?
While a capable shotgun, it’s not for everyone.
- ❌ Bird Hunters Primarily: If your main goal is upland birds or waterfowl, a smoothbore barrel with interchangeable chokes is generally more appropriate. This rifled barrel isn’t designed for shot patterns. See our selection of field shotguns for bird hunting.
- ❌ Those Seeking a Tactical Home Defense Shotgun: While it can be used for defense, the long, rifled slug barrel isn’t ideal for maneuverability in tight spaces. A shorter, smoothbore barrel would be more practical. Explore our tactical shotgun options.
- ❌ Shooters Who Prefer Semi-Automatics: If you value faster follow-up shots and reduced recoil, a semi-automatic shotgun might be a better fit, though typically at a higher price point.
How does the Mossberg 500 Slugster compare to other shotguns?
| Feature | Mossberg 500 Slugster | Maverick 88 Slug (Budget) | Remington 870 Wingmaster (Premium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Alloy Receiver, Steel Barrel | Steel Receiver, Steel Barrel | Steel Receiver, Steel Barrel |
| Quality | Reliable, utilitarian build | Basic, functional | Refined, durable, classic |
| Compatibility | Mossberg 500 barrels (non-ported) | Mossberg 500 barrels (non-ported) | Remington 870 barrels |
| Finish | Mossy Oak Break-Up Country | Matte Black | High-Gloss Blued |
| Lifespan/Durability | Decades with proper care | Many years with proper care | Generations with proper care |
| Price | $499.00 | ~$250 – $300 | ~$800 – $1000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mossberg 500 Slugster
Is the Mossberg 500 Slugster good for deer hunting?
Yes, the Mossberg 500 Slugster is specifically designed for deer hunting, particularly in areas requiring slug use. Its rifled barrel significantly improves accuracy with slugs compared to a smoothbore shotgun.
What kind of ammunition should I use in a rifled slug barrel?
For a rifled slug barrel, you should use sabot slugs. These slugs have a plastic wad (sabot) that engages the rifling, imparting spin to the slug for increased accuracy. Do not use traditional rifled (Foster type) slugs in a fully rifled barrel, as they are designed for smoothbore shotguns and can damage the barrel or cause excessive fouling.
Can I change the barrel on a Mossberg 500 Slugster?
Yes, the Mossberg 500 platform is known for its interchangeable barrels. You can swap the rifled slug barrel for a smoothbore field barrel (with or without chokes) to adapt the shotgun for different hunting or shooting applications. Ensure the replacement barrel is compatible with the Mossberg 500 series.
What is the effective range of a Mossberg 500 Slugster?
With a rifled barrel and appropriate sabot slugs, the Mossberg 500 Slugster can be effective out to 100-150 yards for deer-sized game. Accuracy is highly dependent on the ammunition used, shooter skill, and proper sighting in.
Is the Mossberg 500 Slugster suitable for home defense?
While any firearm can be used for home defense, the Mossberg 500 Slugster with its 24-inch rifled barrel is not typically considered ideal for close-quarters home defense due to its length and the specific projectile it’s optimized for. A shorter, smoothbore barrel loaded with buckshot is generally preferred for home defense scenarios. However, it will function if needed.
Where can I buy shotguns online?
You can purchase shotguns online through licensed FFL dealers like Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). The process involves selecting your firearm, having it shipped to a local FFL dealer in your state, and then completing the required background check and paperwork there before taking possession.
What is the difference between a Slugster and a standard Mossberg 500?
The term “Slugster” typically indicates that the Mossberg 500 comes equipped with a dedicated slug barrel, which is often rifled and may feature rifle sights or a scope mount. A standard Mossberg 500 might come with a smoothbore field barrel, usually with a bead sight or interchangeable choke system, intended for shot shells.
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