Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories. The Mossberg 500 Slugster 20 Gauge Pump Shotgun with Mossy Oak Camo Finish is a reliable, field-ready shotgun built for slug hunting. Its Mossy Oak finish provides effective concealment for various hunting environments. Available 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 |
|---|---|
| Material | Alloy Receiver, Steel Barrel, Synthetic Stock |
| Manufacturing | Mossberg |
| Finish | Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camo |
| Hardness/Quality | Standard Mossberg 500 series durability |
| Compatibility | 20 Gauge Shells (2-3/4″ and 3″) |
| Installation/Usage | Ready to use out of the box; requires FFL transfer |
| Weight | Approximately 6.5 lbs (unloaded) |
| Dimensions | Overall Length: 39.5″; Barrel Length: 24″ |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Condition | New |
| SKU | 54238 |
What are the key features of this Mossberg 500 Slugster?
- Mossberg 500 Platform: The core of this shotgun is the proven Mossberg 500 action, known for its reliability and smooth operation under various conditions. It’s a design that’s been trusted by hunters and sportsmen for decades.
- 20 Gauge Chambering: This 20 gauge pump shotgun offers a balance of manageable recoil and effective slug performance, suitable for deer hunting in brush or open fields where slugs are required.
- 24-inch Fully Rifled Barrel: The dedicated 24-inch fully rifled barrel is designed to maximize accuracy with modern sabot slugs, providing a significant advantage for precision shots.
- Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camo Finish: The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country pattern provides excellent concealment in diverse environments, helping you blend into your surroundings during a hunt.
- Drilled and Tapped Receiver: The receiver comes drilled and tapped from the factory, making it ready for easy installation of optics like scopes or red dot sights, which are often beneficial when hunting with slugs.
- Dual Extractors and Anti-Jam Elevator: These features contribute to the Mossberg 500’s reputation for reliable cycling and feeding, reducing the chance of malfunctions in the field.
- Top-Mounted Safety: The ambidextrous tang-mounted safety is easy to access and operate, even with gloves on, providing a natural and intuitive control point.
Who is the Mossberg 500 Slugster 20 Gauge for?
Buy it if:
- You need a dedicated slug gun for deer hunting in shotgun-only zones or dense cover.
- You prefer the lighter recoil and handling characteristics of a 20 gauge over a 12 gauge.
- You appreciate the proven reliability and straightforward operation of the Mossberg 500 pump action.
- You hunt in environments where camouflage is an advantage, and you want a factory-applied finish.
- You plan to mount an optic for improved slug accuracy.
Skip it if:
- You primarily hunt birds or small game and need a smoothbore barrel (see our Pump Action Shotguns for field models).
- You require a shotgun for home defense, as a shorter, smoothbore barrel is generally preferred for that role (see our Tactical Shotguns).
- You are looking for a high-capacity tactical shotgun.
What are the pros and cons of this shotgun?
Pros:
- ✅ Dedicated Slug Accuracy: The fully rifled barrel is specifically designed to deliver excellent accuracy with sabot slugs, often outperforming smoothbore barrels with rifled slugs.
- ✅ Proven Mossberg 500 Reliability: The Mossberg 500 action is a workhorse, known for its durability and function in harsh conditions.
- ✅ Effective Camouflage: The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country finish provides practical concealment for hunting applications.
- ✅ Optics Ready: Drilled and tapped receiver allows for easy mounting of scopes or red dots, enhancing precision for longer slug shots.
- ✅ Manageable Recoil: The 20 gauge chambering offers less recoil than a 12 gauge, making it more comfortable for extended shooting sessions or for smaller-framed shooters.
- ✅ Affordable Slug Gun: This is a cost-effective option for a dedicated slug hunting shotgun.
Cons:
- ❌ Limited Versatility: The fully rifled barrel is not suitable for shooting birdshot or buckshot effectively, making it a specialized tool for slugs only. If you need a more versatile shotgun, consider a model with interchangeable barrels (see our Pump Action Shotguns with field/deer combos).
- ❌ Fixed Choke (Rifled): Unlike smoothbore barrels, there are no interchangeable chokes for a fully rifled barrel, limiting its use to slug projectiles.
- ❌ Synthetic Stock Feel: While durable, the synthetic stock may not offer the same aesthetic appeal or feel as a traditional wood stock for some users.
How does the Mossberg 500 Slugster compare to other shotguns?
| Feature | Mossberg 500 Slugster 20 Gauge | Budget Import Slug Gun (e.g., specific budget brands) | Remington 870 Wingmaster Deer 20 Gauge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Alloy Receiver, Steel Barrel, Synthetic Stock | Steel Receiver, Steel Barrel, Synthetic/Wood Stock (variable) | Steel Receiver, Steel Barrel, Walnut Wood Stock |
| Quality | Good, proven reliability, standard Mossberg manufacturing | Entry-level, variable quality, may have rougher action | Excellent, premium fit and finish, smooth action |
| Compatibility | 20 Gauge (2-3/4″, 3″) | 20 Gauge (2-3/4″, 3″) | 20 Gauge (2-3/4″, 3″) |
| Shipping | Same-day from Wichita, KS (FFL transfer required) | Varies by retailer | Varies by retailer |
| Lifespan/Durability | Long-lasting with proper care, parts readily available | Potentially shorter lifespan, parts may be harder to find | Very long-lasting, heirloom quality, extensive parts availability |
| Price | $499.00 | ~$250 – $350 | ~$700 – $900+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Mossberg 500 Slugster 20 Gauge pump shotgun with Mossy Oak camo finish used for?
The Mossberg 500 Slugster 20 Gauge pump shotgun with Mossy Oak camo finish is primarily designed for hunting deer and other medium-sized game in areas where rifle hunting is restricted or where dense cover makes a shotgun more practical. The fully rifled barrel is optimized for shooting sabot slugs for increased accuracy.
Can I use birdshot or buckshot in a Mossberg 500 Slugster with a rifled barrel?
While you technically can chamber and fire birdshot or buckshot, it is not recommended for a fully rifled barrel. The rifling will impart a spin on the shot cup, causing the shot pattern to spread very rapidly and irregularly, rendering it ineffective for its intended purpose. This shotgun is specifically for slugs.
Is the Mossberg 500 Slugster 20 Gauge suitable for home defense?
While any firearm can be used for self-defense, the Mossberg 500 Slugster with a fully rifled barrel is not ideal for home defense. The rifled barrel is designed for single projectiles (slugs), which can over-penetrate in a home environment. A smoothbore shotgun with buckshot is generally preferred for home defense due. Consider a dedicated home defense shotgun for that role.
What kind of scope should I put on a Mossberg 500 Slugster?
For a Mossberg 500 Slugster, a low-power variable scope (e.g., 1-4x or 2-7x) or a fixed 2.5x or 3x shotgun scope is a common choice. A red dot sight can also be very effective for quick target acquisition at closer ranges. Look for optics designed to withstand shotgun recoil and with good light transmission for hunting conditions.
How far can a Mossberg 500 Slugster 20 Gauge shoot accurately?
With a fully rifled barrel and quality sabot slugs, a Mossberg 500 Slugster 20 Gauge can be accurate out to 100-150 yards, and sometimes even further with practice and the right ammunition. The effective range will depend on the specific slug load, shooter skill, and optics used.
Where can I buy shotguns online?
You can buy shotguns online from licensed FFL dealers like Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). We facilitate the purchase and ship the firearm to your local FFL dealer for transfer, following all federal and state laws.
Does the Mossberg 500 Slugster come with sights?
This particular Mossberg 500 Slugster model typically comes with adjustable rifle sights, which are effective for slug shooting. Additionally, the receiver is drilled and tapped, allowing for easy installation of optics if you prefer a scope or red dot sight.
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Last updated: April 2026
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