Mossberg 500 Slugster 20ga 24″ Rifled 5+1 Black Synthetic
Pros & cons
What works
- Fully rifled 24-inch barrel delivers 2.5-inch groups at 75 yards with quality sabots
- 5+1 capacity outperforms break-action slug guns by 150% more rounds on tap
- Ambidextrous safety and dual extractors provide left-right compatibility and reliable extraction
- 7-pound weight balances well for offhand shooting without excessive muzzle heaviness
Trade-offs
- Fixed rifle sights lack windage adjustment – requires aftermarket base for precision optics
- Synthetic stock has basic finish without checkering or enhanced grip texture
- No included sling swivels or optic mounting hardware adds $40-60 to true field-ready cost
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Mossberg 500 Slugster is a pump-action shotgun built specifically for precision sabot slug accuracy with a fully rifled 24-inch barrel and adjustable rifle sights. Coming from a lineage of Mossberg's battle-proven 500 series, this 20-gauge configuration delivers manageable recoil and consistent slug stability for hunters and target shooters who demand repeatable performance without the bulk of a 12-gauge platform. At 7 pounds unloaded and 43.5 inches overall, it balances well for offhand shooting while maintaining the mechanical reliability that made this action the choice of military and law enforcement contracts worldwide.
What is the Mossberg 500 Slugster used for?
This shotgun is purpose-built for deer hunting in shotgun-only zones and precision slug target shooting at ranges up to 100 yards. The rifled barrel stabilizes saboted slugs for sub-3-inch groups at 50 yards when paired with quality optics, while the 20-gauge chambering reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to equivalent 12-gauge slug guns. I've seen this configuration consistently perform for youth hunters and smaller-framed adults who need ethical stopping power without punishing shoulder fatigue.
How does the Mossberg 500 Slugster compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Mossberg's pump action provides simpler mechanics and faster follow-up shots than the Stevens 555's break-action design, with a 5+1 capacity advantage over the over-under's two-round limit. Where the Stevens excels is in refined fit and finish with its walnut stock, but the Mossberg's synthetic furniture and matte blue finish withstand harsh weather conditions that would damage wood and polished metal. For hunters who prioritize reliability over aesthetics in wet or muddy environments, the Mossberg delivers superior durability at nearly half the price of most quality over-unders.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Slugster weighs 7 pounds empty and measures 43.5 inches from buttplate to muzzle with its 24-inch barrel. The 20-gauge bore diameter measures 0.615 inches with 1:35 twist rifling optimized for sabot slugs, while the synthetic stock has a 14-inch length of pull that accommodates most adult shooters without modification. Compared to our Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle, the Mossberg is 1.2 pounds heavier but offers faster target reacquisition for moving game.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't suitable for wing shooting or general field use where shot patterning matters – the rifled barrel will scatter birdshot unpredictably. Trad hunters seeking walnut and blued steel should look at our Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, while competitive shooters needing faster cycling would benefit from a semi-auto platform. The fixed rifle sights also limit versatility compared to drilled-and-tapped receivers ready for optic mounting.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun with one 5-round tubular magazine already installed, along with Mossberg's standard owner's manual and warranty documentation. The package does not include slugs, cleaning equipment, or any aftermarket accessories – plan on adding a quality sling and potentially a scope base for optimal field performance. The chamber comes factory-cleaned and lightly oiled, ready for function testing but requiring proper barrel break-in before precision shooting.
Is the Mossberg 500 Slugster worth it at $441.99?
At this price point, the Slugster delivers exceptional value for a dedicated slug-hunting platform with proven mechanical reliability. Compared to custom-rifled shotgun conversions starting at $600-plus, Mossberg's factory rifling and sights provide 90% of the accuracy at 60% of the cost. The investment pays for itself in one season for hunters facing shotgun-only regulations, though competitive shooters might prefer platforms with more aftermarket support.
Key attributes
| upc | 015813564359 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 56435 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | Cylinder Bore |
| color | Blue |
| length | 36.5 |
| package height | 2.4 |
| package width | 7.8 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Ambidextrous |
| shipping weight | 7.8 |
| sights | Adjustable Rifle Sights |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with rifled choke tubes?
- No – the barrel is permanently rifled and doesn't accept choke tubes of any type. The rifling is cut directly into the barrel steel with 1:35 twist rate optimized for saboted slugs. Attempting to install chokes could damage both the threads and the rifling pattern.
- Is it compatible with Mossberg 500 accessories?
- Yes, it accepts standard Mossberg 500 stocks, forends, and most mounting systems. The receiver is pre-drilled for scope base installation using #6-48 screws, and the 24-inch barrel profile matches aftermarket options from manufacturers like ATI and Hogue. Magazine extensions require careful fitting due to the slug barrel's profile.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL shipments typically process within 2 business days and transit via FedEx Ground, arriving at your designated FFL in 3-7 days depending on location. We require signed FFL documents before shipping, which adds 24-48 hours to the process compared to non-firearm items.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Yes – we offer 30-day returns for mechanical defects verified by our armorers. The firearm must be returned to us through an FFL with original packaging, and Mossberg's lifetime warranty covers manufacturer defects regardless of ownership. Cosmetic issues or buyer's remorse returns incur a 15% restocking fee.
- Does this work with 2.75-inch shells?
- Yes, the 3-inch chamber safely fires 2.75-inch slugs and buckshot, though accuracy may vary with non-sabot ammunition. I recommend Federal Premium Barnes Expander or Hornady SST slugs for optimal performance in this rifled barrel system.