Mossberg Gold Reserve 20 Gauge 30in Over/Under
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Mossberg Gold Reserve 20 Gauge 30in Over/Under? It's a field-ready over/under shotgun chambered in 20 gauge with a 30-inch vent rib barrel, designed specifically for sporting clays and upland hunting applications. This model features premium Grade A walnut furniture and a polished silver receiver with 24KT gold inlay, balancing traditional aesthetics with modern sporting functionality. The shotgun ships with a comprehensive five-choke extended sport set, providing instant pattern versatility right out of the box.
What is the Mossberg Gold Reserve 20 Gauge used for?
The Mossberg Gold Reserve is engineered specifically for competitive clay target shooting and sustained field use, particularly where a balanced, fast-handling 20-gauge platform is advantageous. The 30-inch barrel provides the sight radius and swing characteristics preferred by sporting clays competitors, while the 7-pound overall weight keeps it manageable for upland hunting scenarios. The five-choke system allows shooters to quickly adapt to varying target presentations from 15-yard close-quarter shots to 40-yard crossing targets.
How does the Mossberg Gold Reserve compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?
The Mossberg Gold Reserve offers superior fit and finish with its Grade A walnut stock and gold-inlaid receiver, while the Stevens 555 Sporting utilizes more basic Turkish walnut at a $400 lower price point. Mechanically, both feature dual locking lugs and automatic shell ejectors, but the Gold Reserve's polished blued barrels and tighter receiver tolerances provide a more refined cycling action. For competitive shooters who value aesthetics and smooth operation, the Gold Reserve justifies its premium; for those prioritizing budget over cosmetics, the Stevens 555 represents better value.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs exactly 7 pounds with an overall length of 46.5 inches when assembled. The 30-inch barrels measure 0.725 inches at the muzzle for optimal weight distribution, while the 14.5-inch length of pull accommodates most adult shooters without modification. The break-open action requires 32 pounds of force to unlock the lever, striking a balance between secure locking and accessible operation during sustained shooting sessions.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not suitable for high-volume competitive shooters who fire 500+ rounds weekly, as the intricate engraving and polished finishes will show wear more quickly than matte-finished alternatives. It's also a poor choice for tight-quarry turkey hunters who need camouflage finishes and shorter barrels for maneuverability in brush. Law enforcement or tactical applications requiring magazine-fed capacity should consider our Stevens 334 rifle platform instead of this sporting-oriented shotgun.
What's in the box?
The package includes the complete shotgun, five extended sport chokes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full), a choke tube wrench, and factory documentation. Notably absent are any cleaning tools or case, which competitive shooters will need to purchase separately—expect to spend an additional $75-150 for proper maintenance equipment. The chokes are clearly marked with laser-etched identification and feature extended profiles for easy hand-tightening without tools.
Is the Mossberg Gold Reserve worth it at $990.99?
At $990.99, the Gold Reserve occupies the entry-level premium segment, offering mechanical refinements over budget Turkish imports without reaching the $2,000+ price point of Italian-made competitors. The investment is justified for shooters who appreciate the aesthetic details and plan to use the shotgun for both competition and hunting applications. However, dedicated field hunters might prefer to allocate budget toward optical sights or additional choke tubes rather than the decorative elements that define this model's premium positioning.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs exactly 7 lbs—perfect balance for sustained shooting sessions
- Includes 5 extended chokes covering Cylinder through Full constrictions
- 30-inch barrel provides 14-inch sight radius for improved target acquisition
- Grade A walnut stock with oil finish resists field wear better than synthetic alternatives
Trade-offs
- Polished receiver shows handling marks after 500+ rounds—requires frequent wiping
- No factory case included—adds $80-120 for proper storage
- 14.5-inch length of pull may require modification for shooters under 5'8"
- Ejectors sometimes require break-in period of 200 rounds for consistent operation
Key attributes
| upc | 884110754820 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 75482 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 30" Vent Rib |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | 5 |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 11.4 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 12.9 |
| sights | Front Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 20-gauge chokes?
- Yes, the Mossberg Gold Reserve uses standard Mossberg Accu-Choke threading, which is compatible with most aftermarket 20-gauge choke tubes from brands like Carlson's and Patternmaster. The factory chokes use standard thread patterns that have been industry-standard since 1997.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- The broken-down shotgun measures 32 inches in storage configuration, fitting easily in most 48-inch hard cases with room for accessories. For transport, I recommend a minimum interior dimension of 34 inches to accommodate the extended choke tubes without risking damage to the muzzle crown.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Standard FFL shipping to Montana addresses typically requires 7-10 business days through our preferred carrier, UPS Firearms Logistics. Express shipping reduces this to 3-5 days but adds $45 to the shipping cost due to enhanced tracking requirements for firearm shipments.
- Can I return it if the length of pull doesn't fit?
- Firearms cannot be returned once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations, but we offer a 30-day warranty on mechanical defects. For fit issues, we recommend visiting a local gunsmith for stock modification, which typically costs $75-150 for length of pull adjustment.