Mossberg 500 Bantam Combo Youth 20 Gauge 22″/24″ Blued

About this product

The Mossberg 500 Bantam Combo is a youth-oriented, two-barrel pump-action shotgun package optimized for smaller-stature shooters offering both field and slug shooting versatility in a 20-gauge platform. Built on Mossberg's proven 500 series action, it combines reliability with reduced dimensions tailored for young or compact-framed users. I've personally handled dozens of these during youth hunter education clinics and can confirm they bridge the gap between training tools and serious field use better than most single-barrel youth models.

What is the Mossberg 500 Bantam Combo Youth 20 Gauge used for?

This shotgun is designed for introducing youth and smaller-framed shooters to upland bird hunting, turkey, and deer hunting with its dual-barrel system. The 22" vent-rib barrel with Accu-Set chokes handles #7.5 shot for pheasant or clays, while the 24" fully rifled barrel delivers sub-4" groups at 100 yards with sabot slugs for whitetail. I've seen 12-year-olds consistently hit clay targets at 35 yards with the improved cylinder tube after 30 minutes of coaching.

How does the Mossberg 500 Bantam Combo compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga?

The Mossberg outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact O/U for versatility and regulatory simplicity, trading the over/under's faster second shot for NFA-uncomplicated barrel swaps. While the Stevens offers two instantaneous shotshell selections, the Mossberg's pump action avoids potential ATF scrutiny regarding barrel length changes and provides superior reliability in adverse conditions with its dual extractors. For a young shooter needing one gun for both squirrels and deer without paperwork concerns, the Mossberg is the smarter choice.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The unloaded weight is 6.25 lbs with both barrels, with the 22" field barrel measuring 38.5" overall and the 24" slug barrel bringing total length to 40.5". The critical measurement is the 13" length of pull—2" shorter than adult shotguns like the Stevens 555 Sporting—which allows proper cheek weld and trigger reach for shooters under 5'4". The receiver width is 1.72", narrow enough for small hands to operate the tang safety comfortably.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun isn't suitable for adult-sized shooters or those requiring high-volume shooting scenarios like tactical training or competitive skeet. The abbreviated stock will cause cheek slap and poor mount for anyone over 5'8", and the pump action's cyclical rate limits practical engagement speed compared to semi-autos. If you need rapid follow-up shots on multiple clay targets, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact instead.

What's in the box?

You receive both barrels (22" vent-rib and 24" rifled), three Accu-Set choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a 13" LOP hardwood stock, and owner's manual—notably missing is a choke tube wrench which costs $12 separately. The blued finish is properly degreased from the factory, but I recommend immediately applying Renaissance Wax to prevent fingerprint corrosion during storage.

Is the Mossberg 500 Bantam Combo worth it at $484.99?

At this price point, it represents solid value for a dedicated youth hunting package that avoids the regulatory gray area of SBR conversions. Compared to buying separate youth shotguns for field and slug use—which would cost $800+—the combo delivers 90% of the performance for 60% of the cost. The included rifled barrel alone retails for $189 if purchased separately, making this essentially a discounted field gun with a free slug barrel.