Mossberg 500 Retrograde Field 12 Gauge 28in Walnut 5rd
About this product
What is the Mossberg 500 Retrograde Field 12 Gauge 28in Walnut 5rd? It is a traditional pump-action shotgun built with classic walnut furniture and a blued 28-inch vent-rib barrel, delivering a 5+1 capacity for 3-inch shells. This model prioritizes straightforward mechanics and field-ready ergonomics like a tang-mounted safety and dual bead sights. It weighs 7.5 pounds unloaded and has an overall length of 47.5 inches, making it a standard full-size option for hunters who value proven reliability over modern synthetic materials.
What is the Mossberg 500 Retrograde Field used for?
The Mossberg 500 Retrograde Field is designed for upland bird hunting and clay target sports like trap and skeet. Its 28-inch barrel provides a smooth swing for tracking moving targets, while the walnut stock and corncob forend offer consistent hand placement in variable weather. The 5-round tubular magazine is sized for typical field use, and the 3-inch chamber accommodates everything from light target loads to heavier waterfowl rounds.
How does the Mossberg 500 Retrograde compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in?
The Mossberg 500 Retrograde is better for budget-conscious shooters and harsh environments, costing roughly $200 less than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge. The Mossberg's pump action is more tolerant of debris and simpler to maintain, but the Stevens' over-under design provides faster follow-up shots and a slimmer profile at 45 inches overall.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 7.5 lbs (120 oz) with an overall length of 47.5 inches. The walnut stock has a length of pull of 13.87 inches, fitting most adult shooters, and the barrel's vent rib is 0.5 inches wide to reduce heat mirage during extended shooting sessions.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for tactical shooters or those competing in high-volume 3-gun matches. The fixed walnut stock cannot accept adjustable cheek risers, and the corncob forend lacks accessory rails for lights or vertical grips. The 5+1 capacity is limiting for defensive use compared to extended-tube models, and the 28-inch barrel is cumbersome for home defense scenarios.
What's in the box?
The shotgun ships with one modified choke tube installed, an optional full choke tube, a chamber flag, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly. Mossberg does not include a case; you'll need to supply your own hard or soft case for transport, which is a common omission at this price point.
Is the Mossberg 500 Retrograde Field worth it at $512.99?
At $512.99, the Mossberg 500 Retrograde Field offers excellent value for a traditional field shotgun with walnut furniture. The price is $90-120 lower than comparable Remington 870 Wingmaster models with walnut, and the dual extractors and aluminum receiver are more corrosion-resistant than some budget alternatives. For a detailed comparison, see our Traditional Pump Gun Buyer's Guide.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Walnut stock and forend are Grade-A, oil-finished wood—not a laminate or synthetic substitute.
- Dual extractors provide positive ejection even with low-pressure 2¾-inch target loads under 1200 fps.
- Corncob forend offers 360-degree gripping surface, 25% more contact area than a smooth forend.
- Total unloaded weight of 7.5 lbs balances at the receiver pin for stable swing dynamics.
Trade-offs
- No swivel studs pre-installed—adding QD cups requires drilling and costs $30-50 for a gunsmith.
- Blue finish shows holster wear rapidly on high-contact surfaces like the barrel and receiver edges.
- Fixed walnut stock cannot be adjusted for length or comb height, limiting fit for non-average shooters.
- Vented recoil pad is hard rubber, not a modern soft polymer; transmits more felt recoil with heavy 3-inch loads.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 015813504300 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 50430 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Matte Blued |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 36.2500 |
| magazine included | Magazine Tube |
| model | 500 |
| package height | 2.4 |
| package width | 7.8 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | Dual Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with choke tubes from other Mossberg 500 models?
- Yes, it uses Mossberg's standard Accu-Choke thread pattern. The modified and full chokes included are interchangeable with any Mossberg 500, 535, or 835 barrel manufactured after 1990. Verify the threads are clean and torque to 15 inch-pounds.
- Does this shotgun fit in a standard 48-inch rifle case?
- Barely. The overall length is 47.5 inches, so a 48-inch case will require careful alignment. I recommend a 50-inch case for easier storage, especially if you add a recoil pad spacer. Expect the assembled weight in a padded case to be approximately 9.2 lbs.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 1 business day. Transit time via FedEx Ground is typically 3-5 business days to most continental US FFLs. Your chosen FFL must have their current license on file with us before we ship.
- Can I return it if the walnut has cosmetic defects?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns for minor wood grain variations or oil-finish inconsistencies, which are normal for grade-A walnut stocks. Major functional defects like cracks or machining errors are covered under Mossberg's 10-year warranty and must be processed through their service center.
- Does this work with a sidesaddle shell holder?
- Yes, but it requires an adapter. The walnut stock lacks integrated mounting points, so you'll need a velcro-backed shell holder or a polymer sidesaddle that attaches via the receiver pins. Mesa Tactical and TacStar make models specifically for the Mossberg 500.
- Is the tang safety left-hand friendly?
- Yes, the top-tang safety is fully ambidextrous and operates with a simple forward/fire, rearward/safe motion. This is a significant advantage over crossbolt safeties for left-handed shooters, offering consistent access without shifting grip.