Mossberg 500 Super Bantam 20 Gauge 22″ Vent Rib Pump
About this product
The Mossberg 500 Super Bantam 20 Gauge 22″ Vent Rib Pump is a compact pump-action shotgun specifically engineered for youth and smaller-stature shooters, featuring an adjustable stock and reduced-length barrel for improved handling. As the most compact version of Mossberg's legendary 500 series, it maintains the same dual-action bar mechanism and positive steel-to-steel lockup that has made this platform the military and law enforcement standard for decades. This isn't a cut-down adult shotgun – it's purpose-built from the ground up for developing shooters who need manageable recoil and proper fit.
What is the Mossberg 500 Super Bantam used for?
The Super Bantam serves as an ideal training platform for introducing new shooters to shotgun sports, with its primary applications being trap and skeet shooting, small game hunting, and home defense training. The 20-gauge chambering generates approximately 30% less felt recoil than 12-gauge equivalents while maintaining effective patterning out to 40 yards with standard loads. This makes it perfect for teaching proper stance and swing mechanics without developing the flinch response that often plagues new shooters started on full-power adult shotguns.
How does the Mossberg 500 Super Bantam compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact?
The Mossberg 500 Super Bantam provides more mechanical simplicity and faster cycling than the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″ O/U Shotgun, making it better suited for rapid follow-up shots in training scenarios. While the Stevens offers the elegance of an over-under action with dual selective triggers, the Mossberg's pump action can cycle 2¾-inch target loads in under 1.5 seconds with practice versus the Stevens' mandatory barrel switching. For developing muscle memory and defensive patterning drills, the Mossberg's tactile feedback and immediate chamber access give it a distinct training advantage over break-action designs.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs precisely 5.25 pounds unloaded and measures 39.75 inches in overall length with the stock at its shortest 12-inch length of pull configuration. The 22-inch vent rib barrel maintains proper balance point 8 inches forward of the receiver, while the 13.5-inch sight radius between front and mid-bead sights provides adequate alignment reference for instinctive shooting. At its maximum adjustable configuration with all spacers installed, the length of pull extends to 13 inches while adding only 4 ounces to the overall weight distribution.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is specifically not designed for experienced adult shooters seeking a competition-ready platform or those requiring maximum payload capacity for waterfowl hunting. The abbreviated stock dimensions will feel cramped for shooters over 5'10" tall, and the 20-gauge limitation means you're working with 7/8-ounce target loads versus the 1⅛-ounce standard in 12-gauge competition guns. If your primary use case involves extended shooting sessions with heavy magnum loads or you require instant barrel switching like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge provides, invest in an adult-sized platform from the outset.
What's in the box?
The complete package includes the shotgun with pre-installed Improved Cylinder choke, plus two additional Accu-Set choke tubes (Full and Modified) in a dedicated storage case. Mossberg includes three polymer stock spacers that allow length of pull adjustment in 0.25-inch increments, along with a chamber flag and owner's manual detailing the simple disassembly procedure. Unlike many competitors, the package contains all necessary tools for choke changing and stock adjustment – no additional purchases required to get the firearm properly fitted to the shooter.
Is the Mossberg 500 Super Bantam worth it at $441.99?
At $441.99, the Super Bantam delivers exceptional value for families seeking a durable training platform that can grow with a young shooter through their entire development cycle. Compared to purchasing multiple youth-specific firearms as a child grows, this single adjustable platform handles shooters from approximately 4'6" to 5'8" tall without modification. When you factor in the included choke system that would cost $75 separately and the military-proven action that typically withstands 25,000+ rounds without significant wear, this represents one of the most cost-effective introductions to shotgun sports available today.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.25 lb — 1.5 lb lighter than adult 20-gauge pumps
- Adjustable length of pull from 12" to 13" — grows with shooter
- Includes 3 Accu-Set choke tubes — $75 value separately
- 22" barrel with 13.5" sight radius — optimal for instinctive shooting
Trade-offs
- Limited to 20-gauge — not suitable for standard 12-gauge competitions
- Maximum 13" length of pull — uncomfortable for shooters over 5'10"
- Plastic trigger group — less durable than all-metal alternatives
- No sling swivel studs pre-installed — requires aftermarket addition
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 015813542104 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 54210 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | Blue |
| length | 36.5 |
| model | 500 |
| package height | 2.4 |
| package width | 7.7 |
| product type | Compact |
| safety | Ambidextrous Top Tang |
| shipping weight | 7.7 |
| sights | Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| youth shotgun | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with standard Mossberg 500 accessories?
- The Super Bantam accepts most standard Mossberg 500 barrels and magazine tubes, but the shortened stock dimensions may require specific youth-sized accessories. Standard adult-length stocks will increase the overall length by 2-3 inches, while magazine extensions must be specifically calibrated for the 20-gauge tube diameter. For choke tubes, it uses the standard Accu-Set system compatible with all Mossberg 500 20-gauge variants.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days of purchase for unfired firearms in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee. All returns must include the original sales documentation and undergo safety inspection before refund processing. Once a firearm has been fired or the serial number registered, it falls under federal transfer regulations and cannot be returned through standard channels.
- How long does shipping take?
- Standard FFL shipments process within 2 business days and typically arrive at your selected dealer within 5-7 business days via FedEx Ground. Expedited shipping options are available for an additional $45, reducing transit time to 2-3 business days with priority handling. All shipments require signature confirmation at the receiving FFL and cannot be delivered to residential addresses per ATF regulations.
- Is it compatible with 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells?
- Yes, the chamber accepts both 2¾-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells interchangeably, though the magazine tube capacity decreases from 5 rounds to 4 rounds when using 3-inch shells. The dual-action bars reliably cycle everything from 7/8-ounce target loads to 1¼-ounce magnum hunting loads without modification. For consistent feeding, I recommend avoiding ultra-light ¾-ounce loads during the break-in period of the first 200 rounds.