The Mossberg 500 shotgun is a popular and versatile firearm, known for its reliability and affordability. One common question among owners and prospective buyers is: how many shells does a Mossberg 500 hold? The answer, unfortunately, isn't a single number. The capacity depends on several factors, and understanding these is crucial.
Factors Affecting Mossberg 500 Shell Capacity
Several factors determine the number of shells your Mossberg 500 can hold:
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Magazine Tube Length: The most significant factor is the length of the magazine tube. Mossberg 500s come with various magazine tube lengths, impacting the number of rounds it can hold. Shorter barrels generally have shorter tubes, resulting in lower capacity. Longer barrels often accommodate longer tubes, allowing for a greater number of shells.
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Gauge: The gauge of the shotgun (12 gauge, 20 gauge, etc.) also affects capacity. Larger gauges, like 12 gauge, often have slightly lower capacities than smaller gauges due to the larger diameter of the shells.
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Type of Shell: While less significant, the type of shell can slightly affect capacity. Longer shells might slightly reduce the number you can fit in the tube compared to shorter shells.
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Modifications: Aftermarket modifications, such as extended magazine tubes, can significantly increase the capacity. Conversely, some modifications might reduce the capacity.
Common Mossberg 500 Capacities
While precise numbers vary based on the factors above, here's a general guideline for common configurations:
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Standard 12-Gauge: Typically holds between 5 and 8 rounds, including one in the chamber. A 20-inch barrel might hold 5+1, while a longer barrel could hold 7+1 or even 8+1.
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Standard 20-Gauge: Usually holds between 6 and 9 rounds, including one in the chamber. Again, barrel length is a major influencing factor.
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Other Gauges (410, etc.): Capacity varies greatly. It's best to consult your firearm's manual or the manufacturer's specifications for exact figures.
Understanding "+1"
You'll often see "+1" mentioned in capacity specifications. This refers to the single shell already loaded in the chamber, ready to fire. Therefore, a 6+1 capacity means the gun can hold a total of 7 shells; 6 in the magazine tube and 1 in the chamber.
Importance of Knowing Your Mossberg 500's Capacity
Knowing the precise capacity of your Mossberg 500 is crucial for several reasons:
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Safety: Understanding your firearm's capacity helps ensure safe handling and storage. Overloading can lead to malfunctions and potential dangers.
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Hunting Regulations: Many hunting regulations specify limitations on the number of shells a hunter can carry. Be aware of these limits before heading out into the field.
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Self-Defense: In self-defense situations, knowing your firearm's capacity ensures you are prepared.
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Maintenance: Accurate capacity knowledge helps when cleaning and maintaining your firearm; you'll know exactly how many shells to account for.
Finding Your Mossberg 500's Exact Capacity
The best way to determine your Mossberg 500's exact capacity is to:
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Consult Your Owner's Manual: This is the most reliable source of information specific to your firearm's model and configuration.
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Check the Barrel: The barrel may have markings indicating the magazine tube length, offering a clue about its capacity.
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Count the Shells: Carefully load your Mossberg 500 with shells, noting the maximum number you can fit. Remember to always practice safe gun handling while doing this.
By understanding the factors influencing capacity and taking these steps, you can confidently determine how many shells your Mossberg 500 can hold. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when handling firearms.
