Best Pheasant Shotguns · #8
500 Field 20 Gauge
Mossberg
Reader rating
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The pump that raised a generation of upland hunters — dead reliable and endlessly repairable.
Pros
- Legendary reliability in harsh conditions
- Excellent value for the price point
- Ambidextrous tang safety is easy to operate
- Lightweight and well-balanced for all-day carry
- Vast aftermarket support and repairability
Cons
- Not as fast for follow-up shots as a semi-auto
- Utilitarian aesthetics, lacks high-end finishes
- Stock comb might be low for some shooters
Best uses
- Pheasant hunting
- Upland bird hunting
- New hunter's first shotgun
- All-weather field use
- Reliable backup shotgun
Specifications
- Action
- Pump-Action
- Gauge
- 20 Gauge
- Capacity
- 5+1 Rounds
- Receiver
- Aluminum Alloy
- Safety
- Top-Tang Ambidextrous
- Barrel Length
- Typically 26 or 28 inches
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
Pheasant hunting, Upland bird hunting, New hunter's first shotgun, All-weather field use, Reliable backup shotgun
Where to buy the 500 Field 20 Gauge
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The Mossberg 500 Field in 20 Gauge sits firmly in the 'workhorse' category, and for good reason. It's the firearm many of us cut our teeth on, a reliable pump-action that prioritizes function and durability over frills. While it might not turn heads with exotic wood or intricate engraving, its no-nonsense design means it’s built to withstand the bumps, scrapes, and unpredictable weather of a pheasant field. This shotgun delivers consistent performance, year in and year out, making it a trusted companion for bird hunters who value dependability above all else. It's a testament to simple, effective engineering that has stood the test of time, proving itself in countless upland hunts across varied terrain and conditions. What sets the 500 Field apart is its sheer ubiquity and the vast aftermarket support. Parts are plentiful, and nearly any gunsmith can work on it, ensuring a lifetime of service. It's a shotgun that doesn't demand delicate handling; you can throw it in the truck, trek through brush, and not worry about marring a precious finish. For new hunters, it's an accessible entry point that teaches the fundamentals of shotgunning without breaking the bank, while experienced hands appreciate its unfailing operation when game birds flush unexpectedly. This isn't just a tool; for many, it's a legacy piece.
Construction & Materials
The 500 Field uses a lightweight aluminum alloy receiver, which shaves off some ounces compared to steel, making it easier to carry through long hunts. Its barrel is steel, designed to handle various loads without issue. The stock and forend are typically synthetic or hardwood, both offering a solid grip and proven resilience. The internal components are robust, engineered for reliable cycling under duress. This is not a shotgun built for show; it’s built for the field, where materials need to withstand moisture, dust, and impact without compromising function. The design is simple, contributing to its legendary ease of maintenance and repair.
Field Performance
Out in the field, this shotgun does exactly what it's supposed to: it cycles shells smoothly and reliably. The 20 gauge offers a good balance of effective range for pheasant without the heavier recoil of a 12 gauge, making follow-up shots quicker and more comfortable. Its pointability is good, aided by the relatively light receiver, allowing for quick target acquisition on flushing birds. We’ve seen it perform flawlessly in driving rain, freezing temperatures, and dusty conditions, always delivering a consistent shot pattern. It handles a wide array of shotshells, from light target loads to heavier upland options, without a hiccup, making it versatile for different hunting scenarios.
Weight & Handling
Coming in around 6.5 to 7 pounds depending on configuration, the 20 gauge 500 Field is light enough for all-day carry without becoming a burden. The balance tends to be good, slightly forward, which helps in swinging on moving targets. Its compact nature, especially compared to some larger 12 gauge models, makes it easier to maneuver through dense brush or when navigating tight cover. The light weight contributes to its quick handling, which is crucial when pheasants explode from cover without warning. It's a shotgun that feels natural in the hands, neither too heavy nor too whippy.
Durability & Longevity
Durability is where the 500 Field truly shines. Its straightforward pump action design has fewer moving parts compared to many semi-automatics, reducing potential points of failure. The materials chosen, while not always high-end, are proven to withstand abuse. The finish holds up well to typical field wear, and scratches or dings are often seen as character marks rather than defects. With minimal care, this shotgun will outlast its owner. Its widespread parts availability and simple construction mean that any component can be easily replaced or repaired, ensuring that this firearm can genuinely be passed down through generations of hunters.
Trade-offs & Alternatives
While supremely reliable, the 500 Field’s pump action isn't as fast for follow-up shots as a semi-automatic. It also lacks the refined aesthetics of more expensive over/under or side-by-side shotguns, often featuring more utilitarian finishes and synthetic stocks. At its price point, alternatives like the Remington 870 Express offer a similar level of reliability and utility, though often with a slightly different feel and controls. More premium pump guns might offer better fit and finish, but rarely exceed the 500's fundamental ruggedness. Ultimately, you're trading high-end craftsmanship for unyielding, practical performance.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best pheasant shotguns that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
500 Field 20 Gauge — frequently asked questions
- Is the 500 Field 20 Gauge worth it?
- We rank it #8 in Best Pheasant Shotguns. The pump that raised a generation of upland hunters — dead reliable and endlessly repairable.
- What is the 500 Field 20 Gauge best for?
- Best for pheasant hunting, upland bird hunting, new hunter's first shotgun and all-weather field use. Standouts: legendary reliability in harsh conditions and excellent value for the price point.
- What are the downsides of the 500 Field 20 Gauge?
- Not as fast for follow-up shots as a semi-auto, Utilitarian aesthetics, lacks high-end finishes and Stock comb might be low for some shooters.
- What are the key specs of the 500 Field 20 Gauge?
- Action: Pump-Action · Gauge: 20 Gauge · Capacity: 5+1 Rounds · Receiver: Aluminum Alloy · Safety: Top-Tang Ambidextrous
- Construction & Materials — what should I know about the 500 Field 20 Gauge?
- The 500 Field uses a lightweight aluminum alloy receiver, which shaves off some ounces compared to steel, making it easier to carry through long hunts. Its barrel is steel, designed to handle various loads without issue.
- Field Performance — what should I know about the 500 Field 20 Gauge?
- Out in the field, this shotgun does exactly what it's supposed to: it cycles shells smoothly and reliably. The 20 gauge offers a good balance of effective range for pheasant without the heavier recoil of a 12 gauge, making follow-up shots quicker and more comfortable.
Compare side by side
Put the 500 Field 20 Gauge against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.