After the first World War and the arms manufacturer he’d been working at went out of business, I wonder if O.F. Mossberg was feeling the burden of being out of work, or if he was feeling excited to finally start his own company and live the American Dream. I wonder if he had any idea that 100 years later it would still be in business as one of the oldest family-owned firearm companies in the world. I also wonder whether I should keep the centennial edition of the Mossberg 500 in my safe or on the wall.
With over 12,000,000 produced, the chances are that you’ve shot a Mossberg 500, and there’s a good chance you own one too or have owned one. It was first produced in 1961, and now there are all kinds of variants. You can’t mistake the tang safety and you can’t go wrong with their reputation for continued operation. Just lube ’em and shoot ’em.
The Mossberg centennial 500 features a nickel-plated receiver, high gloss blued barrel, gold plated trigger, classic red rubber recoil pad, jeweled bolt, and high gloss walnut stock. Its 28-inch vented ribbed barrel is compatible with Mossberg’s Accu-Chokes and ships with Full, Modified, and Improved. The right side features the 100-year anniversary logo and the right has a pair of ruffed grouse; both are accented with 24-karat gold.
Only 750 units will be produced, each with a special serial number for this model. At just $910, it sounds like a steal for a commemorative edition gun. Contact Mossberg to order yours. I wonder if you’ll shoot it.
Specs
- Model: 50100
- Gauge: 12, 3 in.
- Capacity: 5+1
- Barrel: 28″ vent rib, high gloss blue
- Receiver: Nickel-plated aluminum with 24-karat gold
- Sights: Twin bead
- Chokes: Accu-Set, F, M, IC
- Overall length: 47.5″
- Length of Pull: 13.87″
- Stock: High gloss walnut
- Weight: 7.5 lbs.
- MSRP: $910
Sweet!