All Mossberg Models & Their Popularity Explained

Established in 1919, Mossberg can be considered one of the relatively young firearm manufacturers in the USA. Officially known as O. F. Mossberg & Sons, the company is headquartered in Connecticut but serves all of the world. From many points of view, Mossberg has remained a family business, with relatives of the original owners still considered key people in the company. Over time, it has specialized in Mossberg shotgun models, rifles, pistols, and accessories.

Pistols

Mossberg has only produced three pistols throughout its history.
  • Brownie was made between 1919 and 1932 and was chambered for .22 Short and .22 LR cartridges. The pistol was similar to a derringer due to its compact size. It had a double action trigger. Many guns of those times were based on it.
  • MC1sc is a semi-automatic unit. It's been in continuous production since 2019, and it features a subcompact frame. The pistol relies on the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge. It's the first pistol from Mossberg after about 100 years when the Brownie was first released. Learn more about the Mossberg MC1sc.
  • MC2c is similar to MC1sc. It was also introduced in 2019 and has the same subcompact style. It uses the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge, and from many points of view, it's often considered a variant of the original MC1sc.

Rifles

Mossberg has introduced quite a few rifles to the market, some of them known for their reliability and accuracy.
  • 100ATR is a bolt-action design suitable for all terrains. It uses more cartridges, including .308 Winchester or 7mm-08 Remington. It has a few variants, too, such as ATR Night Train or 4x4. Learn about the Patriot Night Train .308.
  • Model 464 is a lever action unit in production since 2008. It’s available in two calibers, .22 Long Rifle and .30-30 Winchester. Variants include the 464 SPX.
  • 702 Plinkster uses the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. Over half a million units have been produced since 2003. Variants include 715T, 801, and 802. Check out the 715T for sale.
  • 715T is a semi-automatic rifle. It was made by O. F. Mossberg & Sons, yet it’s considered a variant of 702 Plinkster. The production ceased in 2015.
Other Mossberg models worth noting include the Modern Rifle (MMR) and 802 Plinkster. For bolt-action fans, explore the Patriot .308 or the Patriot .375 Ruger.

Shotguns

If there’s one thing that made this firearm manufacturer famous, that’s the collection of Mossberg shotguns models.
  • 183 was made between 1947 and 1971. Variants included 183D and 183K, among others. The shotgun came with a couple of choke tubes and a special wrench for them.
  • 185 is among the popular Mossberg 20 gauge models. Made between 1947 and 1964, it came with numerous variants.
  • 500 is among the leading Mossberg pump shotgun models. Made since 1987, the shotgun has been used in many wars, including the recent war between Russia and Ukraine. Mossberg 500 models and variants can use the 12 gauge20 gauge, or .410 bore calibers.
  • 590 is among the Mossberg 12 gauge pump models that can take 12 gauge or .410 bore calibers, too. It's been in continuous production since 1961, with more than 11 million units made. Mossberg 590 models represent the military version of 500.
Other notable models include the Shockwave930, and Maverick 88, which is nearly identical to the 500 but more affordable. Shotguns have helped Mossberg become a reputable player in the firearm market. While the brand did try its luck in other segments and did a fairly good job, its production is mainly focused on shotguns.