The Mossberg 500 is one of the most popular American shotguns and is widely used by the military, LEO’s, and civilians. It is undoubtedly one of the best shotguns of all time and has a wide range of possibilities for accessorization.
One such upgrade to it is the magazine tube, and we will try to understand and also review the best available options.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Mossberg 500 Magazines
- OUR TOP PICK: Adaptive Tactical Venom Shotgun Magazine Conversion Kit
- RUNNER-UP: Mossberg Magazine Tube, 9 Rds
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Adaptive Tactical Venom-SE Shotgun Magazine Conversion Kit
Comparison of the Best Mossberg 500 Magazines
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What to Watch For When Buying Mossberg 500 Magazines
Before you stop and decide to pick any of the options reviewed further, here are a few considerations you must keep an eye out for when buying a Mossberg 500 magazine.
This Section Written By: Brian Belko
Expert Author
Brian is an experienced freelance writer and technical writer who has previously written for publications such as Wide Open Spaces, Bigfoot Gun Belts, Alien Gear Holsters, and Kampgrounds of America. He brings both a passion for writing and a love of the outdoors to his published content.
Aside from writing and the outdoors, Brian enjoys gardening, being a co-host on The Nostalgia Blast Podcast, and learning to code.
Your Available Options and Capacity
Before you start selecting a new magazine for your Mossberg 500, you must be aware that no company offers an extension for this shotgun. In fact, the Mossberg 590 (an upgraded version of the 500) is compatible with extensions, but the Mossberg 500 is not. So all you will get is either a new mag tube, mag tube, and barrel combo, or a shotgun magazine conversion kit to make it compatible with detachable box magazines.
The next factor to consider is the capacity of the tube/mag and if you are comfortable with it. Always confirm the capacity of the tube/mag depending upon the size and gauge of the shells, along with the quality of the follower and magazine tube.
Legal Implications
Pump action shotguns are legal in all states and do not have too many legal restraints attached to them. However, if you are modifying your shotgun, you must be aware of the federal and local state laws.
All states allow shotguns with tube magazines having more than the standard capacity. However, in some states (like Colorado), it is decided by the overall minimum length of the mag tube which roughly translates to no more than 10 2-¾ inch shells.
Apart from that, if you are planning on using your shotgun for waterfowl hunting, the law bans you from having more than three shells in your shotgun while hunting. People use magazine plugs to limit the capacity of a shotgun in such cases.
Easy Installation and Proper Handling
If you choose a mag tube or a detachable magazine for your shotgun, it must be easy to install and must require minimum modifications, if any. The Mossberg 500 comes standard with a five shell magazine, or a six shell magazine. Aftermarket mag tubes that hold one or two extra shells may not be very difficult to install. However, longer tubes generally come with a longer barrel as a complete kit.
Similarly, if you want to equip your Mossberg 500 with a detachable magazine, you will have to go for a conversion kit that will require complete disassembly and the replacement of the barrel and possibly the pump.
A good point to remember is that these modifications to the capacity of the shotgun should not impede its handling in any way for your intended purpose.
Review of the Best Mossberg 500 Magazines
The following is a list of the five best Mossberg 500 magazines currently on the market. Before making your final decision, please be sure to carefully read through the review of each of these. You might have a wishlist of what you’re looking for in a magazine. And you might be able to check off a unique feature or two that might be included.
Whether you’re on a budget or have some money to spend, we’re confident that you’ll be able to find one here that’s best for your Mossberg 500 shotgun.
Best Overall
Adaptive Tactical Venom Shotgun Magazine Conversion Kit
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To begin, we’re going to take a look at the Adaptive Tactical Venom Shotgun Magazine Conversion Kit. This is designed for 12 gauge Mossberg 500 shotguns and is constructed using highly durable polymer and alloy. If you’re looking for an increase in magazine capacity that will give you a faster reloading time like nothing else, you may want to consider the Adaptive Tactical conversion kit as a possible choice.
You have your choice between a 5-round capacity or a 10-round capacity magazine. Best of all, if you’re a left-handed shooter, you can rejoice at the fact that this is an ambidextrous design. Never again will you have to struggle with handling a Mossberg 500 by switching hands or making yourself feel awkward or uncomfortable.
If you’re looking for a magazine that is guaranteed to give you a more reliable feed every time, then you won’t be disappointed with the Adaptive Tactical Venom Conversion kit. Not only do you get a magazine with the capacity of your choice, but you also get an 18-inch barrel that will fit your Mossberg 500. If you’re looking for a complete kit and not just a standalone magazine, you’ll probably want to consider this further.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Adaptive Tactical Conversion Kit has proven itself worthy to be the top dog on our list of Mossberg 500 magazines. You do have your option of going for a 5-round or 10-round magazine capacity, so you have some variety.
What really stands out with this product is its ambidextrous design that makes it accessible for left-handed shooters. Right-handed shooters can still use it, but often don’t need an ambidextrous design. Nevertheless, this magazine kit has proven itself to be a good choice for the Mossberg 500 owner.
Pros
Easy to install kit
Material is very durable
Extra capacity is a convenience to most users
Cons
Not available for 20 gauge Mossberg 500s
Some have had issues with the screws not going in smoothly in the magwell
Some have recommended to not use the 10-round capacity magazine as it can be handled clumsily
Runner-up
Mossberg Magazine Tube, 9 Rds
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Next up, we’ll be looking at a magazine tube that is direct from the Mossberg factory. This will hold up to 9 rounds of shotgun shells and will fit either your Mossberg 500 or 590. Since it’s from the Mossberg factory itself, it won’t matter how old the gun is; this is guaranteed to fit. This magazine has a brushed blue finish that will blend in with the shotgun itself. If you’re looking for a good reliable factory replacement and the idea of extended magazines don’t fit your style, then the Mossberg Magazine Tube might be the best option for you.
Bottom Line
If you’re not enamored by the other brand magazines, there’s always the option of going straight to the factory itself. Factory replacements will always be more reliable and surprisingly often perform better than most. If you’re looking for a magazine tube with a decent enough capacity, then you may want to consider getting this Mossberg tube magazine.
Pros
Easy to install
Ideal for 12 gauge shotguns
A factory replacement that will be compatible with most Mossberg shotguns
Cons
Not suitable for 20 gauge shotguns
Best for the Money
Adaptive Tactical Venom-SE Shotgun Magazine Conversion Kit
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Next, we’ll be looking at the Mossberg 500 magazine that is best for the budget shopper. We give that honor to the Adaptive Tactical Venom-SE Shotgun Magazine Conversion Kit. This kit is loaded with some very good accessories that you can install in a matter of minutes.
One, it comes with a magazine that has a 10-round capacity. Also included is a recoil pad that is designed to reduce a decent amount of recoil, giving you full control over your shotgun for maximum accuracy and precision.On top of that, the material is made from durable polymer, which is designed to absorb a great deal of shock produced from recoil itself. Other accessories included in this kit is the magazine tube, a 10-round capacity box magazine, barrel and forend clamps, and more.
If you’re looking for a magazine and then some, you may want to consider this kit from Adaptive Tactical. Most importantly, this is a kit you’ll get without having to break your bank account. You get quite a lot at an affordable price.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is the best we can find for Mossberg 500 owners on a budget. Not only does this include a box magazine, but also includes some of the pieces that are vital in its overall function. This is a good thing considering that you may not be able to afford to purchase these parts separately.
So if you’re looking for a kit that includes some much-needed parts, your wallet will thank you if you go with this kit. Adaptive Tactical really had the budget shopper in mind when putting this kit together.
Pros
Faster reloading
Best Mossberg 500 magazine for the money
Additional accessories like a recoil pad are an added convenience
Cons
Some users have said that some machining may be required before you begin fitting some of the parts included in the kit
Best 6-Round Tube
Mossberg – Mossberg 500 Magazine Tube, 6 RDS
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Next, we have a magazine tube for those who want to use only six rounds. This is made directly by the Mossberg factory. This is the perfect factory replacement that can come in handy if you’re not satisfied with your current magazine capacity. This is guaranteed to fit almost every Mossberg 500 shotgun.
Since it’s made from the manufacturer itself, you won’t have any issues with the fitting. On top of that, the barrel is easy to install and you won’t need any gunsmithing skills or have to enlist the services of a professional. If having 6 rounds is ideal for your Mossberg 500, then get this magazine tube.
This is an ideal magazine tube for those who use their Mossberg shotgun for the sake of hunting. However, this can also be effective in a home defense situation.
Bottom Line
As expected, Mossberg offers top quality factory replacement parts that are guaranteed to fit Mossberg 500 shotguns. If you’re not crazy for the idea of having too many rounds for your magazine, this magazine tube may be the one you’ll want to consider purchasing.
The install is easy and will take a matter of minutes. If you’re the kind of Mossberg 500 owner that doesn’t want to waste time with complex installs, then you’ll probably want to look at this a little bit further.
Pros
Fits perfectly
Great factory replacement
Ideal for hunting and self-defense
Cons
May be difficult to fit for some
Best Drum Magazine
Adaptive Tactical Sidewinder Venom 10 Round Rotary Magazine
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For our final magazine, we’ll be going back to the Adaptive Tactical brand one last time. This time, we’ll be taking a look at the Sidewinder Venom 10-Round Rotary Magazine. This magazine will be compatible with most 12 gauge Mossberg 500 shotguns. Made from high-quality materials, this magazine is guaranteed to be tough and durable.
This magazine will ensure that your feeds will be reliable and smooth every time it works. On top of that, the Sidewinder Venom has an ambidextrous design that will not only accommodate right-handed shooters but will work even better with left-handed shooters as well. If you’re looking for a magazine that will give you an advantage in terms of faster reloading time, more rounds, and will function properly no matter which hand you shoot with, this magazine from Adaptive Tactical might very well be your magazine of choice.
Bottom Line
No matter what you use your Mossberg 500 for, you’ll always need a reliable magazine that will save you the time and headaches that come with typical reloading. This version of the Adaptive Tactical magazine is proven to be your best friend out in the field, on the range, or in a situation when you need it most (like in a home defense setting).If you’re looking for a magazine that will give you just enough rounds to get you through the day or any kind of situation, this magazine may be your best option.
Pros
Reliable operation
Loading time is very quick
Perfect for almost any application
Cons
Some have reported having feeding issues
One complained about their shells jamming easily due to this magazine, possibly due to a defect
Tube vs. Magazine: How Do They Compare?
So how does a magazine compare to a shotgun tube? For one, the tube is designed to not take up a lot of space on your shotgun, making it ergonomically friendly. Because of this, the tubes can only hold so many rounds. Your average shotgun tube will typically hold anywhere between seven to nine shots.
One of the major advantages of tube magazine shotguns is that they rarely experience failure. However, their major disadvantage is their single shell reloading.
Magazines on shotguns function the same as magazines you see in pistols. Due to some importing laws, some shotgun magazines will hold up to 5 rounds. However, aftermarket magazines will have capacities of 10 rounds and can go as high as 20 rounds.
Unlike tubes, you can easily unload and add on a new magazine full of new shells and be good to go in a matter of seconds. All you need to do is apply the magazine and close the action. These are ideal in applications like home defense or shooting competitions.
Perks of Increasing Magazine Capacity
Should you choose to increase the magazine capacity of your Mossberg 500, you will experience some advantages. They are as follows:
Faster Reloading
With an increased magazine capacity, you’ll be able to reload your shotgun at a much faster speed compared to single round reloading. This is ideal in situations where you’ll need to be able to fend off multiple attackers who dare to invade your home.
In a situation where you’re trying to reload, there’s a possibility you’ll have to take your eyes off an attacker just for the sake of reloading, which can put you in a dangerous situation.
Less Carrying of Extra Ammo
For some of us, we rely on the use of side saddles and slings to carry additional rounds of ammo. This may not be the case if you consider using a magazine for multiple Mossberg 500 rounds.
However, this may depend on the capacity of your magazine. If you’re carrying a magazine that has less than ten rounds, it would be ideal to carry additional rounds in a side saddle. But, if you have a magazine that has 10 rounds or more, having additional ammo carried around will be overkill.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Before you make a final purchasing decision on a Mossberg 500 magazine, it’s important to know some of the aspects that will factor into it. You should utilize them to your advantage, as opposed to finding the first magazine that you see and buying it on a whim.
The last thing you want to do is buy a cheap magazine that doesn’t work properly and lose your money in the process. With that in mind, here are some things to consider before buying your next Mossberg 500 magazine:
Capacity of the Mossberg 500 Magazine
As mentioned before, some shotgun magazines will have a small capacity due to importation laws. However, aftermarket magazines will more than likely have higher capacities. The capacity you want is dependent on your personal needs and preferences. If you hate the idea of reloading every few rounds, then you may want to consider a magazine of a higher capacity.
Price
Some Mossberg 500 owners are on a budget. Others have money to play with. However, the price may play a huge factor in your purchasing decision. There is one thing that needs to be noted; while we don’t discourage you from finding the best price that is affordable for you, it is important to hold the overall quality of the magazine to a high standard.
Cheap, low quality and easy to fall apart accessories are low in price for a reason. So consider buying the best magazine you can afford in terms of quality. Thankfully, some of the magazines we’ve reviewed exactly fit those criteria.
Brand Name or Manufacturer
One thing that stands out in this process is the choice between a brand name magazine or getting one straight from the factory. If you go the factory replacement route, there’s always a guarantee that the magazine will fit your Mossberg 500 or 590 shotgun.
If you’re in search of a brand name, be sure to learn about them through gun forums. Some veteran gun owners often buy something based on the name alone. That’s because they’ve bought it repeatedly and have gotten them the same results each time.
Conclusion
Finding the best Mossberg 500 magazine doesn’t have to be a challenge. But if you know exactly what you’re looking for, the process will be easy. Remember to find one that fits your personal needs and preferences.
You may not need 10 rounds and that’s fine. You can always find a good tube magazine that can hold just enough rounds. Either way, if you want more rounds for your Mossberg 500, it starts with finding a reliable and working magazine.
Is There a Magazine for Mossberg 500?
Yes, there are replaceable magazine tubes as well as detachable box magazine setups available for the Mossberg 500. Read about these options in this detailed review.
How Many Rounds Can a Mossberg 500 Hold?
A Mossberg 500 comes standard with a six-shot magazine tube to accommodate 2.75 inch shells. That makes it a six-plus-one round shotgun. However, you can increase the capacity by magazine tube extensions or detachable magazine setups.
