12 Gauge Pump Shotgun

This is a page for all of the 'mystery' pump shotguns in films (usually obscure models from foreign makers). As more information is gathered, these guns will be identified.

Also there is a guide to recognizing pump shotguns by noting the specific details which make them unique.

12 Gauge Pump Shotgun Recognition Guide

Just like the Big Three Auto makers in the U.S. (GM, Chrysler & Ford), there are the Big Three Pump Shotgun makers in the U.S. - Remington, Winchester and Mossberg. Most pump shotguns that appear in films are one of these manufacturers, no offense to fine makers like Savage, Stevens, Browning, etc. There are far more Side by Side and O/U Shotgun makers represented in the U.S. and the world (especially the high priced European makers), but most of the Pump shotguns used by police/military/civilians are from one of these three U.S. companies.

Most of the recognition picture aids will deal with the most common models of these three gun makers.

The Difference between the back receivers, pin placement and trigger guard/assemblies

From top to bottom: Remington 870 new model, Winchester Model 1300, Mossberg 500. Note: the Remington 870s have changed their trigger groups, but haven't changed the name. Please note the difference between the 870s of the 1970s-1990s and now.

From top to bottom: Remington 870 new model, Winchester Model 1300, Mossberg 500. Note the difference between the tube nut just ahead of the foregrip, and the design of the support post between the tube and barrel. Also the three models have different muzzle nuts at the end of the shotshell tube.

What is the difference between the Mossberg 500 and the Mossberg 590?

Well, one can always check online as to the internal and structural differences between the two models. But sometimes Model 500s are sold with heat shields, so that makes them harder to distinguish in a movie whether they are 500s or 590s.

Side profile comparison between the Mossberg 500 and the 590

Front ends of the Mossberg 500 and the 590. Please note that the end cap for the magazine tubes are different as are the mounting bars between the barrel and the extended magazine tube. The 590 tube magazine endcap is the most distinctive feature of the 590. Some of them have added swivel attachment points at the end which make them resemble the Winchester 1300 end caps, but the shape is distinctive to the Mossberg 590

.......More to follow......... MPM2008