AA-12 vs Mossberg 500

1996–Present

1964–Present

~10,000 estimated

10,000,000+ units (cumulative worldwide)

965 mm (38 in) with stock extended; 820 mm (32.3 in) collapsed

965 mm (38 in) with stock extended; 864 mm (34 in) with stock collapsed (tactical models)

457 mm (18 in) standard; 381 mm (15 in) compact variant

406 mm (16 in) standard; 457 mm (18 in) and 508 mm (20 in) options

5.5 kg (12.1 lb) empty

2.95 kg (6.5 lb) empty (12‑gauge, 18‑in barrel)

20‑round drum standard, 8‑round box, optional 30‑round drum

5+1 rounds standard; 6+1, 7+1, 8+1 tube extensions available; detachable box magazines up to 5 rounds

Gas‑operated, closed‑bolt, rotating bolt with recoil‑mitigation buffer

Pump‑action, slide‑action bolt with dual‑action locking lug; steel receiver with anti‑jam bolt design

Select‑fire trigger with Safe, Semi‑auto, and Full‑auto modes

Single‑stage trigger with manual safety lever; optional ghost‑ring safety on tactical models

Fixed iron sights (rear notch, front bead) with Picatinny rail for optics

Bead front sight; optional ghost‑ring rear sight or fiber‑optic front sight on tactical variants