If you’re a smaller-framed shooter or looking for a starter shotgun for a younger gun enthusiast, the Mossberg 510 Mini Super Bantam 20 gauge deserves a look.
Bantam, defined as small and aggressive, is fitting for this versatile and compact pump-action shotgun. The Mossberg 510 is light enough for young shooters to handle safely, yet durable enough to serve as a long-term home-defense shotgun.
The 20-gauge pump-action delivers a great balance between manageable recoil and effective performance. Mossberg designed the 510 Mini Super Bantam with versatility in mind, with an included 1-inch stock spacer to customize the length of pull.
This will allow the shotgun to grow with the shooter, making it a smart investment for families introducing kids to safe firearm use. Like other Mossberg pump-action shotguns, the 510 Bantam features an easy-to-use tang safety, dual extractors and a smooth cycling action to help new shooters build confidence.
Proper fit and training make a compact shotgun safe and effective for new shooters.
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Mossberg 510 Mini Super Bantam Shotgun Specifications
Below are the key specs to consider when evaluating fit and performance:
- Gauge: 20 (.410 available)
- Action type: Pump with the slide release located at the rear of the trigger guard on the left side
- Chamber size: 3-inch
- Capacity: 3+1
- Barrel: 18.5-inch vent rib with blued finish
- Overall length: 34.75 inches
- Length of pull: Adjustable from 10.5 inches to 11.5 inches
- Sights: Dual bead — white front w/brass mid bead
- Stock: Synthetic black w/ spacer system for adjusting
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Safety: Tang-mounted/ambidextrous
- MSRP: $533
Testing the 510 Mini Bantam
The smallest rubberized butt pad comes installed on the stock. Note how close my face is to the receiver in the photo; I assembled the shotgun from the box while at the range without realizing it had shipped with a dowel rod in the magazine tube.
After sorting out that problem, I tested the Mossberg 510 Mini Super Bantam 20-gauge with my 11-year-old son, though opted not to have him shoot it yet. At just 5 pounds, the 510 is easy to handle for a small-statured shooter and the short stock and compact overall length make it a natural fit.
However, for a younger shooter, I recommend getting the .410 version. My first 20-gauge pump-action was likely a Remington 870, which weighed approximately 6.5 pounds with its fine walnut stocks.
The hollow, synthetic stock of the 510 reduces the weight considerably, but also makes a difference in the felt recoil. I set up a cardboard silhouette at 20 feet and used three rounds of Federal Top Gun 20 Gauge 2 ¾ inch shells with 7/8 ounce #7 ½ shot and a listed velocity of 1,210 feet per second.
With the out-of-the-box buttstock, my thumb firmly bumped the side of my face when firing from the shoulder. I then fired a few rounds from the hip, which was more comfortable.
I did decide not to test the Rio 3×3 Buckshot load with a velocity of 1,345 feet per second. All shots struck the point of aim, so the sights were well-regulated.
When I got home, I switched the spacer and the recoil pad for the other two included components. These allowed me to see the sights better — one behind the other with no barrel visible in between — and created greater distance between my shooting hand and my cheek.
Mossberg 510 Mini Super Bantam Review
The Mossberg 510 Mini Super Bantam 20 gauge delivers everything you’d expect from Mossberg — dependability, safety and practical design — scaled down. It’s a well-made pump-action, Mossberg’s specialty.
A full-sized Mossberg 500 synthetic buttstock can be added to further improve fit or grow with a younger shooter. And while full-sized shotguns have plenty of practical value, a compact, lightweight pump-action can also come in handy for camping or trail use.
Though it doesn’t have a large magazine, three rounds of 20-gauge is nothing to sneeze at. Set up properly, the Mossberg 510 could be a useful shotgun for the smaller-statured.
For families introducing new shooters, the Mossberg 510 Mini Super Bantam shotgun is a well-built option that is compact and easy to handle. Just pay attention to the loads being fired and fitting the stock to the shooter, and keep practice sessions short to start out.
Sources:
Mossberg: Mossberg.com
Federal: FederalPremium.com
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