Mossberg 500 Scope Mounts | Picatinny & Red Dot Rails
Mossberg 500 Scope Mounts – The Ultimate Guide to Rails, Bases & Optic Mounts
If you’re looking to upgrade your Mossberg 500 or Mossberg 590, one of the smartest and simplest improvements you can make is adding a reliable scope mount. A solid mounting platform unlocks the full potential of your shotgun — giving you the accuracy, flexibility, and confidence you need for hunting, home defense, or range use.
At Mounts Plus, we’ve built this guide to help you find the best Mossberg 500 scope mount for your needs, whether you want a Picatinny rail, Weaver base, or red dot mount.
Why a Scope Mount Matters on Your Mossberg 500
The Mossberg 500 is a workhorse shotgun — durable, dependable, and used by everyone from hunters to tactical professionals. But even the most reliable shotgun can perform better with the right optic.
A proper scope mount improves:
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Target acquisition speed: Add a red dot or reflex sight for faster follow-ups.
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Accuracy with slugs: A rail gives you a stable base for optics when hunting deer or hogs.
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Low-light performance: Mounting an illuminated scope or optic helps when visibility drops.
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Versatility: Switch between optics or accessories without re-drilling your receiver.
Best Mossberg 500 Scope Mount Options
We carry the top-rated scope mounts trusted by shooters nationwide — all built to last and easy to install.
1. Picatinny Rails
The most popular option for the Mossberg 500. Picatinny rails feature standardized slots for optics, lasers, and lights.
Best For: Red dots, scopes, or multi-accessory setups.
Popular Options: EGW Picatinny Rail, Mesa Tactical SureShell Rail, and Weaver No-Gunsmith Mount.
2. Weaver-Style Bases
Ideal for shooters who prefer a lower profile or plan to mount a traditional scope.
Best For: Deer hunters or shooters using magnified optics.
Top Picks: Weaver #417M and #88 series.
3. Clamp-On & Saddle Mounts
Perfect for older Mossberg 500 shotguns that aren’t factory drilled and tapped. These mounts secure over the receiver for a solid, no-gunsmithing installation.
Best For: Quick installation or preserving factory finish.
4. Tactical Combination Rails
If you’re building a defensive or competition shotgun, these rails allow you to mount optics and side accessories — such as lights, shell carriers, or lasers — all in one system.
Best For: Tactical and home-defense builds.
How to Choose the Right Mossberg 500 Scope Mount
Not every mount fits every shooter. Here’s what to consider before you buy:
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Your Mossberg Model: Most 500 and 590 receivers are drilled and tapped, but verify your model. Maverick 88 models may need saddle mounts.
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Gauge and Use Case: Heavy slugs? Go with a full Picatinny rail. Upland or home defense? A lightweight base works best.
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Optic Type: Red dots and reflex sights need shorter rails; magnified scopes need full-length rails.
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Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum offers the best balance of strength and weight.
Installation Tips
Installing a Mossberg 500 scope mount is quick and straightforward.
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Check your receiver — most are pre-drilled and tapped.
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Clean the surface before mounting.
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Use blue thread locker on screws to prevent loosening.
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Torque to spec (usually 20–25 in/lbs).
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Re-zero your optic after installation for perfect accuracy.
If your shotgun isn’t drilled and tapped, a no-gunsmith saddle mount is your best solution.
Recommended Mossberg 500 Scope Mount Brands
We only carry trusted names known for precision, quality, and fit:
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EGW – Evolution Gun Works
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Mesa Tactical
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Weaver
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Precision Reflex
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NcStar
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Black Aces Tactical
Each brand has proven reliability and is compatible with Mossberg 500, 590, and Maverick 88 platforms.
Why Buy From Mounts Plus
When you order from Mounts Plus, you’re getting more than just hardware — you’re getting support from firearm enthusiasts who know Mossbergs inside and out.
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Fast, secure shipping
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Verified compatibility for all Mossberg 500/590 models
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Satisfaction guarantee on every mount
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Expert advice from our team of firearm specialists
Whether you’re mounting a scope for your next turkey hunt or a red dot for home defense, we’ll help you find a solution that fits perfectly and performs flawlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will these mounts fit a Mossberg Maverick 88?
A: Yes. Most Mossberg 500 mounts fit the Maverick 88 since they share similar receiver patterns. Always double-check your model for pre-drilled holes.
Q: What’s the difference between Picatinny and Weaver rails?
A: Picatinny rails have standardized slot spacing, while Weaver rails vary slightly. Picatinny is more universal, but most Weaver mounts fit on Picatinny rails.
Q: Do I need to drill my shotgun to install a mount?
A: If your receiver is already drilled and tapped (most modern 500/590 models are), you can install the rail with just screws and thread locker. If not, use a no-drill saddle mount.
Q: Can I use a red dot on a Mossberg 500?
A: Absolutely. Red dots are ideal for quick target acquisition and work great on Picatinny rails or clamp-on bases.
Q: What’s the best mount for slug hunting?
A: A full-length Picatinny rail or Weaver base provides maximum stability for magnified optics when shooting slugs at longer ranges.
Find Your Perfect Mossberg 500 Scope Mount Today
Whether you’re setting up for hunting, tactical use, or target shooting, Mounts Plus has the best Mossberg 500 scope mounts in stock — ready to ship fast and built to last.
Explore our full collection of Picatinny rails, Weaver bases, and tactical mounts to take your Mossberg to the next level.