POTD: Before The Savage 220 – The Mossberg 185D Bolt Action Shotgun
Sam.S 07.05.23
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have one of the first popular bolt action shotguns. This is the Mossberg 185D 20 gauge bolt action shotgun. O.F. Mossberg & Sons, established in 1919, is renowned for producing firearms for the average consumer. Among their notable creations is the Model 500, a widely popular shotgun that remains in production today. Before the Model 500, Mossberg manufactured a range of firearms, including a four-shot 22-caliber pistol and small rifles. During World War II, they supplied parts for Allied small arms. Post-war, Mossberg shifted its focus to shotguns and introduced the Model 185D in 1947. This bolt-action 20 Gauge shotgun featured removable exterior chokes, and plastic finger grooves in the walnut stock, and came with a set of three chokes and a wrench. The Model 185D remained in production until 1959, catering to hunters and returning war veterans. Although production ceased, the legacy of the Mossberg Model 185D continued.
