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The Mossberg 185 is a 20-gauge bolt-action shotgun, produced between 1948 and 1964 by O.F. Mossberg & Sons in New Haven, Connecticut.
| Mossberg 185 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Shotgun |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Produced | 1947 – 1964 [1] |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 6.25 lb (2.83 kg) [1] |
| Barrel length | 26 in (660.4 mm)[1] |
| Cartridge | 20 gauge, 2¾"[1] |
| Action | bolt action |
| Rate of fire | round per minute |
| Muzzle velocity | fps |
| Effective firing range | 100 Yards for slugs |
| Maximum firing range | 45 yards for birdshot |
| Feed system | Box magazine, 2 rounds[1] |
| Sights | Gold Bead |
Variants
editCommonalities
editAll Model 185 variants have the following features in common:
- Bolt action. Operates in same fashion as bolt-action rifles. Mossberg's original bolt-action shotgun designs derived much from Mauser bolt-action rifles which had been custom converted into smooth-bore shotguns.
- Chambered in 20 gauge x 2.75"/70mm. They will not accept 3"/76mm shells. The original D variants may also have accepted 2.5" shells, but those are no longer manufactured.
- Removable box-type magazine holds 2 shells, giving a maximum capacity of 2+1 (=3) shells. Magazine is inserted into bottom of receiver just ahead of trigger guard.
- Manual trigger-block safety switch is mounted at top-rear of receiver.
- One-piece stock of American Walnut with Monte Carlo-style comb.
- Trigger guard of black plastic which has molded-in finger ridges along pistol grip of stock.
- Takedown design: by removing the magazine and one screw, the receiver and barrel assembly can be separated from the stock and trigger guard assembly to enable easier cleaning, storage, and transportation.
- Smooth barrel without sighting rib. Uses brass bead front sight along with what could be described as a 0.25"-long "rib" mounted near the breech for use as a rear sight.
- Model 185 shotguns were manufactured from 1947 to 1964, so most - if not all - do not have serial numbers as those were not mandated until 1968.
D models
editAll 185D variants were distributed with three choke tubes (IC, M, and F sizes) which, unlike more modern shotgun choke tubes, mounted by screwing to the outside of the barrel. The choke tubes were knurled on the outside, but shotgun was also shipped with a wrench to assist with removing the choke tubes.[1]
Specs: 3-Shot, Takedown, 20 gauge only (2 1/2 & 2 3/4-inch), 2 shell detachable magazine. Weight 6 1/4 lbs, barrel, 25" with three interchangeable choke tubes, Modified, Full & Improved Cylinder. Plain one piece Monte Carlo pistol grip stock.
Model 185D: The original model 185, produced from 1947 to 1950.
Model 185D-A: Made in 1950 only.
Model 185D-B: Firing pin design change. Made 1950 to 1955.
Model 185D-C: Redesign of magazine bottom plate. Made 1955 to 1958.
K models
editAll 185K variants were equipped with a C-LECT adjustable choke and a ported barrel. The C-LECT choke operated much like the chuck on a drill: turning the outer tube one direction threaded it farther onto the barrel, which allowed the multi-petaled inner tube to open; turning the outer tube in the opposite direction forced the petals of the inner tube closer. In this manner, the C-LECT choke could be continuously varied from Cylinder to Full choke.
Specs: 3-Shot, Takedown, 20 gauge only (2 3/4-inch), 2 shell detachable magazine. Weight 6 1/4 lbs, barrel, 26" with variable C-Lect-Choke with ventilated barrel. Genuine American Walnut Monte Carlo one piece pistol grip stock with recoil pad.
Model 185K: Made in 1950 only.
Model 185K-A: Made 1950 to 1955.
Model 185K-B: Made 1955 to 1963.
Model 185K-C: Changes to trigger and safety lever. Made 1963 to 1964.
Model 185K-E: Change to butt plate. Made in 1964 only.[1]