Mossberg 20 ga.

[Bass Man]

Hi all,

Can anyone give me some information on a Mossberg model 185d-b 20 ga. bolt action shotgun. I acquired it today from my Grandpa. He is in his 80's and said he has never shot it. It has what looks like a muzzle brake on the barrel that is knurled. Is that supposed to turn and come off or what is it's purpose. Where can I look up the age when I get the serial number off of it.

 

[HunterTRW]

Try contacting the National Mossberg Collectors Association at 636.937.6401. They should be able to tell you everything you want to know about your heirloom. Their Web address is www.mossbergcollectors.org.

As for the device on the muzzle, I believe that you will find that it is a collet-type variable-choking device manufactured by Mossberg, and called C-Lect Choke. This device allows you to select from a set number of degrees of choke (from lesser to greater) by turning the knurled ring.

These collet-type devices (which also included the Poly Choke and the Cyclone Choke) were precursors to today's interchangable choke tubes and serve the same purpose, to improve the utility of a shotgun by providing the gunner with a variety of choke settings from which to choose.

Hope this helps.

Good luck, and good shooting!