The Mossberg 500 Persuader is a pump-action shotgun chambered in 20 GA with an 18.5-inch barrel and a parkerized finish. The pistol grip stock and compact barrel make it easy to handle in tight spaces, which is part of why it's popular for home defense. Capacity is 5+1 rounds with a 3-inch chamber. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Manufacturer: Mossberg 
• Model: 500 Persuader 
• Action Type: Pump Action 
• Caliber/Gauge: 20 GA 
• Barrel Length: 18.5 inches 
• Capacity: 6 rounds (5+1) 
• Chamber Size: 3 inches 
• Weight: 6.75 lbs (108 oz) 
• Finish: Parkerized Black 
• Grip Structure: Pistol Grip 
• Sights: Bead front / None rear 
   

Detailed Features 

• Parkerized Finish: Corrosion-resistant and matte -- doesn't show wear quickly. 
   
• Top Tang Safety: Easy to reach without shifting your grip or taking eyes off target. 
   
• Pistol Grip Stock: Synthetic black; improves control and keeps the profile compact. 
   
• 18.5-Inch Barrel: Maneuvers well in confined spaces without a major velocity penalty.

The Mossberg 500 Persuader in 20 GA draws praise primarily for reliability and manageability. The pump action cycles consistently across different 20-gauge loads, and the lighter 20-gauge recoil makes it accessible for a wider range of shooters, including those who are recoil-sensitive.

The compact size is a genuine selling point for home defense use -- the 18.5-inch barrel handles well in hallways and tight spaces. Build quality is described as solid; the parkerized finish holds up and the receiver feels sturdy.

Balance when fully loaded gets occasional criticism, and some users note the pistol grip takes adjustment if you're used to a traditional stock. Aftermarket accessory availability is consistently mentioned as a strength of the 500 platform. Value comes up frequently and positively -- the 500 Persuader is considered good value for a reliable defensive shotgun.