The Mossberg 500 Retrograde Field is a pump-action shotgun that pairs classic aesthetics with the reliable 500 platform. The walnut stock and matte blued finish give it a traditional field look, while the underlying mechanics are the same proven 500 action used across countless working shotguns. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Mossberg 
• Model Name: 500 Retrograde Field 
• Caliber: 12 GA 
• Barrel Length: 28 inches 
• Capacity: 5+1 rounds 
• Weight: 7.50 lbs 
• Overall Length: 47.5 inches 
• Chamber Size: 3 inches 
• Action Type: Pump Action 
• Sights Type: Dual Bead 
• Safety Mechanism: Tang safety 
• Stock Material: Walnut 
• Finish Type: Matte Blued 
   

Detailed Features 

The pump action cycles reliably and quickly, with no complex mechanisms to maintain. The Accu-Set choke system lets you swap choke tubes for different patterns, so the same gun works for upland birds, waterfowl, or home defense depending on what you load. The walnut stock holds up well outdoors and has the balance feel that synthetic stocks can't quite replicate. 
 
Dual bead sights cover the barrel for quick alignment on moving targets. The tang safety sits at the back of the receiver where your thumb naturally lands, letting you disengage without shifting your grip. The 28-inch barrel and 3-inch chamber make it a capable all-around field gun. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

The 28-inch barrel suits upland and waterfowl hunting. The 5+1 capacity and fast pump action also make it a reasonable home defense option if you prefer a long gun for that role. At 7.5 lbs it's on the heavier end for a field gun, which some hunters will notice on long walks.

The Mossberg 500 Retrograde draws consistent praise for its walnut furniture. Owners who grew up with classic American shotguns appreciate the traditional look, and the wood finish quality gets more favorable mentions than you might expect from a factory gun at this price.

Performance feedback mirrors what you'd expect from any 500 platform: the action cycles smoothly, recoil is manageable, and the 28-inch barrel delivers good accuracy on moving targets. Many owners use it for upland hunting and report no issues with reliability across a variety of loads.

The main criticism is weight. At 7.5 lbs, a few users note it gets tiring during long days in the field compared to lighter options. This doesn't seem to deter most buyers since the solid feel is actually something other reviewers cite as a plus.

Overall the sentiment is positive. People buying this gun usually want the classic walnut-and-blued aesthetic with the confidence of the 500 action behind it, and that's exactly what they get.