Mossberg Model 185D-C 20 Gauge Bolt-Action Shotgun, 25-Inch Barrel, Detachable Magazine, 1955-1959 Production
This Mossberg Model 185D-C is a full-size, bolt-action 20 gauge shotgun produced between 1955 and 1959. It stands out for its detachable two-round box magazine—an uncommon feature on shotguns of the era—and its external screw-on choke system that lets the shooter change constrictions in the field. Blued steel construction, an oil-finished walnut stock, and a 25-inch ordnance-grade barrel give this post-war sporting gun a straightforward, utilitarian appeal.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Specific Condition Notes: Minor scratches, scuffs, and blemishes are present on both metal and wood surfaces.
What’s Included
- Factory Mossberg Model 185 detachable 2-round magazine
Manufactured during the final D-series run, this 185D-C reflects Mossberg’s practical design philosophy of the 1950s. The shotgun was produced before the 1968 GCA, so it carries no factory-applied serial number—typical for civilian arms of the period.
The bolt-action system offers reliable feeding from the detachable magazine while allowing safe single-round loading if desired. With its 2 + 1 capacity, the gun balances compact magazine dimensions with quick reloads uncommon in fixed-tube designs.
The 25-inch steel barrel is threaded for Mossberg’s external choke tubes; an Improved Cylinder choke is currently installed, making the gun suitable for upland birds or close-range clay targets. Swapping chokes requires only unscrewing the tube—no tools needed in the field.
Handling is straightforward thanks to a 13.75-inch length of pull and a pistol-grip walnut stock that retains its original oil finish. A brass bead front sight provides a clean reference without snag-prone ribs or rails.
Overall, this Model 185D-C delivers classic American bolt-action simplicity, field-changeable choke versatility, and collectible mid-century production—all in a trim 20 gauge package.