Can someone explain what a Mossberg "Bantam" is?

[CK_32]

I'm looking at 500 20 guage models... I keep seeing Banthams... What is a Bantham model exactly, what does it offer over a standard??

[bigbossman]

Mossberg 500 Bantam is a Mossberg 500 for younger/smaller shooters:

http://www.mossberg.com/product/shotguns-pump-action-mossberg-500-bantam-500-bantam-combo/54188

[rromeo]

I'm pretty sure it's just smaller.

[5ZS]

Designed Specifically for Younger/Smaller Shooters.

The standard Model 500 uses a 14-inch (36 cm) length of pull (LOP) for the stock, which is suitable for adult shooters of average or greater size. The Bantam models use a 13-inch (33 cm) LOP stock and a forend that sits further back than the standard model. The Super Bantam stock includes two recoil pads and a stock spacer.

By using the short pad, the LOP can be reduced to 12 inches (30 cm); with the spacer and longer pad, the LOP is 13 inches (330 mm). A number of different models are offered with Bantam and Super Bantam stocks, or they can be ordered as accessories and fitted to any Model 500.

Basically youth series, so maybe that's why you are popping up more on the 20 gauge.

[chuckdc]

The Bantam is the yoot model (i.e. it's made smaller for youngsters, women, smaller-statured folks). It has a shorter stock and usually comes in a shorter barrel (like 26" instead of 28") .

[Rosereader]

Yeup, as others have said it's just a downsized 500.

They're pretty cool, actually. It's also a lot easier to find hardwood and laminate stocks for them for a sane price than the full sized 500, if that's your thing that is.

[CK_32]

So is this basically a 500 youth?

Cause I know Turners says the new youth 500's aren't 500's they are called like 585's or something now.

Are these as good as the older 500 youths? Or did the modern mfg/tech tone them down a little?

[Thefeeder]

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Mossberg make a Youth, Bantam and a Mini

Each with a different Length of Pull stock to fit different shorter /smaller shooters

IFRC.....13" ,12-13" and 10-11" LOP.... or something in that ballpark

Keep in mind that these are 5-5 1/4lb guns and will not have light recoil out of the box. When they have weight added, balanced and a basic fitting for the shooter they become just great starter guns with little felt recoil. Perfect for young shooters and petite woman to start shotgunning with a gun that actully fits them correctly.