Model 185D-C: Redesign of magazine bottom plate. Model 185D: The original model 185, produced from 1947 to 1950. Plain one piece Monte Carlo pistol grip stock. Weight 6 1/4 lbs, barrel, 25' with three interchangeable choke tubes, Modified, Full & Improved Cylinder. Specs: 3-Shot, Takedown, 20 gauge only (2 1/2 & 2 3/4-inch), 2 shell detachable magazine. The choke tubes were knurled on the outside, but shotgun was also shipped with a wrench to assist with removing the choke tubes. Model 185 shotguns were manufactured from 1947 to 1964, so most - if not all - do not have serial numbers as those were not mandated until 1968.Īll 185D variants were distributed with three choke tubes (IC, M, and F sizes) which, unlike more modern shotgun choke tubes, mounted by screwing to the outside of the barrel. Uses brass bead front sight along with what could be described as a 0.25'-long 'rib' mounted near the breech for use as a rear sight. Takedown design: by removing the magazine and one screw, the receiver and barrel assembly can be separated from the stock and trigger guard assembly to enable easier cleaning, storage, and transportation. Trigger guard of black plastic which has molded-in finger ridges along pistol grip of stock. One-piece stock of American Walnut with Monte Carlo-style comb. Manual trigger-block safety switch is mounted at top-rear of receiver. Magazine is inserted into bottom of receiver just ahead of trigger guard. Removable box-type magazine holds 2 shells, giving a maximum capacity of 2+1 (=3) shells. The original D variants may also have accepted 2.5' shells, but those are no longer manufactured.

Mossberg's original bolt-action shotgun designs derived much from Mauser bolt-action rifles which had been custom converted into smooth-bore shotguns. Operates in same fashion as bolt-action rifles. Mossberg & Sons in New Haven, Connecticut.Īll Model 185 variants have the following features in common: The Mossberg 185 is a 20-gauge bolt-action shotgun, produced between 19 by O.F.

Mossberg serial numbers mfg date