When one considers the American pump-action shotgun marketplace, two classic guns have been at the forefront for decades—the Remington Model 870, beginning production in 1950, and Mossberg’s Model 500, entering the national lineup in 1961.
Both guns are well represented in today’s hunting, law enforcement, military and personal protection circles. Both shotgun models have reached a milestone seldom seen in the firearms industry—the 10 million mark—and the two 10 millionth guns are incredible. Remington’s Model 870, part of the Remington factory collection loaned to NRA, is nicely rendered in blue and gold, with a fine-line perspective of the Ilion, N.Y. factory engraved on one side of the receiver. Mossberg’s Model 500, donated by O.F. Mossberg & Sons, is seen with an impressive silver-toned engraved receiver accentuated with gold, but the rest of this shotgun is finished in classic bluing.
Normally, each of these milestone arms might have been retained in factory vaults, but these two “10 millionth” guns are now on display for the public to enjoy at the NRA's National Sporting Arms Museum at Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Mo.
Interested in engraved arms? Visit either of the two NRA museums—the NRA National Firearms Museum at NRA Headquarters in Fairfax, Va., or our new NRA National Sporting Arms Museum at Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Mo. Both locations include a timeline of American arms from the first colonists through modern day, with exemplary handguns, rifles and shotguns available for viewing seven days a week. Admission is free to both museums (donations gratefully accepted), and each offers an unforgettable visitor experience. For more details, check out the museum website at www.nramuseums.com, call (703) 267-1600 or email [email protected]
