The Mossberg 185 is a 20-gauge bolt-action shotgun, produced between 1948 and 1964 by O.F. Mossberg & Sons in New Haven, Connecticut. Variants Commonalities All Model 185 variants have the following features in common: - Bolt action. Operates in same fashion as bolt-action rifles. Mossberg's original bolt-action shotgun designs derived much from Mauser bolt-action rifles which had been custom converted into smooth-bore shotguns. - Chambered in 20 gauge x 2.75"/70mm. They will not accept 3"/76mm shells. The original D variants may also have accepted 2.5" shells, but those are no longer manufactured. - Removable box-type magazine holds 2 shells, giving a maximum capacity of 2+1 (=3) shells. Magazine is inserted into bottom of receiver just ahead of trigger guard. - Manual trigger-block safety switch is mounted at top-rear of receiver. - One-piece stock of American Walnut with Monte Carlo-style comb. - Trigger guard of black plastic which has molded-in finger ridges along pistol grip of stock. - 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. - Smooth barrel without sighting rib. 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. - 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. D models All 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. The choke tubes were knurled on the outside, but shotgun was also shipped with a wrench to assist with removing the choke tubes. Specs: 3-Shot, Takedown, 20 gauge only (2 1/2 & 2 3/4-inch), 2 shell detachable magazine. Weight 6 1/4 lbs, barrel, 25" with three interchangeable choke tubes, Modified, Full & Improved Cylinder. Plain one piece Monte Carlo pistol grip stock. Model 185D: The original model 185, produced from 1947 to 1950. Model 185D-A: Made in 1950 only. Model 185D-B: Firing pin design change. Made 1950 to 1955. Model 185D-C: Redesign of magazine bottom plate. Made 1955 to 1958. K models All 185K variants were equipped with a C-LECT adjustable choke and a ported barrel. The C-LECT choke operated