This specific firearm is a .410 bore shotgun manufactured by O.F. Mossberg & Sons. Its bolt-action operation requires the user to manually cycle the bolt after each shot to load the next round. This contrasts with semi-automatic or pump-action shotguns. The .410 bore designation indicates a smaller gauge shotgun shell compared to more common gauges like 12 or 20, resulting in lighter recoil and making it suitable for smaller-framed shooters or those sensitive to recoil.
Introduced in the mid-20th century, this type of firearm often served as an entry-level shotgun for novice hunters or those seeking a manageable platform for small game or pest control. Its simpler manual action can offer benefits in terms of reliability and ease of maintenance. The relatively low cost of .410 bore ammunition, combined with the firearm’s typical affordability, often contributed to its popularity. It played a role in introducing new generations to shooting sports and provided a practical tool for agricultural needs.