What's the difference between a Mossberg 500 and 535?
Michael King
Updated on April 26, 2026
Similarly, it is asked, what's the difference between a Mossberg 500 and 535?
As I mentioned earlier, the biggest distinction is that the 535 can chamber three different sized shells (2 ¾”, 3”, and 3 ½”), whereas the 500 can only fire 2 ¾” and 3”. Another big disparity between these two Mossberg's is the available magazines. The 500 has extended high-capacity mag options which the 535 doesn't.
Similarly, why did Mossberg discontinue the 535? The 525 is a 3.5" receiver with a standard 12 ga barrel. A far better choice would be a Mossberg 835 with the overbore barrel. It gives much better patterns, which is why the 535 has been discontinued.
Secondly, are Mossberg 500 and 535 parts interchangeable?
A 500 barrel on a 535 receiver is safe as long as 3" or shorter shells are used. Both are correct. The 500 bbl on the 535 shouldn't chamber a 3.5" shell.
Did Mossberg discontinue the 535?
It gives much better patterns, which is why the 535 has been discontinued. but you can't run slugs thru the 835 as the manufacture states!