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 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.
All 185D variants were distributed with three choke tubes 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 shell detachable magazine. Weight 6 1/4 lbs, barrel, 25" with three interchangeable choke tubes, Modified, Full & Improved Cylinder. Plain one pieceMonte 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 pindesign 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 much like the chuck on a drill: turning the outer tube one direction threaded it farther onto the barrel, which allowed the multi-petaled inner tube to open; turning the outer tube in the opposite direction forced the petals of the inner tube closer. In this manner, the C-LECT choke could be continuously varied from Cylinder to Full choke. Specs: 3-Shot, Takedown, 20 gauge only, 2 shell detachable magazine. Weight 6 1/4 lbs, barrel, 26" with variable C-Lect-Choke with ventilated barrel. Genuine American Walnut Monte Carlo one piece pistol grip stock with recoil pad. Model 185K: Made in 1950 only. Model 185K-A: Made 1950 to 1955. Model 185K-B: Made 1955 to 1963. Model 185K-C: Changes to trigger and safety lever. Made 1963 to 1964. Model 185K-E: Change to butt plate. Made in 1964 only.
