The Revelation (Mossberg) R310AB 12 Gauge

R310AB_Main

 The pawnshop addiction strikes again. This is an old Revelation R310AB, which is a Western Auto Mossberg 500A marketed between the mid 70’s and 80’s. The gun came to me in the Gun & Ammo Famine of 2013, at well under 150 bucks. It has a 28″ modified plain barrel with a lot of blue wear and a tad of rust, which some elbow grease and cold blue corrected to my satisfaction.

What it does do is shoot well and it put 25 #7 1/2 pellets in the 5X of a B21 at 40 yards. Also kept 6 of 9 pellets of Winchester ‘military’ 00 buck on the silhouette at that distance.

It works fine if operated normally but if you racked it really hard, it would double-feed. I pulled it down and tweaked the shell catches a bit, which corrected that. I also discovered it needs extractor springs; an eight dollar fix.

My son Josh & I busted some hand-thrown clays with this old shotgun today. Damn, I had forgotten how much fun this is! The old Revelation/Mossberg was pure death on them with its modified barrel, and neither of us could seem to miss with it. Josh liked it well enough that it went home with him.

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55 Comments

  1. frank henegar

    December 11, 2014

    Do you still have the gun for sale . 423-419-9115

    • Sarge author

      December 11, 2014

      No, it never was for sale. Where did you get the idea this was a classified ad?

  2. Mike Isaac

    April 7, 2015

    This model was my first shotgun that I bought at Western Auto in 1971 for $85.00. I love it and it is still my only shotgun. It not only is great for pheasant and rabbit but I have killed quite a few deer with it. I bought a slug barrel for it in 1980 for $49. The slug barrel shoots a slug perfectly however the original 28″ modified does also. You’ll love it. My cousin bought a 16 gauge about 1 year later but ended up selling it. I wish he would have given me a chance to purchase it. Good luck Mike

  3. David

    August 3, 2015

    Do u know where to find parts for this weapon ..

  4. Dan

    August 19, 2015

    In 1974, when I was 16, a relative passed away and left me $1,000 which seemed like a million at that time! First thing I did was run down to the Western Auto store and pick up my first shotgun, a Mossberg R310AB 12 Gauge – 30″ barrel. Funny thing is it says Revelation, and doesn’t say Mossberg anywhere on the gun. First thing I noticed is it is not only very accurate, but also was very durable! I could use it to move thick brush out of my way as I was “barreling” through the woods. Before I shoot 3″ Magnum shells again, I think I will invest in a recoil pad!

  5. willis

    October 22, 2015

    This is the frist shotgun I ever owned, my mom and dad bought it for me when I was 12, for Christmas. I still have it, still works great, and has killed a lot of birds, that ate well I might add.

  6. Scott Bodell

    October 28, 2015

    I got mine in 1974. 28″ modified vent rib. Shot clays this year for the first time in 25 years and couldn’t miss. Found your comments looking for a slug barrel for it to hunt hogs in Texas. Only problem I’ve ever had is that shooting heavier loads causes the thumb safety screw to loosen. Safety slides back “on” while you’re bearing down on target.

  7. Daniel P

    January 3, 2016

    Picked up one the other day from a buddy took it out and dropped one on first hunt with it every buckshot hit the deer good solid deer gun.

  8. rigderunner

    January 25, 2016

    I just purchased one from a friend / 30 inch full choke revelation 12 guage r310 ab in good condition / could not find its worth in my book –help, thanks

    • Sarge author

      January 25, 2016

      Thanks for writing Ridgerunner. I think I gave $130 for the old shotgun that the article was written about. That was in 2012 and they’re worth a little more now, I assume. Prices on any firearm are generally established by what a local market is willing to pay.

  9. nick callender

    February 20, 2016

    I bought one abought 25 or 30 years ago for 60 bucks from a co-worker. I am thinking about sawing the barrel to 18 1/2 inches. Should I leave it alone and buy a 189 dollar gun? Haven’t shot it a whole lot but it has never let me down unlike my 870 Remington

    • Sarge author

      February 20, 2016

      It’s your call, Nick. Of I’ve got a shotgun that patterns well, I leave that barrel alone and find a second one to shorten. You will never have a hard time finding a good used Model 500 barrel.

  10. sully v

    May 10, 2016

    Hi–I just picked up a “vintage” Winchester 1300 Defender (included box), it was never used, carried, or fired — bought it used for $280.00. I’ve always been a Remington 870 Police Mag guy, but this shotgun has the smoothest action I have ever used. Your articles on shotguns got me looking for something older, different, and neglected. This Winchester is turning into one of my favorites. Thank you Sarge.

    • Sarge author

      May 11, 2016

      That is great, I’ve corrupted another reader into buying un-tacticool old guns from 1950 forward! I just picked up an old 1300 Defender myself and I really like it. Article coming soon.

  11. Russell

    June 1, 2016

    I am in the need for a used or new butt stock for a Revelation 310A 12 ga w/Variable Choke Barrel. I cannot seem to find a cross reference for a modern part number for it. Can anyone help?

  12. Barry Sulkin

    November 11, 2016

    I bought a used Revelation 310ABR from a local gun shop for $150 about 1994. It had numerous marks and dings with some scratches both on the receiver and the stock. I used it exclusively for trap and it was excellent. The ring nut on the pump tube kept loosening up then stripped out altogether. I made a new one that screw on with an interference fit and all was OK again. I’ve since turned it into a security gun, shortened the barrel to 18 1/2″ and installed a pistol grip.

  13. Jesse Buras

    November 15, 2016

    What is the R310AB 12 gauge in excellent condition valued at today

    • Sarge author

      November 15, 2016

      Sorry we don’t do firearms appraisals. Check the internet auctions for an idea of how these are priced.

      • Zachary

        October 5, 2020

        Picked one up for 100.00. Paterned 00buck today at 60 yards. 6 out of 9 ina 6″ paper plate. Should have no problem feeding the family and freezer this year.

  14. Jeffery Spain

    December 28, 2016

    Wow I have had this AB 310 Revelation 30inch pump shotgun since I was 16 1977 paid I think 80 dollars for it. I am cleaning it up today still good condition and shoots and racks fine. but I never knew it was a Mossberg.
    Thanks Guys for the info,

  15. Jim Weeks

    February 12, 2017

    How hard was it to replace the extractor springs and where did you get them. I have one with the same problem.

  16. Steve

    May 12, 2017

    How do you know the date of western auto r310ab revelation

  17. shotgun

    September 3, 2017

    i have a relevation/mossberg 310ab i will sell for 165.00 if there are any interested partys.

  18. Calvin Critten

    September 21, 2017

    I have one in great condition. 3342005724

  19. Sherrill lance

    September 30, 2017

    Mine kicks so hard it wants to jump out of my hand .
    Shot at a chicken hawk at about 150 yards with turkey load 2 1/2
    Shells . Wore a bruise on my right shoulder for a week .
    It had been awhile sense I had shot it . Headed to pawn shop
    To trade for something else .

    • Patrick

      January 16, 2023

      Did you ever get a response to why this model kicks so hard

  20. Bill Cremeans

    November 28, 2017

    I have a Revelation 12 gauge R310AB also. Love it, shoots better then my 1100 trap gun.

  21. Travis Kirkland

    March 4, 2018

    I also have one just like the picture it is a 30″ full choke I bought it from a pawn shop back when I was 17 and now I am 49 what is it really worth now if someone can or will tell me…

    • Sarge author

      March 4, 2018

      It depends on condition and the local market, Travis. $150 tops around here.

  22. Travis Kirkland

    March 4, 2018

    I also have one just like the picture I bought when I was 17 and now I’m 49 what is the value of the gun now if someone will tell me..

  23. Don

    April 3, 2019

    I have a Revelation model 350A which is the 16 guage single barrel. It was handed down to me from my dad. My mom gave it to him on their first anniversary, which was over 60 years ago. It was purchased at Western Auto in Moncks Corner S.C.. I would really like to find a 12, 20, and 410 single barrel to make a set. If anyone can help me locate any of them it would be greatly appreciated. I’m in Charleston SC.

    • E kesock

      February 3, 2023

      hello did you find your 20ga revelations

  24. Billy

    October 5, 2019

    I got one that I bought in mid 70s that still shoot very good. I haven’t shot it in about 5 years but the 2 sons uses it all the time. They love it. There has been a ton of rounds fires through it and still accurate

  25. Thomas

    January 8, 2020

    I acquired a 310A revelation 12ga. It shoots great but the issue I’m having is after I shoot it doesn’t extract the shell and I’d have to manually push the slide release button to get the spent shell out and use a small pin/screwdriver to get the shell out of the chamber, I believe it may be the clips that extract the spent shell but what about the release, is that a common problem that could be fixed

  26. Chuck F Mccook

    February 9, 2020

    Hi I just Purchased a revelation R310AC 12 gauge can anybody tell me what it is worth?

  27. Tyler Murdock

    November 25, 2020

    Can anyone lead me to buy parts for this gun?

    • Sarge author

      November 25, 2020

      Ebay, Numrich, Gun Parts Corporation- all online. Sometimes it’s a long wait.

  28. Nancy

    January 16, 2021

    Is this for sale?

    • Sarge author

      January 16, 2021

      No. The Sixgun Journal in an informational collection of firearms reviews, articles etc.

      This is not a gun shop, internet auction or classified firearms listing. Never has been, never will be.

  29. Isaiah

    December 21, 2021

    This is my first gun got it around my my birthday this year just in time for dove season me and my little brother whacked them all month with it I love this gun

  30. David

    August 12, 2022

    I also got a revelation 310ab with 30″ full choke no ribbed barrel that my mom bought for my dad in 1971 and passed down to me when I was 9 and I’m 46 now and I ve killed all but a few deer (which I took down with my Weatherby vanguard 2 7mm rem mag) and killed everything else ive pulled the trigger on and i have always shot winchester double x magnum 3″ 00b 1450 fps buckshot when deer hunting with best shot on a deer shot by my buddy with it was 5 pellets out of 15 (now only have 12 pellets)@ distance of 2 placed power line poles apart (bout 100 yards give or take) I truly love the gun and is my go to shtf gun out of all my guns which it does kicks like a mule which is why my dad didn’t care for it too much but to me if a gun doesn’t kick like a mule how can u really trust what it’s slinging out the barrel and i wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world

  31. Jerry

    November 27, 2022

    I bought mine from an older neighbor guy and didn’t realize that it was a mosberg it’s has western auto on it thanks for the comments I’ve learned alot.

    • Sarge author

      November 27, 2022

      You’re welcome Jerry and I’m glad people have benefitted from the article.

  32. Bill Morgan

    November 29, 2022

    carried an M1Garand longer than I want to remember! love this20 gauge revelation

  33. Bill Morgan

    November 29, 2022

    smooth action, it has some time on it but still works fine.

  34. Patrick

    January 16, 2023

    I have a Revelation R310AB 12ga . What can I do to reduce the recoil . It will take your shoulder off🤔

    • Sarge author

      January 16, 2023

      Patrick,

      Install a Limbsaver pad and/or shoot lighter loads. Alternatively, you could acquire a Mossberg 500 in 20 gauge and still do those things.

  35. Gordy Murphy

    April 19, 2023

    Don’t think in the 70s, that a Revelation was chambered for 3” shells. Could be where the extra recoil comes in. Just saying. Gordy

  36. Shootah rum

    August 5, 2023

    I have 1 of those same guns

  37. Craig

    October 31, 2023

    I have one of these passed down from my Grandfather a decade ago. I just now found it again and googled it as I didn’t recognize “Revelation” as a brand. it’s nice to know it’s a Mossberg with readily available replacement parts.

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