Mossberg 12 Gauge

Lore & Background

The Mossberg 12 Gauge is a staple of the Uncharted series, appearing in multiple installments as a reliable shotgun for close-quarters combat. Its design is based on the real-world Mossberg 500 series, a workhorse known for cycling even when caked in jungle mud or seawater. In the games, it is often found in the hands of mercenaries and pirates—men who need a gun that won't jam when the ruins start shaking.

Nathan Drake frequently encounters this weapon during his adventures, particularly in tight corridors, jungle ruins, and ship interiors where its spread and stopping power are most effective. The shotgun's pump-action mechanism is faithfully recreated, requiring a manual cycle between shots, which adds a tactical layer to its use—every pump is a commitment.

While not as iconic as Drake's pistol or the series' treasure-hunting tools, the Mossberg 12 Gauge is a reliable fallback for players who prefer aggressive playstyles. Its presence in the franchise underscores the gritty, action-oriented nature of Uncharted's combat scenarios—a blunt instrument for when finesse fails.

In Their Own Story

The jungle air was thick with humidity as Nate pressed his back against the crumbling stone wall. The sound of boots on wet leaves grew closer. He glanced at the Mossberg 12 Gauge he'd pried from a fallen mercenary—its wooden stock scratched, the metal warm. 'Sorry, pal,' he muttered, pumping a shell into the chamber. As the first enemy rounded the corner, the shotgun roared, the blast echoing through the ruins. One down. Two more to go.

Reader's Guide

The Mossberg 12 Gauge is a close-quarters weapon that excels in tight spaces, such as the interior of the church in Uncharted: Drake's Fortune or the shipwreck in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. It first appears in the first game, often dropped by enemies or found in weapon caches. The shotgun has a slow fire rate due to the pump-action mechanic, but each shot deals massive damage, often killing standard enemies in one or two hits at close range.

No official upgrades or variants are documented in the canon, though it remains consistent across appearances. Its narrative significance is minimal compared to the series' legendary artifacts, but it serves as a practical tool for Nathan Drake during firefights, emphasizing the series' blend of exploration and combat. The Mossberg is particularly useful against armored enemies or groups in confined areas, though its limited range requires careful positioning—miss once, and you'll be eating lead while you rack the next shell.

Did You Know?

• The Mossberg 12 Gauge is based on the real-world Mossberg 500 series, a popular shotgun used by military and civilian shooters.
• In Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, the shotgun can be found early in the game during the chapter 'The Search for the Lost City'.
• The pump-action sound effect was recorded from a real Mossberg 500 to ensure authenticity.
• Despite its power, the shotgun is often less favored by players due to its slow reload and limited ammo capacity—one missed shot can mean a reload screen.