My dad has a Mossberg 500, 12 ga that he bought in the early 80s. It is just a smoothbore barrel with no choke options. He would like to duck hunt with me this year, but I'm not sure if this gun could handle steel. What do you think?

I would guess yes, and it has to have some sort of choke unless it was made to shoot rifled slugs. In that case I wouldn't waste the money on steel shot because it will not pattern worth a darn.

Easiest thing to do would be to call or shoot an Email to mossberg and ask them. A local gun store might know as well.

Paul

If it is a basicsmooth bore barrel, itis going to be choked and should state on the barrel what it is. The onlychokes that don't recommend steel is full and improved modified. Modified or improved cylinder would be fine for steel.