Mossberg Model 590

History of the Mossberg 590 Shotgun

The Mossberg 590 Shotgun is an offshoot of the popular Mossberg 500 Series of hunting shotguns. The Model 590 is available in specialized form for military and law enforcement customers and includes reinforced internals, higher capacity tubular magazine, accessory support via Picatinny rail system, perforated over-barrel heat shield and optional pistol grips or full stock.

The militarized form features an 18, 5 or 20 inch barrel, offering a more compact product suitable for close quarters combat and door-breaking operations. These weapons can be used in 6-. 8 and 9 magazine formats.

The law enforcement version is named 590A1 and comes with heavier details, including the safety gear, trigger ring and barrel - the latter is available in 14, 18, 5 and 20 inch lengths. Despite the law enforcement classification, the 590A1 is still in service with the U.S. Army.

The Mossberg 590 is also the shotgun of choice for the US Marine Corps.

The action of the Mossberg 590 is still the tried and true pump slide, which guides any spent cartridges out of the chamber and inserts available new ones from the tubular magazine. Magazines are loaded through a door under the front of the receiver.

The spent cartridges are guided down from the large opening to the right side of the receiver. The action is considered smooth and reliable, in line with competing brands elsewhere. Ammunition types include warheads, shotguns, and non-lethal anti-riot rounds.

Specification

Fundamentals

Year of Service

1975

Origins

United States

Categories

Pump Action Shotgun

Manufacturer

O.S. Mossberg & Sons, Incorporated - USA

Operator

France; Iraq; Israel; Netherlands; Portugal; Korea; USA

Role

Close support

Use at very close range; ditch cleaning; door breaker; safety.

Special Forces

The quality of this weapon has proven its value to Special Forces who need a versatile and reliable solution to the rigors of special operations.

Dimensions and Weight

Barrel Length

470mm

18.50 inches

Cured weight

7.50 lbs

3.40 kg

Attractions

Beaded front; optional optics

Action

Pump Action Slideshow

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*

Number 12

Circle/Feed

6-, 8- or 9-round tubular magazine

POWER

Maximum efficiency. Arrived

130 feet

(40m | 43m)

Mile speed

1,500 ft/s

(457m/s)

Variant

Model 500 - Civilian hunting shotgun. Model 590 "Special Purpose" - Military combat shotgun with reinforced internals; tubular magazines with 6, 8 and 9 rounds; Picatinny rail for accessories; perforated heat shield; pistol grip or full stock. Model 590A1 "Law Enforcement" - Law Enforcement Mode; heavy barrel; reinforced interior; 14, 18, 5 and 20" barrel lengths; pistol grip or full stock.

Model 590 "Home Security" - Home Defense Variant; Available in . 410 Hole; Vertical Fore Grip; Muzzle Brake; Deployment Throttle; Bead Protection.