The Mossberg 590s is a popular pump-action shotgun that many gun enthusiasts like. But is it really worth your money? Let’s look at the good and bad things about this tactical shotgun to help you decide if it’s right for you. The Mossberg 590s is known for being reliable and useful in different situations. Both regular people and professionals use it. But like any gun, it’s important to think about all parts of it before you buy one.
Key Points
- The Mossberg 590s is a versatile pump-action shotgun known for reliability and durability
- Compatible with 1.75″, 2.75″, and 3″ shells for exceptional ammunition flexibility
- Popular for home defense, law enforcement, and recreational shooting applications
- Offers high magazine capacity compared to standard shotguns, enhancing tactical capabilities
- Heavier than some alternatives and may have significant recoil, especially with larger shells
- Extensive customization options available for personalization and performance enhancement
- Priced higher than entry-level shotguns but offers excellent value for its features
Overview of the Mossberg 590s
The Mossberg 590s is part of the 500 series, which has been around since the 1960s. This pump-action shotgun is known for being reliable and useful in many situations. It’s a 12-gauge gun that can use 1.75″, 2.75″, and 3″ shells, making it good for different types of shooting. The 590s builds on older models, adding new features to meet what shooters want today. It’s known for being tough and has been tested to work in harsh conditions and with heavy use.
Pros of the Mossberg 590s
Reliability and Durability
The Mossberg 590s is built very strong. It’s made to work in tough conditions and keep shooting when you need it most. This shotgun has passed tests that the military uses, including firing 3,000 rounds of buckshot. That’s why military and police trust it around the world. The 590s has special coatings that don’t rust easily and is made with good materials that help it last a long time. Many people who use the 590s say it works great even after years of heavy use, showing how tough it is.
Tactical Versatility
Whether you’re using it for home defense, police work, or training, the 590s can do many jobs. Its short barrel (usually 18.5 to 20 inches) makes it easy to move in small spaces, but it’s still good for shooting at short to medium distances. The 590s is great for close-up situations, making it a good choice for protecting your home or for police in cities. You can also add many different accessories to it, so you can make it fit exactly what you need it for.
Ammunition Flexibility
One of the best things about the 590s is that it can use different sizes of shells without needing any changes. This means you can switch between 1.75″ mini-shells, regular 2.75″ shells, and powerful 3″ magnum loads easily. This is really useful in tactical situations where you might need different types of ammunition. For example, you could use mini-shells for less recoil and more shots in home defense, but switch to stronger loads for outdoor use or breaking down doors.
High Magazine Capacity
The 590s usually holds 6 to 8 shells in its magazine tube, depending on which model you have. This gives you plenty of shots for most situations, whether you’re at the shooting range or protecting your home. Having more shots than many traditional shotguns is a tactical advantage, as you don’t need to reload as often. Some models of the 590s can even have their magazine tubes made longer, allowing for even more shots when needed.
Ergonomic Design
Mossberg has thought a lot about how the 590s feels to use. The safety is on top and can be used easily by both left-handed and right-handed shooters. The pump action is smooth, letting you shoot again quickly when you need to. The way the grip is shaped, where the controls are, and how the weight is balanced all make the shotgun comfortable to hold and use. These design choices make it easier to handle and less tiring to shoot for a long time, which is great for long training sessions or competitions.
Key Features of the Mossberg 590s
- Pump-action reliability: Proven design for tactical and home defense use, with a history of dependable performance
- Ammunition flexibility: Compatible with 1.75″, 2.75″, and 3″ shells, offering versatility for various shooting needs
- High magazine capacity: Holds 6 to 8 shells depending on model, providing ample firepower
- Ambidextrous safety: Top-mounted for easy access by left and right-handed shooters, enhancing user-friendliness
- Maneuverable design: Short barrel (18.5 to 20 inches) for use in tight spaces, ideal for home defense
- Durable construction: Built to withstand harsh conditions and heavy use, meeting military specifications
- Customization potential: Wide range of aftermarket accessories and upgrades available
Cons of the Mossberg 590s
Weight Considerations
The 590s weighs about 7 pounds, which isn’t the lightest shotgun you can buy. This extra weight can help control recoil, but it might be hard for smaller people to handle or for those who need to carry it for a long time. The weight is spread out well on the 590s, which helps a bit. But if you’re planning long hunting trips or need to carry it for hours on patrol, you might notice the weight more.
Recoil with Larger Shells
While the 590s handles recoil pretty well for a 12-gauge, shooting 3″ magnum shells can still kick pretty hard. This might be tough for new shooters or people who are sensitive to recoil. You might really feel it when shooting fast or using the shotgun for a long time. You can make this better by learning good shooting techniques, using recoil pads, or choosing shells that don’t kick as much when you can.
Price Point
The Mossberg 590s isn’t the cheapest shotgun out there. It usually costs between $400 and $700, depending on which model you get and what features it has. That’s a lot of money for some people. But many users think the quality and versatility are worth the cost. When thinking about the price, remember that it’s built to last and you probably won’t need to replace or fix it often. Also, the 590s tends to keep its value well if you ever want to sell it.
Learning Curve for New Shooters
Pump-action shotguns like the 590s take practice to use smoothly and quickly. New shooters might need some time to get comfortable with the manual action, especially when they’re stressed. You need to learn how to pump the action, handle the recoil, and reload quickly. This can be hard at first, but many shooters find that learning these skills with a pump-action shotgun helps them get better with other guns too.
Real-World Applications
The Mossberg 590s is great for home defense. Its short barrel makes it easy to move around in your house, and the pump-action is reliable. Using mini-shells can be really helpful, giving you less recoil and more shots for home defense. Just the sound of pumping the shotgun can scare off intruders. Plus, the 590s is reliable even if it’s been stored for a long time.
Many police departments choose the 590s because it’s tough and can do many jobs. It can use different types of shells for different tasks, from breaking down doors to less-lethal options. It’s built strong enough for daily use on patrol and can be quickly set up for different jobs in both city and rural policing.
While it’s mainly for tactical use, the 590s can be used for hunting, especially for animals like turkey or deer that you shoot at close range. Longer shotguns might be better for serious hunters. But the 590s is good in thick bushes or for fast-moving animals. You can switch between light shells for small animals and stronger ones for bigger game.
The 590s is fun to shoot at the range. It’s reliable and smooth, making it enjoyable for casual target practice or serious tactical training. You can practice with different types of shells, from light target loads to powerful defensive rounds. Many shooting ranges have tactical courses or competitions that are perfect for the 590s, letting owners improve their skills and have fun with their shotgun in a safe place.
Customization and Upgrades
One of the best things about the Mossberg 590s is that you can customize it a lot. If you like to make your gun unique, the Mossberg 590s can be changed with different stocks, forends, and sights. Popular upgrades include:
- Adjustable stocks to make the gun fit you better
- Better sights or optics to help you aim more accurately
- Longer magazine tubes to hold more shells
- Lights or lasers for shooting in the dark
- Better recoil pads to make the gun kick less
- Special forends with grips or places to hold extra shells
- Changes to the barrel to make it shoot better in certain ways
These upgrades can make your 590s even better and more personal. There are lots of aftermarket parts available, so you can keep changing your shotgun as your needs or preferences change. This ability to customize adds a lot of value to the 590s, letting it grow with you as you get better at shooting.
Conclusion: Is the Mossberg 590s Worth It?
After looking at the good and bad points, the Mossberg 590s seems like a good choice for many shooters. It’s reliable, can do many jobs, and you can customize it a lot. These things make it a strong option in the tactical shotgun market. The 590s combines old, proven designs with new improvements, giving you a gun that can adapt to different uses and what different users like.
The 590s is particularly worth it if you:
- Want a really tough and reliable gun
- Need a versatile shotgun for home defense or police work
- Like to customize your guns and want one with lots of upgrade options
- Like being able to use different sizes of shells for different situations
- Are looking for a shotgun that can do many jobs, from home defense to fun shooting
However, if you don’t have much money to spend or want a lighter shotgun, you might want to look at other options. It’s important to think about what you need, how you like to shoot, and your physical abilities when making a decision.
The best way to know if the Mossberg 590s is right for you is to try one yourself. Visit a local shooting range that lets you rent guns, or talk to other shooters who own one. Pay attention to how the shotgun feels in your hands, how much it kicks when you shoot it, and if its features match what you want to use it for. Remember, the “best” shotgun is the one that fits what you need and how you like to shoot.
Whether you decide the Mossberg 590s is perfect for you or not, always make sure to get proper training and handle guns safely. A well-trained shooter with a basic shotgun will always do better than an untrained shooter with the fanciest gear. Invest in good training, practice regularly, and get to know your chosen gun really well.
Want to learn more about shotguns and tactical gear? Check out our other firearm guides and reviews to help you make smart choices about your next purchase. Happy shooting, and stay safe!
