Introduction
The Mossberg 590 is one of the most widely recognized shotguns in the military and police world. Designed by the American company O.F. Mossberg & Sons, this 12-gauge shotgun has been conceived for intensive use in the worst conditions. It represents the “militarized” variant of the famous Mossberg 500, with enhanced features for tactical operations.
Reliable, robust, easy to maintain and highly modular, the Mossberg 590 is now the standard for armed forces, law enforcement agencies and demanding civilian shooters.
Origins and development
The Mossberg 500, introduced in 1961, quickly became a successful shotgun, thanks to its simple, affordable design. But in the 1980s, the US Department of Defense (DoD ) demanded a more robust model to meet stringent military specifications.
The result is the Mossberg 590, with key improvements:
Removable magazine tube (for easy maintenance)
A threaded barrel cap
Increased tubular magazine capacity (up to 9 shots)
Reinforced materials (military metals and polymers)
A barrel without fixed choke, facilitating the use of a variety of ammunition types
The even stronger 590A1 is the model officially adopted by theUS Navy and other branches of the US military.
Technical specifications (standard 590 model)
| Features | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12/70 (12 gauge) |
| Capacity | Up to 8+1 shots |
| Overall length | Approx. 1040 mm (varies with version) |
| Barrel length | 508 mm (20 inches) typical |
| Mechanism | Pump (slide action) |
| Materials | Steel, aluminum, polymer |
| Sights | Phantom sight + front sight or rail |
| Weight | Approx. 3.5 kg |
Main variants
Mossberg 590A1
Designed for military standards, with :
Thicker barrel (resistance to thermal stress)
Reinforced handguard
Metal internal parts (instead of polymer)
Ghost Ring
Mossberg 590 Shockwave
Ultra-compact, stockless version with pistol grip. Total length less than 66 cm. Not classified as a rifle in the USA, very popular for discreet carry or close defense.
Mossberg 590 Retrograde
Vintage design, with wooden stock and handguard, bronzed finish. Restores the look of military rifles from the 60s and 70s.
Mossberg 590M
Model compatible with detachable magazine, capacity from 5 to 20 shots. Modern solution for fast reloading.
Military and police use
The Mossberg 590A1 is the only shotgun to have passed the US Army’s MIL-SPEC 3443E tests, making it an official choice for :
US Navy
US Marines Corps
US Army (some units)
It is also widely used by American police forces, SWAT units and federal agencies. Its easy maintenance, robustness and compatibility with a wide range of accessories make it the tool of choice for close-in operations.
Ergonomics and modularity
The Mossberg 590 is designed to be simple, modular and reliable:
Ambidextrous controls: the safety device is located on the top of the frame, accessible to both left- and right-handed operators.
Ergonomic handguard: facilitates quick handling.
M-LOK mounts or Picatinny rails (on certain models) for lamps, optics, handles.
Compatible with telescopic or tactical stocks.
Comparison with other tactical shotguns
| Model | Capacity | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Mossberg 590 | 8+1 | Reliability, ambidextrous controls |
| Remington 870 | 7+1 | Solid, more direct trigger |
| Benelli M3 | 7+1 | Semi-auto / manual mode (hybrid) |
The Mossberg 590 stands out for its ease of maintenance, versatility and official use by the US military, making it particularly credible in a professional or tactical context.
Conclusion
The Mossberg 590 is the epitome of a tactical shotgun: simple, effective, customizable and extremely reliable. Whether for military, police or civilian use, it offers consistent performance and extensive compatibility with a wide range of configurations.
Its variants, from the ultra-resistant 590A1 to the compact Shockwave, make it a versatile tool for a wide range of missions. A true benchmark in its category, it continues to establish itself as an essential choice for security professionals and tactical weapons enthusiasts alike.
