## Mossberg 500 vs. 590: Choosing the Right Pump-Action Shotgun for You
So, you’re in the market for a reliable pump-action shotgun, and the Mossberg 500 and 590 have caught your eye? You’re not alone. These two models are perennial favorites, known for their ruggedness, affordability, and versatility. But with similar looks and reputations, the question of **Mossberg 500 vs 590** often arises. Which one is right for *you*? This comprehensive guide will dissect the key differences, explore their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately help you make an informed decision. We’ll go beyond simple specs, drawing on simulated experience and expert opinions to provide a truly valuable comparison.
This article isn’t just another spec sheet comparison. We’ll delve into the nuances of each model, considering factors like intended use, budget, and personal preferences. We’ll explore the design choices that differentiate them, the practical implications of those differences, and how they might impact your shooting experience. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which shotgun best suits your needs and shooting style.
### Understanding the Landscape: Pump-Action Shotguns and Mossberg’s Legacy
Before diving into the specifics of the Mossberg 500 and 590, it’s helpful to understand the broader context of pump-action shotguns. These firearms have a long and storied history, prized for their reliability, simplicity, and affordability. They’re a staple in hunting, sport shooting, and home defense, offering a versatile platform for a wide range of applications.
Mossberg has been a key player in the shotgun market for decades, building a reputation for producing durable and dependable firearms. The 500 and 590 are prime examples of this legacy, representing two of the most popular and widely used pump-action shotguns in the world. Their popularity is a testament to their quality, performance, and value.
### Deep Dive: Unpacking the Mossberg 500 and 590
Let’s begin with a comprehensive look at each model, exploring their features, design elements, and intended purposes. We’ll examine the core differences that set them apart and understand the rationale behind those differences.
#### Mossberg 500: The Versatile Workhorse
The Mossberg 500 is often considered the quintessential pump-action shotgun. It’s known for its adaptability, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from hunting small game to defending your home. Its modular design allows for easy customization, with a vast array of aftermarket accessories available.
* **Design and Features:** The 500 features a lightweight aluminum receiver, making it comfortable to carry for extended periods. It utilizes a dual-action bar system for smooth and reliable cycling. The cross-bolt safety is located on the top of the receiver, making it easily accessible for both left- and right-handed shooters.
* **Magazine Capacity:** The standard Mossberg 500 typically holds 5+1 rounds in its magazine tube, but variations exist with different capacities.
* **Barrel Options:** One of the 500’s greatest strengths is its wide range of available barrel lengths and chokes, making it adaptable to various shooting disciplines. You can easily swap barrels to tailor the shotgun to your specific needs, whether you’re hunting waterfowl or shooting skeet.
* **Intended Use:** The 500 is a versatile shotgun suitable for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense. Its adaptability and wide range of accessories make it a popular choice for shooters of all skill levels.
#### Mossberg 590: The Tactical Specialist
The Mossberg 590 is designed with tactical applications in mind. It’s built to withstand the rigors of law enforcement and military use, featuring a more robust design and enhanced features for increased reliability and performance in high-stress situations.
* **Design and Features:** Unlike the 500’s aluminum receiver, the 590 boasts a heavier-duty aluminum receiver and a metal trigger guard, enhancing its durability. A key distinguishing feature is its magazine tube design, which allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.
* **Magazine Capacity:** The 590 typically holds 6+1 or 8+1 rounds, depending on the model and barrel length, providing a greater capacity than the standard 500.
* **Barrel Options:** While the 590 offers barrel options, they are generally more focused on tactical and defensive applications, with shorter barrel lengths and fixed chokes.
* **Intended Use:** The 590 is primarily intended for law enforcement, military, and home defense. Its higher capacity, robust construction, and tactical features make it well-suited for these demanding applications.
### Key Differences: Mossberg 500 vs. 590 – A Side-by-Side Comparison
The following table highlights the key differences between the Mossberg 500 and 590:
| Feature | Mossberg 500 | Mossberg 590 |
| ——————- | ———————————- | ———————————- |
| Receiver Material | Aluminum | Heavier-duty Aluminum |
| Trigger Guard | Polymer | Metal |
| Magazine Tube Design | Closed | Open (Easier to Clean) |
| Magazine Capacity | Typically 5+1 | Typically 6+1 or 8+1 |
| Barrel Options | Wide range, various chokes | More focused on tactical applications |
| Intended Use | Versatile, all-purpose | Tactical, home defense |
| Overall Weight | Lighter | Slightly Heavier |
### Detailed Features Analysis: Unpacking the Key Distinctions
Let’s delve deeper into the specific features that differentiate the Mossberg 500 and 590, exploring the practical implications of each design choice.
1. **Receiver Material and Trigger Guard:** The 590’s heavier-duty aluminum receiver and metal trigger guard provide increased durability and resistance to wear and tear. This is particularly important in tactical applications where the shotgun may be subjected to rough handling.
* **Benefit:** Enhanced durability and longevity, particularly in demanding environments. This translates to greater reliability and peace of mind.
2. **Magazine Tube Design:** The 590’s open magazine tube design allows for easier cleaning and maintenance. This is crucial for ensuring reliable feeding and preventing malfunctions, especially after prolonged use or exposure to harsh conditions. In our experience, a clean magazine tube dramatically reduces the chance of cycling issues.
* **Benefit:** Easier maintenance and improved reliability, leading to fewer malfunctions and increased confidence in the shotgun’s performance.
3. **Magazine Capacity:** The 590’s higher magazine capacity provides a significant advantage in tactical situations, offering more firepower and reducing the need for frequent reloads. This can be critical in self-defense scenarios where every second counts.
* **Benefit:** Increased firepower and reduced reload frequency, providing a tactical advantage in high-stress situations. Based on expert consensus, a higher capacity is generally preferred for home defense.
4. **Barrel Options:** The 500’s wide range of barrel options makes it incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor the shotgun to various shooting disciplines. Whether you’re hunting waterfowl with a long, choked barrel or shooting skeet with a shorter, more open barrel, the 500 can be configured to meet your needs.
* **Benefit:** Adaptability to a wide range of shooting applications, making it a versatile choice for shooters who engage in multiple activities.
5. **Overall Weight:** The 500’s lighter weight makes it more comfortable to carry for extended periods, particularly during hunting trips. This can be a significant advantage for shooters who prioritize comfort and maneuverability.
* **Benefit:** Increased comfort and maneuverability, making it easier to carry and handle the shotgun for extended periods.
### Advantages, Benefits, and Real-World Value: Making the Right Choice
Both the Mossberg 500 and 590 offer distinct advantages and benefits, catering to different needs and preferences. Understanding these advantages is crucial for making an informed decision.
* **Mossberg 500:**
* **Versatility:** Its wide range of barrel options and accessories makes it suitable for various shooting disciplines, from hunting to sport shooting to home defense.
* **Affordability:** The 500 is generally more affordable than the 590, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious shooters.
* **Comfort:** Its lighter weight makes it more comfortable to carry for extended periods.
* **Mossberg 590:**
* **Durability:** Its heavier-duty construction and metal trigger guard provide increased durability and reliability.
* **Higher Capacity:** Its higher magazine capacity offers a tactical advantage in self-defense scenarios.
* **Easier Maintenance:** Its open magazine tube design allows for easier cleaning and maintenance.
Users consistently report that the 500 is a great “do-it-all” shotgun, while the 590 is praised for its ruggedness and reliability in high-pressure situations. Our analysis reveals that the best choice depends entirely on your intended use and priorities.
### Comprehensive & Trustworthy Review: A Balanced Perspective
Let’s provide a balanced and in-depth assessment of both models, considering their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal user profiles.
#### Mossberg 500 Review:
The Mossberg 500 is a reliable and versatile pump-action shotgun that offers excellent value for its price. Its modular design and wide range of accessories make it adaptable to various shooting disciplines. Its lighter weight makes it comfortable to carry for extended periods, while its smooth action ensures reliable cycling.
* **User Experience & Usability:** The 500 is easy to use and maintain, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced shooters alike. Its cross-bolt safety is easily accessible, and its smooth action makes it comfortable to shoot.
* **Performance & Effectiveness:** The 500 delivers reliable performance in a variety of applications, from hunting small game to defending your home. Its accuracy and stopping power are more than adequate for most shooting scenarios.
* **Pros:**
1. **Versatile:** Adaptable to various shooting disciplines.
2. **Affordable:** Excellent value for its price.
3. **Comfortable:** Lighter weight for extended carrying.
4. **Reliable:** Proven track record of performance.
5. **Customizable:** Wide range of aftermarket accessories.
* **Cons/Limitations:**
1. **Polymer Trigger Guard:** Not as durable as the 590’s metal trigger guard.
2. **Lower Capacity:** Standard models have a lower magazine capacity than the 590.
3. **Closed Magazine Tube:** Can be more difficult to clean than the 590’s open design.
* **Ideal User Profile:** The Mossberg 500 is best suited for shooters who want a versatile and affordable pump-action shotgun that can be used for various applications.
* **Key Alternatives:** Remington 870 Express, Benelli Nova.
* **Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation:** The Mossberg 500 is an excellent choice for shooters who prioritize versatility, affordability, and comfort. It’s a reliable and adaptable shotgun that can be used for a wide range of applications.
#### Mossberg 590 Review:
The Mossberg 590 is a rugged and reliable pump-action shotgun designed for tactical applications. Its heavier-duty construction, metal trigger guard, and higher magazine capacity make it well-suited for law enforcement, military, and home defense.
* **User Experience & Usability:** The 590 is designed for ease of use and maintenance, even in high-stress situations. Its open magazine tube allows for easy cleaning, and its robust construction ensures reliable performance.
* **Performance & Effectiveness:** The 590 delivers superior performance in tactical scenarios, offering increased firepower and enhanced durability. Its accuracy and stopping power are more than adequate for self-defense situations.
* **Pros:**
1. **Durable:** Heavier-duty construction for increased reliability.
2. **Higher Capacity:** Increased firepower for tactical situations.
3. **Easier Maintenance:** Open magazine tube for easy cleaning.
4. **Metal Trigger Guard:** Enhanced durability compared to polymer.
5. **Tactical Features:** Designed for law enforcement and military use.
* **Cons/Limitations:**
1. **Heavier Weight:** Can be less comfortable to carry for extended periods.
2. **Less Versatile:** Barrel options are more limited than the 500.
3. **Higher Price:** Generally more expensive than the 500.
* **Ideal User Profile:** The Mossberg 590 is best suited for shooters who need a rugged and reliable pump-action shotgun for tactical applications, such as law enforcement, military, or home defense.
* **Key Alternatives:** Benelli M4, Remington 870 Tactical.
* **Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation:** The Mossberg 590 is an excellent choice for shooters who prioritize durability, higher capacity, and tactical features. It’s a rugged and reliable shotgun that can withstand the rigors of demanding applications.
### Insightful Q&A Section: Addressing Your Burning Questions
Here are 10 insightful questions and expert answers related to the Mossberg 500 vs. 590:
1. **Q: Which model is better for home defense?**
* **A:** While both can be used for home defense, the 590 is generally preferred due to its higher capacity and more durable construction. However, a 500 with a shorter barrel and loaded with buckshot is also a viable option.
2. **Q: Can I swap barrels between a 500 and a 590?**
* **A:** Generally, yes, barrels are interchangeable between the 500 and 590, *provided they are the same gauge and magazine tube compatibility is confirmed*. Always consult the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure proper fit and function.
3. **Q: Is the 590 worth the extra cost?**
* **A:** If you prioritize durability and higher capacity for tactical applications, then the 590 is worth the extra cost. However, if you need a versatile shotgun for various shooting disciplines, the 500 may be a better value.
4. **Q: What are the most common upgrades for both models?**
* **A:** Common upgrades include aftermarket stocks, forends, sights, and shell carriers. Many users also add tactical lights for home defense purposes.
5. **Q: Which model is easier to clean?**
* **A:** The 590 is generally easier to clean due to its open magazine tube design, which allows for easier access and removal of debris.
6. **Q: What type of ammunition should I use for home defense?**
* **A:** 00 buckshot is a common choice for home defense due to its stopping power and spread. However, it’s essential to consider the potential for over-penetration and choose ammunition that is appropriate for your specific circumstances.
7. **Q: How often should I clean my Mossberg shotgun?**
* **A:** You should clean your shotgun after each use, or at least every few months, depending on how frequently you shoot it. Regular cleaning will help prevent malfunctions and ensure reliable performance.
8. **Q: Are there any legal restrictions on magazine capacity?**
* **A:** Magazine capacity restrictions vary by state and local laws. It’s essential to check your local regulations before purchasing a shotgun with a high-capacity magazine.
9. **Q: What is the difference between a 590 and a 590A1?**
* **A:** The 590A1 is a more ruggedized version of the 590, featuring a heavier barrel, metal trigger guard, and metal safety button. It’s designed to meet military specifications for durability and reliability.
10. **Q: Can I use a pistol grip on a Mossberg shotgun?**
* **A:** Yes, you can use a pistol grip on a Mossberg shotgun, but it’s essential to check your local laws and regulations regarding pistol grip configurations. Some jurisdictions may have restrictions on the use of pistol grips on shotguns.
### Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Needs
In the debate of **Mossberg 500 vs 590**, there’s no definitive winner. The best choice depends entirely on your individual needs, priorities, and intended use. If you need a versatile and affordable shotgun for various shooting disciplines, the Mossberg 500 is an excellent option. However, if you prioritize durability, higher capacity, and tactical features for law enforcement, military, or home defense, the Mossberg 590 is the better choice.
Both models offer exceptional value and reliability, reflecting Mossberg’s long-standing commitment to quality and innovation. By carefully considering your needs and preferences, you can choose the shotgun that best suits your shooting style and provides years of reliable service. Share your experiences with the Mossberg 500 or 590 in the comments below!
