Mossberg 590
O.F. Mossberg & Sons · Shotgun · In Production · 1987
Also known as: Mossberg 590A1, M590A1, Mossberg 590 Shockwave, Mossberg 590M
Overview
The Mossberg 590 is a pump-action shotgun designed for military and law enforcement applications, manufactured by O.F. Mossberg & Sons. Derived from the highly successful Mossberg 500 platform, the 590 was purpose-built as a combat shotgun with reinforced internals to meet U.S. military MIL-SPEC 3443 standards. Key differences from the 500 include a heavier barrel, metal trigger guard (on 590A1 variants), metal safety button, and a clean-out tube magazine that allows rapid clearing. The 590 is available with 6-, 8-, or 9-shot tubular magazines and features the Mossberg family's signature ambidextrous tang-mounted safety. The 590A1 variant, with its heavy-walled barrel and bayonet lug, became the only pump-action shotgun to pass U.S. military MIL-SPEC 3443E testing. Used extensively by the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan, the 590 series has been adopted by armed forces and law enforcement agencies in over 70 countries. The platform is available in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410 bore, chambered for 3-inch magnum shells.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1041 mm (40.98") |
| Barrel Length | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Action Type | Pump Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 38 N (8.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Muzzle Velocity | 457 m/s (1499 fps) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Synthetic |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12 ga, 12 bore
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Tang Safety, Trigger Disconnect
- Features: Dual Action Bars, Anti Jam Elevator, Perforated Heat Shield, Bayonet Lug, Clean Out Magazine Tube, 3 Inch Chamber, Heavy Walled Barrel
Variants
- Mossberg 590A1 — Military
- Mossberg 590 Tactical — Tactical
- Mossberg 590M (Mag-Fed) — Detachable Magazine
- Mossberg 590 Shockwave — Compact
- Mossberg 590 Mariner — Corrosion Resistant
- Mossberg 590 Cruiser — Pistol Grip
- Mossberg 590S — Multi Load
- Mossberg 590 Retrograde — Classic
- Mossberg 590R — Magazine Fed
Service history
Operators
- United States Armed Forces · adopted 1987 · as M590A1
- United States Marine Corps · as M590A1
- United States Army · as M590A1
- French Armed Forces
- Iraqi Armed Forces
- Israel Defense Forces
- Royal Netherlands Armed Forces
- Portuguese Armed Forces
- Republic of Korea Armed Forces
- United States Law Enforcement (multiple agencies) · as 590A1
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
Production
Production years: 1987-present
Production numbers not publicly disclosed; widely issued across U.S. military and law enforcement in over 70 countries
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Carl Benson
Notes
The Mossberg 590 was the U.S. military's primary combat shotgun until the Benelli M4/M1014 replaced it in the early 2000s. The 590A1 remains in active service alongside the M1014. The 590M variant, introduced in 2018, accepts detachable double-stack box magazines in 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-round capacities. The 590S variant can cycle 1.75-inch mini-shells, 2.75-inch standard, and 3-inch magnum shells interchangeably without modification. The 590 Shockwave, featuring a 14-inch barrel and Raptor bird's-head grip, is classified as a 'firearm' rather than a shotgun under U.S. federal law due to its overall length exceeding 26 inches despite the short barrel. All 590 variants share the Mossberg 500's dual action bars for smooth, reliable cycling.
Background
The Mossberg 590A1 was the U.S. military's primary combat shotgun from the late 1980s until the Benelli M4 began replacing it in the early 2000s. The 590 Shockwave variant, with its bird's-head grip and 14-inch barrel, exploits a legal loophole in U.S. federal firearms law -- its overall length exceeds 26 inches, so it is classified as a 'firearm' rather than a shotgun, exempting it from short-barreled shotgun regulations.