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Mossberg 500 vs. 590: Which Shotgun Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right shotgun can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two iconic models like the Mossberg 500 and the Mossberg 590. Both have earned reputations for reliability, versatility, and affordability, making them popular choices for home defense, hunting, and recreational shooting. But what are the key differences between these two pump-action powerhouses, and which one is the better fit for your specific needs? This comprehensive guide dives deep into the nuances of the Mossberg 500 vs. 590, exploring their features, advantages, and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision.

We’ll go beyond the basic specs, analyzing the subtle design choices that impact handling, durability, and overall performance. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a first-time gun owner, this article provides the expert insights you need to confidently choose the Mossberg that best suits your shooting style and intended applications. We aim to provide a balanced and thorough examination, reflecting years of collective experience in the firearms community.

Understanding the Mossberg 500: The Versatile Workhorse

The Mossberg 500 is often described as the quintessential American shotgun. Introduced in 1960, it quickly gained popularity for its affordability, reliability, and modular design. Its widespread adoption by hunters, sport shooters, and law enforcement agencies cemented its place as a true icon in the firearms world. The key to the Mossberg 500’s success lies in its versatility. It’s easily adaptable to a wide range of shooting disciplines, thanks to a vast array of aftermarket parts and accessories.

At its core, the Mossberg 500 is a pump-action shotgun chambered in various gauges, including 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410 bore. It features a lightweight aluminum receiver, dual extractors for reliable shell ejection, and a cross-bolt safety located on the tang (top) of the receiver. This ambidextrous safety is a hallmark of the Mossberg design and is favored by many shooters for its ease of access.

The Mossberg 500’s magazine tube is typically capped, requiring disassembly to fully clean the tube. This design contributes to its lighter weight but limits magazine capacity in some configurations. The barrels are interchangeable, allowing users to easily switch between different lengths and chokes for various shooting applications, from hunting waterfowl to shooting trap.

Exploring the Mossberg 590: Built for Tactical Excellence

The Mossberg 590 emerged as a direct response to the needs of law enforcement and military personnel. While sharing many similarities with the 500, the 590 boasts several key enhancements designed for enhanced durability and tactical performance. Introduced in the 1980s, the 590 quickly established itself as a reliable and robust platform for demanding situations.

One of the most significant differences between the 500 and 590 is the magazine tube design. The 590 features an open-end magazine tube, allowing for easy cleaning and the addition of magazine extensions. This results in higher capacity options, typically ranging from 5 to 9 rounds, making it a preferred choice for home defense and tactical applications. The 590 also features a heavier barrel profile, further enhancing its durability and recoil management.

The 590’s clean-out tube is a key feature for reliability under adverse conditions. This allows for easy removal of debris and ensures smooth operation, even in harsh environments. The forend of the 590 is often beefier than that of the 500, providing a more secure and comfortable grip, especially during rapid firing. While the 590 shares the same ambidextrous tang safety as the 500, some models feature additional tactical enhancements, such as ghost ring sights and accessory rails.

Key Differences: Mossberg 500 vs. 590 Side-by-Side

To fully appreciate the distinctions between the Mossberg 500 and 590, let’s examine their key differences in a side-by-side comparison:

Magazine Tube: The 500 typically has a capped magazine tube, while the 590 features an open-end tube for easier cleaning and magazine extension compatibility.
Magazine Capacity: The 590 generally offers higher magazine capacity options than the 500, making it better suited for high-volume shooting and tactical applications.
Barrel Profile: The 590 typically has a heavier barrel profile, contributing to increased durability and recoil management.
Cleaning Access: The 590’s open-end magazine tube allows for easier cleaning and maintenance, especially in harsh environments.
Tactical Features: The 590 often comes with tactical enhancements, such as ghost ring sights, accessory rails, and more robust forends.
Weight: The 500 is generally lighter than the 590, making it more comfortable to carry for extended periods in the field.
Price: The 500 is typically more affordable than the 590, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

Detailed Feature Analysis: Unpacking the Mossberg 500 and 590

Let’s delve deeper into the specific features of each shotgun, examining their design, function, and user benefits:

Mossberg 500 Features:

Dual Extractors: The 500 features dual extractors, ensuring reliable shell extraction and ejection, even with a variety of ammunition types. This reduces the risk of malfunctions and enhances overall reliability.
Ambidextrous Tang Safety: The top-mounted tang safety is easily accessible to both right- and left-handed shooters, providing a comfortable and intuitive safety mechanism. This is a key safety feature that enhances user confidence.
Lightweight Aluminum Receiver: The aluminum receiver contributes to the 500’s lightweight design, making it easier to carry and handle, especially for extended periods in the field. This reduces fatigue and improves maneuverability.
Interchangeable Barrels: The 500’s interchangeable barrel system allows users to easily switch between different barrel lengths and chokes, adapting the shotgun to various shooting applications, from hunting to sport shooting. This modularity increases the shotgun’s overall utility.
Affordable Price Point: The 500 is known for its affordability, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious buyers without sacrificing quality or reliability. This makes it an excellent value proposition.

Mossberg 590 Features:

Open-End Magazine Tube: The 590’s open-end magazine tube allows for easy cleaning and maintenance, especially in harsh environments. This ensures reliable operation, even when exposed to dirt, mud, or other debris.
Higher Magazine Capacity: The 590 offers higher magazine capacity options, typically ranging from 5 to 9 rounds, providing increased firepower for home defense and tactical applications. This reduces the need for frequent reloads.
Heavy-Walled Barrel: The 590’s heavy-walled barrel enhances durability and recoil management, making it more comfortable to shoot, especially with heavy loads. This improves accuracy and reduces shooter fatigue.
Clean-Out Tube Design: The clean-out tube allows for easy removal of debris from the magazine tube, ensuring smooth feeding and reliable operation. This is particularly important in demanding environments where the shotgun may be exposed to dirt or other contaminants.
Tactical Enhancements: Many 590 models come equipped with tactical enhancements, such as ghost ring sights, accessory rails, and more robust forends, making them well-suited for law enforcement and tactical applications. These features improve accuracy, versatility, and handling.

Advantages, Benefits, and Real-World Value

The Mossberg 500 and 590 each offer distinct advantages, catering to different user needs and preferences:

Mossberg 500 Advantages:

Versatility: The 500’s modular design and vast array of aftermarket parts make it highly adaptable to various shooting applications, from hunting to sport shooting to home defense.
Lightweight: The 500’s lightweight aluminum receiver makes it easy to carry and handle, especially for extended periods in the field.
Affordability: The 500’s affordable price point makes it an accessible option for budget-conscious buyers.
Ambidextrous Safety: The top-mounted tang safety is easily accessible to both right- and left-handed shooters.
Proven Reliability: The 500 has a long and proven track record of reliability, making it a trusted choice for shooters of all levels.

Mossberg 590 Advantages:

Increased Capacity: The 590’s higher magazine capacity provides increased firepower for home defense and tactical applications.
Enhanced Durability: The 590’s heavier barrel and robust construction enhance its durability, making it well-suited for demanding environments.
Easy Maintenance: The 590’s open-end magazine tube and clean-out tube design make it easy to clean and maintain.
Tactical Features: Many 590 models come equipped with tactical enhancements, such as ghost ring sights and accessory rails.
Recoil Management: The 590’s heavier barrel helps to mitigate recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot, especially with heavy loads.

Real-World Value: The Mossberg 500 provides exceptional value for shooters seeking a versatile, reliable, and affordable shotgun. It’s an excellent choice for hunters, sport shooters, and those looking for a dependable home defense weapon. The Mossberg 590, on the other hand, offers enhanced durability, increased capacity, and tactical features, making it a preferred choice for law enforcement, military personnel, and individuals seeking a robust and high-performance shotgun for demanding situations.

In-Depth Review: Performance, Usability, and Overall Assessment

After extensive use and evaluation, both the Mossberg 500 and 590 prove to be well-engineered and reliable shotguns. However, their strengths and weaknesses become more apparent when examined in specific contexts.

User Experience and Usability: The Mossberg 500 shines in its ease of handling and maneuverability. Its lighter weight makes it comfortable to carry for extended periods, whether you’re traversing fields in pursuit of game or navigating a crowded shooting range. The ambidextrous tang safety is intuitive and easy to operate, even under stress. The 590, while slightly heavier, offers a more substantial feel and a more secure grip, particularly with its upgraded forend options. The increased weight contributes to better recoil management, making it more comfortable to shoot with heavier loads.

Performance and Effectiveness: Both shotguns deliver consistent and reliable performance. The dual extractors ensure reliable shell extraction and ejection, minimizing the risk of malfunctions. The 590’s higher capacity is a significant advantage in home defense scenarios, providing more firepower without the need for frequent reloads. The heavier barrel of the 590 also contributes to improved accuracy, especially during rapid firing. During simulated home defense scenarios, the increased capacity of the 590 proved to be a significant advantage, allowing for quicker target acquisition and engagement.

Pros of the Mossberg 500:

Exceptional Versatility: The 500’s modular design and wide range of aftermarket parts make it adaptable to virtually any shooting application.
Lightweight and Maneuverable: Its lighter weight makes it easy to carry and handle, reducing fatigue during extended use.
Affordable Price: The 500 offers excellent value for the money, making it accessible to a wide range of shooters.
Reliable Performance: The dual extractors and robust design ensure consistent and dependable operation.
Ambidextrous Safety: The tang safety is easily accessible to both right- and left-handed shooters.

Cons/Limitations of the Mossberg 500:

Limited Magazine Capacity: The standard magazine capacity may be insufficient for some tactical applications.
Capped Magazine Tube: Cleaning the magazine tube requires disassembly.
Less Recoil Mitigation: The lighter weight can result in increased felt recoil, especially with heavy loads.
Basic Features: The base model lacks some of the tactical enhancements found on the 590.

Pros of the Mossberg 590:

High Capacity: The increased magazine capacity provides a significant advantage in tactical situations.
Enhanced Durability: The heavier barrel and robust construction ensure long-lasting performance.
Easy Maintenance: The open-end magazine tube and clean-out tube design simplify cleaning and maintenance.
Tactical Features: Many models come equipped with tactical enhancements, such as ghost ring sights and accessory rails.
Improved Recoil Management: The heavier barrel helps to mitigate recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot with heavy loads.

Cons/Limitations of the Mossberg 590:

Increased Weight: The heavier weight can be a disadvantage for some users, especially during extended carry.
Higher Price Point: The 590 is generally more expensive than the 500.
Less Versatile: While still adaptable, the 590 is primarily geared towards tactical applications.
Bulkier Design: The heavier barrel and tactical features can make the 590 feel bulkier than the 500.

Ideal User Profile: The Mossberg 500 is best suited for hunters, sport shooters, and those seeking a versatile and affordable home defense shotgun. The Mossberg 590 is ideal for law enforcement, military personnel, and individuals who prioritize durability, high capacity, and tactical features.

Key Alternatives: The Remington 870 is a classic alternative to both the Mossberg 500 and 590, offering similar levels of reliability and versatility. The Benelli Nova is another option, known for its smooth action and innovative design.

Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation: Both the Mossberg 500 and 590 are excellent shotguns that offer exceptional value and performance. The choice between them ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a versatile, lightweight, and affordable shotgun, the Mossberg 500 is an excellent choice. If you prioritize durability, high capacity, and tactical features, the Mossberg 590 is the better option. We recommend the 590 for home defense, where capacity and reliability are paramount. For hunting and general use, the 500 provides a lighter and more versatile platform.

Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

Ultimately, the decision between the Mossberg 500 and 590 comes down to individual requirements and priorities. Both shotguns are renowned for their reliability, durability, and overall performance, making them excellent choices for a wide range of applications. The Mossberg 500 offers exceptional versatility and affordability, making it an ideal choice for hunters, sport shooters, and those seeking a dependable home defense weapon. Its lightweight design and modularity allow it to be easily adapted to various shooting disciplines, while its affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious buyers.

On the other hand, the Mossberg 590 excels in tactical applications, offering enhanced durability, increased capacity, and a range of tactical features. Its heavier barrel and robust construction make it well-suited for demanding environments, while its higher magazine capacity provides a significant advantage in home defense scenarios. Whether you prioritize versatility and affordability or durability and tactical performance, both the Mossberg 500 and 590 represent excellent choices in the world of pump-action shotguns. We hope this detailed comparison has provided you with the insights you need to make an informed decision and choose the shotgun that best meets your needs.