Who needs another new home-protection and defense shotgun? I’m glad you asked! How can this one be any better than what’s already out there? That too is a great question. It’s better because it is an opportunivore. Yes, that’s actually a word. My word. It means that this shotgun will consume any 3-inch or smaller 12-gauge shell you shove at it. Including Shorty’s – you know, those super compact loads made by Federal and Aguila?
And that, my friend, is why you need a new home defense shotgun. In case you haven’t quite gathered in the concept, being able to reliably cycle any 12-gauge shotshell means that you can load any combination of ammo; 3-inch goose loads, 2 ¾-inch buck, or birdshot, or 1.75-inch shorty loads. And you can load them in any order. The new 590S will devour them any way you serve them up. Mossberg accomplished this magic by re-designing their elevator and bolt slide and adding an energy-absorbing bumper.
More fun facts: The magazine on the new 20-inch 590S will hold seven 3-inch shotshells, eight 2.75-inch shells, or THIRTEEN shorty shells. That, good buddy, is awesome.
TESTING THE 590S
Last June I was privileged to attend Mossberg’s new-product event at Gunsite Academy near Prescott Arizona. Shoulder to shoulder with twenty-something other writers, I pounded 12-gauge shotshells downrange at steel targets, clay targets, near targets, and far targets. I stuffed 3-inch shells, 1.75-inch shells, and 2.75-inch shells into the Mossberg shotguns in every conceivable order. I worked the pump actions slowly. I worked them fast. I shot drills. And no matter what I threw at the 590S shotguns, they handled the job with aplomb. It was more fun than should be legally allowed.
SPECS
The 590S will be offered in four configurations: Two full-stocked models, with 18.5-inch and 20-inch barrels respectively, and two pistol-grip “Shockwave” models with 14-inch and 18.5-inch barrels respectively. All will be cylinder bored. The 20-inch full-stocked model will feature an adjustable Ghost Ring sight, all others will sport simple beads. The same model will have an M-Lock compatible forend. The full-stocked 18.5-inch model will sport a corncob-type forend, while the Shockwave models both feature strapped forends; meaning they have a strap that fits around the shooter’s hand and helps control recoil. Stocks on all four models are black synthetic, metal finish is Matte Blue, and weight ranges from 5.3 pounds up to 7.25 pounds. All models feature top-mounted ambidextrous safeties. MSRP will come in at $708 for the model with the Ghost Ring sight and M-Loc forend and $605 for the other three models.
CONCLUSION
There are many good tactical or home and personal defense shotguns out there. But not many can claim the variable appetite owned by the 590S. That alone gives it a leg up on the competition; any way you look at it, being able to reliably cycle all three-inch or smaller 12-gauge shot shells is a fun and valuable advantage. Combine that with the tough reliability and affordable price tag Mossberg is famous for producing, and you have a winning combination.