Few shotguns have left as enduring a mark on American firearms history as the Mossberg 5xx series. Since its introduction in 1960 by O.F. Mossberg & Sons, the 500 series has evolved into a comprehensive lineup renowned for its reliability, versatility, and affordability. Whether used for hunting, home defense, law enforcement, or tactical operations, these pump‑action shotguns have become a staple in the world of firearms. In this article, we explore the history, design innovations, and key models of the Mossberg 5xx series—including the Mossberg 500, 590, 590A1, 595, and notable variants like the 500 Field/Deer Combo and the 590 Shockwave—providing an exhaustive look at what makes these shotguns legendary.
A Brief History of the Mossberg 500 Series
Origins and Inception
Introduced in 1960, the Mossberg 500 was designed to compete with established pump‑action shotguns like the Remington 870. Its creation marked a turning point for American shotguns, as O.F. Mossberg & Sons focused on a design that was both rugged and affordable. The original 500 was built to be simple yet robust, ensuring reliable performance under adverse conditions. Its success can be attributed to a modular design that allowed for easy customization—barrel changes, stock swaps, and accessory integration were all made simple, a feature that would become a hallmark of the series.
Evolution Over Decades
Over more than six decades, the Mossberg 500 series has expanded significantly. The modular nature of the design has enabled the introduction of multiple variants tailored to various applications:
Mossberg 500: The original, versatile model that set the foundation.
Mossberg 590: A tactical variant featuring a heavier barrel and extended magazine tube, designed for law enforcement and military use.
Mossberg 590A1: Engineered to meet strict military specifications, the 590A1 offers enhanced durability with a thick, heavy-walled barrel and robust metal components.
Mossberg 595: A less‑known yet innovative model aimed at competitive and tactical shooters, featuring enhanced ergonomics and accessory compatibility.
Specialty Variants: Models like the 500 Field/Deer Combo and the 590 Shockwave further expand the platform’s versatility, catering to hunting and close‑quarters defense, respectively.
Key Features and Innovations of the 5xx Series
Modularity and Customization
One of the defining features of the Mossberg 500 series is its modular design. This approach has allowed users to tailor their shotguns for different scenarios with ease:
Interchangeable Barrels and Stocks: Whether you need a long barrel for precision hunting or a shorter barrel for home defense, the 500 series makes it simple to swap components.
Accessory Integration: Many models come with integrated rails for optics, lights, or other tactical accessories.
User-Friendly Design: The ease of customization has contributed to the shotgun’s popularity among hunters, law enforcement, and tactical users alike.
Safety and Ergonomics
The Mossberg 500 series is known for several key ergonomic features:
Ambidextrous, Tang-Mounted Safety:
The safety is mounted on the top of the receiver, making it equally accessible for both right‑ and left‑handed shooters.
Intuitive Controls:
The pump-action design and placement of controls, such as the magazine release and safety, are designed for ease‑of‑use in high‑stress situations.
Comfortable Grip and Balance:
Various stock configurations (fixed, adjustable, or pistol grip options) allow users to select a setup that maximizes comfort and control, crucial for accurate shooting and rapid target engagement.
Durability and Rugged Construction
The Mossberg 5xx series is built to endure:
Robust Materials:
Many models feature an all‑steel receiver, known for its strength and durability.
Special Finishes:
The Marine Magnum, for example, employs a nickel‑plated finish and synthetic stock, providing excellent resistance to corrosion in harsh environments.
Heavy‑Duty Variants:
The 590A1, built to military specifications, includes a heavy‑walled barrel and reinforced metal components designed to withstand extreme conditions.
Magazine Capacity and Versatility
Magazine capacity is another important aspect:
Tubular Magazines:
Most 500 series shotguns feature tubular magazines with capacities ranging from 4+1 to 8+1 rounds, providing a balance between firepower and streamlined design.
Detachable Options:
Certain models, such as the Beretta 1301 Tactical (though not Mossberg, similar market competitors exist), offer detachable box magazines, which some users prefer for faster reloads in tactical scenarios.
Detailed Look at Key Models
Below, we explore several flagship models of the Mossberg 5xx series, highlighting their unique features, intended uses, and real‑world applications.
Mossberg 500
Overview: The original Mossberg 500 remains one of the most popular pump‑action shotguns globally. Known for its affordability and reliability, the 500 is a true all‑rounder.
Key Features:
Modular Design: Easily configurable with different barrel lengths and stocks.
Ambidextrous Safety: Tang‑mounted safety ensures ease of use for all shooters.
Versatility: Ideal for hunting, home defense, and tactical applications.
Use Case: Perfect for hunters and home defenders who need a reliable, adaptable shotgun that can be tailored to different scenarios.
Mossberg 590
Overview: The Mossberg 590 is a tactical variant designed with law enforcement and military applications in mind. It features a heavier barrel and an extended magazine tube for increased capacity.
Key Features:
Heavy-Walled Barrel: Enhances durability and heat dissipation during sustained fire.
Extended Magazine Tube: Allows for up to 9 rounds, critical in tactical engagements.
Heat Shield: Designed for sustained shooting in high‑stress situations.
Use Case: Ideal for tactical users and law enforcement personnel who require a rugged, high‑capacity shotgun for dynamic situations.
Mossberg 590A1
Overview: Arguably the most robust in the lineup, the Mossberg 590A1 is built to meet stringent military standards. Its heavy‑walled barrel and metal components offer unmatched durability.
Key Features:
Military-Grade Construction: All‑steel receiver, heavy‑walled barrel, and metal trigger guard enhance reliability.
Enhanced Durability: Parkerized finish and reinforced components ensure performance even in harsh environments.
Extended Magazine Capacity: Offers higher round counts, making it suitable for both tactical and defensive applications.
Use Case: Best suited for military, law enforcement, and serious tactical users who require a shotgun that can endure extreme conditions.
Mossberg 595
Overview: The Mossberg 595 is a specialized model designed for competitive shooting and tactical users looking for advanced features. It builds on the core strengths of the 500 series while offering enhanced ergonomics and accessory compatibility.
Key Features:
Extended Magazine Capacity: Maximizes the number of rounds available, an asset in competitive settings.
Integrated Optics Mounting: Facilitates the addition of red dot sights or other optics for faster target acquisition.
Enhanced Ergonomics: Designed for rapid handling and quick follow‑up shots in competitive environments.
Use Case: Ideal for shooters who participate in tactical or 3‑Gun competitions and require a shotgun that can be easily adapted to a wide range of scenarios.
Specialty Variants: 500 Field/Deer Combo & 590 Shockwave
Mossberg 500 Field/Deer Combo
Overview: This variant is designed for hunters who require versatility. It comes with both a field barrel (for bird hunting) and a rifled slug barrel (for deer hunting), making it an adaptable option for various game.
Key Features:
Dual-Barrel Option: Switch between a field barrel for shot and a slug barrel for rifled accuracy.
Versatility: Provides two configurations in one platform.
Use Case: Perfect for hunters who want one shotgun that can perform well in different hunting scenarios—both for varmint shooting and deer hunting.
Mossberg 590 Shockwave
Overview: The Mossberg 590 Shockwave is a compact version of the 590 series, designed for home defense and close‑quarters tactical applications. Its compact size, combined with a 14‑inch barrel, makes it maneuverable in tight spaces.
Key Features:
Compact Design: Shorter barrel and overall length for easy handling.
Legal Classification: Despite its compact size, it is classified as a firearm and does not require an NFA tax stamp.
Tactical Features: Maintains high reliability and ruggedness in defensive scenarios.
Use Case: Ideal for home defense and urban tactical scenarios, where maneuverability and rapid target engagement are paramount.
Mossberg 5xx Series vs. Remington 870: A Classic Rivalry
No discussion of pump‑action shotguns is complete without comparing the Mossberg 5xx series to the iconic Remington 870.
Key Differences
Build Quality:
Remington 870: Known for its all‑steel receiver, offering a solid, durable platform.
Mossberg 500 Series: Utilizes both steel and aluminum in different models. For example, the 590A1’s all‑steel construction is engineered to meet military specifications.
Safety Features:
Mossberg 500 Series: Features a tang‑mounted safety that is ambidextrous, making it accessible to both left‑ and right‑handed shooters.
Remington 870: Uses a cross‑bolt safety located behind the trigger, which some users find less versatile.
Modularity and Customization:
Mossberg 500 Series: Renowned for its modular design that makes swapping barrels, stocks, and accessories straightforward.
Remington 870: Highly customizable as well, but Mossberg’s design is often noted for its ease of modification.
Aftermarket and Community Support
Both platforms have extensive aftermarket support. However, the Mossberg 5xx series is often favored by users who appreciate its versatility and ease of customization, particularly for tactical applications.
Awards and Recognitions
The Mossberg 5xx series has earned numerous accolades in tactical and law enforcement circles, including the NRA Golden Bullseye Award for the 590 Shockwave and the American Rifleman Editor’s Choice Award for the 590A1. These recognitions underscore the platform’s reliability and innovative design.
Celebrating the Legacy and Future of the Mossberg 5xx Series
The Mossberg 5xx series stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of pump‑action shotguns. From its humble beginnings in 1960 to its modern iterations—the versatile 500, the tactical 590 and 590A1, the competition-ready 595, and specialty variants like the Field/Deer Combo and Shockwave—Mossberg has consistently delivered a product that combines reliability, versatility, and affordability.
Modularity is Key:
The ease of swapping barrels and accessories makes the 5xx series adaptable for a wide range of applications—from hunting to tactical defense.
Durability and Reliability:
Models like the 590A1 and Marine Magnum are built to withstand harsh conditions, while the versatile 500 remains a favorite for everyday use.
Specialized Applications:
Whether you’re looking for a compact home defense shotgun like the 590 Shockwave or a dual‑purpose hunting model like the 500 Field/Deer Combo, there’s a Mossberg tailored to your needs.
Aftermarket and Community Support:
The extensive aftermarket options available for the 5xx series allow for further customization, ensuring your shotgun can evolve with your shooting requirements.
A Classic Rivalry:
While the Remington 870 is an icon in its own right, the Mossberg 5xx series offers distinct advantages in modularity, safety, and adaptability—attributes that continue to endear it to shooters worldwide.
The enduring popularity of the Mossberg 5xx series is a result of decades of innovation and an unwavering commitment to quality. Whether you’re a hunter, a law enforcement professional, or a tactical shooter, there’s a model in the Mossberg family that meets your performance needs. As technology advances and the market continues to evolve, the Mossberg 5xx series is poised to remain a benchmark for pump‑action shotguns for many years to come.
Happy shooting, and may your Mossberg always serve you reliably and accurately in every situation!
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