Difference Between a Mossberg 500 and Mossberg 590?

[lukem]

What exactly are the differences between a Mossberg 500 and a Mossberg 590?

[HK4U]

Luke I don't know if you have seen the following but if not it may help.

Mossberg 500 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[lukem]

Thanks. I guess I should look a little more! I had a friend email me this so I just made a quick post on the site.

From Wikipedia:

The primary difference between the Model 500 and Model 590 is in magazine tube design. The Model 500 magazines are closed at the muzzle end, and the barrel is held in place by bolting into a threaded hole at the end of the magazine tube. Model 590 magazines are open at the end, and the barrels fit around the magazine tube and are held on by a nut at the end. The Model 500 magazine facilitates easy barrel changes, as the barrel bolt serves no function other than holding the barrel in place. The Model 590 magazine facilitates easy cleaning and parts replacement, as removing the nut allows removal of the magazine spring and follower.

[toreskha]

Also, that nut on the end of the 590 mag tube is a bayonet lug.


You know...for all those times when you might use a bayonet.

[BlackJack]

Also, the receiver is thicker on the 590A1 vs. the 500 model to handle more heat. The magazine also holds more rounds.

[Pele]

All I can find around here is the Mossberg 500. I can't find the 590 anywhere.

What's the difference between the two? (Price included.)

[Glock Fan]

Originally Posted by Pele

All I can find around here is the Mossberg 500. I can't find the 590 anywhere.

What's the difference between the two? (Price included.)

The 590 is more of a "tactical" model. The 500 is more for "civilian" and "sporting" purposes. I have a 500A that I use for hunting and home defense. I use a 590 for military duty. Both can be configured for tactical or sporting purposes. From what I've seen, the 590 costs a little more and the furniture is a little more expensive as well.

I purchased my 500A from "The Sports Authority" for just under $300. Not a bad investment for a "starter" shotgun. Both are excellent shotguns which I would highly recommend.



gf

[Pele]

I've wanted the 590A1 with the heat shield, ghost ring sights, and pistol grip... Haven't decided on a tactical stock or no stock at all.

From what I can find it has heavier duty parts, but not being able to find a 590 to examine up close, I can't figure out if there's an operational difference.

Like it's comparable to the Remington 870. I found some 870 Mariners at the local gun shop, but I don't like the location of the safety. I'd like to pick up a 590 and 500 side by side to feel how they operate.

[Glock Fan]

500 and 590 work the same, pump, point, shoot. I have a 870 express. Dont' like the "cross bolt" safety. I prefer the "tang" safety that Mossberg uses.

Not sure of the internal workings, but AFAIK they 500 and 590 work the same from the outside.


gf

[USMC268]

The 590A1 also has the metal trigger guard, metal safety button, and heavy wall barrel. Mossberg also sells a version of the 590 with the heavy barrel, but without the metal trigger guard and safety. Be careful shopping around because some people are trying to pass 590's off as A1's. The receiver will be stamped "590A1" as well.

I was looking for a 590A1 recently and nobody seems to have them. Everyone seems to be on backorder right now. I currently have a 500 persuader, 20" barrel, pistol grip buttstock (M-16A2 style), & heatshield. It came with a pistol grip, but I prefer a little more control. In my opinon, the 590A1 would be more of a collector piece for me (who knows when Mossberg will discontinue it). My 500 should be capable of handling it's intended use. As Glock Fan mentioned, either can be configured for tactical use. Here's mine. Looking to add ghost rings pretty soon and ditch the decoration up top.