Lighter, Tighter, Go-All-Nighter: Mossberg’s New 20-Gauge Model 590

Mossberg recently announced that it was going to introduce its legendary 590 shotgun series in 20 gauge. The 590 has a storied reputation of robustness and reliability good enough for combat use. But up to this time, Mossberg’s premier pump shot gun was only available in 12 gauge.

When it comes to selecting a shotgun, the choice between a 12 gauge and a 20 gauge is a significant decision for many enthusiasts and hunters. While the 12 gauge is a popular and powerful option, the 20 gauge holds its own unique advantages that cater to a specific set of needs and preferences.

Benefits of going small

One of the primary advantages of the 20 gauge over the 12 gauge is its lighter recoil. This makes it an ideal choice for shooters who may be sensitive to heavy recoil, or for those looking for a more comfortable shooting experience—especially over extended periods. This is especially true for those shooters who have endured a lifetime of punishing 12-gauge recoil. I know plenty of longtime shooters with worn out shoulders who want to continue shooting, making the 20 gauge an ideal choice.

For the most part, 20-gauge shotguns are typically lighter and more maneuverable than their 12-gauge counterparts. This makes it a preferred option for hunters and shooters who value mobility and ease of handling, particularly in situations where quick and precise shots are essential.

While the 20 gauge may have slightly less power compared to the 12 gauge, it still effectively handles a wide range of hunting and shooting activities. From upland bird hunting to clay target shooting, the 20 gauge is capable of delivering reliable performance across various scenarios … including self-defense.

That, of course, is where the Mossberg 590 has traditionally shone. Sure, sometimes bigger is better—but not if the user has trouble handling the weapon effectively. For individuals seeking a shotgun for home defense purposes, the 20 gauge provides ample stopping power while being easier to handle in confined spaces.

Did Mossberg just make the best 20-gauge self-defense shotgun?

Mossberg is not breaking new ground here. What is special is that they decided to do this with their 590 series. To know why this is such a big deal, you need to know about the 590. The Mossberg 590 shotgun has a rich history that has contributed to its strong reputation in the firearms community. The Mossberg 590 was introduced by O.F. Mossberg & Sons in the early 1980s as an improved version of the Mossberg 500 series. It was specifically designed for the military and law enforcement, with practical upgrades that made the platform indestructible. The Mossberg 590 gained popularity among military and law enforcement agencies due to its robust construction, reliability, and performance in various tactical situations. Over the years, Mossberg has continued to refine and enhance the 590 series, incorporating feedback from users to ensure that it meets the evolving needs of shooters.

The main attributes that come to mind when discussing the Mossberg 590 include first and foremost, Reliability. The Mossberg 590 is renowned for its rugged construction and reliability under harsh conditions. It has earned a reputation for being able to withstand heavy use and abuse without compromising its performance. Ease of Maintenance is built into the design of the Mossberg 590 making it easy to disassemble and clean, which is a crucial factor for military and law enforcement users who require firearms that can be quickly maintained in the field. With Customization Options, the Mossberg 590 is one of the most highly customizable shotguns. It allows users to personalize their shotgun with various accessories such as stocks, forends, sights, and more to suit their specific needs and preferences. With the new 590 20 Gauge, Mossberg thought ahead and made sure that existing 590 accessories are still compatible with the smaller-gauge 590.

Tell me about it

Manufacturer: Mossberg

Model: 590 #50698

Calibers: 20 Gauge

Capacity: 6 + 1

Action: Pump

Chamber: 3-inch

Choke: Cylinder Bore

Length: 39.5 inch

LOP: 13.87 inch

Mossberg cut no corners with its new 590 20 Gauge. It features the same clean out magazine tube as all other 590s. I can hear the questions now: What the heck is a clean out tube? One of the reasons the 590 is reliable enough for military use is that you can easily disassemble it for cleaning, including the magazine tube. The receiver is drilled and tapped, meaning you can easily add the same optics or sights that you can on any other 590. On top of that, the 590 20 Gauge still features tried-and-true dual extractors with steel-to-steel lockup for the most powerful loads. Mossberg has continued to use twin action bars along with their anti-jam elevators. If you have ever used a 590 in the past you will be happy to learn that the new 590 still has the ambidextrous top mount safety.

Even though the 12 gauge remains a powerhouse in the world of shotguns, the 20 gauge holds its own unique appeal with its reduced recoil, lighter weight, and versatility. Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned hunter, or a recreational shooter, the 20 gauge 590 shotgun offers a compelling alternative.

—James the “XDMAN” Nicholas, Mr. UnPewFessional Himself!