The 590 falls under a more tactical shotgun if you will. If you are looking for a more “tactical” shotgun the 590 might be the one you want. The 500 is the utilitarian workhorse pump SG Mossy offers. Overall, a very good SG. Mine does double duty hunting and HD. The 590 came around sometime in the late 80’s IIRC. Both are tube fed pump SG’s. Come in various calibers.
The 500 can serve in both capacities. The 590A1 is built to mil-spec. You can learn more about both on their sites and some reviews online too. I think the new civilian models use more plastic parts.

 

So honestly the lines between the Maverick, the 500, and the 590 have blurred somewhat but this is my understanding as someone who has been to the plant in Texas:

The Maverick 88 is 95% of a 500 at a lower cost but has a different (plastic )trigger group and safety on the trigger guard. Contrary to popular belief it is US made - in Maverick county Texas.

The 590A1 is the military grade heavy barrel version with a metal trigger assembly.

The 590 has a metal trigger assembly but the same barrel type as a 500. The 590 shockwave family for example.

The 500 has the standard thickness barrel and the same tang safety as the 590 vs the trigger guard safety on the 88.

All barrels should be interchangeable as long as the magazine is the correct size.

I like them all but I will say carrying a 590A1 all day is a lot. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the Mossberg family. I tend to stay with the 500 and 590 just for muscle memory of the tang safety operation not because the 88 isn’t the best value shotgun out there.

And just to add one more thought- I really like 20 gauge . Dramatically less felt recoil and similar terminal performance. I’m not recoil sensitive but there is less muzzle blast and my follow up shots are faster which in a home defense situation might have value. And I have a over/under 20 gauge for sporting clays which makes that distance shooting a little more challenging which is fun!

 

So honestly the lines between the Maverick, the 500, and the 590 have blurred somewhat but this is my understanding as someone who has been to the plant in Texas:

The Maverick 88 is 95% of a 500 at a lower cost but has a different (plastic )trigger group and safety on the trigger guard. Contrary to popular belief it is US made - in Maverick county Texas.

The 590A1 is the military grade heavy barrel version with a metal trigger assembly.

The 590 has a metal trigger assembly but the same barrel type as a 500. The 590 shockwave family for example.

The 500 has the standard thickness barrel and the same tang safety as the 590 vs the trigger guard safety on the 88.

All barrels should be interchangeable as long as the magazine is the correct size.

I like them all but I will say carrying a 590A1 all day is a lot. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the Mossberg family. I tend to stay with the 500 and 590 just for muscle memory of the tang safety operation not because the 88 isn’t the best value shotgun out there.

And just to add one more thought- I really like 20 gauge . Dramatically less felt recoil and similar terminal performance. I’m not recoil sensitive but there is less muzzle blast and my follow up shots are faster which in a home defense situation might have value. And I have a over/under 20 gauge for sporting clays which makes that distance shooting a little more challenging which is fun!

The 590 has a polymer trigger housing. Thats the biggest difference between it and the 590A1. As I understand it, the Navy insisted on the metal trigger housing resulting in the A1 model.

 

I picked up 2 590's in the past year.

A 590 Shockwave

590 Shockwave

Features the Shockwave signature bird’s-head grip, uniquely shaped to minimize felt recoil. Also includes the features that have made Mossberg pump-actions the choice for millions worldwide: ambidextrous safety, dual extractors, positive steel-to-steel lockup, twin action bars, and a smooth...

www.mossberg.com

I've always wanted one of these since they came out. This has the heavy walled barrel that the 590A1 comes with. They are a big "screw you" to the ATF put out by a major gun manufacturer. Mossberg was the 1st major manufacturer to release them. Remington followed suit.

I believe Black Aces Tactical was the 1st to release a braced Shockwave style gun.



A 590S

590S

For the ultimate in shooting flexibility, the all-new 590S Series cycles 1.75″, 2.75″, or 3″ shells. Pick one shotshell length for specific shooting needs, or simultaneously load any combination of those shell lengths. The choice is yours with the 590S. Features standard Mossberg Pump-Action...

www.mossberg.com

This one has a thinner walled barrel = some weight savings over the heavy walled barrel in the 590A1. The "S" model uses mini-shells, 2 3/4, and 3 inch magnum shells from the factory. I like the ghost ring sights. The 590S also has removable chokes vs the fixed choke on the 590A1. I could use this 590S to hunt small game / birds with a full or modified choke. I like how Mossberg basically threw everything at this gun.

My personal history with Mossberg hasn't been that stellar. I bought my 1st Mossberg 500 20 gauge when I was 16 back in 1991. Around about 1996 it broke on a friend of mine. The trigger assembly was a cheap plastic that snapped off from the receiver. I contacted Mossberg and they replaced my trigger assembly with another one made out of a different plastic. That did the job and the gun worked fine thereafter. I sold it and a number of other guns when I was laid off after 9/11.

I picked up another used Mossberg 500 12 gauge sometime after that. It's action bars broke where they connect at the forearm. That broken Mossberg is still in my gun safe. One of these days I'll fix it.

Remington 870's were my go to for a longtime. I have 2 - an 870 Wingmaster cop shotgun and 3.5 Mag 870 Express. Both have been flawless.

 

Seeing James Reeves Maverick 88 burn down test sold me on buying the above Mossbergs.

 

I have a 500 ATI TACTICAL living under my bed. It's loaded with 6 rds. of 00 buck. I feel pretty safe.

 

RE 20 gauge vs 12 gauge.

The recoil argument for 20 over 12 is becomes a moot point when you factor in 12 gauge mini-shells. 1-3/4 inch mini-shells are joy to shoot out Mossberg shotguns, single shot and double barrel shotguns. The bump in capacity is nice too.

If you haven't done so already, get a mini-shell adapter for your Mossberg or Maverick. This $25 adapter allows you to shoot both 1-3/4 inch mini-shells and normal 2 3/4 & 3 inch shells out of your gun.

Universal Minishell Adapter/Mag Follower Kit for Mossberg Pump Shotgun

This kit essentially provides a 590S conversion for your favorite Mossberg Pump-Action in a more robust design. It contains our patent-pending Universal Cartridge Adapter and low-drag no-snag Magazine Follower which allows smooth cycling of 1-3/4" Minishells up to 3" Magnum cartridges in the...

defendertactical.com

What about 410? I use a 410 single shot shotgun for killing squirrels that are chewing on my deck. The last one I killed I couldn't find my hearing protection in time and shot it without ear pro. I was amazed - no ear ring!!!

I kind of wish I picked up a Shockwave in 410. The 12 gauge Shockwave, is more or less a useless gun and would be all around more functional with a stock on it. I may get a stamp for mine in the future.

 

RE 20 gauge vs 12 gauge.

The recoil argument for 20 over 12 is becomes a moot point when you factor in 12 gauge mini-shells. 1-3/4 inch mini-shells are joy to shoot out Mossberg shotguns, single shot and double barrel shotguns. The bump in capacity is nice too.

If you haven't done so already, get a mini-shell adapter for your Mossberg or Maverick. This $25 adapter allows you to shoot both 1-3/4 inch mini-shells and normal 2 3/4 & 3 inch shells out of your gun.

Universal Minishell Adapter/Mag Follower Kit for Mossberg Pump Shotgun

This kit essentially provides a 590S conversion for your favorite Mossberg Pump-Action in a more robust design. It contains our patent-pending Universal Cartridge Adapter and low-drag no-snag Magazine Follower which allows smooth cycling of 1-3/4" Minishells up to 3" Magnum cartridges in the...

defendertactical.com

What about 410? I use a 410 single shot shotgun for killing squirrels that are chewing on my deck. The last one I killed I couldn't find my hearing protection in time and shot it without ear pro. I was amazed - no ear ring!!!

I kind of wish I picked up a Shockwave in 410. The 12 gauge Shockwave, is more or less a useless gun and would be all around more functional with a stock on it. I may get a stamp for mine in the future.

I have a 500 and bought a mini shell adapter. Still need to install it. Yes, the recoil of minishells by type of shell is noticeably less than full sized equivalents.

 

What's the intended use?

I have one of each.

The 500 is for hunting and clay shooting. It only holds five shells but that's plenty. The barrels are easily swappable on the go, takes under a minute to go from an 18.5" cylinder bore barrel to a 24" rifled barrel for slugs to a 28" barrel for birds and clays.

The 590, on the other hand, is 8+1 with a short (20") barrel and ghost ring sights, so it's my home defense gun.

 

Kind of echoing 1911turbo - if you do decide to get a Mossberg 500 or Maverick 88, I would recommend you get a 2 barrel security / field set. Spare barrels are significantly more expensive bought after the fact.

Maverick 88 - Security/Field Combo

Maverick 88: the utility player of pump-action shotguns. Affordable and reliable, these diverse models are equally up to task, from combing through the woods to handling home security duty.

www.mossberg.com

500 Combo Field/Security

Durable and easy to maintain, these highly adaptable pump-action shotguns in two-barrel combo sets cover multiple seasons and disciplines.

www.mossberg.com

 

Isn't the major practical difference that you can extend the magazine of a 590 as long as you want, like a Remington, but you can't change the length of the 500 magazine?

 

Yes, that was the case...at least some years back.

 

I owned all of these - 590, 500 and 88 Maverick. In the end I liked the handling characteristics of 88 the best. 590 has that heavier barrel thing going and some extra metal parts (not sure if it's still the case as those differences between the models with Mossberg seem to be blurring out lately). All are good shotguns. All will need some break-in time to run smooth. You can't go wrong with neither.

 

My 36 year old 500. Been loaded almost every day since it came home. It was my duty shotgun for ten years and has about 1000 shells through it, mostly 00 buck and slugs. Lives in my closet and is ready to do it's duty at a moment's notice if needed.

 

590A1 US Service Model

with a few upgrades.

 

The cool kids call the "shottys."

 

Except for the safety, nearly all the parts between the 88 and 500 will interchange. I upgraded my 40+ year old 500 with a 88 forearm/slide assembly and stock.

I think for versatility sake you can't do much better than a 500 or 88. A wide range of accessories and barrels are available.

 

*After further study / consideration - I would like a Mossberg Combo Security (18.5") / Field (28") 12 gauge - I do not see that this is offered in a 590 model - correct ?
I like the model 590 18.5" barrel for HD but if I cannot swap with a 26" ~ 28" filed barrel which excepts screw in chokes then the model 590 is pretty much limited to tactical / HD use .
The "plan B" then if you want the versatility of a Mossberg combo security / field 12 gauge would only be available in the Maverick 88 combo Security / Field and the Mossberg Model 500 combo Security / Field offerings ? ... Thanks in advance for replies !

 

I believe the 500 and 590 are the same frames dressed differently
The maverick is a great buy, but I don't like the location of the safety.

 

I love my 590. I had the barrel threaded to accept choke tubes and I use it as my LE patrol shotgun and I have used it to hunt turkey, deer, and feral hogs. I love the factory ghost ring sights and even with a smooth bore I can put sabot slugs on a paper plate target at 100 yards.

 

590 is the best bet for your money. 590a1 is miltary grade, but a few hundred more.

 

A few differences. For the 500 vs 590 vs 590A1 Barrel length and magazine capacity can vary. They all have basically the same receiver and trigger group now. The sights can vary between bead and ghost rings. The magazine tubes can be longer or shorter. The finish can be blued or parkerized. A heat shield may or may not fit.

The 20” M590A1 has a thicker barrel that weighs more, and bayonet mount/sling point options. The 500 is lighter and the magazine tube is more fixed/sealed. There are lots of options to consider and lots of different versions.

 

I've had a couple 500s and a couple 88s, still have one 88. My Son has beat the tar out of his bear hunting in the swamps and it keeps on ticking.

Only thing I really don't like on both the 88s and 500s is the barrel mag tube set up. Changing the tube spring can be a PITA.

 

Only thing I really don't like on both the 88s and 500s is the barrel mag tube set up. Changing the tube spring can be a PITA.


View attachment 1273813

If I remember correctly, an extra pair of hands (the wife) helped a lot with my magazine spring replacement. Seems like I got the spring inside the tube, and used a piece of strong clear packing tape over the open end to hold the spring in place. I guided the tube into position and at the last second the wife removed the tape and made sure the spring seated against the follower. To remove the tube initially, I wrapped a lot of electrical tape around the end of the tube to protect the finish, and used Vice-Grip Pliers tightened only enough to turn the tube.

 

2014 590A1 SPX. 20” barrel, Ghost Ring sights. It it seriously heavy duty. Inside both houses I have owned it is a rifle indoors. After about 20yards it starts to expand. Shotgun cards attach via velcro and can fit in AR mag pouches. Bayonet lug included. Oh, and it’s ported.

 

18.5” or 20” preferred HD barrel length ?

 

Either would be fine. Inside the house with good buckshot you will be ok.

 

590 Mariner here, Marinecote finish, great for when I'm boating around the world and have to deal with nasty pirates. No rust showing after over 30 years of at the ready.

 

I bought a Mossberg 500 with an 18.5 barrel a few years back. Walked in the store one day to pick up a pistol I had ordered and saw it on the wall, clothing allowance money from work was on that paycheck and it covered the cost. Now I grew up in a Remington family, have always had Remingtons, still own several Remingtons, and at one point considered the 870 as the only pump shotgun I would own. After trying to get parts for a 3.5 inch super mag that broke an ejector plate and spring, I was left with a little bit of a sour taste for Remington. I was looking for a cheaper shotgun to put in the boat for when me and my friends go on our annual river island deer drive and figured the 500 would be perfect to run slugs in and it wouldn’t hurt my feelings if it got scratched in the woods or on the boat ride. It’s been great running hornady American whitetail rifled slugs and has dropped several deer. I’ve shot several hundred rounds through it and it doubles as a truck/ boat gun a lot of times. It probably won’t be the last I buy, and never thought I’d say it, but I’d gladly buy a Mossberg over a new production 870. I threw a Haley Strategic nylon sling on it and a Velcro side saddle loaded with either #4 or 00 buck and a few slugs. Great gun

 

look no further......

 

I just bought my second 590. Anyone trying to decide between the 500 and a 590 I highly suggest going to your local shop and picking both up. The 590 just feels likes its built for SHTF. Both are great shotguns no doubt!! I just think if you're trying to decide between the two getting some hands on would help make the decision easier.