Mossberg 590: Top-Selling Pump Shotgun of 2019

by
posted on April 8, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
mossberg-590.jpg

The Mossberg 590—a variant of the company’s tried-and-true Model 500 that first appeared in 1960—was introduced in 1987. It maintains its predecessor’s simplicity of operation and the same rugged reliability that serves our troops so well on the front line of freedom. The difference is a modification at the magazine cap that makes routine cleaning and maintenance easier, instead of providing the militarily preferred barrel-swap speed.

Civilian enthusiasts understand that advantage, because this was the top-selling pump-action shotgun for 2019 on Gunbroker.com. In fact, there are two other configurations of this firearm in last year’s top-10 for the category. The venerable Model 500, if you’re wondering, was in the running, too.

There’s no shortage of Mossberg 590 variants. All have a tubular magazine, with capacities of either six or eight shotshells. The lower-inventory models have 18.5-inch barrels, with the higher-volume guns offered with 20-inchers. The former line ships with a bead sight, while there’s a ghost ring option on the latter. All are cylinder bore choked.

It’s available in .410 bore as well as 12 and 20 gauge. It’s little wonder the gun remains a top choice with law enforcement. They come with dual extractors, twin action bars and an anti-jam elevator to ensure reliable and smooth operation in nasty conditions. Select models in the line feature upgrades that can include six-position adjustable stock, pistol grips, heat shield, tri-railed fore-ends and much more.

All versions can chamber 3-inch shotshells. MSRPs for the 6+1 capacity models (18.5-inch barrels) in 12 gauge are $469 and $620. The 20 gauge and .410 bore versions that hold the same volume of rounds is $469.

Price increases slightly when you move up to the 20-inch barreled version and added capacity. The 12 gauges come in at $489, $512 or $620. The 20-gauge version in that lineup has an MSRP of $507.

Each has a synthetic stock and fore-end and generous buttpad to handle recoil. A tang safety ensures intuitive activation. The over-engineering put into these guns make used versions with wood furniture another popular option in gun stores and website.

Combine the price, long history of performance and variety, and it’s little wonder the Mossberg 590 took top place among pump-action shotguns last year. The vaunted design has held the top for position for pump-action shotguns since 2017 and is no doubt contending to retain that crown in 2020.

Latest

springfield armory kuna
springfield armory kuna

Springfield Kuna: A PDW For The Masses

Small, yet fierce, the namesake of Springfield Armory’s latest large-format pistol is a revered forest dweller in the land of its Croatian manufacturing partner, HS Produkt. The new Kuna is poised to be just as welcome in America.

The Armed Citizen® June 30, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Book Review: Clockwork Basilisk: The Early Revolvers Of Elisha Collier & Artemas Wheeler

The result of a decade of research, Clockwork Basilisk is a comprehensive, two-volume history of the rare revolvers that preceded the development of the well-known Colt guns of the 1830s.

Preview: 1791 Gunleather Cobra Gun Belt 01

Employing the same rugged and rigid 0.25"-thick American steerhide as 1791 Gunleather’s original Gun Belt 01, the new Cobra Gun Belt 01 offers enhanced ease of use by taking advantage of a high-strength Cobra quick-latch/release buckle.

NRA CEO Hamlin and President Bachenberg Hold First Virtual Townhall

In the interests of transparency, NRA CEO and EVP Doug Hamlin and NRA President Bill Bachenberg held a live Townhall event, where both answered direct questions from NRA members.

Benelli Adds New 28-Gauge Models to Super Black Eagle 3 Line

Benelli initially introduced the 28-ga. chambering to its Super Black Eagle 3 line in 2022, but this year, the company added three new models tailored specifically to hunters.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.