The Mossberg 590s is a versatile and reliable shotgun that works with different shell types and can be customized in many ways. This guide will help you understand the Mossberg 590s, from its design to how you can make it fit your needs. Whether you’re experienced with guns or new to this shotgun, this information will help you get the most out of your Mossberg 590s. You’ll learn about choosing the right ammunition and making smart changes to your gun.
Key Considerations for Mossberg 590s Customization
- Choose upgrades that improve performance for your specific use
- Ensure all modifications are compatible with your 590s model
- Prioritize reliability and safety when selecting new parts
- Focus on improving ergonomics, sights, and ammo capacity
- Test thoroughly with your chosen ammunition types
- Maintain your shotgun regularly for best performance
- Train often to maximize effectiveness
- Follow local laws about firearm modifications
Understanding Shell Compatibility
Mini Shells (1.75″)
Mini shells are popular among Mossberg 590s users. These small rounds have less recoil and let you carry more shells. They’re good for situations where you need to move around easily and shoot quickly.
Good things about mini shells:
- You can fit more shells in the gun
- Less kick when you shoot, so it’s easier to aim again quickly
- Easy to carry and store, great for emergency bags or keeping in a car
- Not as loud, which can be good for hunting or home defense
Not-so-good things about mini shells:
- Might not feed into the gun smoothly without special parts
- Don’t shoot as far or hit as hard as regular shells
- Harder to find in stores compared to regular shells
- Might not stop threats as well in some defense situations
Mini shells are good for home defense in small spaces, teaching new shooters, and some types of hunting like small animals or pest control. They’re also great for people who find regular shells too hard to handle.
Standard Loads (2.75″ and 3″)
The Mossberg 590s is mainly made for regular 2.75″ and 3″ shotgun shells. These shells are versatile and can be used for hunting or home defense. They’re the most common type of shotgun ammunition and work very well in the 590s.
Good things about standard loads:
- Lots of different types available, like birdshot, buckshot, and slugs
- Work reliably in the 590s, feeding and ejecting smoothly
- Shoot farther and hit harder than mini shells, good for various hunting and tactical uses
- Work with most aftermarket parts without needing special adapters
Not-so-good things about standard loads:
- More kick when you shoot, especially with 3″ magnum loads
- You can’t fit as many in the gun compared to mini shells
- Make the loaded gun longer and heavier than when using mini shells
Standard loads in the Mossberg 590s show off what the gun can really do. They spread shot well and transfer energy effectively at typical shooting distances. The 590s handles these shells easily, cycling and ejecting them reliably even in tough conditions. For most people, standard loads will be the best choice because they’re versatile and work well in many shooting situations.
Factory Features and Design Advantages
The Mossberg 590s comes with several built-in features that make it versatile and reliable. These features make it a great shotgun for different types of shooting.
Unique Design Elements
- Two extractors: Helps pull out both mini shells and standard shells reliably
- Anti-jam elevator: Helps different shell sizes feed smoothly into the gun
- Safety that works for right and left-handed shooters
- Bigger loading port: Makes it easier and faster to put shells in the gun
Built-in Reliability Features
- Finish that resists rust: Protects the gun in bad weather
- Thick barrel: Stays accurate even after lots of shooting
- Two action bars: Makes the pump action smooth and reliable
- Aluminum receiver: Strong but not too heavy
Versatility for Various Shooting Applications
- Changeable choke: Lets you adjust the gun for different types of shooting
- Rail on top: For adding sights or other accessories
- Adjustable stock length: Fits different sized shooters
- Works with many aftermarket parts: Lets you customize the gun a lot
Recommended Modifications for the Mossberg 590s
Stocks and Grips
Changing the stock and grip on your Mossberg 590s can make it more comfortable and easier to control. These changes can make your shotgun feel and work better for you. Here are some options:
- Pistol grip stocks for better control in tight spaces
- Traditional stocks that help you aim more consistently
- Adjustable cheek rests for better alignment with sights or scopes
- Stocks that can change length to fit different shooters or if you’re wearing thick clothing
- Shock-absorbing parts to reduce kick and help you shoot faster
- Grips with texture for better hold when your hands are wet or sweaty
Optics and Sights
Better sights on your Mossberg 590s can help you aim more quickly and accurately. The right sight can make your shotgun work better for different types of shooting. Popular choices include:
- Red dot sights for quick aiming up close, good for home defense or competitions
- Ghost ring sights for a clearer view than the standard bead sight
- Fiber optic sights that are easy to see in different light conditions
- Holographic sights for fast aiming while keeping both eyes open
- Scopes for accurate shooting at longer distances, good for hunting
Magazine Extensions
Adding a magazine extension to your Mossberg 590s lets you carry more shells. This can be important in some situations. Think about these things when choosing an extension:
- Lets you shoot more before reloading, good for competitions or tactical use
- Fewer reloads needed, keeping you ready in stressful situations
- Make sure it fits well with the barrel for reliable feeding
- Check if it works with other accessories like slings or lights
- Remember it will make the gun heavier
- Check if it’s legal in your area, as some places limit magazine size
Tactical Lights and Accessories
Adding lights and other accessories to your Mossberg 590s can make it more useful, especially for home defense or police work. Consider:
- Bright LED lights to see clearly in the dark
- Lights built into the forend for easy use
- Mounts that let you add lights without getting in the way of other parts
- Pressure switches to turn the light on quickly
- Combination light and laser units for aiming and seeing in the dark
Shell Carriers and Side Saddles
Having extra shells ready can be crucial in tactical or competitive shooting. These accessories let you reload faster and carry more shells. Options include:
- Side saddles that attach to the gun for quick access to extra shells
- Carriers that mount on the receiver without making the gun much bigger
- Shell holders on the stock for balance and easy reach
- Velcro panels for customizable shell placement
- Modular systems that let you quickly replace empty carriers
Practical Tips for Mossberg 590s Owners
Maintenance Best Practices
Taking good care of your Mossberg 590s will keep it working well for a long time. Regular maintenance is important. Here’s what to do:
- Clean after each use or regularly if you don’t use it often
- Pay special attention to the chamber, barrel, and action where dirt builds up
- Use the right cleaning products for different parts of the gun
- Use a little oil on moving parts, but not too much as it can attract dirt
- Check parts that wear out like extractors and ejectors regularly
- Clean the magazine tube and follower to make sure shells feed smoothly
- Keep the barrel and chamber free of rust, especially if you live somewhere humid
Reliability Testing
Making sure your Mossberg 590s works perfectly with your chosen ammunition and modifications is very important for safety and performance. Thorough testing can find problems before they become serious. Follow these steps:
- Practice loading and unloading with dummy rounds to check if everything moves smoothly
- Test the safety, trigger, and magazine cutoff to make sure they work right
- Check if shells eject and feed properly, including both mini shells and standard loads
- Make sure accessories don’t interfere with loading, unloading, or using the safety
- Do live-fire tests with different types of shells to check reliability and shot patterns
- Practice quick shooting and moving between targets to find any weak points
Storage Advice
Storing your Mossberg 590s properly keeps it in good condition and ready to use when needed. Good storage protects your gun and keeps it ready. Consider these tips:
- Use a good gun safe or locked cabinet to keep it secure and prevent theft
- Consider climate-controlled storage to prevent rust, especially in humid areas
- Store with a light coat of oil on metal parts to prevent rust
- Use moisture-absorbing packets in the storage area to control humidity
- Check stored guns regularly for signs of rust or pests
- Store ammunition separately in a cool, dry place
- For home defense, consider quick-access safes that balance security with fast access
Conclusion
The Mossberg 590s is a versatile shotgun that can be used for many purposes, from home defense to competitive shooting and hunting. By understanding how it works with different types of shells and exploring smart modifications, you can make it work best for what you need, improving both how it functions and your shooting experience.
Remember, while mini shells have some advantages like increased capacity and less recoil, the 590s works best with standard 2.75″ and 3″ shells, giving you the full power and versatility expected from a tactical shotgun. Whatever ammunition you choose, make sure you’ve tested it thoroughly in your gun to ensure it works reliably and to familiarize yourself with how it performs.
When thinking about modifications, focus on improvements that make the gun more comfortable to use, easier to aim, and able to hold more ammunition. Always choose quality parts and make sure any changes don’t make the gun less reliable or safe. Each modification should have a specific purpose in your overall setup.
Lastly, take good care of your Mossberg 590s by cleaning and checking it regularly. Store it securely to protect it and ensure it’s ready when you need it. Most importantly, practice regularly with your chosen setup to get the most out of it as a defensive or sporting tool. Being familiar and skilled with your gun is just as important as its technical features.
With proper care, thoughtful upgrades, and consistent training, your Mossberg 590s will be a reliable and effective tool for years to come, adaptable to many types of shooting and personal preferences. Whether you’re experienced or new to this shotgun, the 590s provides a solid foundation for building a shotgun that perfectly suits your needs.