Mossberg 500 vs 590

[historian]

What is the difference between the two? I can't seem to find any major differences. Mossberg's website isn't clear about it either.

 

[Colts]

6 shot capacity vs 9 shot capacity, as far as I can tell.

And the 590A1 for military and LE.

 

[CathyInBlue]

My 590 eats nine 2 3/4" shells before sated.

 

[Wolfhound]

I always thought the 500 was the standard hunting version while the 590 and 590A are the military / police version.

I own a 500 and a 590 and like them both. 500 for hunting and 590 for home defense.

 

[philbert001]

My 590A1 is the 18.5" barrel, and is a 5+1. I used to have the 20" 8+1, but it was too nose heavy for my wife. The difference between mine and a 500 is the heavy walled, smooth bore, parkerized barrel, and the shielded Ghost ring sights. I'm Pretty sure everything else is the same.

 

[mdemetz]

Barrels not interchangeable.

 

[Speedgelb986S]

6 shot capacity vs 9 shot capacity, as far as I can tell.

And the 590A1 for military and LE.

The 590A1, at least, is available in both 6- and 9-shot capacities. It also has a heavy-walled barrel, aluminum trigger guard, and dual action bars.

The 500 has more aftermarket barrels available. The 590 and 590A1 have a different barrel mounting lug.

 

[Wolfhound]

590 and 500 Mossbergs.

 

[philbert001]

Oh, And the receiver is factory drilled and tapped. (Obviously for the Ghost ring sights.) It IS the standard Mossberg pattern, so any rail designed for a 500 or 590 screws right on, in place of the ghost ring.

 

[philbert001]

Barrels not interchangeable.

I didn't know that! I've been thinking about buying a 500 slug barrel. Glad I haven't!

 

[roadrunner681]

i think the safety and the trigger guard are steel,and i believe the barrels are thicker.

 

[jh46544]

Barrels not interchangeable.

Will the 590 barrel interchange with the 835?

 

[Car Ramrod]

The barrels are interchangeable, but you will need either the matching 500 or 590 mag tube depending on which way you are going.

Also, the 590s are able to accept a mag tube extension unlock 99% of 500s.

The Model 500 is the "budget" Mossberg.
The 590 series is the beefed-up and "enhanced" Military and Police version.

The Model 500 is available in a wide variety of options including 5 shot or long 8 shot magazines, and choices in wood or synthetic stocks, pistol grip-only grips, and other options.
The Model 500 usually has a commercial type blued finish on the steel and a shiny finish on the aluminum receiver.

The Model 590 and 590-A1 have the same basic aluminum receiver and action as the 500, but use a Remington-type magazine tube and barrel mounting system.
These stronger versions have heavier barrels and are built to a stronger, higher standard for use by military and police buyers.
These usually have a military grade parkerized finish on the steel parts and a dull anodized finish on the aluminum receiver.

These versions can be had with options like bayonet mounts, ghost ring sights, and barrel shrouds.

The 590-A1 is the actual version now bought by the US Government, and has a metal trigger guard versus the 500 and 590's plastic, a metal safety switch, and a thicker barrel.

 

[philbert001]

The barrels are interchangeable, but you will need either the matching 500 or 590 mag tube depending on which way you are going.

Also, the 590s are able to accept a mag tube extension unlock 99% of 500s.

Not to threadjack, but where does one get a mag tube extension for their 590? I have the 5+1, and wouldn't mind a +1 extension, to make it flush to the end of the 18.5 inch barrel, and give me some mounting options for a flashlight!

 

[Car Ramrod]

Not to threadjack, but where does one get a mag tube extension for their 590? I have the 5+1, and wouldn't mind a +1 extension, to make it flush to the end of the 18.5 inch barrel, and give me some mounting options for a flashlight!

I'll see if I can remember where I got the extension for my 500 breacher, but I know there are companies who make them (mine was made by some guy). You might search for 930 extensions as well, but I'll report back with what I find.

ETA:
This is who I bought mine from. http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=131361

 

[jh46544]

The barrels are interchangeable, but you will need either the matching 500 or 590 mag tube depending on which way you are going.

Also, the 590s are able to accept a mag tube extension unlock 99% of 500s.

Thank you, good info.
To the OP, sorry for the threadjack

 

[historian]

Thank you, good info.
To the OP, sorry for the threadjack

Not a problem, the more info the better, imho!

 

[bmyers]

As stated, metal safety switch, metal trigger guard, and heavier barrel. These are all I know of.