The Elusive Mossberg 590

So lately out at the Ranch we have been doing some random testing of various weapons that haven't made their way to the page here, although some stuff ends up on the Apache Survival Page. Anyways with that being said we have been doing alot of testing with the scatterguns. One thing that we have been looking to do is make an accurate comparison of a REAL Model 97 Winchester to a Mossberg 590.

While on many occasions we have made the comparison of the Mossy 500 to the Model 97 I don't quite think the Civilian version does justice for such a Comparison. So Looking at the difference between the Two lets Get Started.

So as I have stated before I have a bit of a Bias with the Model 97. I really do think for a pump action shotgun It is pure perfection as far as the Riot/Trench Gun Configurations are considered. With that to many degree's I think that the Mossberg 500 Series shotguns are the true successors to the Model 97's throne. When you look at the two side by side you can really see that there was lots of inspiration not just from the spencer pump guns but from the Model 97 designed by Browning.

I will admit though, I find flaws in both Designs. So without Further Adieu I will give you a quick comparison of the two designs:

Winchester Model 97:

Shotgun Features: 8 lbs, First Modern Powder Pump shotgun, Browning design.
Chamber: 2 3/4"
Magazine Capacity: 5rds +1
Ghost Ring Sights: No
Bead Sight: Yes
Heat Shield: Yes
SOPMod Variant: No (Trench gun package is limited SOPMod config)
.410 ga.: No
20 ga.: Yes
16 ga.: Yes
12 ga.: Yes
Magazine Extension: None Available
Magazine Unloading Button: Yes
Swapable Barrel: Only on hunting models
Side Saddle Shell Carriers: Only elastic or leather Stock covers
Reliable Action: Yes, will run after being covered with dust and sand.
External Hammer: Yes
Slam fire Capable: Yes
15+ years Military Service: Yes (1915-1967)

The Model 97 Came around before the Age of common household gunsmithing, so its quite evident that a lack of aftermarket parts would be commonly available. While this shotgun is lacking in alot of "Modern" features it still shoots with the best of them









Mossberg 500/590A1:
Shotgun Features: 8lbs, Internalized Hammer, Dual Extractor (reliable feeding/extraction), heavy receiver
Chamber: 3"
Magazine Capacity: 5rds +1/ 7rds +1

Ghost Ring Sights: Yes
Bead Sight: Yes
Heat Shield: Yes
SOPMod Variant: Yes (Full USMC SOPMod config available)
.410 ga.: Yes
20 ga.: Yes
16 ga.: No
12 ga.: Yes
Magazine Extension: Yes
Swapable Barrel: Yes
Side Saddle Shell Carriers: Yes
Reliable Action: Yes (Dual Arms make action stronger than Model 97)
External Hammer: No (Internalized)
Slam fire Capable: No
15+ years Military Service: Yes ( C. 1965-Still In Use)

Being a Successor to the Model 97 the Mossberg 590 has earned its place as a top dog pump gun. Being In service still in the 90's with the Marine Corps and Army made way for a large aftermarket presence for the 590. The 590's perks include a larger Magzine tube, a Reinforced Barrel and Receiver, 3" Chamber ( For Magnum shells), and more aftermarket parts than you could ever use. my only beefs with the 590 are the lack of slam fire capability and the lack of a button to unload the magazine tube.

Personally I am not a fan of manually cycleing the action to get 8 shells out of the weapon in the event that I didn't need to use it or if I am taking the weapon home from a day of shooting. Another Criticism; I love guns with external hammers, I love the security of visually seeing when the weapon is "hott and ready". Makes me feel more comfortable with the weapon. Personally I would love to see a M590 with Slam Fire capability in the 7rd +1 configuration. Until then I will be content with simply having a Model 97, Its a Gun that I can maneuver easily and I have the most training with it. Although I would be hard pressed to let a well configured 590 go by without trying it out.

AS the title states those 590 Variants are hard to find these days, I really wish Mossberg would put them back into production in the Civilian Market just to make them More Available. Until then I will have to suffice with customizing another 500 to the SOPMod config.

Pic Related its my former Mossberg 500A Tactical: