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Mossberg’s New 590R Line: Where Shotguns and AR-15s Unite!
I don’t know about you, but when I think of Mossberg, I instantly think of shotguns. More specifically, the expansive 590 line of pump action offerings.
From the infamous Shockwave to the classic Retrograde, there is a 590 model for everyone. As consumers continue to demand more features and higher capacities, shotguns have had to evolve more than ever lately, and Mossberg seems determined to lead the pack.
Do any of these look out of place to you? Source
There are plenty of accessories and parts available to help convert your standard pump action shotguns into tactical masterpieces, but for those AR-15 fanatics out there, not many shotguns manage to “scratch the itch”….until now.
Mossberg just released its newest addition to the 590 family, the 590R (Rotary Safety Selector) and 590RM (Rotary Safety Selector Magazine Fed). Let’s just say we are excited to get one of these in hand and out to the range.
590R/590RM Features
Both models will feel oddly familiar to those of you used to AR-15s as they feature rotary safety selectors placed right where you’d expect them to be. Better yet, it’s an ambidextrous safety selector. These should be standard these days, but you’d be surprised how many manufacturers still don’t include ambidextrous safeties from the factory.
Are we sure this is a shotgun?! Source
Up top you’ll find a Picatinny rail to mount your favorite optic, and select models even include Magpul MBUS sights. These options sure beat your old-fashioned bead sight.
Mounting your favorite optic should be no problem. Source
Last but certainly not least, both models come with an adjustable buttstock and a Magpul MOE grip that will make you feel exactly like you’re holding your AR-15…until you shoot it and realize the recoil is slightly different.
Now that is some serious firepower. Source
The main difference between the two models is how they are fed. As you can see in the picture above, the 590RM utilizes a detachable box magazine, increasing its capacity to a whopping 10+1! Having a couple of magazines loaded will ensure you’re ready to handle anything that may come your way.
Other features to note for both models are flat profile triggers, integrated barrel/heat shields, and enlarged and beveled loading ports. If you opt for a “Standoff” variant of either, it’ll come optimized for breaching with an 18.5-inch stand-off cylinder bore barrel.
Specs
Both models are incredibly similar, but the decision is easy for those looking for maximum capacity.
| Comparison | 590R | 590RM |
| Gauge | 12 Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Barrel Length | 18.5 Inches | 18.5 Inches |
| Capacity | 6+1 | 10+1 |
| Chamber Size | 3 Inches | 2.75 Inches |
| Length Of Pull | 12 – 15.25 Inches | 12 – 15.25 Inches |
Practical Uses
With their 18.5-inch barrels, AR-like controls and furniture, and impressive capacities, there aren’t really any roles these shotguns wouldn’t be good for. Home defense? Definitely. Duty? You know it. Dedicated truck gun? Oh, yeah. Zombie outbreak? Obviously.
The new shotguns will be solid contenders for your next truck gun. Source
Final Thoughts
All joking aside, as awesome as these shotguns would be to have during a zombie outbreak, they fill virtually any real-life role well. Many of us have gotten used to standard shotgun controls over the years, so I’m not sure I would run and sell mine to upgrade, but these would be great for learning shotgun fundamentals and training, especially if you’re coming from an AR-15 background.
It’s an exciting time for shotguns, with more capacity and optics options than ever, and it makes for an easy argument as to why you should add a shotgun to your arsenal.
I hope to test and review one of these 590R/RMs soon, but in the meantime, I’ll continue having fun with my “standard” shotguns!
As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.
