Mossberg 88 vs 500 vs 590 vs 590A1

This is a table-top comparison of Mossberg's lineup of shotguns. I go over the characteristics of each shotgun and how they differ from one another. Enjoy!
Photo Credits: shotgunworld.com
tacticallife.com

[@lancearp7389]

My first gun was a Mossberg 500. Bought it in 1989, still have not had one issue with it. Recently bought a 88 for $249. Same feel and function as my 500. I actually like the safety on the trigger guard, because most every other shotgun I ever owned had it there. Hopefully I get the same 30 plus years of use out of it.

[@Ret_Army_Combat_Vet]

I have the 88 for more than 30 years now bought in 1989, used it to hunt ducks, turkeys, and a few times wild pigs. Still no issues.

[@mpwmu9041]

My first shotgun was a Mossberg 500 in 20 gauge in 1988. I was 14. Still have it. Runs like a champ. It's my daughter's now.

[@Sandii_x]

Do you guys clean it out and grease it up?

[@Mattrazo17]

so im about to buy my first shotgun , for pure home defense , might as well get 88 over 500?

[@timothykhal1608]

“The heat shield saves you from getting the brand marks imprinted into your forearm” But what if I just really love the Mossberg brand?

[@TommyTombstone]

Get a tattoo 😂

[@boygood3141]

@@TommyTombstone 😴

[@JoseARomo-qv5fk]

Then by all means, no one's stopping you. Matter of fact, I'd be interested in seeing how it turns out lol

[@MutarFuqueer]

Then you have a burn mark that says grebssoM

[@netfun8087]

🤣

[@BlindMansRevenge2002]

Very late to the show here but, just bought my first Mossberg 590 persuader today! 18 inch barrel, seven round tube plus one of the chamber, pistol grip, adjustable butt stock with five spare round capacity. The guy at the gun store said it was the tactical configuration.

[@madeucedancinclub2452]

I BOUGHT AN 88 , I'VE PUT OVER 2,000 ROUNDS THROUGH IT , ZERO PROBLEMS . I GET MY BEST ( TIGHTEST ) PATTERNS OUT OF ROYAL BUCK AND FEDERAL ( 00 BUCK ) . ENJOYED THE NO NON-SENSE VIDEO . I'M MAD AS HELL BECAUSE THEY TOOK MARRIED WITH CHILDREN OFF THE AIR .

[@EyePatchGuy88]

Based Boomer KZbin Comment.

[@timbaker266]

Man that's funny !

[@MarsDK88]

lol 😆

[@AlexDenton0451]

​@@EyePatchGuy88dude I swear the boomer comments on like Aviation Videos hit different they just type like fucking aliens

[@tsundy94]

WHY ARE YOU YELLING AT US?!

[@WeSRT4]

I absolutely love my Maverick 88 Security.

[@Billoreillyz]

Same I spent the least on my 88 and have shot and trust it more then all my other shottys

[@tolpacourt]

Why don't you marry it?

[@BillBraskyy]

I just bought one for my dad's birthday back on the 18th of this month! He really likes it and I like it too. The 500 is what we used in Iraq, albeit some small differences. I _really_ like that one; fun memories :)

[@rosspbarnett458]

Me too !

[@BenM]

@@tolpacourt remington fanboy

[@tdubblz]

Thank you. I’m an AR type of lady but I have been looking forward to my first shotgun purchase and this has been super helpful to me

[@coleparker]

I have the Maverick 88 and the Mossberg 500, with wood stock. I love both, and I keep the Maverick nearby as my primary shotgun defense, while my Mossberg is kept strategically located.

[@wojomojo]

Your primary defense shotgun is placed non-strategically? :-)

[@Airplanetyson]

@@wojomojo he carries that over his shoulder in a sling. No need to strategize

[@peekaboo1575]

You keep the 500 next to the toilet, don't you? Just admit it! :^)

[@fistybaby9489]

@@peekaboo1575 Toilet guns save at least 500 lives a year in America!

[@Stephen-er4bi]

I've the 500 with an 18" and 28" bbl for 30+ years now, thousands of rounds through it, fallen off cliffs, waded through lakes, busted through brush and has never complained. I have, but the Mossy just took it in stride. I bought an 88, 20" 8 shot a few years ago just because it was $188 new and I hadn't bought a shotty in a few years. It also seems to be a well constructed firearm.

[@michaelhorn4540]

I've had multiple 500s and 590s over the years and today I'm perfectly happy with my 88 and know that my life can be defended with my 88

[@jamescalhoun4588]

My sons 88 shoots and operates better than my 500 turkey edition

[@floydzepplin1218]

I pick up my 590A1 retro model this Saturday...cannot wait

[@2ndAveScents]

How’s it been running for ya? Can you afford to shoot it? Lol

[@MrStudzdog]

Thank you, finally a clear explanation of the different shotgun variants. Much appreciated.

[@udeniaicenhour8785]

I've had this shotgun for 5 years, loaded it and left it ready to go. I decided with the recent events to know my Mossberg better. Love the videos on here. Helps a lot!

[@chrisb1906]

I think I'm in 😍

[@tolpacourt]

You should get fresh shells for it. Bullets and shells don't improve with age.

[@Centermass762]

@@tolpacourt I found several boxes of paper shotgun shells from the early '50s in a guys garage after he died. I shot all of them except 3 (kept them for decoration) and they all fired fine. I'm pretty sure this lady's modern shells are just fine after 5 years of sitting in her closet.

[@grunt4life657]

"I decided with the recent events to know my Mossberg better." You've had it for 5 YEARS,you should already know EVERYTHING about it. ".. loaded it and left it ready to go." Have you even fired it yet? I fully understand that not every gun owner is a "fanatic," but there are some things that EVERY gun owner should have and that's RANGE TIME.

[@darronfozo6184]

Never hurts to be prepared

[@jc4liferesearch5]

Nice, the 88 for the money is really good though.

[@durango8882]

@Thomas Pelley $149

[@paulmesser1299]

This video is kick ass man. He explained everything very clear and I learned a lot. I own a 500 but iv been wanting a 590A1 for some time now. Mainly because you can put a bayonet on it. But I'd like to modify my 500 before I get the A1. Anyway I like the way you explain things, quick, to the point and easy to understand. Definitely subscribing.

[@wyattsdad8561]

This is the best vid I’ve seen detailing the differences in these. Thank you for making it.

[@ladyhawk7408]

I picked up a brand new Mavrick 88 for 150 bucks ( I love gun broker) It is a great shotgun for the price.

[@mexi_q_bbq430]

Do you find yourself over extending to reach the pump? Or snagging your clothes when mounting the gun?

[@ladyhawk7408]

@@mexi_q_bbq430 I don't I'm 5'9 so the gun is almost a perfect fit for me.

[@ladyhawk7408]

@the nuge that was with everything. Shipping was free. I got the gun for 105. Plus tax plus ffl transfer came to about 150.The sale was a penny auction. It started at 1 cent. I think the guy selling it was called Mr gun dealer at the time he had dozens of them. I got out bid on two others.

[@bunberrier]

Exactly the information I needed, and well presented. Thanks!

[@edbaranowski1958]

This is one of the most comprehensive breakdown of these shotguns I've ever seen. Great job. New subscriber here. Thank you very much

[@xr650rguy]

The heavy barrel on the 590a1 is to prevent barrel distortion (resists deformation at the end when you drop or bang it around). It wasn’t upgraded to heavy wall for heat...

[@PatrickPierceBateman]

True. The Navy requested the thicker barrel so that it would would retain it's shape if it got slammed in the heavy metal door of an amphibious landing craft.

[@michaelzschoche2746]

Yup. Navy requested it not the marines lol.

[@williammoon2959]

Thank you for uploading this. I've been looking for a video comparing these guns fairly on depth.

[@mkaz411]

Great info, and I just picked up my first Mossberg. I've been an 870 guy my whole life and I am impressed with my new 590A1.

[@willie7x77]

I'm trying to decide between a Remington 870 and a Mossberg 590 A1. I heard the Mossberg is much easier to clean and put back together, what is your opinion. Thank you sir.

[@ferrumchnop6617]

@@willie7x77 if your buying new id go mossberg. 870s before the business fiasco were excellent, sad to say recently quality and finish has suffered considerably.

[@josheubanks370]

I love my Mossberg 590A1. Best damn shotgun I’ve ever owned and I’ve owned ALOT

[@keithbrandson6293]

590 $299 delivered. Tough to beat.www.gunbuyer.com/mossberg-590-tactical-pump-action-shotgun-12ga-3-chamber-18-5-barrel-7-1-50778.html

[@diegomanuel5065]

@@keithbrandson6293 you lucky bastard i bought mine for 350. 😕

[@keithbrandson6293]

Still a great deal. Caveman simple. Yet refined using current materials and workmanship. This thing DEFINES self/family/home defense.

[@keithbrandson6293]

Short version is only 4" shorter, and you have to either get it as an "AOW" (all other weapon-pistol version with a birdshead grip or brace), or get a ATF stamp for the short barreled gun. The first makes it mostly useless for anything besides hipshots (can't shoulder it), and the second adds more money ($200 tax stamp) and a 6 month wait for the Fed approval. If you are using flash bang grenades or hiding in a closet, you are expecting a totally different situation than I would. I will stick with the stock barrel and 7+1 capacity.

[@michaeljohnson3976]

@@keithbrandson6293 Damn, that is a nice price.

[@macmichael94]

Hey I love these style of videos y'all do here, keep em coming! They're smart, scientific, and informative videos! God Bless from Canada

[@MarksmanTV]

Hey I really appreciate the feedback and thanks so much for watching!

[@josephgray7105]

THANK YOU, this is exactly what i needed.

[@lionelhuts875]

Thanks so much for this info! About to buy my first shotgun and this answered a lot of questions.

[@deaneliot8230]

Another excellent video, I really appreciate what you do.

[@DasDutchman56]

The 88 works. No frills just the best Defense weapon for when the SHTF !

[@eastwood4006]

88 feels like a toy. Get a 590 at least

[@chrishudson2732]

Very good explanation of these. Thanks so much!!

[@LIFTEDIT1]

Love my 500 TR. Got light and front grip on the rails and will add collapsed stock. The 590 TR's makeup is really nice, wish I had that one.

[@MotecM]

Fantastic details provided in this video! Thanks

[@morteparla6926]

You can swap the forend and entire slide assembly of the 500/590 onto the 88, which will then make aftermarket pumps viable.

[@84BLACKLAGOON]

Thank you for that brake down of the three different types, your video was very informative! Keep them coming👍🏽

[@StringerNews1]

Very nice, thanks! Although not new to firearms, I'm new to shotgun ownership, and getting to know the basic differences between Mossberg models is quite helpful!

[@antoniocastillo9801]

What did you go with?

[@StringerNews1]

@@antoniocastillo9801 I went with the 500.

[@josephasdust1506]

A reason why the 590 A1s use metal trigger guards/safety tabs has to do with Navy complaints. They keep material datasheets on everything. On every fuel and oil, on every metal in the hull of the ship, down to the brass on a Chief's coverpin. So when mossberg was unwilling to share all technical data on the polymer they used in the the 500 trigger housings, the Navy said 'just make it out of this aluminum instead' and ergo, you have a trigger group that the Navy has specific data on incase you ever need to know the proper way to weld it or something. Remember, sometimes 'military grade' just means 'complies with bureaucracy'.

[@blakedavis2447]

They actually did it so people wouldn’t fuck up the gun when it hits a metal door or wall , or at least that’s what I’ve heard not sure about this whole “we need to know how you make your plastic” thing

[@johnrambo5619]

That's also the reason for the heavier barrel. Navy spec so it can hit bulkheads and hatches without getting messed up

[@darrenstettner5381]

Thanks Chris! This is exactly the information I was looking for . Great video.

[@ElGallo1994]

Very nice and informative video. I’m in the market for a shotgun. I’ve owned a Mossberg 500 with a pistol grip, tactical hand guard, and ghost sight. I’m leaning towards another one like the 500 you have in the middle. Although, I would just add a flashlight to it.

[@tiremaster4622]

Thanks Chris, great job.👍🏻

[@sherenbillable]

You helped me make up my mind! great explanation thanks

[@grunt4life657]

That heat shield is there to prevent the heat mirage from interfering with your sight picture after sustained firing. It will NOT protect you if you grab the HOT heat shield with your bare hand, you'll simply have a bunch of spots branded into your palm. The big difference between the 590 and the 590A1 is the thicker, heavier barrel and the parkerized finish (as opposed to matte bluing).

[@ZombieLincoln666]

huh? It’s from the original Winchester trench gun, so you could use the bayonet

[@bobmarwood4232]

Great vid Chris; learned much. Please consider making more tutorials in the same vein. Perhaps a vid on the 1022 or the 870. Best wishes to you and yours.

[@dumpsterchicken6287]

Great video! Thank you! I have a maverick 88 cruiser, and my next one will be the 590M.

[@JudahMaccabee_]

My story is pretty cool. Last year I bought the 590A1; my first ever shotgun purchase. It was also the first time I ever shot a shotgun. I put a turkey choke on it since it had the Accu Choke system, then I took it turkey hunting, which was my first ever turkey hunt too. I maxed out my tags. I got 3 turkeys with the 590A1, going on some rough and muddy terrain. I didn't have to worry about how to hold it or where to drop it. The 590A1 is built like a tank. This year I already got another turkey with it. Who said you can't hunt gobblers with a fighting shotgun?

[@JohnathanHendrix]

What all do you have to do to get the 590a1 ready for turkey hunting? Ive seen the 20 inch ones, but wouldn't you need to get a 28 inch one with the chokes? I am considering either the 590a1 or a 500 field and security.

[@JosephWheeler14]

Johnathan Hendrix me personally, I’ve bagged 5 birds with the 20” barrel. You may have to look into the legal requirements in your state, but if it’s permitted you can pretty much work with whatever you have. I do recommend using the proper choke though, it will help keep your pattern tight.

[@henryjw15]

Rogue-Spear what choke do you use? A Carlson or something else?

[@airsoftluke17]

Don’t you have to have your magazine tube reduced to 3?

[@tmaddrummer]

Thanks and Blessings Chris!

[@ninjamaster7724]

Finally,someone who knows the difference between the 500 & 590.

[@daitedve1984]

## scratches his head## Digit "9"?

[@troydixson1394]

Chipandduane

[@rocky7522]

I bought my maverick 88 like 15 years ago for around $125, have shot around 1000 shots with no issues

[@Gieszkanne]

After 1000 shots out of a shot gun ther should be no "issues" X )

[@SamhainBe]

Great video - answered all my Mossy questions!

[@herman66mi83]

Been looking. Thank you for the informative video.

[@realtxcowboy2860]

Outstanding vid, always wondered what was the difference between the 3 bc was looking to buy one

[@jackiezhang5585]

This video is the most useful comparation on Mossberg 500s

[@evanr.lowetechgamingandcoo1410]

Fishers, IN here great video bub!

[@DAVIDWTCS]

I guess I have a hybrid. It is marked Model 500, but it has a 590 magazine tube, barrel nut and a breacher barrel. It says "Homeland Defender" on the receiver. It came with an AR-style pistol grip extendable stock, but with the tang safety, that was impractical as you cannot manipulate the tang safety without releasing the pistol grip. I swapped stocks with my Maverick 88 with the crossbolt safety, which is mush better suited to the AR stock.

[@TheYTSucks]

Forgot to mention the Shockwave is a 590A1 with an14.5" heavy barrel.

[@FM-tx5es]

Great vid! So helpful! Thanks

[@davidcox9115]

Thanks for the information.. Well done

[@garyhanlon6055]

My Mossberg Maverick 88 is all this Vietnam Veteran needs to protect my Family and home ! In concert with other weapons strategically placed throughout our humble abode I feel confident That it probably won't end will for intruders who make bad decisions. Have a nice day 😉

[@biblebear6795]

Thinking about getting one of these and your comment was all needed for the extra nudge. Thank you for your service!

[@JP-148]

I have 2 Maverick 88's 12 and 20 gauge. For my limited needs I didn't see the need to spend the extra money for a 590 or anything else. Never an issue with either one.

[@brianwinters2131]

A very well stated summary.

[@netfun8087]

Excellent review

[@joecamel8182]

Very informative video. Thank you.

[@josiahthibodeaux]

That heat shielding feature is so cool.

[@JohnDoe-ud2cc]

I like the smoother shinier finish. My 500 has that finish and it better than parkerizing . A must for me though is the ghost ring sights, I love them. I can do 50 yard slug head shots with them.

[@paulhenkelman1651]

Good video!! I've been looking for 590 Mariner and I got lucky today. Selling my RIA M5 now lol.

[@shaunmckean5927]

Awesome Video Thanks. Looking at purchasing a Mossberg 590A1 Ghost Ring Sights Heavy Barrel but have been a little concerned about issues that have been posted on U Tube from Quality Control to function problems. I have noticed however that these videos are pretty old and primarily posted in 2013,2014 and nothing really in 2016,2017. In your experience have things improved with Mossberg and issues with this shotgun if in fact it had any.

[@ClickClack_Bam]

Thanks for this. Picked up a Mossberg 500 from a friend selling his. I own a Saiga 12 but now have the 500. Great video.

[@cordellscott]

Thanks for the explanation!!

[@jasonhorst9154]

Thank you very informative. I’ll take any one of them if I can find one

[@happyjohn354]

Love my 590A1 Retrograde it has both the heavy barrel and the heat shield.

[@ravelco9017]

Nice review. The 590A1 rocks! Though I also own one Remington 870. The Police version.

[@TheRobert1970]

Very good video Thanks.

[@kurtp5379]

For some reason they put a plastic safety on the shockwave. One of the first things I changed was to get a metal safety and an SB Tactical brace for it.

[@robertdodd9623]

Excellent video, but with the barrel options of the 500 and the fact it will support the metal 590 a1 trigger, I believe it's the best bang for the buck.

[@Teejaye1100]

Dude, this is a really good informative video. Appreciate it.

[@calebclark6739]

Glad to see Mossberg extend the mag tube on the 18” 7 shot 590a1 instead of the cheesy 2 shot extensions they put on the earlier model. I’m buying one now

[@Gieszkanne]

But this is only a 6 shot. The version with the extension has a 7 shot capacity.

[@vanwhalen3719]

Great review

[@bigdickwilly8209]

Great video

[@gregdiamond4328]

Excellent video 👍

[@jacksonfl]

Excellent job.

[@dumaflotchy13]

Great demo ...

[@jurist6498]

Very informative video from a fellow Hoosier.

[@ron-yv4jx]

Great video, Thank You....

[@savageshooter2248]

Just bought a used 500 model for 197 bucks out the door price at my local pawn shop .I had an 88 but traded it away . I couldnt pass up on the 18.5" 500 for that price.

[@ZDM314]

Proud 590a1 owner. More american than apple pie!

[@Tain950]

Excellent video

[@pault.mccain6637]

Thank you for this helpful video, very interesting and well done. God bless.

[@hzilla5550]

Mossberg didn't put a swivel attachment on the end tube on my 500. Just a loop sling on the pump. You have to replace the cap to attach a swivel eyelet. Of course no longer in stock at Uncle Mikes.

[@gingerbreadman1000]

I am new to these shotguns. Wonder if you can swap barrels, mag tube, or rather the whole front assembly between the 500 and the 88. Thanks for the video. Very informative.

[@2ndhandjoke]

You can swap out both barrel and magazine tube to the 20” barrel but has to be Done as a pair. You can not just swap out a 20” magazine with a 18.5” stock barrel of the 88. Not sure about the 500 though but if I wanted more capacity from my (5+1) 6 to say a 8 shell I would have to but both the 20” barrel and the 20” magazine type along with the spring and follower. There IS NO EXTENSION AVAILABLE. Nor will there be without major redesign or modification of the gun. I bought a used 20” combo barrel/mag tube set on eBay for $175.00. I paid $250 for the gun brand new online. Go figure.

[@JohnSmith-ng2ek]

Mossberg 500 all day

[@ronmeidlinger249]

I have a 590 with a heat shield and polymer trigger guard and polymer safety. Thag is how came from the box

[@Airplanetyson]

Does it say A1 or no?

[@Carriesaglock]

The 18.5” 590 with a 4.25” tube extension will hold 7+1 rounds, just like the 20” 500. Making the 18.5” 590 the best Mossberg pump.

[@CorkKNIFE]

The 590 Special Purpose comes with factory extended tube, heat shield, speedfeed stock and bayonet lug. I like that one.

[@guerom1367]

My 88 holds 8+1

[@darrenmuse]

I have a Maverick 88, but the 590 Shockwave looks bad ass!

[@RafsGunCollection]

Hows the 88 for you ?

[@darrenmuse]

@@RafsGunCollection Honestly? It's REALLY big! I wish I had the Shockwave. I should have held out. I like 20 gauge anyway though. I feel like it's enough stopping power and it's much lighter. I've always been happier with lighter firearms.

[@RafsGunCollection]

@@darrenmuse i have a Mossie 500

[@RafsGunCollection]

@@darrenmuse wood furniture on mine

[@Darthdoodoo]

That 8 shot 20 inch is sweet

[@MC-cl9ip]

Nicely done

[@jeffmwoods]

great video thanks

[@That_1_Outcast]

I picked up the Maverick 88 Special purpose the other day with a 20in barrel and can hold 7+1 for $250

[@gregoryadkins2213]

The Maverick is by far and away(IMO)the best value$199.00,vs anywhere from$325.00-550.00(in general)in my area for the other models.Unless you can pickup a 500,with 26 inch barrel included.

[@GhilleGhille]

Absolutely the best value. I purchased a 590A1 though because I want to splurge on my first gun and shotgun.

[@peterjoy931]

Where? Looking to pick one up for HD.

[@jbloun911]

$189.00 Dicks Sporting Goods

[@outlawgt3045]

I have a Maverick 88. I love it but I live in a high humidity area and Im starting to see rust.. I wiped it with motor oil to prevent rusting.. Im now looking to uograde to a 590 Mariner or a mag fed semi auto shotgun.. Leaning more towards Mariner for reliability... Ill throw my Maverick behind the seat of my pickup truck when I upgrade

[@ericbitzer5247]

​@@outlawgt3045If you throw the Maverick behind the seat of the truck, then it will definitely rust out.

[@magicalfrijoles6766]

Well done sir.

[@jimatwater7049]

Very good basic information for the Mossberg SG. Good review for both pre & post purchase.

[@dr.killjoy29]

Well done bud 👍😎💯

[@Dieseldap887]

Great Video Brother

[@johnrambo5619]

I recently discovered my 88 has a polymer receiver. Went to retap a screw hole when it started stripping out, and got some plastic with it. Probably 2500 rounds through it without issue, but it was surprising to discover this