Mossberg 500 & M590A1 Retro-Grade Shotguns Review

Its time for another shotgun review, and this one is a two-fer. We look at Mossberg's new "Retrograde" Model 500 and M590A1.
Both shotguns are chambered for 12 gauge (2&3/4th" & 3" Magnum shells), and both come from the factory with a set of hardwood furniture.
The basic 500 has an 18" barrel, 5+1 capacity, beed sight, and a blued finish to the metal.
The military style M590A1 has a 20" heavy wall barrel, 8+1 capacity, ghost ring sights, parkerized finish, and comes with both a bayonet lug and heat shield.
We examine each one, going over its features, as well as take one to the range for a quick test firing and review.
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/ mishaco
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This video is produced and published to KZbin for historical and educational purposes and to document and make record of the content herein publicly available for said purposes. The Mishaco channel is run by experienced and trained industry professionals and all activity portrayed and content herein is presented with all considerations to safety and in accordance with local, state, and the Federal law of the United States.

[@MarksmanTV]

I didn't know know Mossenberg was putting these out - thanks for the heads up!

[@misha5670]

I didn't either until we received some in at the store. I have them on GB at the moment, and also probably will keep the 500 myself, why not?

[@j.thomas3207]

Misha.. What is your GB page?

[@misha5670]

just 'mishaco' as usual.

[@John1911]

Mossberg has been teasing these on IG for a few months. I’m very excited.

[@raymondruiz5188]

@@j.thomas3207 gun broker

[@traeucity6087]

For those of us that are burned out on the tacticool look. Love 'em! That 590A1 will pair nicely with my 4" Smith and Wesson 586.

[@HK-qj4im]

586 with the old school target grips? Nice choice. We should be friends.

[@Training_Tsuna_]

Trae UCity I’m laughing because of our parallels. I bought a 581 no dash and was looking at this 500 retrograde to pair alongside it.

[@HAACKER45]

Love the retro trend going on right now. Wish those Inland M37 Trenchgun repros didn't cost such a ridiculous amount.

[@Anni3sgotagun]

HAACKER45 yes, I want an Inland as well as one of those 590A1 Retro

[@misha5670]

The Inland-Ithaca M37 is a damn nice shotgun though. If you wait, they do go on sale for around $900....not cheap but not insanity either.

[@Anni3sgotagun]

Misha yeah they are expensive, I have a Chinese M97 Trench Gun that slams fire, the original M37s slam fired as well but the repro doesn’t.

[@Anni3sgotagun]

Superunknown there’s no way FN won’t bring them back or sale the tooling to someone like Browning or Nighthawk or both

[@donavantew8566]

For real. The price is the only drawback. But the retro is so awesome. For guy's who like world war guns, just trough a Kerr sling, and period ammo pouch, and you would be good to go. World war supply makes 1907 slings and the dark brown will match the walnut stock set perfect. About 30 bucks. But thumbs up to mossburg, the retro shotgun is classic American . Love it

[@blackbird_actual]

I'm so glad that companies are starting to hop on the retro bandwagon. I've always wanted a combat/defensive style 500 with wood furniture. Definitely going to pick one up when I can.

[@misha5670]

Agreed, with shotguns I really like the classic look myself. If you end up wanting one, feel free to e-mail me. I am sure I'll keep these in stock as, well, I just like them hehe.

[@bobg3633]

You can go to almost any gun store and find an original im picking a 590 up from the 70s at a gun store near me next week

[@2wheeleddemon999]

I love my 500's. I bought them during my tacticool faze when I was a teenager so they are covered in Magpul. Now that I'm older I'm really wanting wood furniture on all my guns.

[@misha5670]

Magpul didn't exist really when i bought my first Mossberg, but I did put a VFG pump on it: a-la Duke Nukem 3D lol.

[@lioncelica5170]

You're turning into a boomer

[@kevinstafford4475]

Very cool looking. We had Mossbergs with the 18in barrel and pistol grip that we used as breach guns in Afghanistan and Iraq. Very reliable.

[@someguy2393]

I carried one through Ramadi, it took a beating but kept it n truckin

[@TheMosinCrate]

Thanks for the video Misha. Walked into a gun store today and saw this, was instantly drawn to it. Mossberg has a winner.

[@rackNslidez_24]

Finally landed one of these yesterday after looking everywhere for well over a year (not willing to pay auction prices)... Beautiful shotgun, well worth the wait!.. Thanks for the video 😎

[@herbertarriola9564]

I love this video. Not sure if you knew but Mossberg released a new 590 Retrograde for 2020 with an 18.5 barrel and heat shield with bead sights. Looks a cross between the two in this video. Thought a fellow Mossberg fan like yourself would appreciate that. Thank you for the videos.

[@cody4586]

Just sold my 500 flex and bought the 590a1 retrograde. Can’t wait to see it!

[@ybrik5937]

Cody Hamra When I got my first mossberg, it’s a 590A1 and was very disappointed upon finding out a rusted chamber and inside of the slide action tube. Please let me know how yours is when you receive it.

[@bondalero0074]

I got a deal awhile back on a used Mossberg 590 SP. It came with heat shield and I did upgrade it with metal safety and metal trigger assembly both from Brownells. It was on backorder forever; but now installed the metal upgrades and I consider it done!

[@revmarcell6449]

Very good presentation. I now want another shotgun.

[@misha5670]

haha, then my job is done.

[@AkiraFollower]

This is the best review for mossberg that I have seen. You speak naturally and informatively.

[@24Mossberg]

Love the re-release of the old school. I’ve had similar issues forgetting to switch the safety off, but once you (and I) get going, it shoots great.

[@harrystephens1658]

Shad e48 saddle bags

[@matejmatej3554]

I would be here sooner but I'm cooking oven grilled pork sausages and potato. So today I'm late but still love your content stay awesome as always and greetings from Slovenia

[@PLT-dq3dd]

Damn that sounds like some good chow!!

[@MishacoOBA]

Oh man that sounds good... Definitely having that for dinner. - Jay

[@jtlbz]

Awesome video I just bought mine 590 A1 retro for $635 shipped.

[@DomGiglio]

Yeah man...did you get it at that price from an online source???

[@Chris-yy5pj]

With my graduation coming up I think I found a present for myself 😂 love that 590. Reminds me of my grandfather's 1897 he kept from ww1

[@BilgePump]

Dat boi; Wheres that 1897???

[@BilgePump]

The Mavericks r made in Texas however they do use outsourced parts. That retro A1/500 is marketing genius on Mossbergs part and design is second to none at any price.

[@landenx]

That 590A1 is a thing of beauty 😍

[@ElTerrible666]

She once said, “That’s some sexy wood!”

[@misha5670]

Yes, but did it have an oil finish?

[@jeffreyponting9524]

So many people are posting pictures of their 590A1 that they have fitted with a wood stock and forend. The corn cob forend looks very good and are hard to find. I sold my mossberg 500 to get a 870 hardwood because I was unable to find furniture like this. Now I will definatley get a 500 hardwood or maybe two. I like the 590A1, but for civilian use the 500 has the edge. The 500 is light, well balanced, points very well, reliable, and 5 round magazine tube is easy to top off. With the 500 you can take off the 18.5" home defense barrel and go with a 28" choke barrel or a 24" rifle slug barrel.

[@austingloin2076]

Mossberg has stepped up their game on the current fit and finish on these guns, they are nice

[@rainmechanic]

Those walnut stocks are ten times nicer than the birch ones Mossberg used on the 500's back in the 70's and 80's.. That said, $700 will get you a nice vintage Winchester Model 12 Takedown and ive seen really clean 1970's 870 Wingmaster Police guns go for less than $500... My Uncle has a late 60's Wingmaster that he purchased new and the pump feels like it's riding on ball bearings.

[@SuperMarshall2009]

Rainmechanic - Shhhhh! : ) I want to keep buying vintage shotguns at good prices - That being said I do like the looks of the new Mossberg guns - It took mossberg a few decades to give us a good walnut set.

[@warmachine_1396]

rainmechanic I bought a police trade in 60s (forget which year exactly) 18" barreled Wingmaster 870 Shotgun 2 years ago off of gunbroker and ended up out the door with transfer fee and shipping at 250.00. The action is super smooth as you mentioned.

[@misha5670]

I've sold a lot of LE trade-in 870s in my day, and yep some are very nice & smooth. They typically go for $300-$400, but remember, that's pretty basic. Likewise, the basic 500 Retro goes for around $400 NIB with warranty, so not bad. $700 gets you a fully decked out M590A1, with the big assets being the heatshield, all metal parts, GRS, and of course wood stock set. Its not a bargain but really its a fair price IMO.

[@misha5670]

Yep, I've been selling IL state trade-in LEO 870s on GB for some time now. All the Wingmasters are gone now, but still have older Police Magnums w/ the blued finish and wood furniture. They are nice guns and one will appear in our next video in fact.

[@warmachine_1396]

@@misha5670 I bought a Suomi from you years ago. I can't recall if it was GunBroker or otherwise. What is your GunBroker username so I can put you on my list of saved searches?

[@iBleedStarsAndBars]

Love the furniture on the retro grade

[@Shot_Gunner]

I’m a huge fan of the retro shotguns. Riot and trench shotguns specifically. I have an old savage 12ga with a 20in barrel. I’m looking to buy the 500 retrograde to make a good pair. Great video! 🤠

[@andyfisher1937]

FYI: Mavericks by Mossberg are made in Eagle Pass, Tx. USA. Not Mexico.

[@anthonyw895]

I'm a Mossberg owner ,great guns.Are the parts made in Mexico then assembled in Texas?

[@anthonyw895]

Mavericks I'm speaking of

[@D_S_88]

I don't even need another shotgun...but that wood furniture is mesmerizing! Thanks for the thorough review. I'm buying one of these later this year.

[@JohnB-le2pi]

I prefer the 500 version - Clean & mean! Great video Misha!

[@misha5670]

For me this was definitely a case of 'buy both.' The 590A1 is decked out and has everything..but it is pretty heavy and a tad long. The 500 is much lighter and 2" shorter, so it is just faster handling. Both have their place.

[@elitetrader5468]

When you get a Mossberg 590A1 you should make the following changes: 1. Change the stock to the Magpul SGA. 2. Change the Magpul recoil pad to a Limbsaver Airtech recoil pad. 3. Add the Magpul SGA receiver sling mount for a slick 1 point set up. 4. If your safety sucks (i.e. requires 100 lb of force to engage it) then change it to the Vang Comp big speed safety.

[@sooner5484]

Cool. Everyone needs at least one Mossberg 500 in the family, and best of all still legal in NZ. Thank you for the excellent review, cheers.

[@nondescriptstraightwhitema6138]

... that right there is a proper shotgun. thank you for showing it to me.

[@GunGlutton]

THIS IS THEIR BEST IDEA SINCE THE MODEL 500

[@misha5670]

I like that Mossberg, unlike Remington, offers a milspec style version of their shotgun. If Remington would do an 870 dressed up like a M870 MK I or something, I'd buy immediately.

[@dougroy6372]

I have to say that when I saw this video I had to get one and I called a couple of the gun shops that I buy from the last one that I called told me that they were getting in a few of these next week and after watching this video I bought one and the dealer told me I will get it in about a week. Thanks again for this great video

[@dougroy6372]

Roman N The gun shop that I bought my 590 A-1 from pre sold the other 2 before they got them in.But I did find another gun shop that will be getting in the new Mossberg 590 Retros 2020 edition this week which will be a 12 gauge 20 inch cylinder bore barrel 8+1 with the wood furniture with the bayonet lug and the price is $495 plus $35 shipping.at Oakland guns.com . The sku number is 52150 and you can check it out on Mossberg.com

[@dougroy6372]

Roman N I don’t have the Mossberg 500 Retro. Do you?

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

Well I know this video was 4 years ago , but these 590A1’s are retailing for over $900 now ! Yikes 😳 Is it worth buying ? Idk 🤷‍♂️ but I sure do like it ! Nice review 😎

[@kylesanders8276]

Such a gorgeous model with the dark cherry finish. It's Jurassic Park meets cruiser carry

[@MisterCee41510]

11:10 one of the greatest shotgun racks off all time

[@zombiekiller892]

Great video i do love a Mossberg 500

[@misha5670]

Thanks very much for watching, cheers.

[@unknownunknown-eb6zj]

i have been looking into a new shotty and considering the 590A1. what a great video and comparison to my trusty 500 i`ve had for 20+ years and the newer less tactical-tactical model. Thanks for the Video great as always i`m sold on the 590A1 Retrograde now!

[@RH-ke3od]

The USAF has also used 870s and 500s for bird control on airfields..I have seen this done at "remote locations"

[@misha5670]

I 100% believe that. It makes total sense.

[@RH-ke3od]

@@misha5670 at one of our former locations that has alot of sand around it, airfield mangement also used olympic/high grade air rifles with scopes for bird control, they were nice enough to allow our aircrews to check them out and go on hunts to mantain bird control around the field. The only stipulation was they had to bring the fowl back so they could log what was migrating about😉

[@CGRLCDR]

Mishaco Thanks for the great review. I plan to get a 590A1 retrograde asap - I just sold my motorcycle so I have a little extra cash. I'm probably going to get a bayonet along with it, although I don't ever expect to need or use it. During the Vietnam War I carried a Winchester M97 and usually fixed the bayonet just for the fun of it. This will be the closest I come to that. Can't wait to see my friends at the range cringe when I fix the bayonet. The range officer will probably ask me to remove it.

[@Murphturf408]

Just bought a 590 retro before seeing this video!! I’m excited!!

[@scottfabel7492]

Got one of these 590A1 Retros with the heat shield. Love it!

[@mattmorrison9379]

Was just reading about these last night..they look nice

[@misha5670]

Both Jay and I like them.

[@richardescareno2433]

What a great looking shotgun. Classic mossberg 590 A1.

[@Fireinahorn]

Just got my 590A1 after seven months backorder. QC has gone down. 1. Assembled dry 2. Recoil pad was loose screws were started but were not tightened down. 3. Safety was super hard to move, had to break it loose and oil 4.. Front sling stud when tight is off by about 25 or 30 degrees....

[@brandonmckittrick2822]

Man you sold me on the retro-grade Mossberg Model 500. I see them on gun broker and definitely will be buying one.

[@sttvoyager1727]

Awesome looking shotgun Misha. As always Thanks for sharing your love of the second amendment. My FAVORITE pump shotgun is my original Winchester 1301. That is an all time classic shotgun....

[@sheepinwolvesclothing7909]

The 590a1 retrogrades are going for about 1,400 right now.

[@lucky-rowe2623]

For sure.. Not $700 anymore. If you can find one at a store they are $920 and Gunbroker is $1200+

[@Pozilla-xh8xv]

I went and put one on lay a way at my local store $700 plus tax for 590a1. I bought it because I saw this review!

[@guysmith183]

Thank you for the info on relocating the front swing swivel stud (@7:20) on the 590A1.

[@jamesyman007]

Great, informative Vid. I just bought one at an online auction and expect to get it soon. Really excited.

[@ronwissinger2678]

Nice set of mossberg 's the shotgun is so versatile and just fun to take out and shoot 👍

[@kyle47922]

I love this retro-grade shotgun it looks like the one that was used in the movie Dead Presidents.

[@topturretgunner]

Hello Mishaco I am the happy owner of a 1999 production Mossberg 590 SP. A pawn shop purchase it seemed like practically new when I bought it. It is equipped with heat shield and ghost ring sights. I think that the 500 series Mossbergs are more well thought out ergonomically in regards to the tang mounted safety and the ease in top off loading or loading on the fly in a stressful situation with the shell elevator design. While I think the Remington 870 a fine pump shotgun I think the Mossberg 590 in particular an overall more well thought out design. They of course passing the military acceptance tests with flying colors. I would trust this shotgun in the proverbial SHTF scenario!

[@krisclay1362]

Figured i'd get the 500 6 shot when taxes came. But wanted to get it parkerized in dark grey or black to complete the vintage styling of the 60's to 70's era mossbergs. Tracking down a heat shield would be just an added bonus. The finish on the furniture looks amazing.

[@rogerloess2379]

Coincidence this just came out, I was planning on getting a moss 590a1 synth stock and making an old school trench build out of it, guess this will save me the time and effort

[@gmcenroe]

I am always on the lookout for an old but well cared for Remington Wingmaster 870. These look nice also.

[@misha5670]

And i stock older 870 Wingmasters at the store usually. I have some nice LE trade in ones atm.

[@CGRLCDR]

Hi Mishaco, thanks to your superb review, I just purchased a Mossenburg 590A1 Retrograde. I'll probably take it to the range in the next couple of days. The retro features are great and out of the box it's as smooth as any well-broken in shotgun I have. I'm probably going to order an OKC3S bayonet and an adapter-spacer to extend the magazine tube cap. I can't wait to try it out blowing up a few 1 gallon water jugs with birdshot. If any get away, I'll stab them with my bayonet. The shotgun was a bit pricey, but I traded in my SA M1A and then had to kick in a little over one hundred cash. No big deal. Thanks again - you do good reviews.

[@1970banjoman]

I've been researching and planning to buy the 590A1. Picked out the model and everything, the day I was ready to place my order these came out of course I ordered one can't wait to get it the 590A1. Personally I would have rather the 590a1 with bead sight, but couldn't wait for that model to come out.

[@1970banjoman]

Got my 590a1 retrograde today. Its as badass as I had hoped it would be. Picking up a mint Phrobis III bayonet for it tomorrow.

[@eManuel43]

Just grabbed the 590a1 retro for $850. Had the option to grab 590 retro for $530. I dont think there's much difference besides the sights and slight upgrades that wont really matter to me but i couldn't help myself.

[@BezmenovDisciple]

I’m torn between these two as well and I keep hearing conflicting info on what’s better, ghost ring or bead. How do you like the 590a1 so far?

[@notsosilentmajority1]

Well done. Can't find the 590A1 Retrograde anywhere other than the auction sites right now. Of course, if you're willing to overpay you can find one. Nice review and great shotguns. 👍

[@OD_G00N]

Got an SKS with the classic wood furniture still on it, and getting wood grips for my CZ 82 soon from the Marschall brothers. In lieu of my recent appreciation for nice wood on our bang sticks, I think this would fit my niche and needs perfectly! Still gotta get a shotgun for my collection, anyhow.

[@ShutUpBubi]

I'm gonna pick up the 18.5 inch 590 Retrograde

[@357lockdown]

Very thorough review, thank you.

[@The.Combine]

Good review. Respect from Russia.

[@AaronJZY]

I enjoy your videos. I really want one of these so your topic selection is very timely Thanks

[@owengune]

Great video, you really know you Mossberg's.

[@Jace8637]

I like it I had the Mossberg 500 Persuader with the furniture like this except it was the synthetic Palmer whatever it is glass-filled nylon or whatever but I like the retrograde and you know I've always been a fan of wood you know the way it feels just feels better than a synthetic polymer rifle but yeah I'm thinking about taking one of these up they got in at Bud's Gun Shop for 385

[@zombiekiller892]

I finally picked up a mossberg 590 the only thing is it has a little bit play in the barrel i was told this is normal but dont know anyway great shotgun and once again great vid bud

[@NathanIsRacin]

Please do a brief overview of the retrograde shockwave when you get one in the shop. Blued steel and wood is just right on a shotgun.

[@archiecunningham3734]

Great review bra. I gotta have the 590. But the 500 would be more practical for me. The 590 is my favorite. With a sling and bayonet.

[@bruceford6264]

Mavericks made in Eagle Pass, TX. Does have some parts from south of the border...IJS..

[@nomas9862]

Mishaco I haven't even watched much of the video, and I'm subscribing. I can't put my finger on it; but something about you I really like!

[@MishacoOBA]

Thank you!

[@shanek6582]

Looked for a heat shield for my 590a1 a couple years ago and they didn’t make one, looks like they’ve got one now that fits that heavy barrel.

[@CitizenCarry]

I LOVE this video! Of courses the CCC subbed!! Thanks for this!

[@MishacoOBA]

Thank you!

[@minonuno3041]

I've been looking for one

[@brandontoddrocks]

B E A utiful, both are excellent, Im torn

[@jimmyreese918]

I bought the mossberg 590A1 6+1model #50776 18.5 inch barrel. Got my heat shield from aimpro tactical just havent put it on yet. $69.00 + shipping about $80.00.. Wish mossberg would just put. Heat shields on at a customers request

[@robkilcollins310]

Great heads up! Thank you for making and sharing!

[@misha5670]

I still like my Mossenbergs a lot.

[@paulgvb4]

William you’re a stud!

[@victorparker308]

Will the lug accept a bayonet and sling at the same time?

[@kevinraimond7658]

Beautiful SG's

[@petergagnon6851]

Ithaca 37 , slap shoot (no disconnect) is my favorite pump The one I have is in 99% NRA Parkerized finish, oil finish stock Did you do a video on one

[@Bigcal44]

$400 for that 500? I paid $699. I paid $999 for the 590. These times suck.

[@damacknificent151]

Just purchased a M590a1 xs model with ghost ring and picatiny rail all in black which i dont really want the tacticool look. Would like to buy that furniture when it becomes available.

[@ryanvargas4889]

Damnit. Now I have to buy two more shotguns that I already own two of.

[@sampsin1]

Love me a Mosenberg

[@misha5670]

hehe yep

[@austinrhec4570]

I love your videos, keep it up buddy!!! Beautiful shotguns

[@petercarmody4897]

I have the 590 and want to see if I can buy the wood furniture to replace it's polymer.

[@ybrik5937]

Peter Carmody Mossberg Cx rep said it will be eventually available once production has caught up with demand. Could be half to a year though. I would still wait though. No plans of getting another mossy for now..,

[@doomcrewoutdoors1613]

Numrich gun parts has the wood stocks and wood corncob forend. I bought myself some, they are nice

[@ybrik5937]

@@doomcrewoutdoors1613 I find what numrich has a darker finish than normal than what mossberg has.

[@doomcrewoutdoors1613]

@@ybrik5937 what they sent me is a lot lighter than what is shown in this video

[@ybrik5937]

Wesley Stump Well that’s nice. Who made those? Or numrich resells them?

[@HansVanderVeken]

thank god you didn't lose your nut :D I really like my Moss 500A1 marine magnum, shoot a lot of competition with it.

[@misha5670]

They are just good, solid guns aren't they?

[@HansVanderVeken]

@@misha5670 yes, i have the marine magnum i put some ghostrings on it and AR style butstock, i was 4th with it at the nationals pump action. Indistructable best thing i paid about 250 euro for it second hand.

[@arlenleffmann4966]

Nice looking guns. I love that look.

[@ElTerrible666]

I’d like to see the SPX barrel on that 590.

[@misha5670]

SPX barrel? Which one are you thinking of?

[@ElTerrible666]

Misha A2 style front sight and ported barrel. I have the 20” M590a1 SPX. Great shotgun. Pricey but a great shotgun.

[@blakemahan1251]

Such a hard choice on which one to get!

[@raymondruiz5188]

Love the wood furniture

[@johnmorganjr769]

Very well done Sir!

[@DarkBurntRamen]

Hey bro! Very good opinions and information you got a sub for life! ♥️

[@MishacoOBA]

Thank you!

[@johnski4709]

That was me that inquired about whether you guys had put these together as I had just watched a video on that Polish AK that you guys had threaded and enlarged the magazine well to take double-stack mags. I looked and at the time there was NO info on this new retro shotgun, not even on Mossberg's site at the time. Didn't mean top cause such offense and I'm pretty sure I did not type my question to you in any kind of sarcastic manner. *shrug*

[@The_secondbattalion]

I like the 590 more it has the trench gun feeling to it both beautiful but 590 is sexy.

[@nathanielrasey]

why doesn't Mossberg offer the stock set as a separate purchasable item on their website store? they advertise this and the nightstick but don't show the stock set......or a replacement heavy walled barrel.

[@bondalero0074]

I ran into same problem with 590 sp just changed metal safety/trigger assembly and called it a day! Got both at Brownells

[@chimitjunior4336]

hi mr mishaco this is a mossberg 500 & 590A1 retrograde it can for the self defense mr