24-Jul-2026
Search interest in Mossberg’s two pump-action stalwarts keeps ticking along in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. The Mossberg 500 and Mossberg 590 look similar at a glance, share the same basic action, and often sit within touching distance of each other on price. Yet they were designed with different jobs in mind, and that shapes which one belongs in your cabinet. If you’ve been weighing up a Mossberg 500 against a Mossberg 590, this guide walks through the practical differences that matter to British shooters.
A shared action with two different briefs
The Mossberg 500 arrived in the early 1960s as an affordable, dependable working shotgun, and it has since become one of the best-selling pump-actions ever made. The 590 came later, developed to meet military specifications for a harder-wearing pump gun. Both use Mossberg’s familiar twin action bars, anti-jam elevator and the ambidextrous top-mounted safety that left-handed shooters rightly love.
The core distinction is purpose. The 500 was built as a versatile field gun, a do-it-all shotgun for pest control, rough shooting and general duties. The 590 was built to take sustained hard use, with a heavier barrel profile and a design that makes cleaning and maintenance in rough conditions simpler. Neither approach is “better” in the abstract; they simply suit different owners.
Build and construction differences
The most commonly cited difference sits at the muzzle end. The 500 uses a barrel retained via a bolt that threads into the end of the magazine tube, and its magazine tube is closed at the front. The 590 uses an open-ended magazine tube with a removable cap, which allows the tube to be stripped for cleaning without tools, part of its military heritage.
Beyond that, 590 variants typically carry heavier-walled barrels, and the 590A1 sub-variant adds a metal trigger guard and metal safety button where standard models use polymer. In the hand, a 590 generally feels a touch more muzzle-heavy and rugged; a 500 feels lighter and livelier, closer to a conventional sporting gun.
The UK ownership picture
In Britain, pump-action shotguns occupy a slightly different space than they do in America, and magazine capacity affects which certificate a particular gun falls under. Configuration matters, so always confirm the exact specification of the gun you’re viewing and make sure it matches what your certificate allows. Both models appear on the UK used market in a range of configurations, and dealers listing on Rightgun.uk state the relevant details on each listing, so read them carefully and ask the seller if anything is unclear.
Practically speaking, UK owners use these guns for pest control, wildfowling in some configurations, practical shotgun disciplines and general utility work around farms and smallholdings. The 500’s lighter handling suits walked-up vermin control; the 590’s robustness appeals to practical shotgun competitors and anyone who values a gun that shrugs off neglect.
Handling, reliability and running costs
Reliability is the headline for both. The Mossberg pump action has a deserved reputation for functioning in dirty conditions and digesting a wide range of cartridges, which is part of why the platform has endured for six decades. Spares and aftermarket support are plentiful, and most competent gunsmiths know the action inside out.
On running costs there is little between them. Both are chambered for widely available 12-bore ammunition in most UK examples, and neither is fussy about load quality in the way some semi-autos can be. If you want context on ammunition choices, our guide to popular shotgun cartridges is a useful companion read.
Where they diverge is feel. The 500’s slimmer barrel and lighter weight make it quicker to the shoulder and less tiring on a long session. The 590 rewards deliberate shooting; its extra weight soaks up recoil noticeably, which practical shooters running heavier loads will appreciate.
Used values and what to look for
The used market treats both generously. Mossbergs hold modest price tags relative to their durability, which makes them one of the best value-per-pound propositions in the pump-action world. When inspecting a used example, check the action bars for smooth travel without grittiness, look at the magazine tube for dents, and confirm the safety clicks positively between positions. Bores should be bright, and on older 500s it’s worth checking the polymer safety button hasn’t gone brittle.
Because these guns are often bought as working tools, cosmetic wear is common and shouldn’t put you off if the mechanics are sound, but it should be reflected in the price. Our general advice in where to buy and sell guns online in the UK applies here: buy through reputable, specialist channels and ask for detailed photographs of the action and bore.
So which one should you buy?
Choose the Mossberg 500 if you want a lighter, general-purpose pump gun for pest control and rough duties, and you’d rather carry less weight over a day in the field. Choose the 590 if you want maximum ruggedness, simpler deep-cleaning, better recoil absorption with stout loads, or you’re shooting practical disciplines where the gun will work hard.
Honestly, most owners would be well served by either, the deciding factors are handling preference and the specification of the individual gun in front of you, particularly on the used market where condition trumps model designation.
Accessories and configuration tips
Part of the Mossberg appeal is how easily both models adapt. Stocks, fore-ends, barrels and sights swap readily, and the UK aftermarket carries most of what the American market enjoys. Field shooters often fit a simple bead or fibre-optic sight and leave it there; practical shotgun competitors add extended controls and improved sights. Whatever you fit, keep the gun’s configuration consistent with your certificate conditions.
One practical tip for used buyers: barrels are interchangeable within gauge and capacity families, so a gun sold with a spare barrel is worth a premium. And because the top-mounted safety is fully ambidextrous, both models are among the best factory choices for left-handed shooters, something the used listings rarely shout about but southpaws should note.
FAQs
Is the Mossberg 500 or 590 better for home use in the UK? UK shotgun ownership is tied to legitimate sporting, pest control and work purposes, so choose based on your intended shooting rather than anything else. For general utility and pest control, the 500’s lighter handling gives it the edge for most people.
Are Mossberg spares easy to get in the UK? Yes, the platform’s popularity means parts and aftermarket furniture are widely available through UK dealers and importers, and most gunsmiths are familiar with the action.
What’s the difference between a 590 and a 590A1? The 590A1 is the heavier-duty military specification variant, with a thicker-walled barrel, metal trigger guard and metal safety button in place of polymer parts.
Do pump-action shotguns need a different licence in the UK? The certificate a pump-action falls under depends on its configuration, particularly magazine capacity. Always check the specification stated on the listing and confirm it matches your certificate before buying.
Find your Mossberg on Rightgun.uk
Whether you land on the workhorse 500 or the tank-like 590, the best way to decide is to compare real examples side by side. Browse current Mossberg 500 listings, Mossberg 590 listings and the full range of Mossberg shotguns for sale from trusted UK sellers on Rightgun.uk, the dedicated marketplace for the British shooting community.
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