[Cube3601]

What's the difference between the Mossberg 500 and 590 series shotguns? Is either of them better than the other? Can you tell just from looking at one of them which one is a 500 and which is a 590? And, given the choice, which would you rather have?

 

[Sander]

Try this one, Cube: http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=2763&highlight=mossberg+500+590

There are a couple more if you search for them. This question comes up now and then. Mossberg's website isn't really crystal clear on the subject, either...

 

[Iggy Hazard]

Yes, you can tell just by looking at them. The 8-shot 500 has a magazine cap that looks like a disc. It's attached to the barrel. The 9-shot 590 has a magazine cap that's seperate from the barrel and looks more like the cap on an 870 (in comparison to the 500's cap). The 6-shot 500 is easily distinguishable.

As for recommendations, it depends. If you plan on converting it with a Knoxx Sidewinder Tactical conversion kit, go for the shorter 500 (the 6-shot version). If money is an issue and you don't plan on converting it to a Sidewinder, go for the 8-shot 500. If money isn't an issue and you don't plan on converting it, go for the 9-shot 590.

The differences between the 8-shot 500 and the 9-shot 590 (aside from capacity) are all in the front of the guns. It's easier to find a Parkerized 590 than a Parkerized 500. Most 500s are blued. Some are Parkerized. Some have Marinecoat.

Mossbergs can't accept magazine extentions (discluding Sidewinder detachable mags). The 8-shot 500 and the 9-shot 590 already have maxed-out capacities, though. The 6-shot 500 looks like it should have been designed as a 7-shot. There's enough room between the end of the magazine tube and the muzzle to easily fit another round's length of tube and a longer spring.

The Armscor M-30 (a piece of crap but better than nothing) looks like a hybrid of a Mossberg 500 and a Winchester M-12. It has similar dimensions to a Mossberg 500 but it has a 7-round capacity (6+1, 2 3/4" only). However, it can't take Magnums. All in all, regardless of the 7th round, the Armscor M-30 is no substitute for the 6-shot version of the Mossberg 500 (let alone the 8-shot version).

 

[LHSLancer36]

Check out www.knoxx.com for info about Sidewinder conversions for the Mossberg 590.

This is from their website:

*The Mossberg version of the Sidewinder™ will fit the following 12-gauge Mossberg pump shotguns: 500, 500A, Cruiser, Persuader, 590, 590A1, Maverick 88, and most other versions with dual action bars. All Mossberg 590 versions and all 9-shot models will require the purchase of a Knoxx-supplied adapter ($19.95) to complete the conversion

 

[Cube3601]

Thanks a lot guys. But I'm not sure after reading some posts how Mossbergs will stand up to being used almost constantly. There was a post in there that said that one guy had seen multiple Mossberg recievers crack under competition.
Now to the personal stuff: If I got one, I'd probably use it heavily (both a lot and under stress) for target practice/trap shooting/home defense.
Any reply to this post as well would be great. Thanks again.