Mossberg 590A1

Military shotguns are always a fascinating topic. Shotguns are never mainline infantry weapons, but when called upon, are an unbeatable option. The Mossberg 590A1 is the military's pump-action shotgun of choice, and its seen combat across the world, including in Afghanistan and Iraq. Why is the Mossberg 590A1 the military's choice? Well, let's see.

Unbeatable Dependability

The Mossberg 500 series is the only shotgun to pass the U.S. Army's Mil-Spec 3443E test. This test requires 3,000 rounds of full power 12 gauge buckshot and is a brutal test. It takes shotguns to the edge of their performance and then gives them a little more push. The Mossberg survived and passed the test without fault. The 590A1 is a spectacular shotgun with unbeatable dependability.

Downright Durable

The 590A1 is outfitted with two features that make it different than the standard 590. Both are designed to increase the durability of the shotgun. The barrel is a heavy-walled design that both resists heat and damage. The second upgrade is the heavy metal trigger group that is near impossible to break. This combination gives the 590A1 a mass increase in strength in the areas in which the gun needs it most.

The Ambidextrous Angle

Lots of different people serve in the military and believe it, or not some of them are left-handed. The 590A1 is a pump-action shotgun with a perfectly placed tang safety. The safety is easily defeated by either rights and lefties. The pump release is also easily accessed by both types of shooters. The 590A1 fits more shooters than competing models and delivers a more accessible weapon.

The Boom

The 590A1 is a 12 gauge shotgun, and at its core, this is a powerhouse of a round. The shotgun is designed for close quarter's use, and power and decisiveness is a must for a close quarter's weapon. The 590A1 is also called up as a breacher's weapon and a less-lethal weapon. As a pump-action shotgun, it's versatile and can be used reliably with a wide variety of different rounds.

Because Bayonets

The 590A1 is equipped with a bayonet mount that allows a soldier or Marine to slap a bayonet on for when things get a little too close for comfort. In the real world, the bayonet is a bit silly, but you can't deny the appeal of sticking a knife onto the end of your shotgun. A bayonet mount seals the deal for the United States Military and me.

The Ole Pump Gun

The Mossberg 590A1 is a hall of fame shotgun with a storied history and a successful career fighting bad guys across the globe. This American-made titan is also available to anyone who desires one, and it's available in a variety of different configurations. This ole pump gun ain't going nowhere anytime soon, so if you want one, get one. It's the perfect home defense shotgun and honestly might be a bit overbuilt for the task, and being overbuilt is never a bad thing.