# Mossberg 590A1 Tactical: Compact 12 GA Shotgun, 18.5" Barrel **Brand:** Mossberg **Category:** Pump-Action Shotguns **Caliber:** 12 Gauge ## Specifications - **Caliber:** 12 Gauge - **Barrel Length:** 18.5" - **Capacity:** 6 rounds - **Finish:** Black Parkerized - **Weight:** 112 oz - **Overall Length:** 39.5" - **UPC:** 015813507769 - **SKU:** UCHGBrkv ## Description The Mossberg 590A1 is a pump-action 12-gauge shotgun built for tactical and defensive use. The 18.5-inch barrel keeps it handy indoors without giving up meaningful range, and Parkerized finish shrugs off corrosion better than blued steel. ### Key Specifications - **Caliber:** 12 GA - **Barrel Length:** 18.5 inches - **Capacity:** 7 rounds - **Weight:** 7.3 lbs. - **Finish:** Black Parkerized ### Detailed Features The pump action cycles reliably even when dirty, which is one reason this model has a long service history with law enforcement. A bead front sight keeps target acquisition simple; no rear sight to snag or lose zero. The fixed cylinder bore choke gives a wide, predictable pattern at defensive distances. The 590A1 specifically uses a heavier barrel wall and a metal trigger guard and safety button compared to standard 500 series guns. Those aren't cosmetic upgrades, they're the parts that take abuse during heavy use. ### Target Audience Home defenders, law enforcement, and serious range shooters who want a proven pump gun that tolerates neglect and hard use. ### Usage Scenarios - Home defense, where 7+1 capacity and a cylinder bore pattern at short range are practical. - Range training, where the straightforward manual of arms is easy to drill. - Hunting small game, though a fixed cylinder bore limits range on longer shots. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: What caliber is the 590A1?** A: The 590A1 is chambered in 12 gauge. **Q: What is the barrel length of the 590A1?** A: It has an 18.5-inch barrel. **Q: How many rounds does the 590A1 hold?** A: It has a 7-round capacity. **Q: Who makes the 590A1?** A: The 590A1 is made by Mossberg. **Q: What type of firearm is the 590A1?** A: It is a pump-action 12-gauge shotgun. **Q: What finish does the 590A1 have?** A: It has a black Parkerized finish, which resists corrosion better than blued steel. **Q: Where can I buy the 590A1?** A: Compare current vendor offers on this page. ## What Reviewers Say *Quoted verbatim from YouTube reviews. Each link opens the video at the moment quoted.* > Nice thing about the ghost ring sights on these guns is that you know you should be able to get a little bit of precision and they do pick up quite nice. > > — [Iraqveteran8888](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu1GuKhC7bY&t=174s) > Much much better in terms of the group out of this gun that little rigid 14 inch barrel with the modified choke its grouping that buckshot really nice. > > — [Iraqveteran8888](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu1GuKhC7bY&t=265s) > I think if this were going to be a truck gun or a home defense gun or something like that I think that's probably the round that I would stick with there. > > — [Iraqveteran8888](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu1GuKhC7bY&t=273s) > You've got a lowly trigger guard you don't have to worry about those tabs breaking off like you would on a plastic trigger guard. > > — [Iraqveteran8888](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu1GuKhC7bY&t=77s) ## What Customers Say *AI-generated insights from customer reviews* The 590A1 Tactical with the 18.5" barrel gets consistently positive marks in user discussions. Reliability is the most common theme. Owners report it keeps cycling through various ammunition types and after extended use without cleaning. Build quality gets specific praise for the heavy barrel and the metal trigger guard and safety, which feel more substantial than what you find on standard 500 series guns. Newer shooters find the controls intuitive, and experienced shotgunners appreciate that there's not much to learn or break. The compact size comes up a lot for home defense buyers. It handles tightly in hallways and stores well without a long profile sticking out. Recoil is real, it's a pump 12 gauge, but most users find it manageable at the 7.3 lb weight. The platform accepts lights, slings, and aftermarket stocks, so customization options are reasonable. The main criticism is capacity: 7 rounds is modest compared to some tactical shotguns. Most users consider it an acceptable trade-off for the reliability record. Price-to-performance is generally seen as fair for what you get. ## Similar Products - [Mossberg 590A1 Tactical Defender 12GA Pump Shotgun - 18.5" Barrel](https://gunsnation.com/p/mossberg-590a1-tactical-defender-12ga-pump-shotgun-18-5-barrel/UCHGBrjR) - [Mossberg 590A1 Tactical Pump Shotgun - 12 Ga, 18.5" Heavy Barrel](https://gunsnation.com/p/mossberg-590a1-tactical-pump-shotgun-12-ga-18-5-heavy-barrel/UCHGBrj3) - [Mossberg 590A1 MilSpec Tactical 12GA Pump Shotgun - M-LOK, 6+1 Capacity](https://gunsnation.com/p/mossberg-590a1-milspec-tactical-12ga-pump-shotgun-m-lok-6-1-capacity/UCHGBrjA) - [Mossberg 590 Retrograde 12 GA Pump Shotgun - 18.5" Barrel Classic](https://gunsnation.com/p/mossberg-590-retrograde-12-ga-pump-shotgun-18-5-barrel-classic/UCHGBvKa) - [Mossberg 590A1 Tactical Security Shotgun, 12 Gauge](https://gunsnation.com/p/mossberg-590a1-tactical-security-shotgun-12-gauge/UCHGBuLJ) - [Mossberg 590A1 Tactical Shotgun - 12 GA, 20" Heavy Barrel, Black](https://gunsnation.com/p/mossberg-590a1-tactical-shotgun-12-ga-20-heavy-barrel-black/UCHGBu3r) --- *Data from [GunsNation](https://gunsnation.com)*