The Mossberg 590 Nightstick is a pump-action 12 Gauge with an 18.5-inch barrel and a walnut pistol grip. At 26.5 inches overall and 5.25 lbs it's genuinely compact for a 12 Gauge, which is the whole point of this configuration. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: 590 Nightstick 
• Caliber: 12 Gauge 
• Action Type: Pump Action 
• Capacity: 6 + 1 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 18.5 inches 
• Overall Length: 26.5 inches 
• Weight: 5.25 lbs. 
• Finish: Matte Bluing with Walnut Stock 
• Sights: Front Bead (Fixed) 
• Choke Type: Cylinder Bore 
   

Detailed Features 

The 18.5-inch barrel is the shortest legal length for a shotgun, which drives the 26.5-inch overall length. That's short enough to handle around interior doorways without the barrel catching on the frame. The 590 uses a metal trigger guard and safety (rather than plastic), which is one of the features that distinguishes the 590 from the 500 series. The top-mounted tang safety stays accessible regardless of which hand you shoot with. 
 
Cylinder bore gives you the widest pattern at close range without needing a choke tube. The walnut pistol grip is the defining aesthetic detail here. It looks different from the typical synthetic stocks in this class and provides a comfortable, firm hold. 
 
At 6+1 the magazine capacity is solid for a defensive shotgun. The pump action cycles 12 Gauge reliably across a range of shell lengths. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

For home defense the compact dimensions are the primary appeal. At 26.5 inches it navigates interior spaces more easily than a standard 28-inch or longer shotgun. For range or sport use it handles well and the weight keeps it from being tiring to run. The 12 Gauge cylinder bore pattern is not ideal for hunting past close range, but for defensive use that's the right trade-off.

Owner feedback on the Mossberg 590 Nightstick in 12 Gauge is largely positive, with the compact dimensions and Mossberg's reliability reputation as the two most consistent themes.

The build quality is frequently praised. Mossberg's 590 series has a long track record and owners of the Nightstick note that the construction feels durable and carries that reputation through. The compact size is the design's main selling point and owners confirm it lives up to it. The 26.5-inch overall length makes it noticeably easier to handle in confined spaces compared to longer shotguns.

The walnut grip gets specific attention. Owners like the look and feel of it relative to the synthetic pistol grips that appear on most tactical shotguns at this price point. Handling and balance come up positively too. At 5.25 lbs it's light enough to handle for extended use without fatigue.

Recoil and choke preferences occasionally generate discussion. Some owners find the 12 Gauge recoil significant with a pistol grip configuration and mention it took adjustment. A few shooters also note they'd prefer a different choke option for range or sport use, though for home defense the cylinder bore is the practical choice.

Overall the Nightstick sits in a narrow but well-defined niche: a compact 12 Gauge pump for buyers who want maximum maneuverability in a defensive shotgun without giving up capacity or 590-series reliability.