The Mossberg 590 Retrograde is a pump-action shotgun that pairs classic wood furniture with a feature set built for serious use. The walnut stock and matte blued finish give it a traditional look, but the top tang safety, heat shield barrel, and ambidextrous design keep it practical for home defense or range work. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Manufacturer: Mossberg 
• Model: 590 Retrograde 
• Gauge: 12 GA 
• Action: Pump Action 
• Capacity: 6 Rounds + 1 in the chamber 
• Barrel Length: 18.5 inches 
• Weight: 7 lbs. 
• Finish: Matte Blued with Walnut Stock 
   

Detailed Features 

Ergonomic Design 

The ambidextrous layout accommodates left- and right-handed shooters. The fixed stock has a length of pull of 13.87 inches. 
 

Safety 

The top tang safety sits where the thumb naturally rests, easy to reach without breaking the firing grip. 
 

Barrel 

The heat shield runs the length of the 18.5-inch barrel. The bead front sight is simple and fast for close-range target acquisition. 
 

Choke System 

Fixed cylinder bore choke accepts slugs, buckshot, and most standard loads without restriction.

The 590 Retrograde draws consistent praise for its classic aesthetic. The walnut stock and blued metal finish appeal to shooters who find modern synthetic-and-matte configurations unremarkable, and many note the retro look holds up well to regular handling.

On performance, the pump action gets good marks for smoothness and reliability across a range of ammunition. The 18.5-inch barrel length is widely considered well-suited for home defense without being unwieldy indoors.

The most common criticism is weight. At 7 lbs. the gun is on the heavier side for a pump shotgun, and some shooters with smaller frames find extended sessions tiring. Recoil is generally described as manageable, though a few users note it's noticeable with heavier buckshot loads.

Overall the sentiment is positive. Most owners recommend it as a capable and good-looking shotgun that doesn't compromise function for aesthetics.