The Mossberg 590 Tactical Chainsaw is a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun with an 18.5-inch barrel and 5+1 capacity. It weighs 6 lbs and accepts 3-inch chambers. The distinctive feature is the integrated chainsaw-style top grip handle that replaces a traditional stock. Finish is matte blued receiver with black synthetic handguard. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Gauge: 12 GA 
• Barrel Length: 18.5 inches 
• Weight: 6 lbs 
• Capacity: 5+1 rounds 
• Chamber Size: 3 inches 
• Finish: Matte Blued Receiver, Black Stock/Handguard 
   

Detailed Features 

 
The chainsaw grip handle sits on top of the receiver where a traditional stock would be, giving a two-handed vertical hold rather than a shoulder-mount orientation. This changes how recoil is managed and how the gun is maneuvered. A white dot front sight aids target acquisition. The fixed cylinder bore choke gives a wide spread at close range. Pump action cycling is the same reliable Mossberg 590 mechanism found across the product line. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

 
The chainsaw configuration is built for close-quarters home defense where you want the gun up and mobile rather than shouldered. The 18.5-inch barrel keeps it compact. It also generates community interest at the range as a conversation piece, and some competitive events use this configuration. The 590 platform supports a wide range of aftermarket accessories.

The Mossberg 590 Chainsaw draws divided opinions that track closely with the practicality debate around the grip design. Fans of the gun appreciate the unique aesthetic and the Mossberg 590's reputation for dependability — cycling is reliable across a range of loads, and the matte finish holds up. A fair number of owners bought it as a range novelty or because they wanted a compact home defense gun that is different from a standard shotgun layout.

The main criticism focuses on the chainsaw grip's real-world practicality. Critics point out that a conventional stock or pistol grip offers more control under stress, and that the vertical chainsaw handle can be awkward in anything other than close-quarters use. Some users report discomfort managing recoil from heavier loads without a shoulder stock. The price-versus-performance argument comes up too — comparable performance is available from other 590 variants at a lower cost without the novelty grip.

Overall, reliability gets positive marks and the 590 platform is well-regarded. Whether the chainsaw grip is useful or just distinctive depends heavily on what the buyer wants the gun for.