The Mossberg 590A1 Class III is a pump-action 12-gauge shotgun with a 14" barrel, an NFA item (short-barreled shotgun) requiring a Form 4 transfer and $200 tax stamp. Overall length is 33.75"; capacity is 5+1 rounds with a 3" chamber. Weight is 6.75 lbs. The finish is black Parkerized, and the stock is synthetic with an integrated storage compartment. 
 

Key Specifications 

• SKU: 1894005202 
• UPC: 015813516891 
• Brand: Mossberg 
• Model Name: 590A1 Class III 
• MPN: 51689 
• Chamber: 3" 
• Action: Pump 
• Capacity: 5+1 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 14" 
• Overall Length: 33.75" 
• Weight: 6.75 lbs 
• Sights: Ghost Ring Rear / Raised Ramp Front 
• Stock Type: Synthetic with storage compartment 
• Safety Mechanism: Top Tang Safety 
• Finish: Black Parkerized 
   

Features 

 
The 590A1 uses a steel receiver and a heavy-wall barrel, construction specs that meet military contract requirements. Parkerized finish is a phosphate conversion coating that handles moisture and abrasion better than bluing. The top tang safety is ambidextrous by position and can be operated without repositioning the shooting hand. 
 
Ghost ring sights give a larger rear aperture than standard rifle sights, which makes them faster at close range. The raised ramp front is visible in low-light conditions. The storage-compartment stock holds spare shells or other small items inside the butt. 
 
The 14" barrel is an NFA-regulated configuration. Buyers must complete the NFA Form 4 process before taking possession. The short barrel is the reason for the compact 33.75" overall length, which is the primary practical reason to choose this variant over the standard 18.5" barrel model.

The 590A1 has a long-standing reputation for durability and the NFA 14" version attracts buyers specifically for its short overall length. Owners consistently report reliable cycling across load types and in adverse conditions, which is the expected outcome from a gun built to military spec.

The ghost ring sights get practical praise for faster target acquisition compared to standard bead sights. The Parkerized finish holds up well to handling and field exposure.

Legal process comes up frequently in discussions. The NFA transfer process (wait times, Form 4, CLEO notification requirements in some states) is a real consideration that some buyers factor in heavily. State restrictions also matter for this configuration.

Recoil from a 6.75 lb. 12-gauge with a 14" barrel is a topic for newer shooters. The short barrel does produce sharper felt recoil than a longer, heavier platform. Weight at 6.75 lbs. is reasonable for the platform, though some note the Parkerized finish adds slight surface friction compared to polymer-coated alternatives.

Customization options for this specific configuration are somewhat more limited than the full-size 590A1, but most owners find the out-of-box setup functional for its intended close-quarters use.