Description
The Mossberg 590S Optic-Ready 12 Gauge 18.5-inch is a purpose-built pump-action shotgun that lets you run 1.75-inch, 2.75-inch, or 3-inch shells without any adjustments. It ships with an 18.5-inch matte blued steel barrel and a fixed black synthetic field-style stock. The receiver comes with a cover plate for low-profile micro-dot mounting, making this model ready for red-dot sights out of the box.
| Manufacturer | Mossberg |
|---|---|
| Model | 590S Optic-Ready |
| Material | Steel barrel, synthetic stock |
| Compatibility | 1.75-inch, 2.75-inch, 3-inch shotshells (per manufacturer specs) |
| Finish | Matte blued |
| Weight | Approximately 6.5 pounds (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Optic-Ready Receiver – The receiver includes a removable cover plate designed for low-profile micro-dot sights. This means you can mount a red dot without sending the slide off for milling.
- Interchangeable Shell Cycling – The 590S cycles 1.75-inch, 2.75-inch, and 3-inch shells interchangeably. No magazine spacer or adapter needed.
- 18.5-Inch Matte Blued Barrel – The barrel length keeps the shotgun compact for home defense or vehicle storage while still providing good sight radius.
- Fixed Synthetic Stock – The black synthetic field-style stock is weather-resistant and provides a consistent cheek weld. No adjustments to lose under recoil.
- Dual Extractor System – Mossberg uses dual extractors for reliable ejection across shell lengths. Per Mossberg specs, this system reduces the chance of a stuck shell.
Who It’s For
This shotgun is built for families who want a versatile pump gun that can handle light-recoil 1.75-inch shells for new shooters and full-power 3-inch loads for hunting or defense. It also fits shooters who prefer a red-dot sight but don’t want to pay for custom machining.
Pros and Cons
- Pro: Optic-ready from the factory – saves you $75–$150 in gunsmithing costs.
- Pro: Runs all three shell lengths without modifications – great for training new shooters with reduced recoil.
- Pro: Proven Mossberg 500/590 platform with decades of law enforcement use.
- Con: The fixed synthetic stock has no length-of-pull adjustment. Taller shooters may need an aftermarket stock for a perfect fit.
- Con: The matte blued finish will show wear faster than a parkerized or cerakote finish on other defensive shotguns.
Comparison
| Feature | Mossberg 590S Optic-Ready | Remington 870 Express Tactical | Benelli M4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shell Compatibility | 1.75″, 2.75″, 3″ | 2.75″, 3″ | 2.75″, 3″ |
| Optic Ready | Yes (cover plate) | No (drill/tap needed) | No (picatinny rail included) |
| Weight | ~6.5 lbs | ~7.0 lbs | ~8.4 lbs |
| Price | $600.72 | ~$450 | ~$1,900 |
| Action | Pump | Pump | Semi-auto |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 1.75-inch mini shells in the Mossberg 590S without an adapter?
Yes. The 590S is specifically designed to cycle 1.75-inch, 2.75-inch, and 3-inch shells interchangeably without any magazine spacer or adapter. This is a key difference from standard Mossberg 500/590 models.
What type of red dot fits the optic-ready receiver?
The receiver uses a cover plate that accepts low-profile micro-dot sights with a standard RMSc footprint. Popular options include the Holosun 407K/507K, Shield RMSc, and Swampfox Sentinel.
Is the barrel threaded for choke tubes?
No. The 18.5-inch barrel has a fixed cylinder bore choke. This is common on defensive shotguns and works well with buckshot and slugs.
Does this shotgun come with a magazine tube capacity limiter?
Yes, per Mossberg specs, the 590S ships with a magazine limiter installed to comply with certain state regulations. You can remove it for full capacity (typically 5+1 in the tube).
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Last updated: April 2026
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