Description
The 590S took one of the most trusted pump gun platforms ever built and solved a problem people had been working around for years: mini shells. Mossberg redesigned the elevator, bolt slide, and added an energy absorbing bumper so this gun cycles 1.75, 2.75, and 3 inch shells interchangeably, no adapter required. Load one length or mix them in the same tube. With 1.75 inch minis, the 20 inch model holds a serious 13+1. Run 2.75 inch loads and you get 8+1, or 7+1 with 3 inch magnums. That kind of flexibility means the same gun can pull light range duty with soft shooting minis and stand watch at home loaded with full power buckshot.
Optic Ready Without the Bulk
This version of the 590S has a receiver cut for direct mounting of Shield RMSc pattern micro red dots, which keeps the optic low and close to the bore for a natural cheek weld and fast dot pickup. A cover plate protects the cut when you are not running an optic, and the classic front bead is there whether you mount a dot or not. It is a much cleaner setup than bolting a Picatinny rail on top and perching an optic an inch above the receiver.
Proven 590 DNA
Everything that made the 590 line a fixture in duty racks and hall closets is here. Dual extractors, twin action bars, positive steel to steel lockup, and the anti jam elevator keep the action running smoothly shell after shell. The top mounted tang safety works the same from either shoulder, and the magazine tube has a clean out cap for easy maintenance. Metalwork wears a matte blued finish over black synthetic furniture, and the whole package comes in at 7.25 pounds with a 41 inch overall length.
Where the 590S 20 Inch Fits
The cylinder bore choke patterns well at defensive distances, and the extra barrel length over the 18.5 inch version buys you more magazine capacity and a bit more velocity. For home defense, truck gun duty, or just an all around pump 12 gauge that feeds anything you drop in the tube, this one covers a lot of ground.
Key Specifications
- Model: 590S Tactical Optic-Ready
- Manufacturer Part Number: 51604
- UPC: 015813516044
- Gauge: 12 Gauge, 3" Chamber
- Action: Pump Action
- Barrel Length: 20"
- Capacity: 13+1 (1.75"), 8+1 (2.75"), 7+1 (3")
- Shell Compatibility: Cycles 1.75", 2.75", and 3" shells interchangeably
- Optic Cut: Shield RMSc pattern, direct mount
- Sights: Front bead
- Choke: Cylinder bore
- Finish: Matte blued barrel and receiver
- Stock: Black synthetic
- Safety: Ambidextrous top tang
- Overall Length: 41"
- Weight: 7.25 lbs
What’s Included
- Mossberg 590S Tactical Optic-Ready shotgun
- Optic cut cover plate (installed)
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Mossberg 590S really run mini shells without an adapter?
Yes, that is the whole point of the S in 590S. Mossberg redesigned the elevator and bolt slide so the action cycles 1.75, 2.75, and 3 inch shells interchangeably, and you can even mix lengths in the same magazine tube. No Opsol adapter or other workaround needed.
What red dots fit the optic cut on the 590S 51604?
The receiver is milled for Shield RMSc pattern micro red dots, which mount directly to the receiver without a plate or rail. That footprint covers popular options like the Shield RMSc, Holosun 407K and 507K, and other RMSc compatible optics. A cover plate keeps the cut protected when you are running the bead only.
What is the capacity of the 20 inch 590S with different shell lengths?
Capacity changes with shell length since they all share one magazine tube. You get 13+1 with 1.75 inch mini shells, 8+1 with standard 2.75 inch shells, and 7+1 with 3 inch magnums. The 20 inch barrel model gives you the highest capacity in the 590S lineup.
Is the 590S a good choice for home defense?
It is one of the better setups out there for that role. The cylinder bore barrel patterns buckshot well at indoor distances, the tang safety is easy to work under stress from either hand, and the mini shell compatibility lets recoil sensitive folks in the household train and run the same gun comfortably. The 590 platform also has a long track record in military and law enforcement service.





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