Description
There is something about a wood-stocked fighting shotgun that polymer just can't match. The Mossberg 590 Retrograde is a nod to the company's earliest tactical pumps, dressed in a checkered walnut stock and ribbed corncob forend, then backed up with everything that made the 590 a fixture in military and law enforcement armories. The 20 inch cylinder bore barrel wears a classic heat shield, tops out with a simple brass bead, and feeds from an extended magazine tube that holds 8 rounds of 2-3/4 inch shells plus one in the chamber. The 3 inch chamber gives you the option to run magnum loads when the situation calls for it.
Why the 590 Retrograde Earns Its Keep
Underneath the vintage furniture, this is a modern 590 through and through. You get dual extractors, positive steel-to-steel lockup, twin action bars for a smooth stroke, and Mossberg's anti-jam elevator that keeps shells feeding when you're running the gun hard. The tang-mounted safety sits right under your thumb and works the same whether you shoot right or left handed, which is one of the reasons so many people swear by the Mossberg layout. A vented rubber recoil pad takes some of the sting out of heavier loads, and the matte blue metalwork pairs nicely with the walnut without looking flashy.
Living With the Mossberg 590 Retrograde
At 41 inches overall and around 7.25 pounds, it handles quickly indoors and doesn't wear you out at the range. The cylinder bore choke patterns buckshot well at defensive distances and handles slugs and birdshot without complaint, so this one gun covers home protection, range days, and just plain looking good in the safe. The bayonet lug up front and the magazine clean-out tube round out the retro-tactical package. If you have been wanting a shotgun with real character that still pulls its weight as a working gun, this is the one people keep coming back to.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Mossberg
- Model: 590 Retrograde
- MPN: 52150
- UPC: 015813521505
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Chamber: 3"
- Action: Pump Action
- Barrel Length: 20" with Heat Shield
- Capacity: 8+1
- Choke: Cylinder Bore
- Sights: Front Bead
- Stock: Walnut with Checkered Grip and Corncob Forend
- Finish: Matte Blue
- Overall Length: 41"
- Length of Pull: 13.875"
- Weight: 7.25 lbs
What’s Included
- Mossberg 590 Retrograde 12 gauge pump-action shotgun
- Fixed 8-round extended magazine tube (integral)
- Owner's manual
- Cable lock
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rounds does the Mossberg 590 Retrograde hold?
This model holds 8 rounds of 2-3/4 inch shells in the extended magazine tube plus one in the chamber, for 9 total. Running 3 inch magnum shells will reduce tube capacity slightly since the longer hulls take up more room. Either way, it's a lot of shotgun on tap without reloading.
Can the 590 Retrograde shoot 3 inch shells?
Yes, it has a 3 inch chamber, so it handles both 2-3/4 inch and 3 inch 12 gauge shells. Most folks run standard 2-3/4 inch buckshot or birdshot for practice and defense, but the option for magnum loads is there when you want it.
Is the safety on the 590 Retrograde good for left-handed use?
It's one of the best setups out there for lefties. The safety sits on top of the receiver at the tang, so your thumb reaches it the same way from either shoulder. No crossbolt buttons to fumble with, which is a big reason the Mossberg pattern has such a loyal following among left-handed users.
What's the difference between the 590 Retrograde and the 590A1 Retrograde?
The standard 590 Retrograde like this one has a matte blue finish, polymer trigger guard, and a heavy-walled 20 inch barrel with heat shield and bayonet lug. The 590A1 version steps up to MIL-SPEC construction with a metal trigger guard, metal safety button, parkerized finish, and ghost ring sights. Both share the same walnut furniture and proven pump action.




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