MOSSBERG 590 RETROGRADE
Posted May 19, 2023
When it comes to shotguns, few offerings can match up to the highly sought after Mossberg 590 Retrograde. This classic pump-action shotgun is one of the most popular offerings on today's market and is well known for its dependable design and reliable performance. The tried and true features of the Mossberg 590 Retrograde have made it a fixture in the gun world for decades, and its modern iteration is designed to ensure its spot at the forefront of the shotgunning industry for years to come.
The Mossberg 590 Retrograde is a 12 ga pump-action, breech loading, rifle-length shotgun and is designed to meet all the needs of the modern hunter. The barrel length is 20" long and features a cylinder bore, which makes it great for use with non-lethal loads, including target shooting and bird hunting. The 590 Retrograde is also designed for home defense applications and can take 2 ¾" or 3” shells. The shotgun has a distinct retro look, with its steel finish and classic bead sight set-up.
The most unique feature of the Mossberg 590 Retrograde is its Safely Engaged Magazine Access System (SEMAS). This system allows the shooter to safely load shells directly into the magazine tube without the worry of releasing the action and potentially causing accidental misfires. This makes the 590 Retrograde the safest and most reliable pump-action shotgun available.
Following the retro style of the 590 Retrograde, the stock is shaped in the classic pistol grip style, and the stock is available in several options including curved pistol grip, adapted pistol grip, bullpup, and skeletonized models. The recoil pad is also removable, meaning that if you want to reduce the weight of the shotgun you can remove it and install a lighter pad.
The 590 Retrograde comes with an 18.5” cylinder bore barrel with adjustable front and rear sights. The sights are adjustable in height and windage, and the rear sight is also adjustable for elevation, allowing you to better zero in on your target. Additionally, the 590 Retrograde features the Ghost Ring rear sight set up, which helps improve accuracy in low light conditions.
The most impressive part of the Mossberg 590 Retrograde is its reliability. The action is designed for maximum cycling reliability, meaning it functions consistently regardless of weather, temperature, and time spent out in the field. The dual extractor and the anti-jam elevator ensure that there is a smooth loading and unloading process and that jams are almost a non-issue.
The Mossberg 590 Retrograde shot gun is one of the best value shotguns on the market. Not only does it come with features like the Safely Engaged Magazine Access System, adjustable sights, and reliability, but the price tag is also quite reasonable. The 590 Retrograde can typically be found for around $700 to $800, depending on the options and accessories you choose.
Overall, the Mossberg 590 Retrograde is an excellent shotgun and is well worth the money. It is a reliable, dependable, and highly adjustable option, and its retro style and design will look great in any gun enthusiast’s collection. Whether you’re looking for a home defense shotgun, a target shotgun, or something to take out into the field, the 590 Retrograde is a great choice and one that won’t let you down.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Highly durable and reliable gun that requires low maintenance.
• Short-barreled length that makes it easier to carry and maneuver in tight spaces.
• Has an extensive range of accessories designed for the 590 Retrograde, including lasers, optics, and slings.
• Its small size and light weight make it a great option for home defense.
• Easy to adjust the safety and slide release for left- and right-handed shooters.
• Durable synthetic stock keeps dirt, debris, and moisture out of the gun.
Cons:
• The close-range effectiveness of the 590 Retrograde is limited due to its short barrel.
• Some may find the plastic stock rather uncomfortable to use for extended periods.
• It is not an ideal choice for competitive shooters looking for a more accurate shot.
• The price can be quite expensive when it comes to purchasing accessories designed for the 590 Retrograde.
Who Should Buy
The MOSSBERG 590 Retrograde is designed with features such as an 18.5” barrel, a synthetic stock, dual extractors, and an Anti-Jam elevator, that makes it perfect for those looking for home defense and recreational use. For that reason, generally speaking, anyone that is legally allowed to own a firearm and is looking for such a firearm should consider this product.
On the other hand, those who are looking for a firearm for competitive shooting would probably be better off looking for better options since the Retrograde is tailored more towards home defense and recreational shooting. Additionally, those who desire a shorter or longer barrel would be better off looking for similar firearms with a different barrel measurements.
Comparisons
| Product Name | Barrel Length | Length | Magazine Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOSSBERG 590 RETROGRADE | 18.5" | 38" | 5+1 |
| Mossberg 590 Shockwave | 14" | 26.4" | 5+1 |
| Mossberg 590M Shockwave | 14" | 26.4" | 10+1/15+1/20+1 |
| Remington 870 Express | 18" | 37" | 5+1/7+1 |
| Winchester SXP Extreme Defender | 18" | 37" | 4+1/7+1 |
Features / Specs
• Action: Pump Action
• Caliber: 12 Gauge
• Barrel Length: 18.5"
• Capacity: 5+1
• Safety: Crossbolt
• Weight (empty): 7.75 lbs.
• Overall Length: 38"
• Sights: Adjustable Ghost Ring Rear/Fiber Optic Front
Popular Accessories
SHOCKWAVE
- Shooting Vests
- Shell Carriers and Shell Holders
- Barrel Clamps
- Quick Detach (QD) Sling Attachments
- Muzzle Brakes
- Flashlights and Laser Sights
- Heat Shields
- Rail Covers
- Slings
- Pistol Grips
Accuracy
The Mossberg 590 Retrograde is an incredibly accurate and reliable shotgun. This model features a heavy-walled barrel along with an improved cylinder bore for effective accuracy, while the extended magazine tube holds up to eight rounds of 2-3/4-inch shells for longer range shooting. The use of dual extractors and twin action bars combine for smooth cycling, while the anti-jam elevator helps to reduce malfunctions. Additionally, the 590 Retrograde features a black matte synthetic stock for enhanced weatherproofing, and a top mounted safety as an added layer of protection. With all of these features combined, the Mossberg 590 Retrograde is an incredibly accurate and reliable shotgun for any shooter’s needs.
