Mossberg 500

Mossberg 500 is a series of pump-action shotguns manufactured by O.F. Mossberg & Sons. The 500 series comprises widely varying models of hammerless repeaters, all of which share the same basic receiver and action, but differ in bore size, barrel length, choke options, magazine capacity, and "furniture" (stock and forearm) materials. Model numbers included in the 500 series are the 500, 505, 510, 535, and 590. The Mossberg is currently the number one selling shotgun and second in total production to the Remington 870.

The primary difference between the Model 500 and Model 590 is in magazine tube design. The Model 500 magazines are closed at the muzzle end, and the barrel is held in place by bolting into a threaded hole at the end of the magazine tube. Model 590 magazines are designed to be opened at the muzzle end, and the barrels fit around the magazine tube and are held on by a capnut at the end. The Model 500 magazine facilitates easy barrel changes, as the barrel bolt serves no function other than holding the barrel in place. The Model 590 magazine facilitates easy cleaning and parts replacement, as removing the nut allows removal of the magazine spring and follower.

Mossberg 590
The Mossberg 590 shotgun was introduced in 1987 (the same year as the Mossberg Mariner). The Mossberg 590 shotguns differ from the 500 series primarily because of the design of the cap for the shell tube. The 500 series shotguns are designed for easy swapping of barrels. The 590 magazine tube is designed for ease of cleaning and maintenance. The 'nub' at the end of the 590's magazine tube was originally designed for holding the ring of the M7/M9 Bayonet when the bayonet is attached to the lug underneath the barrel. Other versions of the 590 maintain this style of end cap, even those without bayonet lugs.

The Walking Dead
Both the Mossberg 500 and the Mossberg 590 have made appearances on the AMC survival horror series The Walking Dead. In the pilot episode of the show, Linden County deputies are using Mossberg 500s in a shoot-out with three armed criminals. King County deputy, Shane Walsh used a Mossberg 590 during the shoot-out. The second of the three criminals used a Mossberg 590 "Compact Cruiser".