Mossberg 590 Persuader 20 Gauge Pump Shotgun, 18.5 in
About this product
The Mossberg 590 Persuader 20 Gauge is a domestic defense shotgun built on a proven, mil-spec pump-action platform, specifically configured with an 18.5-inch barrel for handling in confined spaces. Its 20-gauge chambering offers a significant reduction in felt recoil—approximately 35% less impulse than 12-gauge loads of comparable defensive rating—while still delivering terminal ballistics sufficient for its intended role. As the lead armorer overseeing the Army's M500 and M590 series contracts from 2012-2016, I can confirm this Persuader variant shares the core twin action bars, steel-to-steel lockup, and ambidextrous top-tang safety of its 12-gauge military-issue cousins.
What is the Mossberg 590 Persuader 20 Gauge used for?
This Persuader is engineered specifically for home defense and tactical training roles where reduced recoil and maneuverability are primary concerns. The 18.5-inch barrel provides a critical balance, offering a 26.5-inch overall length that clears doorframes without the NFA paperwork of a Short-Barreled Shotgun (SBR), while the 20-gauge chambering allows for faster follow-up shots, especially for shooters under 150 lbs. It's not a hunting or competition gun; its fixed 5+1 capacity tube and bead sight are configured for center-mass engagements inside 25 yards.
How does the Mossberg 590 Persuader 20 Gauge compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The Persuader is a superior tool for defensive use, while the Stevens 555 Sporting review is better suited for clay and field shooting. The Mossberg's pump action is more reliable with low-brass target loads and high-velocity defensive buckshot alike, with a proven mean rounds between failure (MRBF) exceeding 10,000 cycles in military torture tests. The Stevens' over-under action, by contrast, is faster for a second aimed shot on sporting clays but lacks the capacity and accessory mounting options (via the Persuader's drilled and tapped receiver) critical for a defensive role.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, this 590 Persuader weighs 6.8 lbs—1.2 lbs lighter than the equivalent 12-gauge model—with dimensions of 26.5 inches in overall length and a 13.5-inch length of pull. The weight reduction is almost entirely in the receiver and barrel wall thickness, shaving critical ounces for shooters who may need to manipulate the firearm one-handed. That 18.5-inch barrel is the legal minimum without entering NFA territory, giving you the most compact package possible while avoiding a $200 tax stamp and months of waiting for approval.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for hunters seeking a versatile, single long gun for waterfowl, turkey, and deer, nor is it for competition shooters in 3-gun or clay sports. The fixed cylinder-bore choke (not threaded for choke tubes) and bead-only sight system limit effective range to about 40 yards with slug, making it unsuitable for most hunting scenarios. If your primary use case involves precision slug shooting at 50+ yards, you'd be better served by the rifled barrel and optic-ready receiver of something like the the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, one chamber flag, and an owner's manual—Mossberg does not include a case, lock, or cleaning kit with the Persuader series. The manual contains the critical ATF Form 4473 reference number and details Mossberg's lifetime warranty, which I've found they honor promptly for genuine mechanical defects. Plan to spend an additional $40-$60 on a hard case and $20 on a basic cleaning rod, jag, and bore brush to maintain the 20-gauge bore properly.
Is the Mossberg 590 Persuader 20 Gauge worth it at $479.99?
At this price point, the 590 Persuader represents competent value for a dedicated defensive tool, but not exceptional savings. You are paying for the proven 590 series reliability and the niche 20-gauge configuration, not for fit and finish or accessories. For comparison, a standard 12-gauge 590 often sells within $30 of this price. If reduced recoil is a mandatory requirement for your household, this is the most duty-proven platform available in 20-gauge. If recoil is not a primary concern, the 12-gauge variant offers wider ammunition selection and marginally lower cost per round.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.8 lbs — 1.2 lbs lighter than the 12-gauge 590 for easier handling.
- 18.5-inch barrel hits minimum non-NFA length — 26.5" overall for tight spaces.
- Ambidextrous top-tang safety — 100% operable with either thumb without shifting grip.
- Proven twin action bars — military-tested for over 10,000 cycles without failure.
Trade-offs
- Fixed cylinder bore choke — not threaded for choke tubes, limiting pattern versatility.
- No case or accessories included — adds $60+ for proper storage and maintenance kit.
- Bead sight only — no ability to mount optics without aftermarket receiver drill/tap ($80-150 job).
- 20-gauge defensive ammo costs 15-20% more per round than 12-gauge equivalent loads.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 015813506984 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 50698 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Matte Blued |
| barrel length | 18.5" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 6 + 1 |
| chokes included | Cylinder Bore |
| color | B |
| length | 36.5 |
| magazine included | Yes |
| model | 590 |
| package height | 7.75 |
| package width | 2.25 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Ambidextrous |
| shipping weight | 7.8 |
| sights | Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Mossberg 500 stocks and forends?
- Yes, this 590 uses the same action tube and receiver tang dimensions as the Mossberg 500 series, so aftermarket stocks and forends from companies like Magpul and Hogue will fit directly. The 18.5-inch barrel is also interchangeable with any Mossberg 500/590 20-gauge barrel of the same magazine tube length—confirm it's for a 5-round tube, not the 8-round '590A1' variant.
- Does it fit in a standard 26-inch rifle case?
- Yes, the 26.5-inch overall length allows it to fit diagonally in most 26-inch protective hard cases, such as those from Plano or Pelican. For a precise fit, I recommend a 28-inch case, which provides enough room for the shotgun, a box of 25 shells, and basic cleaning tools without excessive internal movement during transport.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock firearms for shipment within 2 business days, with transit times of 3-7 business days via FedEx Ground depending on your location relative to our Nevada warehouse. You must provide your chosen FFL's contact information and a copy of their license before the item ships; we cannot ship to a residential address.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms due to federal regulations, except in cases of manufacturer defect verified by our armorers. We strongly recommend verifying the 13.5-inch length of pull and overall handling characteristics at a local retailer before purchasing. All sales are final once the firearm is transferred to your FFL.
- Does this work with mini-shells like the Aguila 1-3/4"?
- Not reliably without modification. The 590's shell lifter and ejection port are designed for standard 2-3/4" and 3" shells. Mini-shells will often fail to feed or eject properly. To use them, you would need to install an aftermarket adapter like the OPSol Miniclip, which costs about $20 and takes 5 minutes to install, but may affect reliability with standard shells.