Mossberg 590 Tactical M-LOK 12 Gauge 20in
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Mossberg 590 Tactical M-LOK 12 Gauge 20in? It's a purpose-built, pump-action defensive shotgun that prioritizes mechanical reliability and accessory integration over sporting refinement. This model delivers Mossberg's well-proven dual extractor action and ambidextrous tang safety in a configuration ready for mounting lights and vertical grips. The 20-inch barrel with ghost-ring sights and M-LOK forend provides a balanced platform for duty, home defense, or serious training use.
What is the Mossberg 590 Tactical M-LOK used for?
This shotgun is engineered specifically for defensive applications, duty use, and high-round-count tactical training. Its 20-inch barrel provides a manageable overall length of approximately 41.2 inches, making it suitable for vehicle use or clearing structures, while the cylinder-bore Accu-Choke facilitates reliable patterns with buckshot and slugs at typical engagement distances under 25 yards. The M-LOK forend offers secure locations for mounting a weapon light, laser, or vertical grip, which I consider essential for any serious defensive firearm.
How does the Mossberg 590 Tactical M-LOK compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Mossberg 590 and the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U serve entirely different purposes, despite both being 12-gauge shotguns. The Mossberg is a rugged, utilitarian pump-action designed for durability and accessory integration under stress, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge is a lighter, faster-handling sporting gun built for clay target or field use with walnut furniture and interchangeable choke tubes. The Mossberg is the better choice for defensive reliability and mounting gear; the Stevens is better for aesthetics and smooth target acquisition.
What does the Mossberg 590 Tactical M-LOK weigh and what are its dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 7.25 pounds unloaded, which provides solid recoil management but adds noticeable heft compared to polymer-stocked sporting models. The critical dimensions are a 20-inch barrel, a 13.87-inch length of pull, and an overall length of 41.2 inches, making it approximately 9.5 inches shorter overall than a typical sporting shotgun like a 30-inch the Stevens 334 Rifle. The bead-blasted matte blue finish on the receiver and barrel reduces glare but requires more maintenance than modern nitride or cerakote finishes to prevent surface rust.
Who is this shotgun NOT for?
The Mossberg 590 Tactical M-LOK is not suitable for shooters whose primary use is recreational clay shooting, waterfowl hunting, or anyone seeking a lightweight, graceful firearm. Its 7.25-pound weight and aggressive tactical profile make it poorly suited for carrying over long distances in the field. It's also not ideal for novice shooters unfamiliar with pump-action manipulation or those who prioritize a refined fit and finish over brute-force mechanical reliability.
What comes in the box with the Mossberg 590 Tactical M-LOK?
You receive the shotgun with an installed cylinder-bore Accu-Choke tube, one 5-round magazine tube (bringing total capacity to 5+1 with 2.75-inch shells), the synthetic fixed stock assembly, and a basic owner's manual. Notably, no additional choke tubes, a cleaning kit, or a hard case are included, which is standard for this price point and configuration. You will need to source ammunition, a basic cleaning rod, bore brush, and CLP separately before your first range session.
Is the Mossberg 590 Tactical M-LOK worth it at $578.99?
At $578.99, this shotgun offers fair value for a dedicated, no-frills defensive tool with modern M-LOK compatibility direct from the factory. You are paying for the Mossberg action's proven track record and the included ghost-ring sight system, which would cost over $150 to add aftermarket. If your budget is tighter and you can accept a simpler 6-position collapsible stock or no accessory rail, you might find a basic Mossberg 500 for around $450. However, for the shooter who needs a ready-to-mount light and grip, this configuration saves time and money on gunsmithing.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Proven Mossberg dual extractor and twin action bar design for reliable extraction under fouling
- Factory-installed ghost-ring rear sight provides immediate, durable backup sighting system
- Full-length M-LOK forend allows direct mounting of lights and grips without aftermarket replacement
- 20-inch barrel balances velocity and maneuverability for a 41.2-inch overall package
Trade-offs
- Matte blued finish requires diligent oiling to prevent surface rust in humid environments
- Fixed synthetic stock lacks adjustability—unsuitable for shooters needing a shorter or longer length of pull
- No additional choke tubes included; cylinder bore is optimal only for defensive loads under 25 yards
Key attributes
| upc | 015813506748 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 50674 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Matte Blued |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 8 + 1 |
| chokes included | Cylinder Bore |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 42.75 |
| model | 590 |
| package height | 2.9 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Ambidextrous |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | Ghost Ring |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Mossberg 590 Tactical M-LOK compatible with standard 870 chokes?
- No, it is not compatible with Remington 870 choke tubes. This Mossberg uses Mossberg's proprietary Accu-Choke threading pattern. You must purchase Mossberg-branded Accu-Choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full, etc.) for approximately $20-30 each from retailers like Brownells or MidwayUSA.
- Does the M-LOK forend fit Streamlight or SureFire scout lights?
- Yes, but you will need a compatible M-LOK rail section and a compatible Scout-style mount. The forend has M-LOK slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions. An Arisaka or Magpul M-LOK Scout mount ($25-40) is required to attach a Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount 2 or SureFire M300/M600 series light securely within 5-10 minutes.
- How long does shipping take for an online firearm purchase?
- Processing and shipping typically occur within 3-5 business days after your FFL's information is verified. The firearm is then shipped via a two-day air carrier like UPS or FedEX to your selected, licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder, where you must complete a Form 4473 background check before taking possession.
- Can I return this shotgun if it doesn't fit or function?
- Firearms can only be returned if they are defective or damaged upon receipt, and all returns must be initiated within 30 days. The firearm must be shipped back to us by your local FFL holder. Non-defective returns for 'fit' or buyer's remorse are not accepted due to federal regulations—always handle and inspect a similar model at a local dealer before purchasing online.