Mossberg 590S Compact 12 Gauge Pump 18.5″ Matte
About this product
The Mossberg 590S Compact is a 12 Gauge pump-action shotgun with an 18.5-inch barrel specifically engineered for short-shell compatibility and compact maneuverability. This shotgun maintains Mossberg's proven dual extractor system while introducing a multi-shell feeding system that handles 1.75-inch, 2.75-inch, and 3-inch shells interchangeably. The adjustable length of pull from 12 to 13 inches and optic-ready receiver make this one of the most adaptable pump-actions on the market.
What is the Mossberg 590S Compact used for?
This shotgun excels at close-quarters defense, pest control, and recreational shooting where ammunition flexibility matters. The 18.5-inch barrel keeps overall length manageable at 38.5 inches, making it suitable for vehicle or home defense scenarios. I've found the short-shell capability particularly valuable for low-recoil training sessions with 1.75-inch rounds.
How does the Mossberg 590S Compact compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Mossberg offers superior ammo versatility and faster follow-up shots compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U. While the Stevens provides cleaner break-action reliability for clay sports, the Mossberg's pump action and 6+1 capacity make it better suited for defensive applications. The Mossberg weighs 6.75 pounds empty, making it 1.25 pounds heavier than the Stevens but built for rougher handling.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.75 pounds unloaded with an overall length of 38.5 inches and barrel length of 18.5 inches. The synthetic stock adjusts from 12 to 13 inches for length of pull, accommodating most adult shooters. The 18.5-inch cylinder bore barrel provides consistent pattern spread without choke tube complexity.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't for competitive trap shooters or those needing precise choke patterns at distance. The fixed cylinder bore limits your pattern control compared to threaded choke systems found on sporting shotguns. If you're primarily shooting clays beyond 25 yards, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun with installed optic cover plate, one 6-round magazine tube, and owner's manual. Mossberg includes the standard 1.75-inch short-shell adapter pre-installed in the action. The package ships with all necessary hardware for mounting red dot optics to the drilled and tapped receiver.
Is the Mossberg 590S Compact worth it at $600.99?
At $600.99, this represents solid value for a purpose-built defensive shotgun with multi-shell capability. The short-shell compatibility alone saves approximately $150 compared to aftermarket conversion kits for standard 590 models. For shooters needing one shotgun that handles everything from low-recoil practice to 3-inch magnum loads, this price justifies the engineering.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Handles 1.75-inch to 3-inch shells interchangeably — eliminates adapter purchases
- 6.75 lb weight balances well for rapid target transitions
- Optic-ready receiver saves $75-150 versus aftermarket milling
- Adjustable 12-13 inch length of pull fits 95% of adult shooters
Trade-offs
- Fixed cylinder bore limits pattern control versus choked barrels
- Matte blue finish shows wear faster than melonite or cerakote
- Synthetic stock lacks the vibration damping of premium materials
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 015813516075 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 51607 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 18.5" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 9 + 1 |
| chokes included | Cylinder Bore |
| color | Blue |
| length | 42.75 |
| model | 590S |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Ambidextrous |
| shipping weight | 7.9 |
| sights | Front Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with mini-shells?
- Yes, the 590S Compact accepts 1.75-inch mini-shells without additional adapters. The factory-installed feed system handles these alongside standard 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells. I've tested cyclical reliability with Federal Shorty 1.75-inch shells with zero feed issues over 200 rounds.
- Does it fit in a standard gun safe?
- The 38.5-inch overall length fits most 40-inch rifle safes with minimal clearance. For compact storage, the adjustable stock can be collapsed to its 12-inch length of pull position. I recommend measuring your safe's interior diagonally to ensure clearance for the 18.5-inch barrel.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL shipments within 2 business days after verification. Ground shipping typically adds 3-5 business days depending on your location relative to our Montana facility. All shipments require FFL transfer through your local licensed dealer.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturer defects verified by our armorers. Mossberg's warranty covers the firearm for 10 years against material or workmanship defects. We handle all warranty claims directly with Mossberg's service department on your behalf.
- Does this work with Mossberg 500 accessories?
- Most Mossberg 500 stocks and forends fit the 590S Compact's receiver and action tube. The optic-ready receiver uses standard #8-40 scope base screws common to most red dot mounts. I've successfully installed Magpul SGA stocks and Streamlight TL-Racker lights without modification.