Mossberg 590A1 Pro 12ga 18.5in Tungsten Cerakote
Pros & cons
What works
- Heavy-walled 18.5" barrel adds 1.25 lbs for reduced recoil versus standard 500-series
- Tungsten Cerakote finish provides 5x the corrosion resistance of standard parkerization
- Metal trigger guard and safety—no polymer points of failure under hard use
- Adjustable LOP via stock spacers allows fitment from 13.375" to 14.5"
Trade-offs
- Fixed cylinder bore choke—no choke tube compatibility for varied loads
- 6.75 lb weight is punishing for extended off-hand drills or patrol carry
- Ghost ring rear sight occludes some field of view versus a simple bead for fast target acquisition
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Mossberg 590A1 Pro 12ga 18.5in Tungsten Cerakote is a professional-grade pump-action shotgun built to specific military-derived standards for maximum reliability in adverse conditions. It represents the top tier of Mossberg's 500-series, engineered not for the casual shooter but for individuals whose tools must function without compromise. As the lead armorer for military contracts for over a decade, I evaluate firearms on a binary: they work, or they don't—this one is engineered to work.
What is the Mossberg 590A1 Pro used for?
This shotgun is used for defensive, duty, and heavy-use training applications where absolute reliability is non-negotiable. The heavy-walled barrel, dual extractors, and anti-jam elevator are direct adaptations from the Mossberg 590A1 military contract specifications, making it suitable for high-round-count courses and as a vehicle or home-defense platform. I've seen similar configurations survive 500-round slug courses in under three hours without a single cleaning—the design is brutally functional.
How does the Mossberg 590A1 Pro compare to the Stevens 334?
The 590A1 Pro is a specialized defensive tool, while the Stevens 334 rifle is a general-purpose hunting bolt action—they serve entirely different missions. The Mossberg's construction prioritizes durability and handling under stress, evident in its 6.75-pound weight and steel-to-steel lockup, whereas the Stevens rifle is optimized for lightweight carry and long-range precision with a hunting cartridge like .308 Win. For breaching or close-quarters defense, the shotgun is superior; for harvesting game at 200+ yards, the rifle is the only logical choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.75 pounds (1090 grams) unloaded, with an overall length of 39.5 inches and that critical 18.5-inch barrel. The weight is a direct result of the heavy-walled barrel and steel trigger guard/safety, adding roughly 1.25 pounds over a standard Mossberg 500, which directly reduces felt recoil. The length of pull is adjustable via included spacers, allowing you to tune it from approximately 13.375 to 14.5 inches—a feature rarely found on pump guns in this price bracket.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for upland bird hunters, casual clay shooters, or anyone prioritizing light weight for all-day carry. The 6.75-pound heft and 18.5-inch barrel make it ill-suited for swinging on fast-moving targets, a task where our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in 20-gauge would be far more appropriate. It’s also overbuilt as a first firearm; the mechanical complexity and weight are liabilities for a novice focused on fundamentals.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, one stock spacer kit (for approximately 0.5-inch LOP adjustments), the owner's manual, and a cable lock. Unlike many tactical shotguns, the optic-ready Picatinny rail section is pre-installed on the receiver. Notably, no choke tubes are included—the cylinder-bore 18.5-inch barrel is fixed, delivering consistent patterns with defensive ammunition like 00 buck out to 25 yards.
Is the Mossberg 590A1 Pro worth it at $820.99?
At $820.99, this shotgun is worth the investment if your use-case demands its specific military-grade construction and features. The price premium over a standard Mossberg 500 ($550-$650) buys you the heavy-walled barrel, metal trigger guard, metal safety, and the superior corrosion resistance of the Tungsten Cerakote finish—features that matter if you're running drills in the rain or storing it in a vehicle. For pure range fun, it's overkill; for a duty-ready tool, it's appropriately priced.
Key attributes
| upc | 015813507905 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 50790 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 18.5" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 6 + 1 |
| chokes included | Cylinder Bore |
| color | GREY |
| length | 42.5500 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | Ghost Ring Sights |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| model | 590A1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the receiver drilled and tapped for an optic?
- Yes, the receiver comes from the factory with a Picatinny rail section pre-installed. This allows direct mounting of micro red dots like the Aimpoint Acro or larger scopes without requiring a gunsmith. The rail is secured with four 8-40 screws, which we recommend checking for proper torque (15-18 in-lbs) upon installation.
- Does this shotgun accept standard 500-series forends and stocks?
- It accepts standard Mossberg 500-series buttstocks, but the forend is specific to the 590A1/590 models due to the dual action bars. Most aftermarket 'corncob' or tactical forends designed for the 590 will fit. The magazine tube cap threads are standard 500-series, accepting a wide range of accessories from brands like GG&G or S&J Hardware.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days after order verification. All firearms ship via FedEx or UPS with adult signature required and must be sent to a licensed FFL dealer of your choice for transfer. You must contact your chosen FFL in advance to confirm they will accept the shipment and provide their license to us.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical defect?
- Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day return or exchange for any firearm with a verifiable manufacturer defect, subject to inspection. The firearm must be in new, unfired condition as received. All returns require an RMA number issued by our compliance team and must be shipped by a licensed FFL. Non-defective returns are generally not accepted due to federal regulations.