The Mossberg 590 SPX has solidified its place as a favorite among tactical shotgun enthusiasts. Its blend of reliability, affordability, and customizable features makes it a compelling choice for home defense, competition shooting, or even just range fun. This in-depth review will explore the key features, performance, and overall value of the Mossberg 590 SPX, helping you decide if it's the right shotgun for you.
What Makes the Mossberg 590 SPX Stand Out?
The 590 SPX distinguishes itself through a combination of factors:
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Reliable Pump-Action Mechanism: Mossberg's pump-action design is renowned for its ruggedness and simplicity. The 590 SPX inherits this legacy, offering smooth cycling and consistent performance even under duress. Few moving parts mean less to go wrong, a critical factor in a self-defense or tactical situation. This simplicity also translates to easier maintenance and cleaning.
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Tactical Features: The SPX boasts a range of tactical features designed to enhance its usability in dynamic environments. These include:
- Ghost Ring Sights: These sights are low-profile and easy to acquire, crucial in close-quarters situations where speed is paramount. They offer a clear sight picture even in low-light conditions.
- Picatinny Rail: A top-mounted Picatinny rail allows for the easy addition of accessories like red dot sights, lasers, or tactical lights. This adaptability is a significant advantage for customizing the shotgun to individual needs and preferences.
- Short Barrel: The shorter barrel (typically 18.5 inches) improves maneuverability in tight spaces, making it ideal for home defense scenarios. Shorter barrels do come with a slight reduction in effective range.
- Heat Shield: The heat shield protects your hand from the barrel during rapid firing, a crucial safety and comfort feature.
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Affordable Price Point: Compared to other tactical shotguns on the market, the Mossberg 590 SPX offers exceptional value for its features and performance. This makes it accessible to a wider range of shooters.
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Versatility: While designed for tactical applications, the 590 SPX is versatile enough for various uses, including hunting (with appropriate barrel and choke choices), competition shooting, and recreational shooting.
Performance and Handling: A Shooter's Perspective
The Mossberg 590 SPX's performance is consistently praised. The pump action is smooth and reliable, cycling shells efficiently. The ghost ring sights offer quick target acquisition, even for shooters unfamiliar with them. The short barrel makes maneuvering easy in close quarters, a critical advantage in home defense scenarios.
However, a few points to consider:
- Recoil: Like most shotguns, the 590 SPX produces notable recoil, especially with heavier loads. Investing in a recoil pad can significantly mitigate this.
- Accuracy: While accurate enough for its intended purposes, the 590 SPX is not a precision instrument like a dedicated hunting shotgun. Expect good accuracy at close to medium ranges.
- Capacity: Standard models typically hold 6+1 shells, but extended tubes are readily available to increase capacity.
Common Modifications and Upgrades
The modular design of the 590 SPX invites customization. Popular modifications include:
- Red Dot Sight: Improves target acquisition, particularly in low light.
- Tactical Light: Essential for low-light operations.
- Extended Magazine Tube: Increases ammunition capacity.
- Recoil Pad: Reduces felt recoil.
- Different Sights: Swapping out the ghost ring sights for other options (e.g., fiber optic sights).
Who Is the Mossberg 590 SPX For?
The 590 SPX is an excellent choice for:
- Home Defenders: Its compact size, reliability, and stopping power make it ideal for home defense.
- Law Enforcement: Many law enforcement agencies utilize the 590 SPX.
- Tactical Shooters: Its versatility and customizable nature make it suitable for training and competitions.
- Budget-Conscious Shooters: It offers high-quality features at a competitive price.
Conclusion: A Solid Choice for Tactical Needs
The Mossberg 590 SPX consistently delivers on its promise of a reliable, affordable, and customizable tactical shotgun. While recoil and accuracy may not be at the top of its class, its strengths in reliability, maneuverability, and adaptability outweigh these minor drawbacks. If you're looking for a versatile shotgun for home defense, training, or competition shooting, the Mossberg 590 SPX is definitely worth considering. Its reputation for reliability and its relatively low cost make it a compelling choice within the tactical shotgun market.