What is the difference between a 500 and 590?

[savasyn]

I have a Mossberg 590A1 and a 500A. My A1 is made out of all steel vs the mostly aluminum 500. I recently noticed that they make an 8 shot version of the 500, isn't that the same thing as the 590(non A1)?
I've never held the non A1 590 before so I don't have direct experience with it. I don't believe it is all steel like the A1 version so I'm curious what the differences between it and the 500 are.

Thanks!

[DedEye]

Heavy barrel I believe.

[L-2]

With Mossberg, it helps to be more specific regarding model numbers. An 8-shot 500 has, currently, three different model numbers or versions 50577/50579/50580, although all three are similar.

An 8-shot 500 is not the same as a 590 in the barrel mounting area.

Model 500, #50577.


Model 590, #50645

The 50577 attaches the barrel using a bolt. The 50645 attaches the barrel using cap nut (also allowing for a bayonet lug). Along with a heatshield on the 590/50645, these differences account for the +$77 MSRP for the 590/50645.

You'll also find that the receivers on 500, 590, and 590A1 models are primarily aluminum, although the barrels are steel.

I suspect, because of the Parkerized-type or matte blue finish on some models' receivers, along with the heavy barrels, people thought the entire shotguns (at least on 590A1 types), were "all steel", but not.

On the examples given, I don't know if the 590's barrel is heavier gauge steel or not vs. the 500's, but suspect it is.

[savasyn]

Thanks for the side by side pictures and explanation, that summed it up nicely.

I just used a magnet to test various parts on the 590A1 and you are correct, the receiver is not steel, nor is the trigger guard as I had thought. Must be aluminum. The mag tube is steel and so are most of the internal parts and safety switch.