Key Points and Summary: The Mossberg M500 and M590 shotguns have been staples of the U.S. military for decades, used for combat, breaching, and riot control.
-Initially introduced as a hunting shotgun in 1961, the M500 was later adapted for military use.
-The M590A1 variant, featuring a thicker barrel, extended magazine, and bayonet lug, became the standard issue for U.S. forces.
–Special Operations Forces and military police continue to rely on the shotgun, often enhanced with the Military Enhancement Kit (MEK). With its durability, versatility, and proven battlefield performance, the Mossberg M500 remains one of the most trusted firearms in military service today.
The Mossberg M500 Shotgun Is A Workhorse For the Army
The Mossberg 500 is a series of pump-action shotguns manufactured by O.F. Mossberg & Sons. The 500 series share the same basic receiver and action but differ in bore size, barrel length, choke options, magazine capacity, stock, and forearm materials.
The standard Mossberg M500 used by the military is the same weapon sold in the civilian marketplace. The Mossberg 500 was first produced in 1961 as a hunting shotgun and marketed towards law enforcement.
Born Out of Trench Warfare
The US Army first used shotguns during World War I to aid in clearing trenches. However, as the years passed, shotguns remained in the military, albeit in limited numbers. The M500 changed that.
The military only purchased small numbers of the M500, but things changed in 1987 when Mossberg created the M-590 with a thickened barrel, extended magazine, barrel shroud, and bayonet lug. The new model, the M590A1, became the standard shotgun used by the United States military.
During Desert Storm in 1991, the military mainly used the M500/M590 shotguns to guard supply depots. However, the Marine Corps switched to the semiautomatic Benelli M1014 Combat Shotgun, which became standard issue by 2001.
In 1997, the Army began to develop the M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System, an under-barrel shotgun designed for usage on the M4 carbine, which could also be used as a standalone weapon. The MASS first entered service in 2010.
The Military Enhancement Kit For Special Forces and Marines
The Military Enhancement Kit (MEK) for the M500 shotguns includes a new barrel with an intimidating-looking muzzle device, fixed and collapsible buttstocks, and a replacement pump with attachment points for accessories on three sides. The Marines used this enhancement to convert their existing M-500/590 shotguns.
The US military first used the MEK in April 2009, when the US Army’s 10th Special Forces Group bought the gear for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Green Berets used the shotguns to breach buildings while clearing buildings and conducting Direct Action (CT) operations.
U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, assigned to the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) 19.2, fire Mossberg 590A1 12-gauge shotguns at range at the Baghdad Embassy Compound in Iraq, May 8, 2020. The SPMAGTF-CR-CC is a crisis response force, prepared to deploy a variety of capabilities across the region. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Brendan Custer)
Later that year, the US Army Special Operations Command announced plans to buy more kits from Pro Patria, Inc. in North Carolina. The Army then paid nearly $625 to buy the MEK’s two packages. The 2009 deal was worth more than $680,000 in total.
The MEKs converted 1,301 shotguns, with the first unit equipped in July 2009. Most kits convert the standard issue shotgun to a 14″ compact model with a 16″ accessory breaching barrel, H92239-09-P-0113.
M500 Shotgun Specs:
Description:
The M500 Shotgun is a manually (slide) operated repeating shotgun chambered in 12 gauge. It has an integral five-round tubular magazine and provides short-range lethal and less-than-lethal crowd control and door-breaching capabilities with appropriate ammunition types.
The M500 / M590 is available with a range of barrel lengths, from 14 to 30 inches, and tube magazine capacities of 5-8 shells. The M500 is commonly issued to Special Operations Forces, infantry, military police, engineers, and armorers.
Specifications:
M500
Caliber: 12-gauge
Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds
Weight: 7.0 pounds (unloaded)
Length: 39.5 inches
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Range: Ammunition dependent
M590
Caliber: 12-gauge
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Weight: 8.0 pounds (unloaded)
Mossberg 500. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Length: 40.5 inches
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Range: Ammunition dependent
Bottomline
The M500/590 shotguns are still issued Army-wide and will continue to serve and protect our troops. And using less-than-lethal rounds can be used in riot situations to protect lives and property.
Mossberg 590A1. Image Credit: U.S. Army.
About the Author
Steve Balestrieri is a 19FortyFive National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing for 19FortyFive, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
