# Mossberg 590 Barrel Swap: The Definitive Guide to Upgrading Your Shotgun
Are you considering a barrel swap for your Mossberg 590 shotgun? Whether you’re looking to improve accuracy, change its handling characteristics, or simply replace a damaged barrel, this comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know. We’ll cover the what, why, and how of Mossberg 590 barrel swaps, ensuring you make informed decisions and execute the process safely and effectively. This isn’t just another article; it’s a deep dive into the intricacies of barrel swapping, backed by expert insights and practical advice. Consider this your go-to resource for mastering the Mossberg 590 barrel swap.
## Understanding the Mossberg 590 Barrel Swap
### What is a Mossberg 590 Barrel Swap?
A Mossberg 590 barrel swap involves removing the existing barrel from your Mossberg 590 shotgun and replacing it with a different barrel. This can be done for various reasons, including changing barrel length, adding specialized features like a ported barrel or a different choke system, or simply replacing a worn or damaged barrel. The Mossberg 590, known for its modularity, lends itself well to barrel swaps, making it a popular upgrade among shotgun enthusiasts.
### The History and Evolution of Shotgun Barrel Swaps
The concept of swapping barrels on firearms isn’t new. Historically, gunsmiths have modified firearms to suit specific needs. With the advent of mass production, interchangeable barrels became more accessible. The Mossberg 590, introduced in the late 20th century, embraced this modularity, allowing users to easily adapt their shotguns for different applications.
### Core Concepts and Advanced Principles of Barrel Swapping
At its core, a barrel swap involves understanding the mechanical relationship between the barrel, receiver, and other components of the shotgun. This includes knowing about headspace, barrel threading, and the importance of proper fitment. Advanced principles involve understanding how different barrel lengths and configurations affect ballistics, recoil, and overall handling. For example, a shorter barrel is more maneuverable in tight spaces, while a longer barrel can provide a longer sight radius and potentially tighter patterns.
### The Importance and Current Relevance of Barrel Swapping
Barrel swapping remains highly relevant today because it allows shooters to customize their shotguns for specific purposes. Home defense, hunting, and competition shooting all benefit from the ability to tailor the shotgun’s configuration. Furthermore, the availability of aftermarket barrels and accessories makes the Mossberg 590 barrel swap a popular and accessible upgrade.
## Mossberg: A Leader in Modular Shotguns
### The Mossberg Legacy
O.F. Mossberg & Sons has a long history of producing reliable and affordable firearms. The Mossberg 500 series, including the 590, is renowned for its durability, ease of use, and modular design. This modularity is a key selling point, allowing users to customize their shotguns to meet their specific needs.
### The Mossberg 590: A Tactical Workhorse
The Mossberg 590 is a pump-action shotgun designed for tactical and home defense applications. Its robust construction, reliable action, and compatibility with a wide range of accessories make it a popular choice among law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters alike. The ability to easily swap barrels further enhances its versatility.
### How Mossberg’s Design Facilitates Barrel Swaps
Mossberg’s design incorporates a simple and robust barrel attachment system. Typically, this involves a barrel retaining nut or screw that secures the barrel to the receiver. This design allows for relatively easy barrel swaps with minimal tools and expertise, making it accessible to many shotgun owners. The design also allows for different barrel lengths to be used, some of which require different magazine tubes. This modularity is a core feature of the 590 series.
## Detailed Features Analysis of Mossberg 590 Barrels
### Feature 1: Barrel Length
* **What it is:** The distance from the chamber face to the muzzle of the barrel.
* **How it Works:** Barrel length affects muzzle velocity, accuracy, and handling. Shorter barrels are more maneuverable, while longer barrels can provide a longer sight radius and potentially tighter patterns.
* **User Benefit:** Allows shooters to tailor the shotgun to specific applications, such as home defense (shorter barrel) or hunting (longer barrel).
* **Demonstrates Quality/Expertise:** The availability of various barrel lengths demonstrates Mossberg’s commitment to versatility and customization.
### Feature 2: Choke System
* **What it is:** A constriction at the muzzle of the barrel that affects the spread of the shot pattern.
* **How it Works:** Different chokes (e.g., cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, full) create different levels of constriction, resulting in tighter or wider shot patterns.
* **User Benefit:** Allows shooters to optimize the shotgun for different types of game or shooting scenarios. For example, a tighter choke is suitable for longer-range shots, while a more open choke is better for close-range targets.
* **Demonstrates Quality/Expertise:** The inclusion of interchangeable choke tubes demonstrates Mossberg’s understanding of the importance of pattern control in shotgun shooting.
### Feature 3: Barrel Material and Construction
* **What it is:** The type of steel used to manufacture the barrel and the method of construction (e.g., chrome-lined, parkerized).
* **How it Works:** High-quality barrel steel and construction methods contribute to durability, accuracy, and resistance to corrosion.
* **User Benefit:** Ensures the barrel can withstand the stresses of repeated firing and exposure to the elements, providing long-lasting performance.
* **Demonstrates Quality/Expertise:** The use of durable materials and proven construction techniques reflects Mossberg’s commitment to producing reliable firearms.
### Feature 4: Sight Options
* **What it is:** The type of sights (e.g., bead sight, ghost ring sight, Picatinny rail) mounted on the barrel.
* **How it Works:** Different sight options provide different levels of precision and ease of use. Bead sights are simple and fast, while ghost ring sights offer improved accuracy.
* **User Benefit:** Allows shooters to choose the sighting system that best suits their needs and preferences. Picatinny rails allow for the attachment of optics such as red dot sights.
* **Demonstrates Quality/Expertise:** The availability of various sight options demonstrates Mossberg’s understanding of the importance of accurate aiming in shotgun shooting.
### Feature 5: Ported Barrels
* **What it is:** Barrels with holes or slots near the muzzle to redirect gases.
* **How it Works:** Porting reduces felt recoil and muzzle climb by venting gases upwards and/or sideways.
* **User Benefit:** Improved control and faster follow-up shots, especially during rapid fire.
* **Demonstrates Quality/Expertise:** Shows attention to recoil management and enhancing the shooting experience.
### Feature 6: Heat Shield
* **What it is:** A metal shield that covers the barrel.
* **How it Works:** Protects the shooter’s hand from heat during extended firing sessions.
* **User Benefit:** Increased comfort and safety during prolonged use, particularly in tactical situations.
* **Demonstrates Quality/Expertise:** Indicates a focus on user safety and comfort, especially in high-volume shooting scenarios.
### Feature 7: Muzzle Threading
* **What it is:** Threads at the muzzle of the barrel for attaching accessories.
* **How it Works:** Allows for the attachment of muzzle brakes, flash hiders, or other devices.
* **User Benefit:** Further customization of the shotgun’s performance and appearance.
* **Demonstrates Quality/Expertise:** Offers increased versatility and allows the user to tailor the shotgun to very specific needs.
## Advantages, Benefits, and Real-World Value of Barrel Swapping
### Enhanced Versatility for Various Applications
One of the most significant benefits of a Mossberg 590 barrel swap is the enhanced versatility it provides. By changing the barrel, you can adapt your shotgun for different applications, such as home defense, hunting, or competition shooting. For example, a shorter barrel is ideal for maneuvering in tight spaces during home defense, while a longer barrel can provide a longer sight radius and tighter patterns for hunting.
### Improved Accuracy and Pattern Control
A barrel swap can also improve accuracy and pattern control. By selecting a barrel with a different choke system or a longer sight radius, you can optimize the shotgun for specific types of targets or shooting scenarios. For example, a tighter choke is suitable for longer-range shots, while a longer sight radius can improve aiming precision.
### Increased Maneuverability and Handling
Shorter barrels offer increased maneuverability and handling, making the shotgun easier to control in tight spaces. This is particularly beneficial for home defense or tactical applications where quick target acquisition and maneuverability are essential. Users consistently report improved handling after switching to a shorter barrel.
### Reduced Recoil and Muzzle Climb
Ported barrels can reduce recoil and muzzle climb, making the shotgun more comfortable to shoot and improving follow-up shot speed. This is especially beneficial for shooters who are sensitive to recoil or who need to fire multiple shots in quick succession. Our analysis reveals a noticeable reduction in muzzle climb with ported barrels.
### Customization and Personalization
Barrel swapping allows shooters to customize and personalize their shotguns to meet their individual needs and preferences. By selecting a barrel with specific features, such as a particular sight option or a heat shield, you can create a shotgun that is tailored to your specific requirements.
### Cost-Effective Upgrade
Compared to purchasing multiple shotguns for different applications, barrel swapping is a cost-effective way to achieve versatility. A single Mossberg 590 receiver can be paired with multiple barrels, each optimized for a specific purpose.
### Easier Storage and Transportation
Swapping to a shorter barrel can make the shotgun easier to store and transport, especially in confined spaces. This is particularly beneficial for shooters who travel frequently or who have limited storage space.
## Comprehensive Review of Mossberg 590 Barrel Swaps
### User Experience and Usability
From a practical standpoint, swapping a Mossberg 590 barrel is generally straightforward. The process typically involves unscrewing the magazine tube cap, removing the old barrel, inserting the new barrel, and re-tightening the magazine tube cap. Some aftermarket barrels may require minor fitting, but most are designed to be drop-in replacements.
### Performance and Effectiveness
Whether a barrel swap delivers on its promises depends on the specific barrel and the intended application. A shorter barrel will indeed improve maneuverability, while a barrel with a different choke system will affect the shot pattern. In our experience, the performance improvements are noticeable and can significantly enhance the shotgun’s effectiveness in specific scenarios.
### Pros:
1. **Enhanced Versatility:** Allows the shotgun to be adapted for different applications.
2. **Improved Accuracy:** Different chokes and sight options can improve accuracy.
3. **Increased Maneuverability:** Shorter barrels improve handling in tight spaces.
4. **Reduced Recoil:** Ported barrels can reduce felt recoil.
5. **Customization:** Allows shooters to personalize their shotguns.
### Cons/Limitations:
1. **Potential for Compatibility Issues:** Some aftermarket barrels may not be perfectly compatible with all Mossberg 590 models.
2. **Headspace Concerns:** Improperly installed barrels can affect headspace, potentially leading to safety issues.
3. **Cost of Additional Barrels:** Purchasing multiple barrels can be expensive.
4. **Requires Basic Mechanical Skills:** While generally straightforward, barrel swapping requires some basic mechanical skills.
### Ideal User Profile
The Mossberg 590 barrel swap is best suited for shotgun owners who want to customize their shotguns for specific purposes, such as home defense, hunting, or competition shooting. It’s also a good option for shooters who want to improve the handling or performance of their shotguns.
### Key Alternatives
Alternatives to barrel swapping include purchasing multiple shotguns, each optimized for a specific purpose, or using a shotgun with an adjustable choke system. However, these options can be more expensive or less versatile than barrel swapping.
### Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation
The Mossberg 590 barrel swap is a valuable upgrade for shotgun owners who want to enhance the versatility, performance, or handling of their firearms. While there are some potential drawbacks, the benefits generally outweigh the risks, especially for experienced shooters who are comfortable with basic gunsmithing tasks. We highly recommend considering a barrel swap if you’re looking to get more out of your Mossberg 590.
## Insightful Q&A Section
**Q1: What is the ideal barrel length for home defense on a Mossberg 590?**
**A:** Most experts recommend an 18.5-inch to 20-inch barrel for home defense. This length provides a good balance of maneuverability and accuracy in close quarters.
**Q2: Can I use any Mossberg 500 barrel on my Mossberg 590?**
**A:** While some Mossberg 500 barrels may fit the 590, it’s crucial to ensure compatibility and proper headspace. Using an incompatible barrel can be dangerous.
**Q3: What tools do I need to perform a Mossberg 590 barrel swap?**
**A:** Typically, you’ll need a wrench to remove the magazine tube cap, and possibly a gunsmithing hammer and punches if the barrel is tightly fitted.
**Q4: How does barrel porting affect the performance of my Mossberg 590?**
**A:** Barrel porting can reduce recoil and muzzle climb, improving control and follow-up shot speed. However, it can also increase muzzle blast and noise.
**Q5: What is headspace, and why is it important when swapping barrels?**
**A:** Headspace is the distance between the breech face and the part of the cartridge that stops forward movement in the chamber. Incorrect headspace can lead to malfunctions or even dangerous conditions.
**Q6: Are there any legal restrictions on barrel length for shotguns?**
**A:** Yes, the National Firearms Act (NFA) regulates shotguns with barrels shorter than 18 inches. Be sure to comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
**Q7: How often should I clean my Mossberg 590 barrel after a swap?**
**A:** Clean your barrel after each shooting session to remove powder residue and prevent corrosion. Regular cleaning helps maintain accuracy and prolong the life of the barrel.
**Q8: Can I install a rifled barrel on my Mossberg 590 for shooting slugs?**
**A:** Yes, installing a rifled barrel can improve the accuracy of slugs. However, rifled barrels are not suitable for shooting birdshot or buckshot.
**Q9: What are the best aftermarket barrel manufacturers for Mossberg 590?**
**A:** Some popular aftermarket barrel manufacturers include Mossberg (OEM), Carlson’s Choke Tubes, and Trulock Chokes.
**Q10: How do I choose the right choke for my Mossberg 590 barrel?**
**A:** The right choke depends on the type of game you’re hunting or the shooting scenario. Consult a choke selection chart or ask an experienced shooter for advice.
## Conclusion
The Mossberg 590 barrel swap offers a powerful way to customize your shotgun, adapting it for various applications and improving its performance. By understanding the core concepts, features, and benefits of barrel swapping, you can make informed decisions and execute the process safely and effectively. Remember, safety is paramount, and consulting with a qualified gunsmith is always a good idea if you’re unsure about any aspect of the process. We’ve aimed to give you the most comprehensive guide available for Mossberg 590 barrel swaps. Now it’s your turn to take the next step.
Why not share your experiences with Mossberg 590 barrel swaps in the comments below? Your insights could help other shooters make informed decisions. Or, explore our advanced guide to shotgun customization for even more ways to personalize your firearm.
