| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Mossberg 590S Compact Optic-Ready | Check Price |
When it comes to home defense, everyone seems to have their own idea of what the “perfect” firearm looks like. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For me, I prefer having a few different options, because you never know what situation might arise.
Lately, though, I’d been hunting for a new home defense shotgun. Something reliable, easy to maneuver, and with enough capacity to rest easy. After a lot of research and some hands-on time, I found what I was looking for in the Mossberg 590S Compact Optic-Ready.
What Makes the 590S Stand Out?
At first glance, the 590S doesn’t look wildly different from any other 18.5-inch 12-gauge shotgun.
But take a closer look, and you’ll spot a few standout features.
First off, it comes optic-ready from the factory with a Shield RMSc footprint cut. That means you can mount a red dot sight (like the Holosun SCS Carry I added) directly to the receiver without needing an adapter plate. Less hardware means less chance for something to come loose when you need it most.
Second, it cycles everything — from 1.75-inch mini shells up to 3-inch shells — without needing a mini shell adapter. You can even mix and match shell lengths in the same magazine tube, and it’ll feed them without a hiccup.
With mini shells, you can pack a whopping 9+1 rounds into this compact package. That’s a lot of peace of mind.
To aid in the home defense role, the compact stock maximizes your maneuverability. And in case it’s too short, which it wound up being for me since I’m 6’6”, there is a slight amount of adjustability to the length of pull.
Lastly, the top-mounted ambidextrous safety is positioned perfectly, making it easy to manipulate for both left and right-handed shooters in a hurry. It was very stiff out of the box, but it did smooth out after some time.
Oh, and I can’t forget some of the standard features you’ll find with most Mossberg pump-action shotguns in general, such as the dual extractors, twin action bars, and a positive steel-to-steel lockup.
Where To Buy
Hitting the Range
I’ve had the 590S out on the range four times now, averaging about 40 rounds per session. I ran birdshot, buckshot, mini shells, and full-size rounds— and it ate everything without a problem.
At typical home defense distances, the patterns stayed tight and predictable. That consistency matters so you can know exactly where your shots will land, especially in home defense scenarios.
Even pushing a bit farther out to 25 yards, accuracy was never a concern.
Customizing My Setup
Straight out of the box, the 590S Compact is more than ready for action. But like most of you reading this, I enjoy making a firearm mine.
Here’s what I changed:
Magpul SGA Stock
The compact stock was a little too short for my wingspan (again, I’m 6’6″), so I swapped it out.
The Magpul stock gave me the added length, an improved grip texture, and some nice sling mounting loops. With the majority of the included spacers installed, I found it to be just right for my preferred length of pull.
Magpul MOE M-LOK Forend
I absolutely love this forend. The integrated front and rear handstops kick the safety up a notch, and the numerous M-LOK slots allow for plenty of accessories to be added.
I plan to add a weapon light soon, so the various positions the M-LOK forend provides will be much appreciated!
Holosun SCS Carry
This one was a no-brainer once I learned it was a direct-mount option. The multiple reticles and Solar Failsafe technology make it an excellent choice for any gun it’s on. I don’t see it ever coming off this shotgun.
Esstac Shotgun Card
Despite the already impressive capacity, the more rounds on hand, the better, right? Esstac is well-known for its shotgun cards and has recently introduced a new version, made from laminate.
This Velcro-backed shell holder supplies an extra six rounds on the receiver, ready for quick reloading. Keeping a couple of cards loaded allows you to rip one off once it’s empty and quickly slap a new one on.
Each of these upgrades made the 590S even more suited to my personal preferences without sacrificing the superior core functionality.
The Good and the Bad
What I Loved
- Handles everything from mini shells to 3-inch shells with no mini shell adaptor needed
- Optic-ready straight from the factory
- Solid aftermarket support
- Ambidextrous top-mounted safety
Minor Gripes
- The safety was stiff at first, but it smoothed out after a couple of trips to the range
Key Specs
| Specification | Details |
| Gauge | 12 |
| Capacity | 5+1, 6+1, or 9+1 depending on shell size |
| Barrel Length | 18.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 37.75 inches |
| Weight | 6.75 pounds |
| Stock | Synthetic |
| Sights | Front bead + optic-ready mounting |
Final Thoughts
The Mossberg 590S Compact Optic-Ready hits the sweet spot for a home defense shotgun. It’s reliable, offers a higher-than-standard capacity, and is easily customizable based on your needs.
Whether you want a dependable gun for protecting your home or just a fun, rugged shotgun for the range, this one’s a strong contender.
If you’re looking for a shotgun that can adapt to almost anything you throw at it, I’d highly recommend checking out the 590S Compact. Just remember to save a few bucks for an optic, too!
As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.
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