Mossberg 590 Retrograde
The Mossberg 590 Retrograde is the wood-furniture, military-aesthetic variant of the Mossberg 590 tactical pump-action shotgun — a walnut stock and forend, bayonet lug, perforated heat shield over the barrel, and a blued finish that evokes Vietnam-era combat shotguns while running on the same action that earned the 590 its Mil-Spec 3443 rating. It’s the 590 for buyers who want the proven pump-action platform in a package that looks as good in a gun cabinet as it does on a range.
Read our full 590 Retrograde Buying Guide ↓
What Makes It “Retrograde”
The Retrograde designation across Mossberg’s lineup (590, 590A1, 500) indicates walnut furniture with a heat shield and bayonet lug, replacing the synthetic stocks and bare barrels of the standard tactical models. The action, receiver, barrel, and internals are identical to the base 590 — the Retrograde is purely an aesthetic and furniture upgrade.
590 Retrograde vs. 590A1 Retrograde
The base 590 Retrograde uses a standard-wall barrel and aluminum trigger guard/safety. The 590A1 Retrograde upgrades to a heavy-wall barrel and a metal trigger guard and safety — the same mil-spec upgrades that separate the A1 from the standard 590 across the entire lineup. If you want the absolute toughest version of the Retrograde concept, the A1 is the step up.
Capacity and Barrel Length
The 590 Retrograde is typically offered in 8+1 (20-inch barrel) and 6+1 (18.5-inch barrel) configurations. The 20-inch model with the full-length heat shield and bayonet lug is the classic configuration and the most popular for its distinctive military look.
Bayonet Lug and Heat Shield
The bayonet lug accepts standard M7 and M9 military bayonets — a functional feature that’s also the Retrograde’s visual signature. The perforated heat shield protects the shooter’s hand from a hot barrel during sustained firing and gives the 590 Retrograde its distinctive military profile.
Why Walnut on a Tactical Shotgun?
The practical answer is personal preference — walnut furniture provides a warmer grip surface in cold weather, better aesthetics for shooters who value wood over polymer, and a connection to the military combat shotgun tradition. The durability trade-off vs. synthetic stocks is minimal with modern walnut finishes, and the action underneath is the same Mil-Spec 590 regardless of furniture material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 590 Retrograde the same action as the regular 590?
Yes — identical internals, just walnut furniture, heat shield, and bayonet lug instead of synthetic stocks.
Does the 590 Retrograde come in 20 gauge?
The Retrograde line is primarily offered in 12 gauge. Check current inventory for 20-gauge availability.
Can I use the bayonet lug?
Yes — it accepts standard M7 and M9 military bayonets.
590 Retrograde vs. 500 Retrograde?
The 590 has a higher magazine capacity (8+1 vs. 5+1 on the 500) and a different magazine tube cap design. The 500 Retrograde is the smaller, lighter option.
See Also: Mossberg 590 • Mossberg 500 • Mossberg • Pump Shotguns • 12 Gauge Shotguns