Hey there! That's a really common question, and it's great you're doing your research before making a decision. Both the Mossberg 500 and 590 are fantastic shotguns, but they do have some distinct differences that make them shine in various roles. One of the most immediate differences you'll notice is often capacity and the magazine tube design. The 590 models typically have a fixed magazine tube that runs the full length of the barrel, often resulting in higher capacities (like 8+1 rounds). The 500 often has a shorter magazine tube and can come in more varied configurations, sometimes with modular barrels that makes it easier to swap between hunting and home defense setups. The 590A1, a variant of the 590, is also known for its heavier-walled barrel, metal trigger guard, and safety button, making it incredibly robust and popular for military and law enforcement use. The standard 500 often features an aluminum trigger guard and a thinner barrel, which makes it lighter. For home defense, many people lean towards a 590 or a tactical variant of the 500 due to their higher capacity and robustness. For hunting, a 500 with a longer vent rib barrel is a classic choice. Sport shooting can really vary depending on the specific discipline, but both can be adapted. What kind of primary use are you envisioning for your new shotgun? Knowing that might help us give you more tailored advice!

That's a super helpful breakdown, thank you! It really clarifies a lot of the distinctions I was struggling with. The point about the 590's fixed magazine and the 590A1's robust build for military/LE use is particularly interesting. To answer your question about primary use, I'm leaning heavily towards home defense as the main priority, but I'd also love to get into some sport shooting, perhaps trap or skeet, further down the line. So, something versatile that excels in home defense but could also be adapted for sport would be ideal. Given that, would the standard 590 be a good middle ground, or is there a specific configuration of the 500 that might offer better flexibility between those two uses? I'm still weighing the capacity vs. modularity aspect. Thanks again for all the insights!