Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
  • News
    • Police News
    • Military News
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Special Weapons
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics & Sights
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Pop Culture
    • Training
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
  • News
    • Police News
    • Military News
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Special Weapons
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics & Sights
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Pop Culture
    • Training
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
No Result
View All Result
 
New Year, New FREE GUN FRIDAY! Enter to WIN the Smith & Wesson and Black Hills package.

Gun Test: Mossberg’s 590A1 12-Gauge Shotgun in Kryptek Typhon Camo

D.K. Pridgen by D.K. Pridgen
December 7, 2017
in Guns, Shotguns
0
SWJA 2015 Mossberg 590A1 shotgun lead

Mossberg’s 590A1 pump action has proven itself on the mean streets for years. This particular 590A1, with its Kryptek Typhon camo, is bred to dominate in low-light situations, where most law enforcement confrontations occur.

0
SHARES
247
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
SWJA 2015 Mossberg 590A1 shotgun lead
Mossberg’s 590A1 pump action has proven itself on the mean streets for years. This particular 590A1, with its Kryptek Typhon camo, is bred to dominate in low-light situations, where most law enforcement confrontations occur.
SWJA 2015 Mossberg 590A1 shotgun ejection
The author’s test 590A1 features an aluminum alloy triggerguard, a generous ejection port and a ghost ring rear sight with protective wings.
SWJA 2015 Mossberg 590A1 shotgun left
The 590A1 Special Purpose ships with an 18.5-inch, heavy barrel built for high round counts. The striking Kryptek Typhon camo finish has been applied practically everywhere, including the synthetic buttstock, forend and mag tube end cap.

SWJA 2015 Mossberg 590A1 shotgun safety
The aluminum safety is mounted on the shotgun’s tang, where it’s easy to reach for both left- and right-handed operators.
SWJA 2015 Mossberg 590A1 shotgun port
Mossberg 590A1s are known for their large loading ports and skeletonized elevators that discourage dirt and debris from gumming up the action.
SWJA 2015 Mossberg 590A1 shotgun sight
The shotgun’s front sight ramp has a fluorescent orange stripe that stands out from the Kryptek Typhon camo for faster sighting.

SWJA 2015 Mossberg 590A1 shotgun stock
he 12-gauge 590A1 Special Purpose offers a 14-inch length of pull as well as a thick, recoil-absorbing rubber buttpad.
SWJA 2015 Mossberg 590A1 shotgun right
The 590A1 Special Purpose ships with an 18.5-inch, heavy barrel built for high round counts. The striking Kryptek Typhon camo finish has been applied practically everywhere, including the synthetic buttstock, forend and mag tube end cap.

If Samuel Colt’s revolvers made all men equals in the 1800s, I’d like to nominate the shotgun for that title in the succeeding centuries, even though the shotgun saw an appreciable amount of martial use in the 1800s and before. It would seem any firearm striking such fear into the hearts of military opponents that they sentenced captured users to immediate death is pretty special! Shotguns continue to effectively defend home and hearth and serve with military and law enforcement personnel.

Mossberg Shockwave right angle
RELATED STORY

Mossberg Shockwave: Short-Barreled Fun Without the NFA Hassle

While shotguns are not magic wands, nor the devastating weapons the World War I-era Germans felt they were, they are certainly very effective when used correctly. Despite the increased popularity of patrol carbines in law enforcement, shotguns—primarily pump actions—are still in use by patrol officers and others. The United States armed forces currently authorize three shotguns, including the 12-gauge Mossberg 590A1.

Mossberg 590A1

The Mossberg 590A1 is a member of the well-established Mossberg 500 family with enhancements made to meet military requirements. The 590A1’s predecessor, the 590, incorporated a modified magazine tube and end cap. Introduced in the 1980s, the 590A1 took things a little further with the addition of an aluminum alloy triggerguard and safety, added in response to the military’s 3443G materials requirements, as well as a heavier barrel, satisfying the Navy’s request to prevent deformation if heavy ship doors were to strike it. Steel parts on the 590A1 are Parkerized, and the barrel features a fixed cylinder-bore choke.

Like all of the 500 family, the 590A1’s receiver is milled from weight-saving aluminum alloy. For durability, the bolt locks into a steel barrel extension. All Mossbergs have twin action bars for smoother operation and magazine tubes threaded directly into the receiver. Mounted on the tang, the safety has an ambidextrous location easy to reach on a shotgun with a full-sized stock.

“The reptile-looking Typhon camo should do a superb job of breaking up the pattern of the shotgun and helping it blend in.”

Prior to the Army, Navy and Coast Guard’s adoption of the 590A1, it competed with a number of shotguns in the usual abuse tests, including being buried in sand and firing a mixture of 3,000 rounds of buckshot and slugs. The 590A1 was the only pump action to pass with no more than three malfunctions. Part of that success results from the Mossberg’s design, which discourages dirt and debris from gumming up the action. Following the military’s adoption, many law enforcement agencies adopted the 590A1 for the same reasons that the armed services had.

Mossberg’s 590A1 is not your father’s bird gun pressed into a harsher duty. There may be bird guns in its lineage, but the 590A1 has been modified for harsher duties, putting it at the top of the Mossberg pump shotgun food chain when it comes to tactical duties. With all of its mandated durability, the 590A1 is obviously perfect for the military’s needs. As with many weapons with a military background, the 590A1 may seem to possess a little more than what a non-military shotgun—self-defense or law enforcement—might need, but for those who demand only the best when lives are at stake, the confidence the 590A1 provides is certainly worth it.

Mossberg’s 590A1 Special Purpose shotguns are available with several sight options, including just a bead front sight, a front blade wearing a highly visible fluorescent orange stripe on the ramp, three-dot rifle sights or a ghost-ring setup. They typically come with either 18.5- or 20-inch barrels. While perusing the Mossberg website recently, I noticed a new finish available on the 590A1 Special Purpose: Kryptek Typhon camouflage. According to Kryptek, Typhon camouflage was designed under the premise that “Darkness is the ally of the predator that prowls at night. Kryptek Typhon serves those who operate when and where others will not venture.”

Gun Details

This 3-inch-chambered 590A1 Special Purpose (officially dubbed the model 51522) sports an 18.5-inch heavy barrel, a ghost ring rear sight and a front ramp with a high-visibility orange stripe. Of course, the first thing you’ll notice is the very interesting Kryptek Typhon camouflage. It covers the entire shotgun, including the polymer furniture and the sling swivel stud that screws into the magazine cap. Well, everything except the cushiony buttpad at the end of the stock, with its 14-inch length of pull.

DK Mossberg 590A1 shotgun Sights
RELATED STORY

Top 10 Features of the Kryptek Typhon Mossberg 590A1

Whether hunting game or two-legged predators, the reptile-looking Typhon camo should do a superb job of breaking up the pattern of the shotgun and helping it blend in. Once Mossberg applies the Typhon camo, the 590A1’s original black coloration still shows through where the urban gray pattern doesn’t cover it.

The secret to any Kryptek camouflage’s performance is that it “utilizes a multi-directional design to effectively conceal in a multitude of terrains that have either a lateral or vertical flow. The bi-level layering of the patterns incorporates background transitional shading and sharp random geometrical foregrounds to create a three-dimensional effect that ensures the utmost in concealment at both close and long ranges.” Kryptek’s camouflage is described as “the ultimate in passive battlefield deception.”

I can tell you this: The Typhon camo is definitely an eye-catcher. Also, based on a couple of my low-light evaluations, it’s very effective.

The secret to applying the Moss­berg’s camouflage is “hydrographic dipped film,” or water-transfer prin­­­­t­­­­­­­ing, which can add decorative surfaces to flat and three-dimensional objects. The hydrographic process can be used on virtually any material because the film is applied when parts are dipped into a water tank in which the film to be applied is floating.

Range Time

Honestly, the 590A1 arrives with just about everything you could ask for, including very usable sights. I could have stripped the ghost-ring rear sight off, added a rail to the receiver and popped a small electronic sight like EOTech’s compact and effective MRDS onto the rail. I might’ve considered that if it were my shotgun, but for this test I kept the ghost-ring sight in place.

And then there is the sling, a much-needed item for duty long guns. At some point every officer needs both of their hands free to search or handcuff a suspect. I usually prefer non-black slings, but it seemed only fitting to give the Typhon-covered 590A1 a black one. I had a black Viking Tactics VTAC sling, complete with swivels on hand, that was a perfect fit! Mention a VTAC sling and most folks envision rifles, but it worked perfectly with the Mossberg shotgun.

All kitted up, I hauled a ton of shotshells to the range and began banging away with Mossberg’s 590A1. Birdshot, full-power and reduced-recoil slugs, buckshot—it all worked well in the 590A1—but of course it did, it’s a pump! It should come as no surprise that the 590A1 shot and handled well. It produced low-recoil 00 buckshot patterns in the sub-8-inch range at 15 yards. Slugs dropped into groups measuring between 1.5 and 2 inches.

Mossberg ATI Scorpion Shotgun test lead
RELATED STORY

Venom Strike: Mossberg’s ATI Scorpion Shotgun

Even though the extra rounds of a 20-inch-barreled 590A1 would be nice, I still prefer the maneuverability of the 18.5-inch-barreled version. It seems to track well on moving targets and handles itself better than longer barrels inside close confines. And the 590A1 I tested is an outstanding example of this Mossberg series.

590A1 Final Notes

The final verdict on the Kryptek-Typhon-covered Mossberg 590A1 Special Purpose is simple. After all, the Mossberg 590A1 has an excellent reputation built upon decades of battlefield and LEO use. It is solid and should work for years even with heavy use. The improvements made to the 590A1 years ago, including the thicker barrel and the metal triggerguard and safety, are definitely worth it! This robust 12-gauge shotgun has been, and continues to be, a great choice for law enforcement.

Having an effective camouflage such as the Kryptek Typhon on the shotgun is an outstanding bargain for only about $60 more than a similarly equipped 590A1 without the Kryptek camouflage. Much of the work done in tactical operations is in low light—inside structures, approaching structures, maneuvering through wooded areas, etc. If the operator is wearing effective camouflage, the solid color and straight lines of most firearms could reveal his position. But that’s not the case if the firearm has a Kryptek camo finish. And, let’s be honest, this particular shotgun really looks outstanding!

For more information, visit mossberg.com or call 800-363-3555.

Didn't find what you were looking for?

CLICK HERE FOR COMMENTS

RELATED POSTS

Important Safety Recall Notice Issued for CZ-USA 600 Bolt-Action Rifles.

CZ-USA Issues Important Safety Recall Notice for All 600 Bolt-Action Rifles

Some of the top guns and gear released at SHOT Show 2023.

30 of the Best Guns & Gear Launched at SHOT Show 2023

The CZ Custom A01-SD OR.

The CZ Custom A01-SD OR is Optics Ready and Dialed in For Competition

The cover of the new Heritage Journal 2023.

Athlon Outdoors & Heritage Firearms Release HERITAGE JOURNAL 2023

Load More

TACTICAL-LIFE NIGHT SHOOTER SEASON 2

Discussion about this post

FEATURED POST

Important Safety Recall Notice Issued for CZ-USA 600 Bolt-Action Rifles.

CZ-USA Issues Important Safety Recall Notice for All 600 Bolt-Action Rifles

After learning of a potential safety issue with CZ 600 bolt-action rifles, CZ-USA has issued a safety recall notice. As...

Read more

TRENDING

U.S. Secret Service adopts Glock G47

FIRST LOOK: Glock Just Very Quietly Unveiled the New Glock 47 Pistol

...

5 new pistols launched at NASGW.

5 New Pistols Launching for 2023

...

Police Sidearms, police duty pistols, Handguns, America's Largest Police Departments 2018

Police Sidearms: The Handguns of America’s 10 Largest Departments

...

The upgraded Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical is built for long-range shooting.

FIRST LOOK: Rounds Downrange With the new Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical

...

PICK A CATEGORY

TACTICS & TRAINING SPOTLIGHT

Tactical Reload Semi-Auto Pistol Step 8

5 Strategies For Effectively Completing a Tactical Reload

If you’re reading this publication, you’re most likely familiar with the “speed reload,” sometimes called the “combat reload” or “emergency...

TACTICS & TRAINING SHOWCASE

Fact vs. Fiction 5 Myths Gunfight Survival lead

5 Common Myths on How to Survive a Gunfight

Standing Your Ground Castle Doctrine lead

Understanding Stand Your Ground Laws and Castle Doctrine

long distance shooting tips

Long-Distance Shooting: 5 Must-Know Tips For Spotters & Shooters

IMPACT Experience Events.

IMPACT Experience Events Redefine Your Long-Range Shooting Limits

Enhance your shooting precision skills in a course with Modern Day Sniper.

Sniper Skills: Taking Your Shooting Precision to the Next Level

Once you find a carry gun that works for you, get another for a spare. These “hammerless” S&W J-frame lightweights are M340 M&P with Hogue Bantam grips, top, and a M442 Airweight with Crimson Trace Lasergrips, below.

10 Commandments of Concealed Carry

self-defense myths can be dangerous

Self-Defense Myths that Could Get you Killed

Mossberg 590 Shockwave review for home defense myths

4 Home Defense Myths You Need to Stop Repeating

The Dicken Drill is named for Eli Dicken who saved many lives in the Greenwood Mall

The Elisjsha Dicken Drill

AMMO SPOTLIGHT

Remington Ammunition Issues Recall Notice on 12-Gauge Premier Accutip Ammo.

Remington Ammunition Issues a 12-Gauge Premier AccuTip Ammo Recall

Remington Ammunition has recently discovered an issue related to its 12-Gauge Premier Accutip ammo and issued a recall notice. This...

site logo
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun news, gun reviews and gun magazines for gun enthusiasts, military and law enforcement

Tactical

  • tactical-life.com

Magazines

  • Tactical Life
  • The Complete Book of Reloading
  • Guns of the Old West

Facebook

  • Tactical-Life Facebook
  • Guns of the Old West Facebook

Twitter

  • Tactical-Life Twitter

Self Defense

  • PersonalDefenseWorld.com

Magazines

  • Personal Defense World
  • Combat Handguns

Facebook

  • Personal Defense World Facebook
  • Combat Handguns

Twitter

  • Personal Defense World Twitter

Shooting Lifestyle

  • BallisticMag.com

Magazines

  • BallisticMag.com

Facebook

  • Ballistic Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Ballistic Magazine Twitter

Alpha Lifestyle

  • SkillsetMag.com

Magazines

  • Skillset

Facebook

  • Skillset Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Skillset Magazine Twitter

Instagram

  • Skillset Magazine Instagram
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Cookie Policy
© Athlon Outdoors, All Rights Reserved.
You use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and awareness of the California Privacy Rights. Pursuant to U.S. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced, distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Outdoors.

Manage your GDPR consents by clicking here. Manage your CCPA consents by clicking here.
No Result
View All Result
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
  • Knives
  • Gear
    • Holsters
    • Optics & Sights
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Suppressors
  • News
    • Police News
    • Military News
  • Videos
  • Contact Us

© 2023 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.