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Mossberg 590: Truck Gun Series
This is the next article in a series on Truck Guns, or the firearms you might want to keep nearby in case of an emergency (or zombie invasion, whichever comes first). Earlier, Tom R. posted an article about the new Springfield Kuna. Unlike many articles and videos about the compact sub gun (ehem, “large-format pistol”), he framed the weapon as a truck gun. That idea led me down a rabbit hole exploring what constitutes a truck gun, why someone might need one, and the different applications available. Someone living in the country versus someone in suburbia has different needs. The first article in this series covered a Ruger American in 300 BLK, perhaps the perfect truck gun for rural environments or urban sniping. For the following article, I wanted to focus on a firearm suitable for close encounters. But first, let’s cover a few basics.
A truck gun—at least in my mind—refers to any weapon stored in your vehicle for defensive, hunting, or survival purposes. These firearms possess key characteristics, including versatility, compactness, and lethality. Of course, this definition is somewhat ambiguous, with many variables to discuss.
**Legal Warning** If you are interested in pursuing this concept, I would be remiss if I did not warn you to check local laws concerning the transport of weapons in vehicles, particularly long guns and NFA items. States with concealed carry or constitutional carry tend to favor handguns. Things can get spicy when long guns and other scary items are loaded in vehicles.
The Boom Stick
Every year, countless people flock to gun stores to buy shotguns for defensive purposes. At first glance, shotguns appear to be the ultimate defense tool. They are relatively straightforward to use, can shoot a wide variety of ammunition (birdshot, buckshot, slugs, and mini shells, as well as less lethal options), and can be pretty intimidating. However, among the three main types of firearms—rifles, pistols, and shotguns—the shotgun might be the hardest to master. They come with significant drawbacks and connotations. While a shell loaded with 00 buck might seem like the ideal solution against a threat, it can be devastating within the confines of a home. Many believe that because a shotgun fires a pattern of pellets, perfect aim isn’t necessary. This mindset suggests that merely pointing and shooting is sufficient. Sigh…
A shotgun, like any weapon, is a tool, and a moderate level of practice is required to gain proficiency. A miss with 00 buck at close distances can lead to over-penetration and destruction of personal property. In these spaces, there isn’t enough distance for the pellets to spread out. Upon impact, the size of the pattern is roughly that of a baseball. With today’s technology, defensive shotgun shells are engineered to maintain tight patterns, thereby maximizing kinetic energy.
Furthermore, a typical shotgun may hold anywhere from 3 to 8 rounds, depending on the configuration—for example, the magazine tube may be plugged to decrease capacity to comply with specific hunting regulations. While some “experts” might scoff and say that a few rounds are plenty, more ammo may be needed in a defensive scenario. Other shortcomings include the use of simplistic sights—usually a bead—and a longer length of pull compared to most other long guns. So, how do we address these issues? How do we transform a shotgun into the ultimate truck companion? This is what I came up with.
The Spec Sheet
Once purchased from my local firearms dealer (FFL), I spent some time researching and acquiring the components and accessories for the shotgun. Before I break it all down, here’s a list of everything (with links in case you are interested):
- Mossberg 590s
- Ergo Mossberg 500/590 Adapter
- Magpul STR Stock
- GG&G Flashlight & Sling Mount
- Inforce WML Light
- Esstac Shotgun Cards
- Vortex Defender CCW
- Federal Mini Shells
The Build
For this project, I chose a pump-action shotgun. I know some semi-autos perform well, but pumps are less finicky with ammo and provide the reliability everyone wants (especially when bouncing around in the back of your truck). For the model, I selected the latest version of Mossberg’s 590 line—the 590s. The 590 shotgun offers several unique features not found in other models on the market. First, the 590 is built with a thicker receiver compared to the more popular Mossberg 500 and utilizes the shortest legal barrel length, 18.5 inches. The thicker receiver enhances rigidity and adds heft to the gun, aiding in recoil management, while the shorter barrel length allows for better maneuverability in confined spaces. Next, since this model has an “S” designation, it is designed to accept 1 ¾” mini shells. With mini shells, the capacity increases. The standard capacity with 2 ¾” shotgun shells is 6+1. Conversely, with the minis, that number rises to 9+1. Another unique feature of this model is that it comes optics-ready. This means a Shield RMSc pattern red dot can be attached to the receiver. For optics, I chose the Vortex Defender CCW, which boasts some impressive features for a relatively low price point.
To help with the length of pull, I replaced the factory stock with an Ergo 590 AR-15 buffer tube and grip adapter. This modification allowed me to add an adjustable buttstock and AR-style grip. For now, I chose the Magpul STR version and the MOE grip that I had on hand. To enhance the gun’s versatility, I opted for a GG&G flashlight and sling mount that attaches via the magazine tube. While a sling may not be necessary for a home defense scenario, I find it useful in the truck gun situation—retention matters. Lights, on the other hand, are one of the most important tools. Identifying a threat is crucial and could mean the difference between a tragic accident and neutralizing a threat. For this, I selected an Inforce WML. With the entire setup, I chose tan accents to add a bit of extra flair. Let’s be honest, the likelihood of needing this gun in a defensive scenario is relatively low, so we might as well make it look good while remaining functional. The final accessory is a set of Esstac 5-round shotgun cards. Traditionally, many people have used a side saddle to mount additional shotgun shells on the side of the receiver. However, this approach has drawbacks, mainly concerning weight and functionality. With Esstac, a nylon card with hook-and-loop backing is utilized to adhere to a counterpart placed on the weapon’s side. These are lightweight, allowing the shooter to carry several at a time. Once a reload is complete, the card can be “torn” off, and another one added. As a bonus, these shotgun cards fit into standard AR-15 magazine pouches—a rather nice convenience.
Overall, this package offers greater flexibility than a standard 590. In the build, I addressed some limitations of shotguns to make it the ideal truck gun companion. This is an excellent tool that can address a variety of problems. However, like anything, you need to train and become familiar with whatever weapon system you choose.
Final Thoughts
So, where does the shotgun fit into the concept of a truck gun? Well, a standard shotgun has some drawbacks. Of course, modifications can be made, as I did above, but this adds significant cost to the project. Still, when set up correctly, a shotgun is a devastating and intimidating weapon. Partially, and perhaps entirely, due to media influence, shotguns carry a menacing connotation that many want for defense. For instance, the sound of a pump being operated on a shotgun is universally recognized, signaling that something bad is about to happen. However, a shotgun provides the user with flexibility. It can serve as both a defensive and hunting arm. And with a variety of ammunition available, you can tailor the gun’s purpose.
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