Best Mossberg 500 Upgrades & Accessories (590A1 & Shockwave)
If you want the ultimate home defense shotgun, you need these Mossberg 500 upgrades and accessories.
Adding these Mossberg 500 upgrades and accessories will allow you to get the most out of this shotgun, unlock its full potential, improve it, and become a more useful shotgun.
The parts mentioned below will work for both the Mossberg 500 and the Mossberg 590 variants.
This article will cover the best Mossberg 500 upgrades and accessories.
What Is A Mossberg 500?
The Mossberg 500 is a pump action shotgun and is probably the most popular pump action shotgun in America. It was designed to be the direct competitor for the Remington 870.
These are extremely reliable, affordable shotguns and one of the guns that every person should own. A ton of aftermarket parts are available for the Mossberg 500 due to its popularity.
They are offered in many different configurations for hunting and tactical applications, and you can set them up to your own personal liking.
One of the biggest selling points of the Mossberg 500 is the unique safety location that left-handed shooters love.
The simplicity and reliability of the Mossberg 500 are its bread and butter. Also, they are very affordable and can be that all-around gun you want.
It can be used for hunting, target shooting, and self-defense. Everyone needs to have one of these shotguns in their home.
This is also one of the preferred shotguns for law enforcement officers.
Where To Purchase A Mossberg 500?
The great thing about the Mossberg 500 shotgun is that they are sold everywhere. You should easily be able to find one of these at your local gun store without any trouble.
If you are looking for a specific version or sub-model of the Mossberg 500, you can always order one online and send it to your local FFL dealer.
Also, to start with more features, you should order the Mossberg 590A1 from the beginning. It has a much better front sight.
Usually, I find the best gun deals online, so ordering one is a good idea. Gun deals also can be found locally during the holiday season.
Click Here to check the current prices and availability of the Mossberg 500
MOSSBERG 500/590 CURRENT MODELS IN PRODUCTION
- Click Here to view them on Mossberg’s website
- Click Here to download the owner’s manual
Best Mossberg Upgrades & Accessories
The parts mentioned below will work for all Mossberg 500 & 590 variants. These upgrades and accessories will be compatible. Also, the pistol version and shockwave version will accept these parts.
Just a heads up, the shockwave version has a ton more felt recoil.
If upgrading the pistol version, make sure you follow all of the laws surrounding it. Do not add a stock to the shockwave. Not everyone will choose all of these upgrades but might only like a few of them.
RELATED ARTICLES
Best Mossberg 500 Stock & Forend
One of the quickest and best Mossberg 500 upgrades is adding new furniture. The standard stock isn’t great and the same with the forend.
There are many different options when it comes to adding these types of parts, but I have a lot of experience, and I have determined the best options.
Magpul SGA Stock & Forend
The best furniture for the Mossberg 500 is the Magpul SGA Stock & Forend. To start with, the stock is the best of both worlds.
The pistol grip angle is similar to a standalone pistol grip, but the cheek well feels like a traditional stock. It comes with spacers that allow you to adjust the length of pull so you can customize it to yourself.
The pistol grip texture is perfect and has multiple sling attachment points. This stock is very rugged and durable, and the pistol grip is much more comfortable than the standard stock and even helps with recoil reducing.
MLOK attachment points are the key feature of the forend. It is also ribbed and comfortable when working the action and cycling the shotgun. Magpul offers these parts in a few colors, which is very affordable.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Magpul SGA Stock & Forend
SGA Sling Attachment Point
Magpul makes a small SGA Sling Attachment Point that can be purchased and added to the SGA stock, allowing you to add a quick detach sling.
I recommend adding this because it allows you to attach your sling to the receiver’s end close to the shotgun’s trigger.
If you are used to running AR-15s with a similar setup, this will make the shotgun feel similar. Also, it isn’t expensive, and installation is a breeze.
Click Here to check the current prices of the SGA Sling Attachment Point
Best Mossberg 500 Optics
A good optic is one of the best Mossberg 500 upgrades that are often overlooked. There is a big misconception that it is impossible to miss with a 12 Ga shotgun, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
Aiming is still required even on a shotgun with a spread. To get the true idea of your shotgun spread, you should take it to the range and pattern it.
Even if you have a front bead sight or ghost ring sights, you still need to aim, even in close quarters.
XS Ghost Ring Sights & Rail
Depending on how your Mossberg shotgun is already configurated, you may have to add the XS Ghost Ring Sights & Rail.
This is a great way to improve the sights and give you a Picatinny rail to mount red dot sights. Even if you don’t want a red dot, you may someday, which will futureproof your shotgun.
The XS Big Dot is also a huge improvement over the front bead sight, and the front sight on these have a tritium insert that will glow in the dark, making it perfect for home defense.
The Picatinny rail is solid and will accept any red dot or holographic sight.
This XS Big Dot style of sights is very similar to rifle sights; if that is what you are used to, you will like them.
Click Here to check the current prices of the XS Ghost Ring Sights & Rail
Best Mossberg 500 Red Dot
If you want the fastest sighting option, then a red dot is the way. They are quick and allow you to threat focus/target focus instead of focusing on the front sight like you would on traditional ghost ring sights.
If you want some magnification to be added to your red dot, then a magnifier is a great option and gives you the best of both worlds. Still, a non-magnified red dot or holographic sight is superior for a primary home defense shotgun.
Some people don’t like spending money on an optic for a shotgun and I never understood this. If you have a tool you plan on defending yourself and your family with, why not make it the best and most effective tool?
Again adding a red dot is one of the best Mossberg 500 upgrades, and it is worth investing in an optic.
There are a lot of good red dots out there, but I always stick to the tried and true. The three primary red dots that I recommend.
- Aimpoint Pro
- Trijicon MRO HD
- EOTech EXPS3
Trijicon MRO HD
The Trijicon MRO HD is a reflex-style, sealed sight for rifles, carbines, and shotguns to provide fast target acquisition.
It is designed to be used with both eyes open, giving the operator maximum situational awareness.
The large aperture and tapered light path maximize the viewing area in a small optic, allowing for fast target engagement, especially from non-standard shooting positions.
It also features ambidextrous brightness controls, sub-flush adjusters, advanced lens coatings, and a fully sealed, waterproof, hard anodized forged 7075-T6 housing, making the MRO the ultimate mini reflex red dot sight.
The MRO HD is optimized for use with a magnifier, with a re-engineered objective lens to produce a refined 2.0 MOA center dot surrounded by a 68 MOA segmented circle reticle.
The ambidextrous reticle and brightness control allow users to choose between a full reticle or a center dot.
| Color: | Black |
| Finish: | Matte |
| Fabric/Material: | 7075-T6 forged aluminum |
| Magnification: | 1 x |
| Objective Lens Diameter: | 25 mm |
| Reticle: | 68 MOA ring w/ single 2 MOA dot |
| Illumination Type: | LED |
| Eye Relief: | Infinite |
| Adjustment Type: | MOA |
| Battery Type: | CR2032 |
| Operating Temperature: | -60 – 160 Fahrenheit |
| Length: | 2.9 in |
| Width: | 1.7 in |
| Magnification Type: | Fixed |
- Fully Ambidextrous Knob
- Easy Grip Adjustment Knurl
- Multiple Illumination Settings
- 1/2 MOA Sub-Flush Adjusters prevent accidental adjustment
- Forged 7075 Aluminum Housing
- Waterproof 100ft/30m submersion
- Large Objective lens
- Fully Multi-Coated Broadband Anti-Reflective Glass
Click Here to check the current prices of the Trijicon MRO HD
EOTech EXPS3
The EOTech EXPS3 is the shortest, lightest holographic red dot sight on the market today. It allows for an elevated level of precision in short to medium-range tactical environments like never before.
These red dot sights deliver two-eyes open shooting ability plus a 7mm raised base for iron sight access.
The EXPS-3 features easily adjustable side buttons with a single, quick-release throw lever to quickly attach or remove the sight.
The EOTech EXPS 3 waterproof holographic red dot sight requires 2 3/4 inches of rail space, thanks to a shortened base.
The waterproof and fog-proof design will withstand harsh environments and perform in any tactical environment and with the average battery life being between 500 to 600 hours.
| Finish: | Hard Coating |
| Magnification: | 1 x |
| Objective Lens Diameter: | 0.85 in |
| Illumination Type: | Holographic |
| Illumination Color: | Red |
| Brightness Settings: | 30 |
| Eye Relief: | Unlimited |
| Adjustment Type: | MOA |
| Adjustment Click Value: | 0.5 MOA |
| Field of View, Linear: | 30 yds at 4 in |
| Lens Material: | Front Window 1/8in solid glass Rear Window 3/16in Laminate |
| Optical Coating: | Anti-Reflection coating on the external surface |
| Attachment/Mount Type: | Weaver, MIL-STD 1913 |
| Battery Type: | CR123A |
| Battery Life: | 1000 hours |
| Operating Temperature: | -4 – 122 Fahrenheit |
| Water Resistance Level: | Submersible |
| Water Resistant Mark: | 10 m, 33 ft |
| Fogproof: | Yes |
| Length: | 3.5 in |
| Width: | 2.4 in |
| Height: | 2.8 in |
| Weight: | 11.2 oz |
| Included Accessories: | Sight assembly 1 x Type 123 Lithium battery Quick Reference Card Product Registration/Warranty Card |
| Package-Type: | Polymer hard case |
| Magnification Type: | Fixed |
| Lens Finish: | Fog-resistant internal optic |
| Brightness Index: | 20 daylight settings |
| Quantity: | 1 |
| Fit: | both 1in Weaver and MIL-STD-1913 rail |
- Single transverse 123 battery to reduce sight length
- Shortened base only requires at most 2 3/4 inches of rail space
- The battery cap and latch are eliminated and replaced with a simple O-ring, tethered cap; better sealing is achieved
- The battery compartment is now separated from the base to allow it to hover over the delta ring of the rifle
- Average battery life at brightness level 12 is roughly 500-600 hours
- Side buttons, NV compatible with a single quick detach throw lever
Aimpoint T2
Designed to be the ideal red dot sight for tactical applications, the Aimpoint Micro T2 is one of the best optics for any firearm, especially the Mossberg 500.
It is lightweight, extremely reliable, and has a long battery life.
The sight housing of these red dots has advanced lens coatings that radically improve the shape and clarity of the 2MOA red dot sight.
Physical protection has been added around the adjustment turrets and internal changes to protect the electronic components of the Aimpoint T2 Micro Red Dot Weapon Sight.
The sealed tube design of this Aimpoint red dot means that snow, rain, dust, mud, or sand will not hinder the use of your sight or ever get in between you and your target.
The optic can be mounted quickly and has a clear, crisp dot in the center. Perfect for making accurate shots rapidly.
This red dot is compatible with all generations of night vision devices.
| Color: | Black |
| Finish: | Semi-Matte, Anodized |
| Fabric/Material: | Aluminum |
| Magnification: | 1 x |
| Objective Lens Diameter: | 18 mm |
| Reticle: | 2 MOA Dot |
| Illumination Type: | LED |
| Illumination Color: | Red |
| Brightness Settings: | 12 |
| Eye Relief: | Unlimited |
| Adjustment Click Value: | 0.4 in at 100 yds |
| Parallax: | Free |
| Optical Coating: | Multi-Coated |
| Light Transmission: | 70 % |
| Battery Type: | Lithium, CR2032 |
| Battery Quantity: | 1 |
| Battery Life: | 7,300 – 50,000 hours |
| Operating Temperature: | -45 – 71 Celsius, -49 – 160 Fahrenheit |
| Water Resistance Level: | Waterproof |
| Water Resistant Mark: | 80 ft |
| Gun Make: | Universal |
| Gun Model: | Universal |
| Length: | 2.7 in |
| Width: | 1.6 in |
| Height: | 1.4 in |
| Weight: | 3.3 oz |
| Condition: | New |
| Package-Type: | Box |
| Magnification Type: | Fixed |
| Lens Finish: | Multi-Layer Anti-Reflex |
| Quantity: | 1 |
| Switch Type: | Rotary Switch |
| Wavelength: | 650 nm |
- Ideal for rifles, carbines, shotguns, submachine guns, and handguns
- Flip-up lens covers – front is solid, and rear is transparent – allowing the user to shoot with both eyes open and lens caps closed in an emergency
- Reinforced protection of the turrets for even greater ruggedness
- Integral Picaninny-style base allows easy attachment to any rail
- Anodized high-strength aluminum housing, semi-matte black
- Use as a standalone sight or piggybacked on larger magnifying, thermal, or night vision optics
- NVD compatible
Click Here to check the current prices of the Aimpoint T2
Best Mossberg 500 Red Dot Mount
If you go with the EOTech holographic sight, you will not need a separate mount because it has one integrated.
With the Trijicon and the Aimpoint, you will need a separate mount for them. You can get the one they offer, but I recommend getting a better one because of the increased recoil of a 12 Ga.
Especially because you will likely use buckshot or slugs through the Mossberg 500 in a home defense scenario.
Geissele Super Precision Mount
The Geissele Super Precision Mount is the best choice when mounting a red dot to the Mossberg 500.
It is rock solid and will not shift zero or loosen the red dot when firing 12 Ga shells.
They make this in a few different heights, which is available for the Trijicon MRO and the Aimpoint T2.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Geissele Super Precision Mount
Best Mossberg 500 Light
You need a good weapon light for any serious home defense shotgun or self-defense shotgun. It needs to be reliable and bright while being simple to use.
There are many good options nowadays for weapon lights, but I always go back to the tried and true. There are two that I recommend.
SureFire M600 Ultra Scout Light
The Surefire M600 is the absolute best weapon light for your Mossberg 500. This is one of the most popular weapons light on the market for a good reason.
It produces 1000 lumens of light and has a very slim, compact, and lightweight design.
These weapon lights are made of hard-anodized aerospace aluminum and are reliable. They also have optically coated tempered window glass, O-rings, and gasket seals.
Surefire makes this weapon light in two different colors. Black and Flat Dark Earth (FDE).
Click here to check the current prices of the Surefire M600
Streamlight ProTac HL-X
Another great option for a weapon light is the Streamlight ProTac HL-X. This light is about half the price of the Surefire M600 and is still very bright.
I own about four of these flashlights and have never had an issue. These also work great as standalone lights and don’t have to be mounted on a weapon.
If you want a great weapon light for your Mossberg 500 and don’t want to spend too much money, then this is the light I recommend.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Streamlight ProTac HL-X
Streamlight TL Racker Forend Light
If you don’t want a flashlight hanging off the side of your shotgun or prefer a more compact setup, then the Streamlight TL Racker Forend Light is another good option.
The Streamlight TL Racker is heavy-duty, very bright, and easy to install. I like that you can turn it on and off from either side. When you grab the forend, your fingers end up falling on the switch.
The Streamlight TL Racker is a great light source for close range.
So if you want a light and forend combined, the Streamlight TL Racker is a sleek setup that functions great.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Streamlight TL Racker Forend Light
Best Mossberg 500 Light Mount
Depending on your flashlight, you will need a good way to mount it to the shotgun.
I always suggest having the weapon light mounted as far forward as possible. This will help eliminate a shadow that is cast from the muzzle.
This will also depend on what version of the Mossberg 500 or 590 you have because the magazine tube length is different on some of these shotguns.
Elzetta Shotgun Light Mount
A great and simple solution to mounting a weapon light is the Elzetta Shotgun Light Mount.
This mount will accept any one-inch diameter flashlight and clamps to the magazine tube and the barrel.
It’s easy to install, and you can adjust the tension using an allen key.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Elzetta Shotgun Light Mount
Best Mossberg 500 Heat Shield
Adding a heat shield to the barrel is suggested if you want to give your shotgun that tactical and classic look.
They reduce the barrel’s heat and will prevent you from burning your hand if you make contact with the barrel.
But honestly, they just look cool and are an inexpensive part to add.
Mossberg Heat Shield
The Mossberg Heat Shield is an iconic accessory for your shotgun. These are also called cheese graters but help with the barrel’s heat dispersion.
It fits the Mossberg 590a1. However, the barrel’s thickness makes the installation differential. It may require some fitting, depending on your shotgun.
Just make sure you have it on even and in the correct spot. There shouldn’t be a problem did not even need the screws as it’s pretty well jammed in there. It does make it look cool.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Mossberg Heat Shield
Best Mossberg 500 Choke Tubes
So because this is the ultimate home defense shotgun setup, you will need a breacher-style choke tube.
These look aggressive and prevent the muzzle from blowing apart if you shoot from point blank.
There are many different choke tubes to choose from and I recommend having a complete set of choke tubes so your good for any situation.
Mossberg Breacher Accu-Choke
The Breacher Accu-Choke is one of the best Mossberg 500 upgrades you can add to your shotgun.
Add stand-off capability to any 12 Gauge Accu-Choke barrel. Serrated teeth at the muzzle provide solid purchase when placed against various surfaces.
Angled ports vent away gases from the muzzle while also reducing muzzle flash and slight recoil reducing.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Breacher Accu-Choke
Best Mossberg 500 Magazine
There are a few options for upgrading the magazine on the Mossberg 500. You can get an extended magazine tube, but with this, you sometimes have to get a different barrel.
One of the best things you can do is convert your shotgun to a detachable magazine-fed shotgun.
Adaptive Tactical Venom Shotgun Box Magazine Conversion Kit
The Adaptive Tactical Venom Shotgun Box Magazine Conversion Kit will transform your Mossberg 500 into a detachable magazine-fed shotgun.
This upgrade makes reloading a lot quicker.
The Mossberg 500 tactical mag conversion is a must-have. Anyone that owns a pump shotgun should use this kit. It installs in about twenty minutes and beats having to refill the tube.
Instead, you can just change mags.
Best Mossberg 500 Shell Holder
One of the most limiting factors of a shotgun is the ammunition capacity. Having a shell holder or a side saddle is a good way to increase the ammunition you have on hand.
Adding a shell holder also increases the overall weight of the shotgun, so that is something to keep in mind.
Mesa Tactical Shell Holder
The Mesa Tactical SureShell Shotshell Carrier is the most durable shotshell carrier available.
Mesa Tactical machines these shell holders from aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum with mil-spec hard anodizing for a durable non-glare matte finish.
Mesa Tactical SureShell Side Mount Shotshell Carriers need no gunsmithing for installation. These have been around for a while and Mesa Tactical is known for making the best shell holders.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Mesa Tactical SureShell Shotshell Carrier
Best Mossberg 500 Sling
You need a sling to secure your shotgun to your body, and if you plan on doing any serious tactical or running and gunning.
I recommend a good two-point sling for a shotgun like the Mossberg 500. It is the best option and will allow you to transition to a pistol smoothly.
Magpul MS3 Gen 2 Sling
The Magpul MS3 Gen 2 Sling is the best modular sling setup for compact firearms or full-size shotguns. It gives you both carry styles in one setup and is the best of both worlds.
It is durable and can quickly change configurations from a two-point to a single point, and it can be tightened or loosened on the fly.
The clips are strong and also have a locking feature.
Click Here to check out the current prices of the Magpul MS3 Gen 2 Sling
Best Mossberg 500 Ammo
You will always need more ammo, and with prices high, the best idea is to buy it whenever you see a sale or buy in bulk.
12 Ga Ammo is very common, so it’s normally easy to find. I recommend stocking up on buckshot, slugs, and bird shot.
Be sure to click the links and check the current prices and available ammo because prices always change.
Final Considerations
The Mossberg 500 590 is a great shotgun and can be very effective as is, but adding these Mossberg 500 upgrades and accessories will give you increased performance.
Shotguns have a lot of recoil and changing out stocks will help reduce the felt recoil, but only slightly.
With so many different stocks on the market, I always recommend keeping it simple and not getting carried away.
Mossberg 500 FAQ
Can you upgrade the Mossberg 500?
There is a huge aftermarket for shotguns and especially the Mossberg 500. You can upgrade every part and set it up to your personal preference.
Can you convert the Mossberg 500 to magazine fed that is detachable?
Adaptive Tactical Venom Shotgun Magazine Conversion Kit for Mossberg 500 Series Shotguns allows you to transform your Mossberg 500 shotgun into a mag-fed Sidewinder Venom shotgun system.
Is the Mossberg 500 worth it?
For the price, you get an outstanding and reliable shotgun that can serve many different roles. Every household should have a Mossberg 500.
What’s the difference between the Mossberg 500 and the Mossberg 590?
The main difference is that the Mossberg 500 has a longer stock and a shorter magazine tube for hunting purposes. The Mossberg 590 and 590a1 have a shorter stock, but the magazine tube is longer.
Complete List of Items Mentioned
(Click the links for the most up-to-date prices)
- Mossberg 500
- Mossberg 590A1
- Magpul SGA Stock & Forend
- SGA Sling Attachment Point
- XS Ghost Ring Sights & Rail
- Trijicon MRO HD
- EOTech EXPS3
- Aimpoint Micro T2
- Trijicon MRO Geissele Mount
- Aimpoint T2 Geissele Mount
- Surefire M600
- Streamlight ProTac HL-X
- Streamlight TL Racker Forend Light
- Elzetta Shotgun Light Mount
- Mossberg Heat Shield
- Breacher Accu-Choke
- Adaptive Tactical Venom Shotgun Box Magazine Conversion Kit
- Mesa Tactical SureShell Shotshell Carrier
- Magpul MS3 Gen 2 Sling
- 12 Ga Ammo
Have you added any accessories to the Mossberg 500?
Did you initially start with a red dot?
Let me know in the comments below.
Further reading on Firstworldcrusader.com: Are you interested in learning more about guns and gear?
This list of the Best Red Dot Sights can help you choose the best optic for your rifle.
In addition, here are the Best AR-15 Upgrades & Accessories that can help you get more out of your primary battle rifle.
Here is our list of the Best Gun Deals on the internet, so make sure you check them out.
Just a heads up, the shockwave version has a ton more felt recoil. Adding a stock will reduce the felt recoil.
Adding a stock to a shockwave is a felony. It also defeats the purpose of the shockwave.
Since I learned to configure my shockwave and learned to shoot it I find the felt recoil to be less than my stocked shotguns.
For videos on how to configure and shoot the shockwave see Demonstrated
Concepts website.
I have an old Mossberg 500 that I inherited. I have never fired it. However it looks to be in pretty good condition. It has 2 seperate barrels in the case. One is longer than the other. It has some sentimental value and I would like to “upgrade” it to a tactical, home defense shotgun but I know nothing about shotguns. It has etching on the receiver…its a hunting version. Does it matter? I mean. Its still a M500. I’m thinking about just scrubbing it and rebluing to start, then getting a few of the upgrades listed in this article. Ive never really been into firearms much but was in the military years ago. I basically inherited an entire collection recently. Nothing is really special. I mean theyre all just kind of standard shotguns and rifles. But they all sat in their cases for a long time and need some love. I want to start with the M500. Then the 22/250 after that. I already restored one of the old 22’s just to get into it a little bit. It was fun. I enjoyed it. Still looking for a couple of small parts for it, screws and one of the mounts for the magazine tube. Anyway, thanks for the article. It really did help me.
The shockwave doesn’t have “more” felt recoil than another 12ga, in fact, it has no stock at all to compare. Its fired with a push pull technique, pushing with the pump hand and pulling on the raptor grip, which is angled much less than pistol grip. There is very little cheek weld, too, which promotes the use of a red dot which quickly improves sighting.
The relative recoil of different 12ga loads is how its managed, don’t load up 3″ magnums, use the 1 3/4 mini shells and its actually a lot easier than a normal shotgun. With the wide range of loads available anyone can abuse their physique with hot magnums, the smart move with the Shockwave is the mini slugs and 00 buck.