Your Ultimate Guide to the Mossberg 590 Persuader 20 Gauge Shotgun: Model 50699

For individuals seeking a reliable, versatile, and manageable firearm for personal defense, home protection, or tactical training, the Mossberg 590 Persuader 20 Gauge, specifically model 50699, stands out as an exceptional choice. This guide delves into what makes this pump-action shotgun a top contender, addressing common questions and highlighting its unique advantages for a wide range of users. Whether you're a first-time gun owner or an experienced shooter looking for a specialized tool, understanding the capabilities of this Mossberg shotgun is essential.

Why Choose a Shotgun for Home Defense? The Unmatched Effectiveness of the 20 Gauge

When considering firearms for home defense, shotguns are frequently recommended due to their devastating close-range power and the psychological deterrent they present. The spread of shot, even at close quarters, offers a greater margin for error compared to a rifle or handgun, making it easier for an untrained individual to score a hit under stress. However, many find the recoil and size of a 12-gauge shotgun intimidating. This is where the 20 gauge truly shines, and why the Mossberg 590 Persuader in this caliber is an ideal solution.

Is a 20 gauge effective for home defense? Absolutely. While often considered the "little brother" to the 12 gauge, the 20 gauge with modern ammunition designs is incredibly potent. For personal protection, 20-gauge buckshot loads deliver ample energy and pellet count to neutralize threats effectively, often with significantly less recoil than a 12 gauge. This reduced recoil is a game-changer for many users, allowing for quicker follow-up shots, improved accuracy, and more comfortable training sessions. It also makes the firearm more accessible for individuals with smaller stature, less upper body strength, or those sensitive to heavy recoil.

The Mossberg 590 Persuader 20 Gauge provides a compelling answer to the problem of finding a powerful yet manageable home defense firearm. It offers the legendary reliability of the 590 platform in a configuration that minimizes the learning curve and maximizes user confidence.

Decoding the Mossberg 590 Persuader 20 Gauge (Model 50699): Key Features and Benefits

The Mossberg 590 Persuader 50699 is meticulously designed with features that prioritize performance, durability, and user-friendliness. Each component contributes to its reputation as a trusted self-defense tool.

• 20 Gauge, 3" Chamber: The ability to chamber 3-inch shells means this shotgun can handle a variety of powerful modern ammunition, from various buckshot loads to slugs, ensuring versatility for different scenarios. The 20-gauge round, as discussed, provides significant stopping power with reduced felt recoil.
• Pump-Action Reliability: The 590 series is renowned for its robust and dependable pump-action mechanism. This manual operation is simple, reliable, and functions under adverse conditions where semi-automatic firearms might falter. Its positive cycling ensures that the gun will feed, fire, and eject consistently, shot after shot.
• 8+1 Capacity: With an 8-round magazine tube and one in the chamber, the 590 Persuader 50699 offers an impressive 9-round capacity. In a critical self-defense situation, having multiple rounds available without needing to reload is a significant advantage, providing ample firepower to address multiple threats or ensure neutralization.
• 20" Cylinder Bore Barrel: This barrel length is an excellent balance for a tactical or home defense shotgun.
  • Maneuverability: A 20-inch barrel makes the shotgun compact enough to navigate hallways, doorways, and other confined spaces found in a home or building. It's less likely to snag on objects than longer barrels.
  • Cylinder Bore Choke: "Cylinder bore" means there is no constriction at the muzzle, producing the widest possible shot pattern at close range. For typical home defense distances (often under 10-15 yards), this is ideal, maximizing the chance of a hit. It also allows for optimal performance with slugs.
• Matte Blued Receiver with Ghost Ring Sight:
  • Matte Blued Finish: This durable finish protects the steel components from rust and wear, minimizing glare and reflections.
  • Ghost Ring Sight: Considered by many to be the superior sighting system for tactical shotguns, ghost ring sights offer rapid target acquisition. The large rear aperture "ghosts" out when you focus on the front sight, allowing for quick, intuitive aiming. This setup is excellent for both close-quarters engagements and precise slug placement at longer ranges.
• Black Synthetic Stock:
  • Durability: Synthetic stocks are impervious to changes in temperature and humidity, making them more stable and less prone to warping or cracking than wood stocks. They are also highly resistant to scratches and impacts.
  • Ergonomics: The black synthetic stock on the 590 Persuader is designed for a comfortable and secure grip, even in high-stress situations. Its lightweight nature contributes to the overall balance and handling of the shotgun.
• Right-Hand Configuration: This model is designed for right-handed shooters, with controls (safety, slide release) positioned for intuitive operation.

Real-World Applications: More Than Just a Home Defense Tool

While primarily lauded for its role in personal and home defense, the Mossberg 590 Persuader 20 Gauge 50699 also excels in other areas:

• Tactical Training: Its robust construction and reliable action make it an excellent platform for tactical shotgun courses. Shooters can practice drills, reloads, and target transitions with a firearm built to withstand rigorous use.
• Personal Protection Outside the Home: For those who legally carry or transport a firearm for protection, the compact nature of this 20-inch barrel shotgun offers an advantage in vehicles or other environments where space is limited.
• Sporting Use (Limited): While not primarily a sporting shotgun, the 590 Persuader can be used for informal clay target shooting (skeet or trap) or even small game hunting with appropriate ammunition, showcasing its versatility. However, its primary design intent is for defensive applications.

Addressing Common Concerns and Questions

Choosing a firearm is a significant decision, and potential buyers often have important questions. Here are answers related to the Mossberg 590 Persuader 20 Gauge:

• How does recoil compare on a 20 gauge vs. 12 gauge? The 20 gauge typically produces significantly less felt recoil than a 12 gauge, especially when using comparable loads (e.g., buckshot). This makes it much more manageable for follow-up shots and extended training sessions, reducing fatigue and flinching. It's a key reason why many choose the 20 gauge for home defense.
• What type of ammunition should I use for home defense? For home defense, the most commonly recommended ammunition for a 20 gauge is #3 buckshot, #2 buckshot, or #4 buckshot. These loads provide an optimal balance of pellet count and individual pellet energy to be effective within typical home defense distances without over-penetration through multiple walls. Always test various loads in your specific shotgun to see what patterns best. Slugs are also an option, offering increased range and precision but require more precise aim.
• Why choose a pump-action shotgun over a semi-automatic? Pump-action shotguns are generally considered more reliable and less sensitive to ammunition types than semi-automatics. Their manual cycling mechanism ensures positive feeding and ejection, even with a wide range of loads, and they are less prone to malfunctions in dirty or adverse conditions. They also tend to be less expensive.
• What are the benefits of ghost ring sights over traditional bead sights? Ghost ring sights offer several advantages:
  • Faster Target Acquisition: The large rear aperture allows the eye to quickly find the front sight and center it on the target.
  • Improved Accuracy: They provide a more precise aiming picture than a simple bead, especially at slightly longer ranges.
  • Low Light Performance: Many ghost ring sights incorporate fiber optics or tritium inserts (though not standard on this model) for better visibility in low light.
• Is the Mossberg 590 easy to maintain? Yes, the Mossberg 590 series is known for its user-friendly design and ease of field stripping and cleaning. Regular maintenance ensures its long-term reliability and performance.

The Legendary Reputation of Mossberg and the 590 Series

Mossberg has been a cornerstone of American firearms manufacturing for over a century, building a legacy on innovation, reliability, and value. The Mossberg 590 series, from which the Persuader model 50699 descends, is perhaps their most iconic line of shotguns.

The 590 platform gained legendary status partly due to its adoption by the U.S. military (specifically the 590A1 variant) as the only shotgun to pass all military specifications for durability and reliability. While the 20-gauge Persuader (model 50699) is not a military-issued firearm itself, it benefits from the same fundamental design principles, robust construction, and stringent quality control that defines the entire 590 family. This means users can have supreme confidence in its performance when it matters most.

Key aspects contributing to Mossberg's reputation include:

• Twin Action Bars: This feature prevents the forend from twisting, ensuring a smooth, non-binding pump action and enhancing reliability.
• Ambidextrous Tang Safety: Located on the top rear of the receiver, the safety is easily accessible and intuitive for both right and left-handed shooters, a significant advantage in high-stress situations.
• Drop-In Reliability: Mossberg shotguns are designed to work right out of the box, with minimal fuss and maximum performance.

Choosing a Mossberg means investing in a firearm from a company with a proven track record of producing durable, effective, and reliable weapons for civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel alike.

Preparing for Ownership: Training and Safety

Acquiring a powerful tool like the Mossberg 590 Persuader 20 Gauge is only the first step. Responsible firearm ownership demands commitment to safety and training.

1. Read the Manual: Thoroughly understand your shotgun's operation, safety features, and maintenance procedures.
2. Formal Training: Enroll in a reputable firearms safety course and practical shooting instruction. Learning proper handling, shooting stances, and malfunction drills from certified instructors is invaluable.
3. Practice Regularly: Consistent range practice builds proficiency, confidence, and muscle memory, which are critical in a self-defense scenario. Focus on fundamentals like grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control, and breathing.
4. Ammunition Selection: Experiment with different types of ammunition to find what performs best in your shotgun and what you can manage comfortably for self-defense.
5. Safe Storage: Always store your firearm securely, unloaded, and separate from ammunition, especially if children or unauthorized individuals are present in your home.

By combining the inherent capabilities of the Mossberg 590 Persuader 20 Gauge (model 50699) with diligent training and responsible practices, you will be well-equipped for personal and home defense.

Where to Acquire Your Mossberg 590 Persuader 20 Gauge (Model 50699)

When you're ready to invest in the proven reliability and performance of the Mossberg 590 Persuader 20 Gauge, look no further than DEGuns.com. As a reputable online retailer specializing in firearms, DEGuns offers a seamless purchasing experience, expert customer service, and competitive pricing. You can explore this specific model, 50699, and a wide array of other firearms and accessories, all backed by the assurance of quality and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Your journey to enhanced personal and home protection starts with trusted partners like DEGuns.

Conclusion: A Smart Choice for Protection

The Mossberg 590 Persuader 20 Gauge (Model 50699) represents a compelling solution for anyone prioritizing effective, manageable, and dependable personal and home defense. Its ideal blend of manageable 20-gauge power, generous 8+1 capacity, maneuverable 20-inch barrel, and precise ghost ring sights, all built on Mossberg's legendary 590 platform, make it an outstanding choice. This shotgun is engineered to provide confidence and peace of mind, knowing you possess a firearm capable of addressing threats reliably and effectively, while being comfortable to operate and train with.

Feature	Description	Detail
Model	Mossberg 590 Persuader	50699
Gauge	20 Gauge	3" Chamber
Capacity	8+1 Rounds	8-round magazine tube + 1 in chamber
Barrel Length	20 inches
Barrel Type	Cylinder Bore	Smoothbore
Finish (Receiver)	Matte Blued
Sight System	Ghost Ring Sight
Stock	Black Synthetic	Fixed
Hand Orientation	Right Hand
Action	Pump-Action
UPC	015813506997