Mossberg 590 Cruiser 12 Gauge Shotgun: The Ultimate Choice for Home Defense and Personal Security

Are you searching for a reliable, powerful, and easy-to-handle shotgun to protect your home and loved ones? Look no further than the Mossberg 590 Cruiser, a firearm meticulously engineered to deliver peace of mind and formidable defensive capabilities. This 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, specifically the Mossberg 50697 model, embodies the rugged dependability that has made Mossberg a household name in personal security. Designed with critical real-world applications in mind, the 590 Cruiser is an indispensable tool for homeowners, self-defense practitioners, and anyone prioritizing robust security measures.

The question often arises: "What is the best shotgun for home defense?" For many, the answer lies in a combination of reliability, intuitive operation, and formidable stopping power. The Mossberg 590 Cruiser excels in all these areas, making it a frequently recommended option by experts and seasoned firearms owners alike. Its design directly addresses the challenges of close-quarters defensive scenarios, offering features that enhance both effectiveness and user confidence.

Unpacking the Core Features of the Mossberg 590 Cruiser (Model 50697)

Every aspect of the Mossberg 590 Cruiser is optimized for its intended role as a premier defensive firearm. Let's delve into the key components that define its superior performance:

• 12-Gauge Power: Chambered for 3-inch shells, this 12-gauge powerhouse delivers significant stopping power, a critical attribute for home defense. It can also reliably cycle shorter 2 ¾-inch shells, offering versatility in ammunition choice. The 12-gauge is widely regarded as the most effective shotgun gauge for defensive applications due to its broad availability of ammunition types and devastating impact.
• 6+1 Capacity: With a tubular magazine holding six 2 ¾-inch shells plus one in the chamber, the 590 Cruiser provides a substantial 6+1 capacity. This generous capacity ensures that you have ample rounds available in a high-stress situation, minimizing the need for reloads and maximizing your defensive posture. For many, the question "How many rounds do I need for home defense?" is answered effectively by this capacity, offering a practical balance between compactness and sustained capability.
• 18.50" Stand-Off Breacher Barrel: A defining characteristic of the 50697 model is its 18.50-inch barrel, which is crowned with a distinctive "Stand-Off" or "Breacher" muzzle device. This feature is not merely cosmetic; it serves several functional purposes crucial for tactical and defensive applications.
  • Muzzle Standoff: It maintains a standoff distance from a target, preventing the barrel from being pressed directly against an object (or assailant), which could potentially interfere with the pump action or prevent proper cycling.
  • Door Breaching Capability: While primarily designed for law enforcement and military breaching operations, this feature signifies the rugged construction and robust design principles applied to the 590 Cruiser, indicating its ability to withstand extreme conditions.
  • Recoil Mitigation: The ported design can contribute to reduced felt recoil and muzzle rise, allowing for faster follow-up shots and improved control, especially in rapid-fire scenarios.
  • Enhanced Intimidation: The aggressive appearance of the breacher barrel serves as a visual deterrent, potentially de-escalating a threat before a shot is even fired.
• Dual Extractors: Mossberg's legendary pump-action system is renowned for its reliability, and the dual extractors are a cornerstone of this reputation. Unlike some single-extractor designs, the dual extractors provide a more robust and symmetrical grip on the spent shell casing, ensuring consistent and forceful ejection, even under adverse conditions. This feature significantly reduces the likelihood of malfunctions, which is paramount in a firearm intended for self-defense where every second counts.
• Matte Blued Metal Finish: The shotgun features a durable matte blued finish on both the barrel and receiver. This finish is chosen not only for its classic aesthetic but also for its practical benefits. It reduces glare, which can be important in various lighting conditions, and provides a good level of resistance against corrosion and wear, ensuring the firearm's longevity even with consistent use and exposure to elements.
• Synthetic Pistol Grip Stock: The 590 Cruiser is equipped with a traditional synthetic pistol grip. This ergonomic design offers several advantages for defensive use:
  • Enhanced Control: The pistol grip allows for a firm, natural grip, providing superior control and maneuverability, especially in tight spaces or when transitioning between targets.
  • Compactness: Compared to a full buttstock, the pistol grip contributes to the firearm's overall compact length (OAL of 31"), making it easier to handle in hallways, doorways, and other confined areas typical of home interiors.
  • Durability: Synthetic materials are impervious to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and impact, ensuring that the stock remains robust and reliable in any environment.
• Ambidextrous Top-Mounted Safety: A hallmark of Mossberg shotguns is their intuitive, ambidextrous tang-mounted safety. Positioned conveniently on top of the receiver, it is easily accessible and operable by both right-handed and left-handed users without shifting grip. A high-visibility indicator clearly shows whether the weapon is on "safe" or "fire," providing immediate feedback to the user and reducing the potential for error in high-stress situations. This design is frequently cited as a major advantage by users prioritizing speed and reliability in safety operation.
• White Dot Front Sight: For rapid target acquisition, the 590 Cruiser features a simple yet effective white dot front sight. This highly visible sight picture allows for quick alignment and engagement of threats, crucial in dynamic defensive scenarios where precision and speed are equally important.
• Cylinder Bore Choke: The barrel is configured with a fixed cylinder bore choke. This type of choke provides the widest possible shot pattern at close range, which is ideal for home defense. In close quarters, a wider pattern increases the probability of hitting a moving target and reduces the need for pinpoint accuracy under duress, while still delivering devastating energy.

Why the Mossberg 590 Cruiser is a Top Recommendation for Home Defense

The Mossberg 590 series has a long-standing reputation for being robust, reliable, and battle-proven. The Cruiser model extends this legacy, offering a specialized configuration that directly addresses the unique requirements of personal and home protection.

• Unparalleled Reliability: When your safety is on the line, you need a firearm you can trust implicitly. The Mossberg 590's pump-action mechanism, with its dual extractors, anti-jam elevator, and positive steel-to-steel lockup, is renowned for its ability to cycle reliably even with various ammunition types and under challenging conditions. This level of dependability is why variants of the 590 are standard issue for numerous military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. For homeowners asking, "What's the most reliable shotgun?", the 590 series is almost always at the top of the list.
• Ease of Use and Operation: The pump-action shotgun is inherently simple to operate, making it an excellent choice for individuals who may not be highly experienced shooters but need an effective defensive tool. The manual operation provides direct feedback, and the ambidextrous safety is intuitive. Its straightforward design contributes to its reliability and ease of maintenance.
• Compact and Maneuverable: At just 31 inches overall length and weighing 5.75 lbs, the 590 Cruiser is exceptionally maneuverable in confined spaces. Navigating hallways, clearing rooms, or moving around furniture during a home intrusion scenario is significantly easier with a shorter, more compact firearm, offering a distinct advantage over longer shotguns or rifles. Its lightweight nature also aids in quick aiming and transitioning between potential threats.
• Durable Construction: Built with a steel receiver and robust synthetic furniture, the 590 Cruiser is designed to withstand harsh use and demanding conditions. Its construction is indicative of its military and law enforcement heritage, where durability is non-negotiable. This means your investment in security will last for years, providing reliable performance whenever it's needed.
• Effective Deterrent: The distinctive appearance of the 590 Cruiser, particularly its stand-off barrel and tactical pistol grip, often serves as a powerful psychological deterrent. The mere sight or sound of a pump-action shotgun being readied can be enough to make an intruder rethink their intentions and retreat, fulfilling the primary goal of self-defense without the need for force.
• Versatile for Training: While optimized for home defense, the 590 Cruiser is also an excellent platform for training in tactical shotgun applications. Its robust design can handle the rigors of frequent range sessions, allowing owners to become proficient with their defensive tool.

Responsible Ownership and Training

Owning a firearm like the Mossberg 590 Cruiser comes with significant responsibility. To maximize your safety and effectiveness, consider the following:

• Training: Seek professional instruction on firearm safety, handling, and defensive shooting techniques. Understanding your firearm's capabilities and limitations in a controlled environment is crucial.
• Storage: Always store your firearm securely, unloaded, and separate from ammunition, in accordance with local laws and best practices, to prevent unauthorized access, especially by children.
• Understanding the Law: Be fully aware of all federal, state, and local laws regarding firearm ownership, transportation, and use of force.

Purchasing Your Mossberg 590 Cruiser

When looking to acquire a firearm as vital as the Mossberg 590 Cruiser, it's essential to purchase from a reputable and knowledgeable source. For the authentic Mossberg 50697 590 Cruiser 12 Gauge, look no further than DEGuns.com. DEGuns is committed to providing a comprehensive selection of firearms, ensuring you receive genuine products and expert support for your personal security needs. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and responsible firearm sales makes them a trusted destination for acquiring your next defensive shotgun.

The Mossberg 590 Cruiser is more than just a shotgun; it's a commitment to your safety and the security of your home. Its battle-proven design, user-friendly features, and uncompromising reliability make it a top-tier choice for anyone serious about personal and property protection.

Feature	Description	Benefit
Gauge	12 Gauge	Powerful, widely available ammunition
Capacity	6+1 Rounds	Ample rounds for defensive situations
Barrel Length	18.50"	Compact for maneuverability
Barrel Type	Stand-Off Breacher	Tactical utility, enhanced deterrence
Action	Pump-Action	Renowned for reliability and simplicity
Stock	Synthetic Pistol Grip	Enhanced control, compact profile
Safety	Ambidextrous Tang	Easy, intuitive operation for all
Extractors	Dual	Ensures reliable shell ejection
Finish	Matte Blued	Durable, non-glare, corrosion resistant
Weight	5.75 lbs	Lightweight for quick handling
Application	Home Defense	Optimized for personal security
OAL	31"	Ideal for close-quarters environments
Chamber	3"	Accommodates various shell lengths
Sights	White Dot Front	Fast target acquisition
Receiver Material	Steel	Robust and durable construction
Chokes Included	Cylinder Bore	Wide shot pattern for close range
UPC	015813506977	Unique Product Identifier