5 Most Common Mossberg 590S Problems And How To Fix Them

I’m here to talk about my hands-on experience with the Mossberg 590S. I’ve taken this bad boy out to the range and put it through its paces. Look, it’s got a lot going for it, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. 

As much as I enjoyed using it, I came across some Mossberg 590S Problems that need attention.

I ran into problems with the sear spring, had a couple of trigger issues, faced some failure-to-fire situations, and experienced feeding problems when using mini shells. 

But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. We’re going to delve into each of these issues, and I’ll share some solutions that worked for me.

I want to guide you through these common problems and offer solutions so you can get the most out of your Mossberg 590S. Stay with me; by the end, you’ll be a more informed owner.

Overview of Mossberg 590S Issues & Solutions

Top 4 Mossberg 590S Problems & Solutions

1. Problem with the Sear Spring

So, one of the first issues I noticed while out at the range was with the sear spring. You know that crucial component that plays a big part in how your trigger functions? Yep, that one. 

I was getting inconsistent trigger pulls, and let me tell you, that’s not something you want when you’re aiming downrange. It was like the spring had a mind of its own, making each shot a guessing game. 

You might squeeze the trigger and feel a lot of resistance one moment and then next to none the next. That inconsistency can really throw you off, believe me.

Solution

The fix? First, always ensure the firearm is unloaded and safe before you do anything. Then, disassemble that part of the gun to get a good look at the sear spring. 

Mine appeared worn out. So, I replaced it with a new, high-quality spring. After putting it back together, I took it for another spin, and what do you know? The issue was gone. 

Consistent trigger pulls all the way. If you’re not super confident about doing this yourself, a gunsmith can take care of it in no time. Either way, it’s a relatively simple fix for a frustrating problem.

2. Trigger Problem

While using the Mossberg 590S, another issue that popped up was a trigger problem. It wasn’t just the sear spring that was causing trouble; the trigger itself seemed a bit off.

Sometimes, it felt sticky; other times, it was just plain uncomfortable. I know a lot of folks overlook this, but trust me, a problematic trigger can really affect your performance. 

Imagine you’re at the range, you’ve got your target in sight, and then—ugh—the trigger gives you resistance. It’s enough to make anyone lose their focus.

Solution

So, how did I deal with this? First off, make sure the firearm is unloaded and safe. Then, I took apart the trigger assembly for a thorough cleaning. 

Sometimes, gunk and debris can mess with trigger performance. After that, I lightly lubricated the moving parts with a gun-specific lube. Put it all back together and headed back to the range. 

The improvement was immediate: the trigger was noticeably smoother and more responsive. If you’ve got the same issue, this could be your fix. And if you’re not up for doing this yourself, getting a professional to handle it is always a good call.

3. Failure To Fire

Now, let’s talk about something that can really ruin your day: failure to fire. You’ve taken the time to load your Mossberg 590S, you’re ready to shoot, and then nothing.

Click, but no boom. Frustrating, isn’t it? I encountered this issue a few times, and let me tell you, it’s concerning. 

A shotgun that won’t fire when you need it to is more than just an annoyance; it could be a serious liability, especially if you rely on it for home defense or hunting.

Solution

So, what’s the solution? Again, first, make sure the firearm is unloaded and in a safe state. I started by checking the firing pin and the chamber. 

Sometimes, a dirty firing pin can cause misfires. A good, clean solved part of the issue. Additionally, I examined the ammo I was using; low-quality ammo can sometimes be the culprit. Switching to a different brand actually did wonders. 

Lastly, the springs in the firing mechanism might need replacing. It’s best to get these checked by a professional if you’re not sure. After tackling all these factors, the failure-to-fire issue was history. Just like that, the shotgun was back in action, reliable as ever.

4. Feeding Problem with the Mini Shells

Ah, the infamous feeding problem with mini shells. If you’ve tried using these smaller shells in your Mossberg 590S, you might have encountered this issue too. 

Here’s what happened to me: I loaded the mini shells just fine, aimed, and pulled the trigger. Then, instead of a smooth cycling action for the next shot, the shell just wouldn’t feed properly. 

I had to manually manipulate the action to get things moving again. It’s not exactly what you want when you’re aiming for quick, successive shots. Trust me, it’s a real mood killer.

Solution

So, how did I get around this? Of course, the first step: make sure the gun is unloaded and safe. Then, I looked into specialized mini-shell adapters designed specifically for this issue.

Installing one of these adapters helped guide the mini shells more effectively through the feeding process. The result? No more feed issues with the mini shells. It’s like turning a switch; suddenly, the gun handled them just fine. 

Alternatively, some folks recommend sticking with standard shells if you can’t resolve the problem. Either way, you’ve got options to make your Mossberg 590S more versatile.

Final Thoughts

Okay, let’s wrap this up. I’ve given the Mossberg 590S a thorough run-through, and overall, it’s a solid piece of hardware. It’s versatile, handling different types of shells pretty well. 

Yet, it’s not without its issues, like the sear spring and trigger problems, not to mention the failure-to-fire episodes and mini-shell feeding glitches. But hey, no firearm is perfect, right? 

The good news is that most of these issues are solvable with a bit of know-how and sometimes a trip to the gunsmith. I’ve tried these solutions myself, and they’ve made a real difference. 

So, if you’re willing to put in a little effort to iron out these kinks, the Mossberg 590S can be a reliable and versatile addition to your arsenal. 

You get the reliability, the tactical benefits, and frankly, it just feels good in your hands. With a bit of TLC, this shotgun won’t let you down.

FAQ’s

Is the Mossberg 590S worth it? 

Yes, the Mossberg 590S is a cost-effective, versatile shotgun suitable for various uses including home defense.

Is the 590S reliable? 

The 590S proved reliable in tests with a variety of shell types and sizes.

How reliable is a Mossberg 590? 

The Mossberg 590 is designed for durability and reliability, making it a popular choice for law enforcement and military.

What is the difference between Mossberg 590 and 590S? 

The key difference is that the 590S can accommodate 1¾-inch long mini shells in addition to standard shells.