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Info from another site. The Model 500 is the "budget" Mossberg. The 590 series is the beefed-up and "enhanced" Military and Police version. The Model 500 is available in a wide variety of options including 5 shot or long 8 shot magazines, and choices in wood or synthetic stocks, pistol grip-only grips, and other options. The Model 500 usually has a commercial type blued finish on the steel and a shiny finish on the aluminum receiver. The Model 590 and 590-A1 have the same basic aluminum receiver and action as the 500, but use a Remington-type magazine tube and barrel mounting system. These stronger versions have heavier barrels and are built to a stronger, higher standard for use by military and police buyers. These usually have a military grade parkerized finish on the steel parts and a dull anodized finish on the aluminum receiver. These versions can be had with options like bayonet mounts, ghost ring sights, and barrel shrouds. The 590-A1 is the actual version now bought by the