The Magpul MOE M-LOK Forend Moss 590, 590A1 12 Gauge Black Polymer Made a Bold First Impression
For years, I resisted the urge to “modernize” my trusty Mossberg 590A1. I clung to the classic look, believing that polymer furniture had no place on such a robust and reliable shotgun. That all changed when I stumbled upon a screaming deal on the Magpul MOE M-LOK Forend Moss 590, 590A1 12 Gauge Black Polymer.
My reluctance stemmed from a general aversion to trends. I was solving for greater modularity in a cost effective way. I needed a solid mounting platform for a weapon light and perhaps a hand stop, without breaking the bank or sacrificing the shotgun’s inherent ruggedness.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the quality of the polymer. It felt significantly more robust than I anticipated, with a reassuring weight and a tactile, almost rubbery texture. The Magpul forend exuded quality, a far cry from the cheap, flimsy plastic I had envisioned. Compared to the factory corncob forend, the Magpul offering felt like a serious upgrade. It felt more substantial than some aftermarket aluminum options too.
Initially, I considered other forends, including those from Mesa Tactical and Ergo. Mesa Tactical offerings were too expensive for my budget. Ergo’s offering didn’t appear as rugged. The Magpul forend offered a balance of price, durability, and functionality that I couldn’t ignore. I was pleasantly surprised and eager to get it installed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Magpul MOE M-LOK Forend Moss 590, 590A1 12 Gauge Black Polymer to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Magpul MOE M-LOK Forend Moss 590, 590A1 12 Gauge Black Polymer was at my local shooting range. I subjected it to a rigorous test with a variety of loads, from light target rounds to heavy buckshot. The Texas heat and humidity were in full force, creating less-than-ideal conditions.
Installation was a breeze, thanks to the included wrench and clear instructions. The extended length of the forend immediately felt more natural, offering a secure and comfortable grip. There was no learning curve at all. It simply felt “right” from the start. After about 50 rounds, the rattle was gone.
The only minor issue I encountered was a slight loosening of one of the M-LOK screws after repeated firing. Tightening it resolved the problem immediately.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Magpul MOE M-LOK Forend Moss 590, 590A1 12 Gauge Black Polymer has proven to be incredibly durable. It has endured everything from dusty range days to wet and muddy training sessions without any signs of significant wear and tear. The polymer finish remains scratch-resistant and easy to clean.
Maintenance is incredibly simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. I’ve cleaned it after every use and found no new issues over time. Compared to the original forend, the Magpul offering provides a more secure grip and a far more stable platform for accessories. It has significantly improved my shotgun’s handling and overall performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Magpul MOE M-LOK Forend Moss 590, 590A1 12 Gauge Black Polymer
Specifications
The Magpul MOE M-LOK Forend Moss 590, 590A1 12 Gauge Black Polymer is a drop-in replacement forend specifically designed for the Mossberg 590 and 590A1 12-gauge shotguns. This ensures a precise fit and easy installation.
Constructed from high-strength, injection-molded polymer, the forend is exceptionally durable and resistant to impacts and abrasions. This is critical for withstanding the rigors of heavy use and harsh environments.
The M-LOK (Modular Lock) system provides multiple slots for attaching a wide range of accessories, such as lights, lasers, and vertical grips. This modularity allows users to customize their shotgun to meet their specific needs.
The extended length and integrated front and rear hand stops improve weapon manipulation and prevent the hand from slipping forward during recoil. These features enhance control and accuracy, especially during rapid firing.
The forend is designed to be compatible with most side saddles, ensuring that users can still carry extra ammunition on their shotgun. This compatibility is essential for tactical and home defense applications.
Performance & Functionality
The Magpul MOE M-LOK Forend Moss 590, 590A1 12 Gauge Black Polymer significantly enhances the performance and functionality of the Mossberg 590/590A1. The improved grip and M-LOK slots allow for optimal customization.
The forend excels in providing a stable and secure platform for mounting accessories. Recoil management is also improved, due to the enhanced grip and hand stops. The only area for potential improvement is the M-LOK slot hardware. Consider using higher-quality screws for attachments subjected to heavy recoil.
The forend met and exceeded my expectations. It transforms the Mossberg 590A1 into a modern, modular weapon system.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is exceptional. The polymer feels solid and robust, inspiring confidence in its long-term durability. The weight is well-balanced, adding minimal bulk to the shotgun.
The ergonomics are excellent. The extended length and textured surface provide a comfortable and secure grip. The Magpul forend is incredibly user-friendly. Installation is straightforward, and no specialized tools are required.
Durability & Maintenance
The Magpul MOE M-LOK Forend Moss 590, 590A1 12 Gauge Black Polymer is designed to withstand years of heavy use. The high-strength polymer is resistant to impacts, scratches, and solvents.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward. Routine cleaning with a damp cloth is sufficient to keep the forend in good condition. The durable construction ensures a long service life.
Accessories and Customization Options
The primary customization option with the Magpul MOE M-LOK Forend Moss 590, 590A1 12 Gauge Black Polymer is the addition of accessories via the M-LOK slots. This allows users to mount lights, lasers, vertical grips, and other tactical accessories.
The forend is fully compatible with all standard M-LOK accessories. You can use accessories from other manufacturers like SureFire, Streamlight, and Magpul.
Pros and Cons of Magpul MOE M-LOK Forend Moss 590, 590A1 12 Gauge Black Polymer
Pros
- Drop-in replacement: Easy installation with included wrench.
- Durable polymer construction: Withstands heavy use and harsh conditions.
- M-LOK compatibility: Provides a versatile platform for mounting accessories.
- Improved ergonomics: Enhanced grip and control for better weapon manipulation.
- Affordable price: Excellent value for the money compared to other aftermarket forends.
Cons
- May require heatshield removal: Not compatible with the optional Mossberg heatshield.
- M-LOK hardware quality: May need to upgrade screws for heavy-use accessories.
Who Should Buy Magpul MOE M-LOK Forend Moss 590, 590A1 12 Gauge Black Polymer?
The Magpul MOE M-LOK Forend Moss 590, 590A1 12 Gauge Black Polymer is perfect for home defense enthusiasts, tactical shooters, and anyone looking to modernize their Mossberg 590/590A1 shotgun. It’s an ideal upgrade for those who want to add accessories like weapon lights or foregrips to enhance their shotgun’s functionality.
This product may not be ideal for purists who prefer the classic look of the original wood or corncob forend. Also, owners of Mossberg 500, 535, Maverick 88, or Shockwave models should skip this product due to compatibility issues.
A must-have accessory is a quality weapon light, such as a Streamlight TLR-1 or SureFire Scout Light Pro. A forward grip, such as the Magpul MVG, can also enhance control and recoil management.
Conclusion on Magpul MOE M-LOK Forend Moss 590, 590A1 12 Gauge Black Polymer
The Magpul MOE M-LOK Forend Moss 590, 590A1 12 Gauge Black Polymer is an outstanding upgrade that delivers exceptional value. It transforms a classic shotgun into a modern, modular weapon system.
The price is more than justified, given the improved ergonomics, enhanced functionality, and durable construction. I wholeheartedly recommend this forend to anyone looking to improve their Mossberg 590/590A1.
Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference a Magpul forend can make. You won’t regret it!