M590 Tactical Shotgun

The M590 tactical shotgun, formally Tactical Shotgun, 8 Gauge, Pump Action M590 is a semi-automatic pump-action shotgun produced by Paladin Arms.

History
In 1998, the Confederate Facility for Arms Research and Development issued a request for a new shotgun for the Confederate military. The requirements for the shotgun were simple: A shotgun that could withstand the rigors of hostile environments, function flawlessly in any environment, and provide sufficient stopping power to neutralize targets in ballistic armor. The resulting product from Paladin Arms won the contract with its massive 8 gauge dual-action shotgun. The M590 is a stout weapon, and its action has withstood every stress test that ARD could throw at it. It has since become the standard shotgun for the Confederate military, where it has easily outperformed its predecessors.

Design
The M590 is a semi-automatic recoil operated/pump action shotgun. The dual actions enable the shotgun to use both high pressure traditional ammunition as well as low-pressure less-than-lethal ammunition types such as tear gas and bean bags. The dual action also allows easier clearing of obstructions and jams from harsh environmental conditions. Switching between firing modes is done by pressing a button under the foregrip, and sliding the foregrip slightly forwards or backwards until it clicks into position. The shotgun has a magazine cut-off feature that can prevent the loading of a new round from the internal magazine when the gun is cycled. This allows the operator to load a specialized round into the chamber without going through the entire magazine first. The shotgun is constructed from phosphate-finished steel and anodized aluminum, making it incredibly durable, though it is also heavier than other shotgun varieties. The heavier frame of the shotgun helps to compensate for the robust recoil of the 8 gauge round. A very large round, the 8 gauge is not widely used outside of the military, and requires special training to avoid user injury during firing. The M590 sports a top-mounted picatinny rail for attaching optics or other accessories. The weapon also features an adjustable buttstock with rubber recoil pad and a built in 250 lumen illuminator. The end of the barrel is externally threaded to accept a wide variety of attachments, from chokes to grenade launchers.

Variants
M590P The M590P is a standard M590 rechambered in 12 gauge for use outside of the military, particularly for the Confederate police forces.

M590U The M590U is a variant designed for close-quarters fighting in urban conditions. Rechambered in 12 gauge, the M590U features a folding, removable buttstock, and a shorter (45.5 cm) barrel.