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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Yes, you can "ghost load" a Mossberg 590 shotgun. This technique involves partially loading the magazine tube and then chambering a round from the action, followed by a single round being placed directly into the receiver, bypassing the magazine tube entirely for that single round. While sometimes seen as a quick way to get an extra round into the gun, it's not a standard loading procedure and can have implications for reliability and safety.

Key Facts

Ghost loading involves placing a single round directly into the receiver, bypassing the magazine tube for that specific round.
This method can potentially allow for an additional round to be carried in the shotgun compared to standard loading.
The Mossberg 590's action design does not inherently prevent ghost loading, but it's not an officially recommended or tested procedure by the manufacturer.
Potential downsides include reduced reliability, increased risk of feeding malfunctions, and accidental discharge if not performed with extreme caution.
Many experienced shooters advise against ghost loading due to these potential risks, especially in high-stress or tactical situations.

Overview

The Mossberg 590 is a venerable pump-action shotgun renowned for its reliability and ruggedness, making it a popular choice for law enforcement, military, and civilian defense. Its design, particularly its robust action and ability to cycle effectively even when dirty, has led to discussions about various loading techniques. One such technique that surfaces in online forums and discussions is "ghost loading." This method is often explored by firearm enthusiasts seeking to maximize ammunition capacity or achieve a specific loading sequence. However, it's crucial to understand what ghost loading entails and its potential consequences.

Ghost loading, in the context of shotguns like the Mossberg 590, refers to a non-standard method of getting an additional round into the firing chamber. Instead of fully loading the magazine tube and then chambering a round from it, ghost loading involves a partial magazine load followed by carefully placing a single shell directly into the action's receiver. This technique can, in theory, allow for an extra round to be readily available for firing without significantly altering the shotgun's overall loaded capacity. However, its practice raises questions about safety, reliability, and the manufacturer's intended operation of the firearm.

How It Works

Point 1: The process typically begins by partially loading the magazine tube. This means not filling it to its full capacity but leaving space for the ghost-loaded round. For example, if a 590 has a 5+1 capacity (five in the tube, one in the chamber), one might only load four rounds into the tube.
Point 2: After the partially loaded magazine, the shooter cycles the action to chamber a round from the magazine tube. This primes the shotgun for firing.
Point 3: The critical step of ghost loading involves then carefully inserting a single live round directly into the receiver, bypassing the magazine entirely for that specific round. This is often done by holding the bolt open and dropping a shell onto the elevator (the part that lifts shells from the magazine).
Point 4: Once the shell is positioned correctly in the receiver, the bolt is released, and it picks up that single shell, moving it into the chamber. The shotgun is now loaded with one round in the chamber and one less than full capacity in the magazine tube, but effectively ready to fire an extra round compared to a standard load.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Standard Loading	Ghost Loading
Round Capacity	Manufacturer specified maximum (e.g., 5+1)	Potentially one additional round in the chamber for a given magazine tube load.
Loading Method	Shells fed sequentially into the magazine tube, then one chambered.	Partial magazine load, chambering one, then manually inserting a round into the receiver.
Reliability	Designed and tested for optimal reliability.	Can be less reliable; potential for feeding issues or malfunctions due to non-standard manipulation.
Safety	Generally safe when following standard firearm safety rules.	Increased risk of accidental discharge if not performed with extreme care and understanding of the action.
Manufacturer Recommendation	Yes	No official recommendation; considered a "trick" or modification.

Why It Matters

Impact: Ammunition Capacity: Ghost loading can allow a shooter to have an "extra" round ready to fire in the chamber, effectively increasing the readily available ammunition count by one. For example, a 5+1 shotgun might be prepared to fire 6 rounds (one in the chamber from ghost loading, and five from the magazine).
Impact: Potential for Malfunctions: This technique is not a part of the firearm's design and testing for normal operation. The feeding of a shell directly into the receiver can sometimes lead to misfeeds, jams, or failures to extract, especially under stress or if not executed perfectly. The feeding ramp and bolt geometry are optimized for shells coming from the magazine tube.
Impact: Safety Concerns: Improperly executed ghost loading, or attempting it under pressure, can increase the risk of accidental discharges. Manipulating the action in a non-standard way requires a thorough understanding of the firearm's internal mechanisms and a high degree of manual dexterity.

Ultimately, while ghost loading a Mossberg 590 is mechanically possible due to the nature of its pump-action design, it is generally not recommended by manufacturers or experienced tactical instructors. The potential marginal increase in immediate round availability is often outweighed by the risks to reliability and safety. For most users, adhering to standard loading procedures ensures the dependable performance that the Mossberg 590 is known for, especially in critical situations where a firearm's function is paramount.