mossberg 590A1

I would take a hard look at Ohio made Ithaca 37. Not sure what new gun value is but I have seen couple parkerized police types at gun show for $450 which was reasonable for this firearm. The 590A1 is basically a crowbar of a pump gun. The Ithaca despite being all steel is still good handling gun and second action bar isn't really needed.

I love my 590a1. It has a forend light and is 8+1 with a 20 inch barrel. It is my home defense weapon

I am very pleased with my 590A1. What makes this shotgun best for me is the location of the safety. Perfect since I am a lefty. Otherwise, it is very sturdy, reliable, and well built.

Also, not sure the comment about the 590A1 being a crowbar of a shotgun. If it is, then the Ithaca must be a brick of a shotgun.

WJR

It is an excellent gun! I too have a forearm light on mine and stands ready for Home Defense.

The nickname for the 590a1 is the 'Battering Ram'.

WJR said:

Also, not sure the comment about the 590A1 being a crowbar of a shotgun. If it is, then the Ithaca must be a brick of a shotgun.

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Would I be correct in thinking that you've never *shot* an M37? From *my* experience, the only thing that comes close is a Remington 870 Wingmaster.

Regards,

Mark.

I took a Mossberg Armorers course last year and if I were in the market for a dedicated HD shotgun the 590A1 would be near the top of my list. I love my 870s but I would not feel slighted with a Mossberg at all. At work we have access to Mossberg 500s and they do nearly everything we need at this time.

I have a 590A1, very pleased with it. Very solid and reliable weapon.

I have a 590A1 and love it. Even picked up the right bayonet for it. Shoots were you point it. Safety is easy to use and see visually.

I have an 18.5" 590A1. I put on a Choate 1 shot extension, a CDM Gear MTR rail and have a Streamlight TLR-1 light on the rail. I also added a LimbSaver recoil pad and I also have a Specter Gear 6 round side saddle on my buttstock.

I take it to the gun range pretty much every time I go.

CaptainChaos,

No I have not shot an Ithaca before. My comment was only based on appearance. Looks like a brick with a barrel attached to it. It may be a great shotgun, but the controls would not suit me as well as my Mossbergs.

WJR

Got an 18.5" barrel with the speedfeed stock and ghost ring sights, and I installed a Hogue overmolded foregrip (the original Mossberg plastic one just felt kinda cheap). It's a hell of a gun. I especially like the location of the mag release.

Got an 18.5" barrel 590A1 with the speedfeed stock and ghost ring sights, and I installed a Hogue overmolded foregrip (the original Mossberg plastic one just felt kinda cheap). It's a hell of a gun. I especially like the location of the mag release.

WJR,

WJR said:

No I have not shot an Ithaca before.

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Aaaaaaagh! You live in the USA and you've never shot an M37? You really, *really* must try one. They're hard to acquire, over here, but my main gun is an M37. Having said that, I bought a Chiappa 1887 about a year ago and it has eclipsed the Ithaca merely because of the "fun factor".

But, seriously, go borrow a Ithaca. See what ya think.

My comment was only based on appearance. Looks like a brick with a barrel attached to it.

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Can't say I share the opinion. I find all the modern guns to ... "busy" for my liking.

The Chiappa does *look* good but, I have to admit, it handles "strangely". I still love shooting it, though.

It may be a great shotgun, but the controls would not suit me as well as my Mossbergs.

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Last week-end, our club - somehow - managed to scrape up ten newbies to introduce to PSG. I was acting as "pupil" while another member instructed the group.

Since these were newbies, they were not permitted to use our Section.1 (unrestricted) shotguns, so someone had brought along a new Section.2 (three-shot restricted) Winchester SXP.

The gun was brand new, so it was a little stiff. Even so, the difference in handling surprised me. M37s are a real dream to shoot. The SXP? Not so much. (Though, in its defence, I didn't get to shoot it much and, as I say, it *was* brand new.)

I have to say the control placement doesn't bother me much. The 1887 is, of course, a totally different gun to the M37 but, if I use something enough, I can get used to anything. Perhaps if I was lefthanded, a tang safety would be more of an attraction.

Take my advice - go try an Ithaca.

Have fun.

Regards,

Mark.

P.S. As far as HD goes, in the UK it ain't really an option since we have to keep guns in a locked gun cabinet when not in use. However, for the record, my M&P M37 DSPS *does* slam-fire.

Have a Mossberg 590A1 18.5" barrel, speedfeed stock and ghost ring rear. Up to this point I've always had Rem 870s. My friend lent me his Mossberg and it fit so well, worked so well and most importantly shot to point of aim (870 I had to aim 6" over the right shoulder at 25 yds to hit center mass) that I sold my 870 and bought the first 590A1 I saw. Don't have any regrets, and would buy Mossberg over Remington everytime, based on my personal preferances.

I went 18.5" and +2 then a +1 extension. Great arms (if u avoid the Ghost Ring SIghts). The 20" was just too long and has a lotta momentum up front...

A friend with a Remington 870 and me with my 590A1 went out shooting one afternoon. His 870 locked up tight and required a forceful slam to the ground to open the action. This is a reported problem with the 870s.

My 590A1 ate everything I fed it.

I sold my 590A1 to fund a FN SLP as I wanted to go semi-auto. If I were to choose another pump, it would be another 590A1.

Another happy 590A1 customer.

I too have a 590A1, 18.5" barrel with ghost ring sights and a speed feed stock. With 5 in the tube, 4 in the stock and another 5 in an uncle mike's slip-on butt cuff, I have 14 rounds on board. federal flight control OO buck shoots one hole at 25 yards. great weapon, very smooth, utterly reliable, love the slide release and safety location. I put a surefire fore end on mine, BTW. It's my primary HD weapon.

CaptainChaos,

Had an opportunity to run by a gun shop during the day and did take a closer look at a vintage 37. Have to say the older ones look better than the ones on the Ithaca website. Controls are still not my favorite, but I admit I may be a little hasty in my "brick" comment.

WJR

I have 2. One is parkarized with fiber optic hiviz site, knoxx stock and b square receiver mounted scope mount.
The other is an 590 sp with a speed feed stock.
Both are great guns.

WJR said:

Had an opportunity to run by a gun shop during the day and did take a closer look at a vintage 37. Have to say the older ones look better than the ones on the Ithaca website. Controls are still not my favorite, but I admit I may be a little hasty in my "brick" comment.

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I'm glad that you took the time to have a look. Now, try *shooting* one.

As far as I'm aware, they're pretty much made the same as they've always been except that, now, they're made on CNC machinery.

I would expect there to be "tacticool" (ie, black) models somewhere in the current line up. I don't actually look at their website since *new* Ithacas aren't available this side of The Pond unless you get them specially imported. (*Lots* of red tape...)

I do envy you just being able to wander into a gun shop and fondle racks of 'em.

Regards,

Mark.

I have the 20" with ghost rings and speed stock.

It's a friggin beast and can take down any modern designed 'green' building.

mr.scott said:

I have 2. One is parkarized with fiber optic hiviz site, knoxx stock and b square receiver mounted scope mount.
The other is an 590 sp with a speed feed stock.
Both are great guns.

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BIG fan of the 20" 590 (not A1) Special Purpose.