Mossberg 590A1

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TheSaint

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Choices, choices. I'm looking to purchase a shotgun for the first time, for the primary role of home defense. From what I've read, the 590A1 is about as tough as it gets but still has simple controls. I've fondled one in a LGS a while back, but was still doing comparison shopping. Thoughts on this particular model of Mossberg for anyone who's shot it? It would be a purchase for my folks home out in California, so are there any legal ramifications to that pistol grip/number of rounds it can load/anything else I should be aware of when it relates to shotgun laws and CA?

I've narrowed it down to these two, once they hopefully come back in stock:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/80214

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/46273
 
I have one with the 20" barrel/9 shot/ghost ring sights. It's a great gun. I've put a few hundred rounds through it and it's never missed a beat.

As a home defense shotgun I would suggest the 18" barrel. It's shorter and easier to control in a house clearing scenario. You do lose 3 rounds but, without researching, I'm guessing someone makes a 2 or 3 rnd tube extension.

I would also recommend NOT getting a stock with the pistol grip. The safety is located on the top of the receiver and impossible to activate/deactivate without letting go of the pistol grip.

Here's a pic of mine;

Mossberg590A1001.jpg
 
I have 2. Great guns. Stay away from the pistol grip.

Once You get it Pattern it with different types of ammo to find its likes and dislikes.
Like our late shotgun guru Dave McCracken used to say;
Ba/uu/r. Buy ammo, use up, repeat.
 
It would be a purchase for my folks home out in California
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Not sure if CA has any restrictions that would apply to the gun in particular, but please be careful about the laws regarding making the transfer to them. Obviously, you can't just take them a gun and leave it with them, so you want to be sure that you have a dealer lined up ahead of time who's willing to do the transfer for you. Sometimes it is cheaper and less hassle for them to just go get their own gun.
 
Thanks folks for all the advice. I checked with my local FFL and asked on Calguns as to the legality of a pistol grip. They all said it was not an issue, but I'm going to continue to ask around and be triple sure.

I've never fired a shotgun before in my life, being primarily a pistol shooter. I would think it would be easier to control with the pistol grip, would it not? I understand the concern about shifting the hand to disengage the safety, but other than that, what would be the shortcomings of having one? Also, the shorter barrel makes sense for room clearing, gotcha on that count. For those who own them, do you believe this is a good choice for me, a beginner in all things pump-action shotgun?
 
I'm not clear on the distinction between the 590 and 590A1. I purchased my 590 several years ago as my primary house gun and I've been very happy with it. I got the version with the ghost-ring sights and speed-feed stock. The sights are superb, clear, fast, and well-protected, and the speedfeed stock works without fuss.

The only trouble I had with it is when I replaced the forearm with an aftermarket version containing a built-in flashlight. The light would hit the bayonet lug on the barrel, so I called Mossberg and got a replacement barrel without the lug. After that one minor difficultly I had exactly the gun I wanted.

The version with the pistol grip/AR style stock looks like it would have an awful lot of muzzle rise under recoil. I'd suggest a stock that puts the bore axis more in-line with your shoulder.

I live in a remote area and don't have to worry about over-penetration, so I keep mine loaded with rifled slugs. I don't trust shot, even buckshot, for defensive use. A rifled slug is about as sure a stopper as we have, it will breeze through vehicle doors or household cover, and it offers between fifty and a hundred yards effective range. I don't envision an outdoor gun battle in my front yard, but unexpected things happen. This is the gun I would reach for if I expected trouble, and it will handle anything I'm likely to find.
 
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_1/266004_Mossberg_590_Vs__590A1.html

According to some posts I read here, there's a few differences:

The A1 has a heavy walled barrel, metal safety button, and metal trigger guard.
It is possible to modify a heatshield to an A1.
Click to expand...

It might be overkill to have a heatshield for a HD gun, as I'm unlikely to do a ton of sustained shooting with it in a HD role, but you never know... Also, the heavier walls on the barrel and metal safety to me just seem better put together. I figure that this is a one-time investment to get a quality gun for HD, and don't mind paying a bit more.

Mike, do you know what the Mossberg model number is on the one you have, or have a link to what it looks like? I'm trying to pull up a picture to get a better idea of what you're talking about regarding the bore axis, but Mossberg seems to make a ton of variants.

Thanks once again gents.
 
I have had the basic 590 (like the second link) but in matte stainless. Fine weapon, reliable, etc.

I would vote for just a front bead for folks that aren't everyday shooters (like your parents?).
 
Sam1911 said:
Not sure if CA has any restrictions that would apply to the gun in particular, but please be careful about the laws regarding making the transfer to them. Obviously, you can't just take them a gun and leave it with them, so you want to be sure that you have a dealer lined up ahead of time who's willing to do the transfer for you. Sometimes it is cheaper and less hassle for them to just go get their own gun.
Click to expand...
Sorry for the lack of clarification. I'm doing the research for my folks, but the gun will be purchased under their name. I certainly do NOT want any issue to arise with straw purchasing, even though we're all law abiding family members. You can't be too careful anywhere, and even more so in states like CA.
 
I would vote for just a front bead for folks that aren't everyday shooters (like your parents?).
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No, they aren't everyday shooters. I just want something on hand for self-defense, as I often have to travel to other states for work and don't live full-time with them. According to my research, the controls and reliability of the Mossberg product would seem to be easy enough to grasp for two folks that aren't massive "gun nuts". Once we get them a gun in hand, I'm going to try and line up some home defense courses through my local instructor. A gun is only as good as the training behind it is my thought. I'm going to register all three of us to go to such a class, then that way if I decide to purchase a 590 or something similar for my other out-of-state home, I can be familiarized with the system.

Just curious, why do you think the bead is easier than say the ghost rings or any other option for that matter? They are going to be looking at that thing with 60-something year old eyes, and possibly in a nighttime situation to boot. Wouldn't larger sights be easier for them to see? Once again, thank you for the additional help.
 
Mine looks almost identical to the gun posted in the first reply. The only difference is that the speed-feed stock has holes on either side for holding a few more shells.

This is a big, heavy gun. If this is intended for older folks who do not shoot much, perhaps a model 500 in 20 or even .410 gauge might be easier for them to handle?
 
Both of my folks are in great shape considering their age. Consider it healthy living and good genes. :)

I did take them to a LGS to handle it, and they didn't seem to have any issue. The LGS only had the display model and their backorders are taking forever to fill. I looked at the 500 and 410 options, but the fit and finish just didn't seem quite as polished. Honestly, I wish there was a local range that had rentals on shotguns so that my parents could try them out and see what works best, but from at least being in the store, neither of them complained of weight being an issue.
 
Saint - the 590's a good weapon but, like other posters mentioned, the tang safety is a problem with a pistol-grip stock. If the grip is a required spec for their weapon, I would go with the Remington 870 instead. To keep all options open, have they/you considered a side-by-side "coach gun"? Pumps can be a little tricky for folks with shorter arms and a double-barrel offers good weapon ergonomics, the ability for a follow-up shot, and-with practice and the right gear-can be re-loaded relatively quickly.
 
Wow. The Mariner looks nice as they come.

I am an 870 guy, but have been eyeing the 590 for quite sometime.

If the military uses it, it's got to be tough and the military uses the Mossy's!

Either choice I do not see how you could be disappointed.

Now, for the folks using this, opt for the reduced recoil HD rounds and test them (your folks and the gun) with them.

I would be especially wary of the oldsters getting kicked around by the recoil.

I do not know how old they are but I am 57 and regularly shoot my three 870's with all manner of loads and bruising is a part of the game.
 
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Pistol grip on a Mossberg shotgun (other than Mav 88 is a mess). 590 would be best with a regular stock. Although a short light gun like a 5 shot 500 would be cool with a birds head grip, would be nice.
images
 
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breakingcontact said:
Pistol grip on a Mossberg shotgun (other than Mav 88 is a mess). 590 would be best with a regular stock. Although a short light gun like a 5 shot 500 would be cool with a birds head grip, would be nice.
images
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I will happily stand 5 feet behind you and 5 yards to the right of you the first time you fire a 500 or 590 with this grip and a full power slug or buck load. I'll be easy to identify, I'll be the one with the video camera who's giggling before the shot and laughing riotously after it.

Sent from my Nokia 5120. And you thought all it could do was play snake.
 
i will happily stand 5 feet behind you and 5 yards to the right of you the first time you fire a 500 or 590 with this grip and a full power slug or buck load. I'll be easy to identify, i'll be the one with the video camera who's giggling before the shot and laughing riotously after it.
Click to expand...

lol, cotd.
 
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