590 = metal reciever
500 = aluminum reciever
but it is a far more solid weapon
If you are going to buy a 590 get the 590A1 it is better by a long shot. It is usually parkerized instead of blued, it has a thicker barrel, and has a metal triggergaurd. I am not sure what other features it has that the reg 590 doesn't have but it is a far more solid weapon and the price difference is not that large.
This is a little off topic but I am really thinking about a 590A1. Do you all think it is worth the extra money to buy the ghost ring sight instead of the bead? I do not really know anything about shotguns-just decided this week I wanted one. Does Dick's, Sports Authority, or Walmart sell this gun? I didn't see it in-store or on the website.
Thanks,
Ryan
You can fix a M16 bayonet to the 590A1