Mossberg 590A1 questions

[Nightcrawler]

The model I'm specifically referring to is the 590A1 20". This has the 20" heavy barrel barrel, 8+1 capacity, steel safety, and steel trigger guard.

I've not handled one in recent recollection, though I may want to order one eventually. I have a couple questions.

-How does it balance? Is it muzzle heavy with the heavy barrel? If so, how much?

-Are the 590A1s really that much better made than the standard 500, 500A, and 590 models?

-What's the going rate for this model with ghost ring sights (it'll likely be $50 higher in my area; just about everything is).

I have a Norinco ghost ring pump that I paid about $250 out the door for, parkerized finish, 5+1 cap and everything. But it's just an "interim" shotgun until I can settle on something really nice. Candidates are the 590A1, 870 Police (preferably with reversed safety) and HK FABARM.

The shotgun must have a full-length magazine tube, have a barrel no longer than 20", and must have ghost ring sights. It also must have controls that I, a lefty, can manipulate, which is why the Benelli Nova is out; I simply can't reach the slide release.

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

mine cost around 30 dollars, but i installed them myself. (the sights)

 

[Ledbetter]

I have that model, no ghost sights (model 51660). Easy upgrade if you want them.

Balance is good. I shoot trap with mine from time to time.

Better made, I don't know. But this beast is built like a tank with no plastic parts in the action. Also--BAYONET LUG!!!

I paid around $350 for mine a while ago in a local California gun shop.

 

[MK11]

I just got one in February. I like it, especially the ghost rings. Mine came with a Speedfeed stock. $425.

The length and balance did take some getting used to (I snagged the butt on loose fitting shirts a couple times) The action isn't as smooth as the Winchester Defender or the 870 but it's not bad. Originally I was looking at the 6-shot, 18.5 inch model but somebody already bought it when I came back to the gun shop and I didn't notice that much difference in handling between that and the 20-inch. I love the safety location.

All in all, I'm very pleased with it.

 

[Nightcrawler]

I've noticed that Mossberg stocks are a bit long for my taste. No problem, I'd just replace it with a youth stock.

 

[FPrice]

I was under the impression that only the 590DA had the steel trigger guard? Did this change or did I have bad information?

 

[curt]

Fprice, the 590A1 has the metal trigger group.

Nightcrawler, FWIW i just shortened my wifes 500 stock (synthetic) piece of cake. I used a handsaw to cut of the length (little over an inch) and cleaned up the cut with my beltsander. Then i used the beltsander to reconture the butpad to match the new lines of the stock and voila! I wouldn't want to try this with my SF stock tho.

 

[Ledbetter]

I also altered the buttpad, to make the bottom less "pointy."

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

i chopped an inch and a half off of my stock, the same way curt did.

the recontouring process exposed the metal recoil pad plate thing at the toe, though. I'm going to get a pachmayr decellerator for it and chop off another half inch when i get money.


am i the only person on the planet without ape arms? are all aduts 9 foot monsters with arms that reach the ground? yeesh.

 

[mons meg]

Am I missing something? My "pre-A1" 590 has a metal trigger guard and bayonet lug, but does seem to have the plastic safety. Also, how heavy is a heavy barrel? I could use mine to knock someone silly...

 

[citizen]

Just handled one yesterday; seems well made. May get one. $265.