Msbrg 590 A1: is it worth it?

[Huntolive]

Hello,
I had a nice 590 A1 that I got in a trade a year ago, and then sold.
I have kind of regreted that ever since.
The gun is just so SOLID and formidable, and the 9 round capacity rules.
But is there a legitimate role for it off the battlefiled?
I can get one new w/ ghost ring sights from Buds for $512 (that's really $544 in the end w/ FFL and fees).
This may just be a case of want's me 2 have it.
My rationalization is to use as real shtf gun and sometimes deer/turkey hunting.
I have a benelli spr nva 28" brl, a 18" Wini 1300 Defender, and a Savage 420 20 G slug gun. So this may just be a waste.

So are they worth it?

 

[Fred Fuller]

Let's see. $550 in the bank, or a good solid shotgun in the gun safe.

Which is better? Only you can answer that...

I don't often spend that much on a defensive shotgun, though I have on occasion, for something I really wanted, when I could manage it and stay inside the bounds of the budget. And I seldom buy brand new - I have yet to buy a NIB 870 for example, after four decades of shooting them. I usually buy a good used shotgun for a couple of Benjamins or less and work from that. The 590 Marine I have was bought used and cheap, mostly because the previous owner had done a horrible rattlecan paint job on it and apparently no one else wanted to buy it at all. So I rescued it from its spraypainted infamy and restored it to its former satin nickel glory (mostly). Generally I mollify my inner Bernanke by convincing myself that I could sell any of the shotguns in my safe for more than I paid for them.

Of course that might or might not be true...

 

[Mainsail]

I had one and loved it. Rock solid and 100% reliable, unlike my friend's 870 in which a shell jammed the action closed and required a serious slam on the ground to get it out.

I only sold it because I wanted an auto. I picked up the FN SLP (not the MK1) with the short barrel and 6 shell capacity. Much handier and a boatload of fun to shoot.

You won't regret the 590A1.

 

[Uniquedot]

If indeed the wants you to have it then the is probably also manipulating the responses . Look at it this way...if everyone that visits/participates in THR only bought the guns they needed instead of those they wanted we wouldn't have much to talk about.

 

[NoirFan]

The M590A1 is my only shotgun and it's a good one, but it's not worth it for you. I'm not much of a collector so for any of my hobbies I don't like to have a bunch of stuff laying around that I don't use on a regular basis. More than one of a certain class of gun is, to my mind, wasted money. You already have the Winchester as a good defensive shotgun, so stick with what you've got and spend the money on shells.

 

[PabloJ]

I would rather have M500 with drum magazine. You get lighter quicker handling shotgun drum holds 10 if I recall correctly plus slide handle with adjustable "pistol grip" knob. The 590a1 does make for a better battle ram.

 

[Huntolive]

Thanks: Yes it's all about Want, not need

Thanks 4 the comments;
yup this deal is all Want and very little need.
Like thinkin with the "little head".
Guess if I sell something first, I can justify.
Problem is, all my other shotguns actually have a Practical application!

Guess an AR will have 2 go! I certainly can't justify 2 of those Or even 1 really...

 

[MIL-DOT]

Sure, the 590's are great, but if you already own a couple shotguns, and are considering letting an AR go to pay for yet another, I would strongly advise against that.
If you want a Mossy HD shotgun, I'd suggest keeping an eye on your local Armslist, where you can often find a Mossberg 500 for around $225-$250. I've seen decked-out 590's for $300-350.
edit: here's a nice looking Winchester riot gun, with extended mag, up your way. The guy's asking $300 or trade.....
http://www.armslist.com/posts/2174442/nova-shotguns-for-sale--wts-wtt-winchester-1300-defender-12ga

 

[JShirley]

There is a legitimate role for shotguns off the battlefield*, but an unchoked shotgun is not what I'd buy for deer and turkey.

(Just deer, sure, since I'm a slug guy.)

*I'd argue there's very little role for one ON the battlefield, and in fact, the Supreme Court ruled on the NFA based on this.
John

 

[Hangingrock]

I have a 590 series. What I like is the placement of the safety which is more user friendly left or right handed.

Minor modifications were made. More aggressive safety button, stainless steel magazine follower plug in place of OEM, replaced the OEM magazine spring, replaced the front sight bead with a night-sight bead, and added a receiver mounted shell saddle.

A minor problem was the inboard shell extractor the retainer pin fractured. I replaced the both the inboard and outboard exstractor pins with drill road.

 

[lpsharp88]

I've got a 590A1 and love it. It's built like a tank, and has been 100% so far. It makes for a great HD weapon, and I have even successfully hunted rabbit with it. You won't be disappointed.

 

[zhyla]

The 590A1 is great. As is any of the vanilla 590 series that doesn't have something stupid hanging off of it. And likewise, the regular old 500 is equally usable, reliable, and well built.

The question is whether you want to be suckered out of $550, $400, or $250 for a shotgun. I went for the middle category and if I had to do it over I would go with a plain-jane 500.

 

[Huntolive]

Thanks Guys,
Much as I like em, I'll hold off 4 now, unless I can sell some stuff at the gun shows/trading sites, or stumble across a stupid good deal at the show or similar no-brainer trade.

 

[Fred Fuller]

stumble across a stupid good deal

That's my approach to shotgun buying most of the time...

The stupid part comes naturally, some would say.

 

[Huntolive]

Thanks

Thanks, guys.
Best of luck.
I am NOT gettin 1 now unless a deal surfaces that I can't refuse.
I offered a guy $550 for a new one w/ GRS and speed feed stock, and he refused. Only reason I did was cuz I was flush w/ cash from sellin some stuff.
Sort of glad he said no,
BCUZ the 590 A1 would make a CRAPPY hunting gun, as it only has an imporved cylendar barrel, and is not threaded, so forget about any serious hunting with this crow bar of a gun, I'm better off w/ my Win. 1300 Defender for HD, and my 28" benelli spr nva for ALL hunting. Right?

 

[Uniquedot]

BCUZ the 590 A1 would make a CRAPPY hunting gun, as it only has an imporved cylendar barrel

Mossberg does offer a modified choked heavy walled barrel for the 590A1. I have found 590's used for less than $300 in the last six months. Just keep looking if you really want one and sooner or later you'll find a deal on one.

 

[MattShlock]

I prefer the short model 590 A1 with a one or two round extension because of weight. But if you really need a jeep don't buy a tank. These are all HD guns...

The regular 590, Special Purpose, NOT an A1, or even the eight shot Persuader would be a fine choice. None are really hunting guns due to choke...

Hunting? Buy the 500 in the field and security combo.

All are well worth the money -- you just have to want and maybe need a particular one.

 

[M1GarandDeerHunter]

Yup! Worth it! Love mine. The really cool peep sight and Brazed on front sight, heavy duty barrel all metal construction with 9?! shots is plain cool. It doubles as a great deer getter and bunny gun too! HTF in my neck of the woods, and everybody that sees mine, well, wants it!

 

[chadster01]

Just got mine 11/18/13 and im in love all over again... Durable is an understatement. This shotgun just might have changed my 870 fanboy status...$499 Mills Fleet Farm Beaver Dam Wi.

 

[PabloJ]

Hello,
I had a nice 590 A1 that I got in a trade a year ago, and then sold.
I have kind of regreted that ever since.
The gun is just so SOLID and formidable, and the 9 round capacity rules.
But is there a legitimate role for it off the battlefiled?
I can get one new w/ ghost ring sights from Buds for $512 (that's really $544 in the end w/ FFL and fees).
This may just be a case of want's me 2 have it.
My rationalization is to use as real shtf gun and sometimes deer/turkey hunting.
I have a benelli spr nva 28" brl, a 18" Wini 1300 Defender, and a Savage 420 20 G slug gun. So this may just be a waste.

So are they worth it?

I would gladly pay more to buy made in Ohio Ithaca 37. They offer M&P models and something truly KOOL. The KOOLEST thing is the HogSlayer made for Academy Sports. It has long magazine tube with fully rifled barrel and good quality slug sights. Remember one can buy tactical slugs suitable for both rifled and smoothbore barrels for $5 to $6 for pack of 5 (RUAG-RWS makes them).

Lou Smith ain't going to give you a wink from the grave and tip of his coon hat if you buy a Mossberg.

 

[nathan]

Its too heavy for my taste. A lightweight Winchester defemder is the better one.

 

[PabloJ]

Alloy framed Winchester or Mossberg 500 are too light the 590A1 is too heavy the Ithaca 37 is perfect and descends from JMBs Remigton 17 to add icing on the cake.

 

[MudMarine]

There is a legitimate role for shotguns off the battlefield*, but an unchoked shotgun is not what I'd buy for deer and turkey.

(Just deer, sure, since I'm a slug guy.)

*I'd argue there's very little role for one ON the battlefield, and in fact, the Supreme Court ruled on the NFA based on this.
John

Ever left your BFH at home and needed to breach a door to get out of the street? The A1 is needed if you want to bury your bayonet into the chest cavity of a bad guy.

 

[Nalapombu]

I don't think I'd buy that 9 shot 590A1 if you intend on hunting with it. Most states have limits on shell capacity for your shotgun. You can't head out with a Saiga and a 20 round drum to hunt deer. BIG TROUBLE if you do and are spotted by a warden.

They are sweet shotguns for sure and I'd like to have one, but DON'T think you're gonna get it and deer hunt with it as it is. Now you can get it and put a LIMITER in it and you'll be good to go. Just make darn sure that you can't get any more than the state limit in that shotgun before you go out. They WILL CHECK it.

Good luck.