Mossberg 590A1 Retrograde thoughts

[brazil]

I am really liking the looks/specs of the Mossberg 590A1 Retrograde. I'm a bit old-school and the wood furniture has got my attention. I'd be considering it for home defense and wish it had the 18.5" barrel instead of 20". Am I the only one? Does anyone have the Mossberg 590A1 Retrograde and like it? thx

[elSquid]

https://www.mossberg.com/category/series/retrograde-series/?tab=m

[rromeo]

The prices on them are ridiculous, at least around here. I bought a regular 590A1, and a set of wood on EBay for $75. So I have a retrograde for half the cost.

[Tere_Hanges]

I had a standard 590A1. Its was a great shotgun but the 20" barrel is really long. Its more a "combat" shotgun than a home shotgun. I ended up trading mine towards something else, but I didnt have any complaints.

I bought an old 18.5" barrel with open sights for my 870 express that came with 28" barrel. So thats my HD/hunting shotgun.

I think the retrograde looks like a great shotgun. I'd be tempted to get one. But dont have any use or desire for another shotgun. I'm a one shotgun guy. But I can never have too many other guns.

If I need more than four shotgun shells for HD, I'll wish I picked up the AK or AR instead.

[sonofeugene]

It’s available in 18.5” with bead site and 6+1 capacity.

[rromeo]

The nice thing about the 18.5" version is that an 835 barrel will fit. That way you can have a 28" for the clay range or whatever .

[PogoJack]

[L-2]

It can be difficult for a buyer to find exactly the configuration one would want. It can also be difficult for a manufacturer to have a separate "sku" or model number for every possible configuration, such as, if a person wanted a retrograde with an 18.5" barrel, but also with ghost ring sights.

I, at least, like how a handy customer can/might buy the necessary parts, install them, and make exactly the combination desired.

A semi-custom idea of having a website with a "configurator" for the customer to order a specific configuration from drop-down-lists might be a good idea, especially for something which doesn't need hand-fitting and can be readily assembled...just thinking out loud.

I've used the 590A1 in 20", 18.5", and 14" barrels (generally not available in CA). I didn't like the 20" due to weight and maneuverability, but other folks liked the increased ammo capacity and even the ability to attach a bayonet Some folks like the ghost ring sights, when available, others didn't care. Then others don't even like shotguns with its recoil. OP, let us know what you get if & when you get it or anything.

[Bushwack44]

Hmm....so many of you speak or assume as if shotguns (or firearms in general) are plentiful (in California). Retting just announced they have Mossberg 590 retros in stock. I would prefer a 590A1 or a 930 w/ ghost ring, but how much longer should I wait? For home defense, the 590 will do fine.

[brazil]

> …or is being an A1 with ghost rings also important?

Good question. I figure most of my practice will be slugs at the range. That's all they allow where I go. The ghost rings seem to guarantee some level of accuracy adjustment.
Now in the case of home defense, many would recommend the bead. So what do you do. Are the 590s somewhat accurate with slugs?

[L-2]

I use either ghost ring sights or bead, as I happen to own both, but prefer ghost ring sights especially with slugs from 25 yards out.

Luckily, if I were to buy from today's new offerings, I don't care it has wood furniture or not. The OP has some pondering to do as to how to get what he wants.

[Tere_Hanges]

For practicing self-defense shooting paper targets at the range you'll want aperture ("ghost ring") or open sights. Most ranges wont allow you to shoot a shotgun at paper targets with just a front bead.

I like to practice with rifled slugs on paper targets so i got an 18.5" cylinder bbl with open sights. Compared to the aperture sights that my 590A1 had, I think I prefer the open sights. Although both are very effective, especially at only 25-50 yds.

[enorbit3]

I got a 590a1 retro this year. Paid a hair over 1k out the door. Was it expensive. Yes. Did I want it. Yes. Love the look and feel.

Yes, the 20" barrel is long for most HD applications. You're also unlikely to mod it with aftermarket stocks or grips since you're paying a premium for the wood. Will you be ok with stock LOP?

I also have a 930spx so some of those issues didn't really concern me that much. But if the 590a1 retro will be your only 12g maybe take some of thise things into account.

[elSquid]

[rromeo]

I believe that every 500/590 is tapped these days. I know most are.