Mossberg 590A1 -- Speedfeed stock or not?

[supermanuf]

Considering getting a 590A1--trying to choose between #51663 and #51668, the only difference being the '68 has the speedfeed stock.

It's my philosophy that shotguns should be simple--is it worth having, or is it just another thing to break? I've heard reports of them dropping shells from the recoil.

Thanks for your advice!

[BigDogatPlay]

Speedfeed stocks with the internal shell magazines have been known from time to time to lose rounds or give you both when you pull the first one. The stock on it's own, without the magazines, is a first class piece of equipment. I've used them and I own one now on my HD 870. With the extra shell storage, they work, but I'm not convinced they are fool proof so I don't use those models personally.

[G-forceJunkie]

I like mossbergs bantom stock the best, then use a butt cuff for shells.

[TWoods450]

I have the 51663, I think its awesome, love that I could use it as a club as well if needed, that is actually why I'm not a fan of the tactical stocks on shotguns.

[lrtraut]

I had a 590A1 with the speed feed stock. If I just loaded one in each speedfeed they would stay in under recoil, but if I loaded two they would pop out.

When you load two the second one it sticks out at an angle and is held by the rim of the cartridge, but with one it is flush and held in place by the end of the cartridge.

[blakdawg]

I have an older 590 with the speedfeed stock and have been happy with it. I haven't experienced the "rounds coming out under recoil" issue. Maybe mine's an older model and they've changed the design; I usually shoot the reduced-recoil 00/000/slug rounds, so maybe that's the difference; or maybe it doesn't happen with all of them.

If I buy another I expect I'll get another speedfeed, I really like being able to have 8+1+4 rounds ready to go if necessary; I keep buckshot in the tube mag and slugs in the speedfeed.

[cacop]

Back when I had an 870 I had a Speedfeed stock. The rounds didn't come out on recoil but it was pretty common for me to loose a round when trying to get one out. If I wanted extra ammo on the gun a sidesaddle would be the way I would go.

[Bigdaa]

What's the cost diff? If it's less than the cost of a Speedfeed alone, I don't see a big deal.

[scootle]

Two things to be aware of that I've experienced with my SpeedFeed 590A1 (51668):

1) The spring tension on the shells can be such that if you are not careful you end up launching the shells out of your fingers when you try to pull one or both out. I've not noticed them coming loose due to recoil, but that probably varies from user to user. Even shells in side saddles can work their way loose sometimes.

2) The internals of the SpeedFeed require the stock recoil/butt pad to retain the internal springs, thus, you cannot simply remove the stock recoil pad and use a quick slip-on solution... you must use a bolt-on/fit recoil pad if you choose to change it out. As such, to date, I have yet to determine which version of the Limbsaver "Precision-Fit" pads can be used to retrofit the Mossberg SpeedFeed stock. All that said, the stock pad isn't bad, but it's definitely no Limbsaver. (If anyone knows which Limbsaver part to get, please let me know -- they haven't answered any of my inquiries to date.)

If I did it all again, I'm not sure I'd bother with the SpeedFeed... moreso since the majority of users will likely end up putting in an aftermarket stock with reduced LOP anyhow (this being more of a "tactical" shotgun by nature).

Good luck!