Need Help Deciding: Which Mossberg Model for Me?

[Günter]

I had been planning on this purchase around the end of this year for a while, it's going to be a 12 gauge pump-action shotgun primarily for home-defense/range use.

I own multiple rifles and pistols but had never owned a shotgun, so I'm quite new to this field. However I've done some research and shot several different shotguns (Winchester Model 12, Remington 870, Mossberg 500), in which here are some of my preferences I gathered:

- Mossberg (I like the ergonomics and value from its price/performance)
- 20" cylinder bore barrel, with magazine tube extending up to the muzzle (I would opt for more firepower (capacity) over maneuverability (compactness)
- Fixed shoulder stock (for maximum durability and recoil absorption)

Vague budget range of $200-$500
I don't make much money, prefer rifles/pistols, and a newbie to the world of shotguns as mentioned above. Therefore I plan on owning only a single shotgun as of now (this could change over time however). I could go for a cheaper model that could spark further interest in shotguns (in which I would end up selling it for a more expensive model) or hate it and be glad I didn't invest too much (more money for other type of guns). I could also commit into a costly investment that I may keep the gun for my entire lifetime, or have a even deeper regret on spending such amount.

I'm unsure of which to choose between following features, I would appreciate input from more experienced shotgun shooters:

Bead Sight vs. Ghost-Ring Sight
Generally speaking; bead sight offers faster target acquisition and a better field of view, better suited from close quarter scatter shots; while ghost rings offers better accuracy, especially with slugs at longer range. I am use to using iron sights on rifles and pistols, in which GRS may be better to adapt/train and for target range use. However I was told to not turn a shotgun into a rifle; especially for a home-defense gun. Are there any aftermarket Open sights (non-GRS/aperture type) available for the Mossberg?

Bayonet lug/heat shield on the 590s
Are the supposed features of having user burn protection, expanded accessory options, and improved aesthetics/intimidation factor useful or bothersome?

Heavy barrel, metal trigger guard/safety button featured on the 590A1
I would like my shotgun to last a lifetime and I do put my guns under some heavy use; the features of the 590A1 accommodates that well. I also do admit that I have a slight personal biased against polymer over steel/aluminum parts (other than grips/stock/fore-end) of firearms. However with emotions aside, logic tells me that the standard barrel with polymer trigger guard and safety is good enough even for my philosophy of use. Had anyone experienced a failure of these components due to its plastic parts or having thinner barrel? Are they worth the additional cost and weight?

Mossberg line of pump-action shotguns that grabs my interest:

#1) Mossberg/Maverick 88 SKU# 31046
7+1 shot, 20" barrel, blued finish, bead sight, fixed stock

~$200
Note: Most inexpensive, awkward safety position IMO

#2) Mossberg 500 SKU# 50577
7+1 shot, 20" barrel, blued finish, bead sight, fixed stock

~$300
Note: Most accessory options available, affordable

#3) Mossberg 590 SKU# 50645
8+1, 20" barrel, blued finish, bead sight, fixed stock, bayonet lug, heatshield

~$375
Note: Offers better performance over #1/#2 for a modest price, less accessory options

#4) Mossberg 590A1 SKU# 51660
8+1, 20" heavy barrel, parkerized finish, bead sight, fixed stock, bayonet lug, metal trigger guard and safety

~$450
Note: Added durability over #3, least accessory options, expensive

#5) Mossberg 590A1 SKU# 51663
8+1, 20" heavy barrel, matte blued finish, ghost ring sights, fixed stock, bayonet lug, metal trigger guard and safety

~$475
Note: #4 with GSR

#6) Mossberg 590A1 SKU# 51668
8+1, 20" heavy barrel, parkerized finish, ghost ring sights, speed feed stock, bayonet lug, metal trigger guard and safety

~$500
Note: #5 with speed feed stock (I have no experience with these but it's a considerable feature)

[FeuerFrei]

#5 is my reccomendation. Sans Speed feed stock.
The GR sights will work when working with all ammo types. Needed for slugs.
Put a TacStar side saddle on it. Speed feed can jam up your reloads when you're in a hurry.
The heat shield option only comes into play when you are chewing through dozens of shells at a time.
BTW, look at an SPX. I just bought one recently and shoot it more that my pump guns.
(also Mossberg).

[shellslinger]

I would tell you to get the 590 or 590a1 but, considering the budget. I would get either the Maverick 88 or the 500. They're all essentially the same gun, its just that 590's have different tube magazines and the A1 has the metal trigger frame.

Keep in mind that the 88 and the 500, some parts are not interchangeable such as the barrel.

All in all, I would say get the one that fits your budget, cause most of these guns will last nearly a lifetime if given the right maintenance.

[Mossy Man]

I would get #2, because it offers the most flexibility to your setup.

590s don't lend themselves in any sort of multi-role fucntion (they are pretty much HD only).

I have #3, and I wish to god I either bought #1 or #2.

No real difference except the +1 magazine, the heat shield is next to useless (its ok for the range, but having owned shotguns without a heat shield i dont really notice a difference), and no barrel options.

I actually suggest getting a standard 6 shot so you can allow yourself more barrel options should you choose to do other things with your shotgun besides HD.

[gugoo]

My first shotgun was the 590a1 though 18.5" barrel

[mrkam]

If you want versatility like what Mossy Man was saying, you have to go with the 5+1 model in order to take longer barrels, but you have several reasons for not doing that, so let's go with a 20" barrel. Also, you can save a ton by buying used here on the Maketplace, so I recommend that.

I pick #50663, MSRP $575, on Bud's Gun Shop $420.


I say 590 over 500 because you get 8+1 instead of 7+1. If you're going for max capacity with the 20", might as well get the max available for that size.

I say ghost rings, because I found that I'm used to ghost rings from rifles. I shoot with GRS much better than with a bead, and that's worth it to me. I'm also just as fast with GRS as a bead. I say keep the sights the same, unless you particularly love beads. Also, there's no need to worry about over precision, you want to know exactly where the center of your spread is going, so it doesn't matter. If your target is extremely close, you probably won't even use your sights, just fire it from your shoulder.

I don't think heat shields are necessary at all. It's not like your hand rests on the barrel, it rests on the pump. Bayonet lugs don't really get in the way, but I wouldn't mount a bayonet on it, too heavy.

I have a #51518, an 18.5" 590A1, and I'm not sure the extra weight of the thick barrel is worth it, especially if you're going with one of the 8+1 models. Save yourself the cost.

I say standard stock, not speed feed. My 590A1 came with the speed feed, and I don't really like it. I ended up swapping it out for a 12" LOP Hogue anyway. Save yourself the cost. If you want extra shells (which you don't need for HD at all) you can get a side saddle. I have an 8 round Mesa Tactical for shiggles.

Also, I recommend replacing the 590's plastic safety (the only part that's really a problem with non A1's) with this one, or something similar. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=2...-SAFETY-BUTTON

I'm not sure what you mean by less accessory options, other than 590A1's not being able to take heat shields due to the extra width.

[BigDogatPlay]

#2) Mossberg 500 SKU# 50577
7+1 shot, 20" barrel, blued finish, bead sight, fixed stock

~$300
Note: Most accessory options available, affordable

Based on the OP's criteria I think the above is his best choice. These are all nearly identical guns, just minor differences in cosmetics and the safety placement.

** Heat shield and bayonet lug don't add function, do add weight. Cool looking is nice but doesn't win fights.

** GRS on an HD gun is not a value add. GRS are intended to help in shooting slugs at distance, not buck shot up close inside your house. Save the money you'd spend on GRS and buy ammo.

** The Speedfeed line of stocks are, generally, excellent gear. That said I've seen and experienced shells jumping out of those recesses under recoil. This is why I use a Speedfeed IV (no shell holders in stock) on my own HD Remington and the OEM stock on my Mossberg 500.

** Side saddles... not always a good thing on a Mossberg as the steel bolts which hold the side saddle on can peen the holes on the aluminum receiver over time and take them out of shape. You will have 7 shots in the mag tube anyway. If you do put a side saddle on consider a nylon type backed with Velcro. Less weight and won't beat up your receiver.

** Durability... with simple maintenance any of those guns should last a lifetime. My Mossberg 500ATP is at least 30 years old and I was the second owner when I bought it 28 years ago. It's had many thousands of rounds through it of all types and it's still as solid as the day it left New Haven. It's also very smooth....

[Shotgun Willie]

Whatever you do, make sure the mag spring is good. I bought a used 590 with a bad spring. Replaced it with a Wolff magspring.
Good stuff, Maynard.

[Atekhed]

Not sure if you have one in your area but Big5 is having a special on Black Friday on the either Model 500 Combo Pack model (18.5" & 28" barrels) and/or the 20" Security model (#2 in your list above) for $259.99 during the Early Bird sale (5am-4pm I think).

Depending on local availability of course but seems like a nice deal given your criteria. Been looking at it myself.

[TheExpertish]

I vote for a basic 500. For home defense you don't need anything fancy. Save the money you'll spend and buy ammo or another toy.

[JTecalo]

I have #2 and like it

[In_this_city]

I have the 590 cause I got an awesome deal from another calgunner. If I were buying new I'd just go for the 500.

[bsg]

These are all nearly identical guns, just minor differences in cosmetics and the safety placement.

** Heat shield and bayonet lug don't add function, do add weight. Cool looking is nice but doesn't win fights.

** GRS on an HD gun is not a value add. GRS are intended to help in shooting slugs at distance, not buck shot up close inside your house. Save the money you'd spend on GRS and buy ammo.

** The Speedfeed line of stocks are, generally, excellent gear. That said I've seen and experienced shells jumping out of those recesses under recoil. This is why I use a Speedfeed IV (no shell holders in stock) on my own HD Remington and the OEM stock on my Mossberg 500.

** Side saddles... not always a good thing on a Mossberg as the steel bolts which hold the side saddle on can peen the holes on the aluminum receiver over time and take them out of shape. You will have 7 shots in the mag tube anyway. If you do put a side saddle on consider a nylon type backed with Velcro. Less weight and won't beat up your receiver.

** Durability... with simple maintenance any of those guns should last a lifetime. My Mossberg 500ATP is at least 30 years old and I was the second owner when I bought it 28 years ago. It's had many thousands of rounds through it of all types and it's still as solid as the day it left New Haven. It's also very smooth....

some good feedback for the OP.

[PorkLover]

Can I use the 28" barrel from my Big 5 combo mossy with a 8 shot security or 590?

[prc77]

Can I use the 28" barrel from my Big 5 combo mossy with a 8 shot security or 590?

no you can not