Mossberg 500 VS. 590 A-1 Mil-Spec

[billt]

I'm not trying to start a Remington VS. Mossberg argument here. But with that said I like the Remington 870's, and have had one since the mid 70's, (Wingmaster). But I really prefer the Mossberg 500 or 590 Models for a home defense shotgun. I just think they are better suited for the task. I like the steel receiver of the 870, but I wish they would get away from that cheap, cheesy, stamped metal, double C-Clamp for attaching the barrel to the magazine tube. Especially on the Police Models. When you're paying that much for a self defense, Hi-Cap shotgun, it should have better manufacturing than that. If Mossberg can supply brazed, machined steel, double attachment points, a bayonet lug, and dual extractors for under $500.00, (590 A-1 Series), Remington should be able to for almost $200.00 more, (870 Police).

[billt]

Here are a couple of videos of "Hickok 45" running a Mossberg 590 A-1 through it's paces. He does a good job on that gong at 200 yards with Foster Slugs, and only a bead sight. He also shows some of the guns features in detail.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmdMNwSxEcs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp5NHZlFwEE&feature=relmfu

[AE102]

Just picked up my 500 Persuader 8 shot from Big 5 last night. $299 deal ends this week! Going to order a light and a mesa tactical side saddle and that's it. Bought it for HD purpose mainly.

[CardShark]

Big 5 currently is carrying them for $299.00.

That's why I was asking about the $249 price. I was looking for any Big 5 coupons that work on firearms but there doesn't seem to be any floating around.

Any one have a line on any coupons that will work on firearms.....Google just turns up expired coupons

[CardShark]

^ You need to keep your eye out. I got my combo last year for $269 @ Big 5.

Normal sale or was this sale + coupon?

[ElDub1950]

Nice write up; here's a couple things to add from experience with my 590 (mine's not a 590a1 though it is parked)

If considering the 590, my experience is that the ghost ring sight option is far better than a bead sight for slugs and buck. However, for some reason you cant get the ventilated handguard with the ghost ring sight optioned gun (I dont know why)it doesnt look like it would interfere, but I havent measured it yet.

The 590 (as opposed to 590A1) does not have the dual barrel clamp, nor the heavy barrel (I think) and it has a plastic trigger guard. Its a little cheaper too I think..

The speed feed stocks are nice (tacticool), but side saddles are more practical/usable (I have both!)

I bought the 590 spx with the heat shield and added the ghost ring sights. When I was shopping for it I found somewhere that Mossberg didn't offer ghost rings on the models with the heat shield because it's a little more difficult to get the heat shield off, over the front blade and testers were scratching up the finish on the barrel. They decided it would be a source of complaints and didn't produce that configuration. It's not a big deal. you just have to take 2 extra seconds and remove it with a little care.

Considering the $100 difference from the spx to the a1, if you're not taking it to war, the spx is great for 99% of the people .. the A1 just has the tacti-cool factor some people like.

[DavidR310]

Normal sale or was this sale + coupon?

This was one of those 4th of july/memorial/labor day sales. No coupon.

Btw, great post OP.

[billt]

[DavidR310]

Combo on sale this wknd at Big 5 for $279.

I would buy the camo combo though for a little more. That one comes with an adjustable choke barrel.

[CardShark]

Combo on sale this wknd at Big 5 for $279.

I would buy the camo combo though for a little more. That one comes with an adjustable choke barrel.

So the adjustable chokes are worth $70?

[DavidR310]

Depends on you and the purpose of your shotgun. For me, yes.

I actually bought my combo with the intent to do BJs skeet/trap class but found out the 28in barrel does not have the optimal choke for that.

I now have to buy a replacement accuchoke barrel and hope someone buys my used 28" fixed choke.

Cabelas sells the 28in accuchoke barrel for $180.

[RomPirate]

Depends on you and the purpose of your shotgun. For me, yes.

I actually bought my combo with the intent to do BJs skeet/trap class but found out the 28in barrel does not have the optimal choke for that.

I now have to buy a replacement accuchoke barrel and hope someone buys my used 28" fixed choke.

Cabelas sells the 28in accuchoke barrel for $180.

When I posted my mossberg 500 fixed mod barrel, I got several responses for it. I think you'll have no problem with dove season and all