Mossberg 590A1

[TheSaint]

Choices, choices. I'm looking to purchase a shotgun for the first time, for the primary role of home defense. From what I've read, the 590A1 is about as tough as it gets but still has simple controls. I've fondled one in a LGS a while back, but was still doing comparison shopping. Thoughts on this particular model of Mossberg for anyone who's shot it?

It would be a purchase for my folks home out in California, so are there any legal ramifications to that pistol grip/number of rounds it can load/anything else I should be aware of when it relates to shotgun laws and CA? Didn't see anything in the way of a sticky related to shotguns, but if someone wants to slap the newbie upside the head with an URL, he won't protest the beating.

I've narrowed it down to these two, once they hopefully come back in stock:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/80214

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/46273

[RobG]

Neither of those are a 590A1. No legal issues with the PG or capacity on a pump gun.

[TheSaint]

Whoops, must have pasted the wrong links. Thanks for the clarification though.

[ArchStanton]

You shouldn't have a problem with so-called 'assault weapon features' with a pump shotgun like the 500 series. Here's a very useful flowchart: http://www.calguns.net/caawid/sgflowchart.pdf

As for your shotgun choices, the two models both look fine. However, neither are a 590A1. From wikipedia:
The Model 590A1 has an aluminum trigger guard and safety, and a heavier barrel, intended for military use under extreme conditions and rough handling; the metal trigger guard was added in response to the 3443G materials requirements, and the heavy barrel was added at the request of the Navy.

I don't see the 500 or 590 models lacking the A1's features as a negative. You could think of the 500 8-shot or the 590SP as a race 590A1. The 500 series, while lighter than other shotguns, are comparatively front heavy. Consider the additional weight the A1 carries up front with the heavier barrel, bayonet lug, and the 1 extra shell. What about the obligatory weapon light and mount you'll probably want? That's adding up to be one heavy *** gun!

I'm very fond of my 500. I think you'll be happy with any 5XX you might get. One more consideration: the safety location of the 500 lends itself much better to a traditional stock instead of a pistol grip. If you're set on a pistol grip and a mossberg, take a look at maverick 88? The same robust design on the 500/590, just with the safety located on the trigger guard. With the money you saved, you could get any number of aftermarket pistol grips for it.

Good luck!