590A1 vs 590

[TylerTran]

So I've deciding to get either a 590A1 or a 590 as my first shotgun. The general purpose for it is Home Defense, SHTF, and plinking. I know the 590A1 comes with a heavy barrel. But i want to know if the 590A1 even with the extra weight is more beneficial over the 590. Any opinions on both would be appreciated. Thank you

[Mitch]

Except for the barrel and the magazine screw (and the bayonet lug), they are exactly the same gun.

[Legasat]

The 590A1 also has a metal safety button. The 590 has a plastic safety button.

Not much difference.

[jarhead714]

The A1 with the lug is, due to it's "hookin' and a jabbin', slicin' and a dicin'" nature, more quiet and far less damaging to the surrounding area than even .410 birdshot.

[mossy]

Can't go wrong with either of them. A 590 was my first shotgun. Bought it at big5.

[drifts1]

Both nice, the A1 us really only beneficial if it's going to be exposed to extra abuse. Or you just really want that one.

[elSquid]

I own both a 590 and a 590a1.

If I didn't own either, and wanted to get a new one, I'd get the 590A1 with the XS rail...

http://www.mossberg.com/product/590a1-9-shot-xs-ghost-ring-sights-51771/

...because of the flexibility for adding a red dot.

The decision really comes down to what you prefer in terms of weight and features ( finish? capacity? bead or sights? etc )

Oh, and my 590 has a bayonet lug...

http://www.mossberg.com/product/590-9-shot-heat-shield-50645/

...while my 590A1 doesn't.



< shrug >

-- Michael

[fritztkatt]

Does the regular 590 have the metal trigger group?

If you're new to 12ga, the bit of weight from the heavy barrel might help. The weight will likely get tiring quickly though.

Have fun trying to break clays with a 20" cylinder bore, but doing transition and feeding drills is much more fun with a tactical shotgun, which sounds more in line with your intended use.

ETA: if it means anything, I did get the 51771 as pictured above. No problems with it, as to be expected.