590A1 vs 870 Tactical

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tfs967

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Okay, I'm new to this forum. This is my first post and I'm hoping for some help in making my decision. Which one to buy?

I'm buying a tactical shotgun mostly for fun. Not looking to break the bank on it but not cheaping out either. May add a couple "tacticool" things (flashlight, pistol grip). I have narrowed my search down to 2 guns. The Mossberg 590A1 6 shot and the Remington 870 Express Tactical. I have no allegiance to, or previous experience with either.

I am hearing the odd rumbling that Remington's quality has dropped off in the last few years. Is this something I should really be concerned with considering the fact that the 870 has been arguably the "benchmark" against which all other pump-guns are measured.

I have done my research. I know the differences in safety and slide release placement. I know the 870 comes with Pic rail and Breach barrel choke. I know the 590A1 passed the MilSpec test. What I really want is any unbiased information indicating one or the other to be of better construction, more reliable etc. Basically, why I should choose one over the other. Not just "My first gun was a Remy - so you should buy one too"

Looking forward to any assistance anyone can provide.

Thanks in advance!
 
Pretty much the same gun; have experience with both. I use the 590 A1 though as I feel that it suits my needs better ie less reported ejection / jamming issues than the 870. Also like the weight / feel / ruggedness of the 590 but that is just my consideration. 870 may have more options for accessories. Either is a good choice.
 
I've had both. The 590 is a great gun. The finish on it is aluminum or parkerized. The ghost ring sights are good. Unless you're planning extensive modifications and accesories I'd recommend the 590.
 
You can't go wrong with either, 590 can be a little front end heavie when loaded up and it has a long length of pull. So if you have short arms a 870 might fit a little better. I currently have 3 870's and one mossberg but they are both great guns.
 
I'm probably gonna put a side saddle on it anyhow. At the very least one of those spandex or neoprene ones that go on the stock - maybe both.
 
I own an 870 and I have tried a 590 once. I would say either will suit you just fine for your purposes. Both companies offer combo deals with multiple barrels to extend the usage of the firearm. Both are well built guns with a proven track record. Its been noted, the 590 is a touch front heavy but i'd imagine if i put an extended mag tube on my 870 and loaded it up it would be too. You said you know abotu the differences in the safety etc so I won't get into that.

A lot has been said about remington QC. This is something I have not experienced with any of my remingtons. My 870 has never rusted out before my eyes as some claim in fact it has been sitting under the seat of my truck for the last half year and it looks as good now as it did when in it went in there (no rust). The Mossbergs I cannot speak for in this regard but I doubt they have issues either.

As i said above, I'd imagine you'll be happy with either. I would go with the 870 but that is just my opinion and really has no reason other than I just like the 870 better.
 
I was in the same boat, ended up buying the 870 express tactical, with the xs ghost rings. After researching both and handling both of them i came with the conclusion of the 870, because of the removable choke, over a fixed choke, i like the way the 870 cycles and the smoothness of the action over the mossberg, but in the future when money is better i will probably pick up a 590a1 just to give it a fair try.

my 2cents
 
tfs967 said:
I'm probably gonna put a side saddle on it anyhow. At the very least one of those spandex or neoprene ones that go on the stock - maybe both.
Click to expand...

IN the stock is better than ON the stock, IMO...

But the side saddle would compliment a speedstock greatly.

:)
 
Another thing about the 870 is you can get nice short barrels for it, either chinese made or Canadian made and they are a lot of fun. Mossy built a 590 with a 14" but not anymore and the guys trying to sell them in the EE are asking over a grand for them!
 
I have both, the 590A1 has a better finish and is more sturdy in my opinion. Also the mossy has dual extractors and a metal trigger group.

The 870 is somewhat easier to clean.
 
I have been at the range when both are being used in a training group during ECWC (Extreme Cold Weather Conditions) and the Mossberg 590A1 SPX in the group did not miss a beat. It was -30C and it and an M1917 Trench Gun were the only two to run reliably. If you are looking for quick mounting options the 590A1 SPX has a picatinny rail onto which the rear ghost ring sights are mounted. There is enough space to drop on an EOTECH XS2 or XS3 as well. I know, I know... who in thier right mind is out at the range during -30C weather, but hey, we're here to talk shottys, not my state of mind... ;)
 
freddyfour said:
Another thing about the 870 is you can get nice short barrels for it, either chinese made or Canadian made and they are a lot of fun. Mossy built a 590 with a 14" but not anymore and the guys trying to sell them in the EE are asking over a grand for them!
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If someone wants to give me "over a grand" for mine I'd consider selling it....ok, never mind forget about it. I'm keeping it;)
To the OP...I've had several "tactical" SG's. 870's, Fabarm, 590A1's, 590's, pistol grip, etc. In the end, I sold them all and kept the 590 Compact 14" because I LOVE it and will go to my son when I'm done with it.
You can't go wrong with either one.
 
I think the 590A1 of which I have had a couple, is a superior weapon to the Remington Tactical.

I also think the Remington Wingmaster or the 870P which is a superior version than the Tactical which I think is really an Express, is a better comparison to the 590A1.
 
I own a 590A1 SPX, an 870, a tube fed and a mag fed DA Grizzly. The 590A1 SPX just feels like it will never let me down. It has that feeling of ultra reliability when you shoot it and handle it. My vote goes for the 590 but I don't have any issues with my 870.
 
Thanks everyone! Looks like it's going to come down to a coin toss. Really though - after spending a day off all alone in the house and doing my internet research - I think I've decided.....Ah who am I kidding - I haven't decided. Keep the thoughts coming - maybe one of them will finally sway my thinking one way or the other.
 
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