590A1 or 870??

I've never met a shell that my 870 MM or 870 Express super mag couldn't eat. Never one FTE, FTF.
 
The advantages of a tang safety are very much dependent on the type of shooting one engages. For the hunter/plinker its not a big issue if the shotgun has either the tang or cross bolt. for competitive shooters, MIL/LE or those who train. The tang safety is the only way to go when ambidextrous controls are a must. You're right, the tang safety and a pistol grip stock are a poor combination. That being said, pistol grip stocks are a poor choice. To each their own.

TDC

ETA: There are other advantages to the Mossberg over the Remington as well. Again, dependent on the type of shooting.

So all those MIL/LE users of the 870s, and all the competitive shooters who shoot crossbolt safety guns are wrong? I don't think so.
 
With your stated purpose, I think either would do you well.

I have 2 870's, one for hunting, and one as a Tactical/Competition gun.
Also, I bought a 590A1 this year for the sole purpose of a Tactical/Competition gun.

For the tactical/competition guns, I think they are fairly equal in there current setups. I have a Pistol Grip Knoxx Recoil reducing Stock on the 870 which is very nice, but the Mossy has the Tang Safety, and the shell lifter gets out of the way when the breach is in battery, facilitating easier reloads.

They both have their good and bad qualities, I am in the camp of "Get Both", but if you can only get one with your budget......sorry can't help you:D
 
So all those MIL/LE users of the 870s, and all the competitive shooters who shoot crossbolt safety guns are wrong? I don't think so.

I never said wrong. The 870 does not permit the same ambidextrous ergonomics as the 500/590 with its tang safety. The 870 also lacks dual extractors and a recessed shell lifter. Small details to some. Significant to others. Most LEO'S can't shoot a shotgun for sh*t so their "issued 870" doesn't support their purchase. Both are good guns. The 500/590 offers a few more features. The Mossberg 500 is also cheaper than an 870.

TDC
 
Not this again....

I thought this horse was beaten deader than dead and made into glue by now......

....must be a zombie horse.
 
Oh finally someone said something about the DUAL EXTRACTORS FROM HEAVEN. (those dual extractors don't= reliablity, just more parts that can brake.
The 590 and the 870 express are NOT comparable. One is a purpose tactical/military shotgun, the other is a basic shotgun. You should compare the 590 to the 870 Tacticals. My 870 Express Tactical has better parts (and a few more)than a bottom-of-the-line Express.
Or compare the 500 to the 870.
 
I never said wrong. The 870 does not permit the same ambidextrous ergonomics as the 500/590 with its tang safety. The 870 also lacks dual extractors and a recessed shell lifter. Small details to some. Significant to others. Most LEO'S can't shoot a shotgun for sh*t so their "issued 870" doesn't support their purchase. Both are good guns. The 500/590 offers a few more features. The Mossberg 500 is also cheaper than an 870.

TDC

you shouldnt need dual extractors. why do you think military issue C7's only have one? if the shotgun's receiver only has an ejection cutout on the right-hand side, than an extractor on the left of the bolt is needless
 
you shouldnt need dual extractors. why do you think military issue C7's only have one? if the shotgun's receiver only has an ejection cutout on the right-hand side, than an extractor on the left of the bolt is needless

You might be thinking ejectors,

If you've ever had to pry a shell jamed in the chamber because your single extractor jumped the rim,you'd appreciate dual extractors.
 
well if your extractor is angled properly its a non-issue. the left extractor on a 5901A1 will have a neutral or positive angle on it anyway, so its not providing that much reassurance. i guess its a personal preference. i'll take fewer parts to maintain/break
 
you shouldnt need dual extractors. why do you think military issue C7's only have one? if the shotgun's receiver only has an ejection cutout on the right-hand side, than an extractor on the left of the bolt is needless

As mentioned. AR's have single extrctors due to their ejector being incorporated into the bolt, not the receiver like that of a shotgun.

Dual extractors are superior to single extractors, and here's how. With two extractors pulling the shell from the chamber the force is equal between the two, creating a straight pull to the rear with little force on the extractor springs. With a single extractor the shell is pulled asymmetrically from one side. All the force of extraction is taken by one extractor which is causing adverse pressure do to the non linear force applied. The dual extractors although double in parts aren't being "worked" as hard. Furthermore, with one extractor broken the shotgun will still run... Kind of. Failures are more common but the gun will run. You break the single extractor in your 870 and you're screwed.

two extractors vs one extractor

Linear extraction force / Asymmetrical extraction force
Less load per extractor / Single ext. bears all of load
Gun will function with one / Gun will not function without one.
Arguably smoother action

The above is just the simple mechanics of it. The benefits of a dual extractor when clearing a double feed is priceless.

TDC
 
Stronger extraction and ejection are things I have to give to the Mossbergs. However I could care less about the tang safety and lifter, and overall they just feel rough and cheap to me.
 
I'm probably one of the few who'll vote Remington these days, it's just a plain nicer gun to use. I prefer steel too. I've owned them all, the whole slew from Dominion's to 870's to 500's to 590's to Benelli M4 Super 90's. The 870 is probably my favorite. The mossbergs are just plain sloppier than the 870's.
 
The apparent "slop" and "cheap feel" have no effect on performance and neither do the alternatives(tight and expensive feeling). Looking good and feeling tight are only important when prospecting the female of the species, not shotguns.

TDC
 
As mentioned. AR's have single extrctors due to their ejector being incorporated into the bolt, not the receiver like that of a shotgun.

Dual extractors are superior to single extractors, and here's how. With two extractors pulling the shell from the chamber the force is equal between the two, creating a straight pull to the rear with little force on the extractor springs. With a single extractor the shell is pulled asymmetrically from one side. All the force of extraction is taken by one extractor which is causing adverse pressure do to the non linear force applied. The dual extractors although double in parts aren't being "worked" as hard. Furthermore, with one extractor broken the shotgun will still run... Kind of. Failures are more common but the gun will run. You break the single extractor in your 870 and you're screwed.

two extractors vs one extractor

Linear extraction force / Asymmetrical extraction force
Less load per extractor / Single ext. bears all of load
Gun will function with one / Gun will not function without one.
Arguably smoother action

The above is just the simple mechanics of it. The benefits of a dual extractor when clearing a double feed is priceless.

TDC

the extractor is not part of the receiver. the ejector is
 
The apparent "slop" and "cheap feel" have no effect on performance and neither do the alternatives(tight and expensive feeling). Looking good and feeling tight are only important when prospecting the female of the species, not shotguns.

TDC

I disagree, a smoother more positive feeling slide action makes a considerable difference in the actual running of the gun, as does a crisper and lighter trigger, though to a lesser degree. While not earthshattering these things together make more of a performance difference than control placements and other detail differences do IMO.
 
Last edited:
I love my 590A1 SPX, love it to bits... LOVE IT! I would bet my life on that gun, it is a lethal piece of kit. But its not perfect...

There are some niggling quality/fit and finish issues plus it is a bit muzzle heavy when loaded.

I'm still thinking of getting an 870 tacticool of some kind, mostly because it accepts chokes and has a better (in my opinion) safety. However, i think the slide release on the Mossberg is in a better spot.

Not that you cant put something similar on the 870 but those LPA sights on the mossy are just right.

An impossible question. You will definitely be happy with either but more so with both :)
 
Back
Top Bottom