590A1 vs 870 Tactical

I own a 590A1 SPX and love it. The only issue that i have ever had with it, is that the action got stuck in the open position only once. I dont know why this happened.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=573251

Mossberg company said this has happened in the past. Their advice was to simply hit the gun. Another user said it can happen. Sometimes the rods just bind up on themselves. I know i was racking it very slowly at the time (as i was examining function), it may have been that.

Either way, i wouldn't be too concerned about it. I love my shotgun, but i just figured you should know about this. This is the only issue i have ever had, or have heard regarding the Mossberg series.

My attitude is this: All guns, no matter how good, have jammed at least once in their life. My glock has jammed a few times, my H&K USP finally had its first jam the other day. These things happen.

The mark of a good gun is simply the frequency that these things happen.

just my 2 cents
 
Im also trying to make the decision. What perks my interest in the 870 is the ability to swap out different chokes so i can shoot clay. The mossberg seemed a little more at home in my arms though. SUCH A TOUGH DECISION!!
 
"My attitude is this: All guns, no matter how good, have jammed at least once in their life. My glock has jammed a few times, my H&K USP finally had its first jam the other day."

I've put thousands of rounds through various SKS carbines. Never had a jamb. Not even a hiccup... just sayin.

I've never had the slightest problem with my Mossberg 500 Persuader either, which is a bit more relevant to this conversation. Although I'm nowhere near the thousand round mark. Not even close. It's also had the pistol grip attatchment on it since the day it came home... why don't you get one of them?
 
I've been looking to add a tactical shotgun to my collection lately and looked at both the new 870's and the 500/590. I wasn't impressed by the amount of plastic found in either gun. The Remington especially felt cheap in my hands, more like a toy than a proper gun (not to mention I found a rusty finger print on the barrel IN THE STORE!).

I ended up buying an older Wingmaster in 2 3/4" (you don't need 3" for for a tactical shotgun anyways) with a vintage riot barrel from a friend. Better quality than the new Remmies (all metal), action is smooth as silk, all the parts on the market still fit it and at the end of the day it's better built than anything made currently.

Best part was the price, 300 bucks, ammo included :D
 
I own a M590A1. Just shoot it yesterday with those orange "clays" and it hit them flawlessly!
I have the 20" barrel so my observations are:

1. I tried to simulate using it at home like defensive swings and aim to "intruders" and 20" is too long and heavy. I felt i could swing faster with shorter barrels..16 or 14.

2. But the 20" works better with clay if you you decide to use it that way "once in a while" because of the longer barrel and the add-on weight (a + for clay shooting).

3. If you will use a pistol grip it will be an issue for right handed persons. Really awkward to reach. I"m a lefty so no issues for me.

4. Since the M590A1 has a heavy/extra thick barrel, you can't buy a drop-in heat shield for it as far as i know. Maybe mossberg is making them now i don't know yet.

Overall i really like it but i just wish i got the shorter 14 or 16 inch.
But then again i will have to buy another "clay" shooter as it is really fun fun fun!

just my +2.
 
As a basic platform, they are equal.
The 870 fit and finish has dropped on the lower models.
The 870 will take any barrel made for it in the Canadian market (12.5" to 28"), their are no short aftermarket barrels for the Mossberg.
The Mossberg safety is in a better location if used with a conventional stock. The Mossberg safety becomes a PITA with a pistol grip full stock.
Which one to buy depends on what you plan to do with it and how it may end up modified.
 
My vote would be to, just go buy a second hand Remington 870 police magnum from the EE.

The remington "tactical" series are dressed up express models, sold to the commerical and recreational market.

I dont think a 870 tactical is as good as a mossy 590a1.

870 police vs mossy 590a1, you have more of a contest. (then it comes down to personal preferance) A shotgunner would do well with both.
 
If it is between an 870 express tactical and a Mossy 590A1 i would take the M590A1 everytime. I have both...

As has been said before, an 870 Police and a M590A1 are probably a closer match.
 
I had a 590a1 but have an 870 tactical now. IMO the 590a1 is more solid and of better quality. However it is definitely HEAVY Try lugging her through the thick bush all day and your arms will be longer. Add a side saddle, flash light, and a full mag and it is a nightmare in the bush. Not to mention your gf or wife will hate it (might not be a bad thing)
Right now I own an 870 tactical. To me it doesn`t feel quite as solid or well built. However I do like the weight much better. The controls aren`t quite as good but with a bit of self training they become natural. There are plenty of aftermarket parts available as well. The 870 is my main coyote gun right now with slugs :D I can lug it through the deep snow all day, or with my grain bag full of straw (to sit on), coffee, donuts, my gear bag and whatever else to get to our hide.

If you want a shotgun for just messing around or "Home Decorating" go with the 590a1.
But if you want a working gun that you can easily haul around, or to use as a camp gun I'd go with the 870 Tac.

My $0.02
 
"My attitude is this: All guns, no matter how good, have jammed at least once in their life. My glock has jammed a few times, my H&K USP finally had its first jam the other day."

I've put thousands of rounds through various SKS carbines. Never had a jamb. Not even a hiccup... just sayin.

I've never had the slightest problem with my Mossberg 500 Persuader either, which is a bit more relevant to this conversation. Although I'm nowhere near the thousand round mark. Not even close. It's also had the pistol grip attatchment on it since the day it came home... why don't you get one of them?

My gunsmith witnessed the issue. He diagnosed it as simply needing a break-in. He recommended full strokes of the action; clean and crisp.

Furthermore, the internals were very dry. He lubed them up, and since then, I havent had a problem.
 
I'm a fan of my mossberg safety over the remingtons. However if your looking at the 6 shot 590 I'd suggest going for the 8 shot. You won't have the option to change that like a Remington or most other shotguns. At some point after 6 shots I'm sure Youl wish you had a couple more before reloading. Plus it's a tactical shotgun go big or go home
 
I've got a 12.5" 870 and my buddies got a full sized 20" 590A1. I really enjoy the Ai's loading port, but I have no issues with the 870.

Pump shotguns are probably the most simple types of firearms and the differences between the to are obvious and minimal. If you like the tang saftey and lack of floor plate when loading, buy the 590A1, if you want the loading plate and a crossbolt saftey, get the 870.

Whatever deal comes up first I'd grab.
 
Just found out my 590-A1 is in, complete with bayonet. LOL>
I was so close to getting an 870 tactical,.but got a decent deal on this...
 
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