Mossberg 500 vs 590(a1)

[justinvictoriabc]

For a new enthusiast, which would be the more recommended(granted on a limited budget of 600$ all in)?

I've shot a 590a1 before and found it pretty easy to operate; never fired just held the 500... from what I could see, the 500 wasn't built as solid but still looked to be a shotgun at great value.
What my real question is; is there THAT much of a difference between the 500/590's? If so, why? If not, why?

Also on a side note, granted the mossberg's are good value; are there any other shotguns that I should be looking into?*(look isn't as important as functionality, thankfully shotguns are easy in that respect )

main uses: range, duck/waterfowl, trap shoots(for fun), bear defence.

Feel free to newb me out; this is my second post and Im pretty sure my first post was in the wrong forum (mind you, Im also VERY new to messageboards too... etiquette Im familiar with though)

Thanks in advance!

 

[Trinimon]

Maybe the 500 in a combo kit is the best option of the two.

 

[justinvictoriabc]

Ahhh good call... I didn't even think of the combo kit the 500's come in.
would the 590 not be a good duck gun? (i've never taken ducks before, so I wouldn't know)

 

[SoBored]

IMO the 500 would be a better shotgun for the more hunting oriented shotgunner. Get the combo, but keep in mind they don't always come with interchangeable chokes.

Mossbergs have a long history of functionality and are high on value, usually costing about %70 of what an equivalent Remington would cost.

 

[Maple Leaf Pilgrim]

Look into the 590 flex system. A buddy picked one up and has fallen in love with it.

They are light, fast and easy to aim & readily upgradable. The manual of arms is straightforward and ambidextrous. The action is smooth and fast. I was able to run five rounds through it accurately in about five seconds. It comes with a bead sight but you can easily add a M1913 rail and throw a red dot sight on top if that's not your thing.

-S.

 

[justinvictoriabc]

Yah, I had checked out the flex system as well... I think leaning towards a more hunting oriented shotgun is where I should be (excuse the word play) aiming.
Availability of the flex system shotguns aren't the highest from what I've seen though, which is why I've opted to look into the 500(every shop has one for sale heh), and really like the idea of the combo package.

But then again, save up a bit longer and one could have both!!

Thanks for the feedback, and keep it coming! The more info the better.