Mossberg 590-A1 Magpul for 3-gun?

thegrandpoohbah

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Just planning out future purchases as I want to get into some 3-gun at the new club after we move. What are your thoughts on this as an entry level 3-gun/all purpose shotgun? I'm thinking 8+1 capacity should be pretty good and the Magpul furniture seems to get rave reviews.

http://www.mossberg.com/product/590a1-magpul-series-6-9-shot-51773/
 
MOST guys use semis, often Benellis or SXPs. If you get a pump you may want to consider something with screw in chokes. I find some of the targets are a little far without one. That said, the 590A1 is a solid pump. YMMV.
 
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It will work. Definitely get the 8+1 version.

But you MUST get the barrel threaded for chokes.

99% of the time you'll need to knock down steel plates with bird-shot. Cylinder bore choke is horrible for this purpose.

It boggles my mind why Mossberg doesn't offer screw in chokes from the factory on the 590 barrels.
 
But you MUST get the barrel threaded for chokes.

99% of the time you'll need to knock down steel plates with bird-shot. Cylinder bore choke is horrible for this purpose.

It boggles my mind why Mossberg doesn't offer screw in chokes from the factory on the 590 barrels.

So aftermarket 20" barrel? Where would I get one to make sure it has the lug in the right spot?
 
So aftermarket 20" barrel? Where would I get one to make sure it has the lug in the right spot?

No. There aren't any aftermarket barrels for the 590.

You need to buy the 20" 590, which comes with an 8+1 capacity. The barrel will be cylinder bore, without any chokes.
Then you take the barrel to a gunsmith to have screw in chokes machined in. It should cost around $100.

If this sound like too much trouble, then don't buy the Mossberg. (The Remington Magpul edition DOES have chokes.)

The downside to the Remington is that it's only 6+1 capacity. You'll want to get an extension to get 8+1 capacity.

Most action shotgun leagues allow you to begin a stage with maximum 9 rounds in the gun. That's why you want an 8+1 shotgun.
 
Thanks Dexter. I might have a look at the 870 Magpul with a 2 shot extension. Though I do prefer the ease of loading a Mossberg so I will probably just go that route and then find a gunsmith.
 
I do prefer the ease of loading a Mossberg

Yeah, It's great not having a lifter in the way when loading. The 590 all around is a well built and well functioning gun.

It's only drawback is the lack of factory chokes, which can be machined in afterwards.
 
Or find a cheaper 6+1 Express Tactical which also has chokes, and then remove the factory +2 and install a +4 for 3 gun.
Lighter than the 590 too.
 
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Or finder a cheaper 6+1 Express Tactical 870 which also has chokes, and then remove the factory +2 and install a +4 for 3 gun.

Also a reasonable choice.

And Magpul furniture can also be added afterwards if you like.
 
I have run a 870 and a 590A1 in 3 gun matches. I vastly prefer the mossy due to ease of loading and it carries more rounds. I had an extension on the 870 and it actually caused issues with the follower getting stuck at the connection point, this is not an issue on the mossy. Like was stated knocking down steel plates with birdshot at range is near impossible with a cylinder bore though.

I sent my mossy barrel to Tacord and had the Vang Comp treatment done. Now steel plates go down easily at 25-30 yards. He also does barrel threading for chokes if you prefer that.
 
I have run a 870 and a 590A1 in 3 gun matches. I vastly prefer the mossy due to ease of loading and it carries more rounds. I had an extension on the 870 and it actually caused issues with the follower getting stuck at the connection point, this is not an issue on the mossy. Like was stated knocking down steel plates with birdshot at range is near impossible with a cylinder bore though.

I sent my mossy barrel to Tacord and had the Vang Comp treatment done. Now steel plates go down easily at 25-30 yards. He also does barrel threading for chokes if you prefer that.

Thanks, I just had a look at the Vang Comp System and that does look interesting. I might just go that route since I can switch between target loads and slugs without swapping chokes out. How much did it cost? Also, If I wanted to thread the barrel for chokes later is it still possible with the compensating ports?
 
Depending on what class, the VCS also includes porting which might put you into open class. Casey can just add the choke thread and forcing cone lengthening without the ports. I had him do this for my 590A1 barrel. The cost was around $150 for choke boring/threading and forcing cone work. I believe the benefits are similar to the VCS without the porting.
 
Thanks, I just had a look at the Vang Comp System and that does look interesting. I might just go that route since I can switch between target loads and slugs without swapping chokes out. How much did it cost? Also, If I wanted to thread the barrel for chokes later is it still possible with the compensating ports?

I actually had my barrel done without the porting. It was $200 plus tax and shipping. With porting it's $255. If you get the porting I think it is unlikely you will ever be able to add chokes. Also, I am not sure you will be able to get chokes later at all if you do the full VCS. I recommend you shoot Casey at Tacord an email - info@tacord.com He is usually quick to respond and will be able to answer your questions.

Just so you are aware, there has been some complaints about the XS Ghost Ring sights on that particular Mossberg. Although I have never used them many people who have, say there is not enough elevation in the rear sight. There is a thread on it somewhere in this forum although I think it is from the 870 with the same sights. Personnally, I would recommend the regular 590A1 with the Mossy GRS and then add the Magpul furniture after.
 
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DO NOT PORT THE BARREL.

A ported barrel will put you into "Open Class". That's where you will compete with mag-fed shotguns with optics.

Like this one;
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Or this one;
fdcd46e18eed8cd4222f477a23ab3bb7.jpg
 
Ya I have the 590A1 and its a straight up cylinder bore. I've had a heck of a time knocking down plates at about anything past 10 yards. There's just too much spread.

So ya... interchangeable chokes would be recommended.

If you're interested in a semi, I also have the Beretta 1301 comp with a 24 inch barrel. It does have choke tubes and I really like the gun. I like both the 1301 and 590, but if you need to knock down the plates, I think you're better off with the 1301 because of the tubes.

I will say this though... I wish I could explain it better, but there is something about cycling the pump that slows you down just enough to make the shot on target. With the 1301, it cycles so fast that you need to guard against getting ahead of yourself and touch off the shot before you are quite on target.

Everyone who has ran the plates with these two guns said the same thing. They get better score with the 590 (from 10 yards) but liked the 1301 better over all.
 
I ran a 18.5 590A1 for a few years and it was great. I would go with the longer version next time. I now run a tuned Versamax though.
 
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