Mossberg 590 A1 Retro Grade opinions

Good luck on your quest. You can sign up on a waiting list with Wolverine Supplies perhaps, and wait for an order to come in.

I went with the more basic 590 Retrograde 20" and I like it so far (haven't fired it yet, literally picked it up yesterday). Seems well built with a smooth action even from brand new. Nice and light as well, but that'll change with a full charge of shells in the tube. I'm thinking I might try to swap out the trigger group for metal (probably not necessary) and am definitely swapping the bead front sight for a Meprolight night sight but other than that, sling it and away we go!
 
But I have zero concerns about the robustness or reliability contest between the two.

Honestly in terms of reliability I haven't heard of anyone ever breaking or wearing out an aluminum shotgun receiver.
I still feel a lot more comfortable drilling and tapping steel than aluminum. Tapping an aluminum receiver for ghost rings or a rail makes me really uneasy :(

Just throwing this out there for the OP: consider buying one of the thousands of used 2 3/4" Wingmasters on the market and an aftermarket short barrel.
Doesn't get more "retrograde" than that, and if you want 3" capability you can order a 3" ejector and rivets from Brownells for a few bucks. Spend the hundreds of bucks you save on ammo.
 
Enjoyed the video Riflechair.

I really like your no nonsense approach focused on practicality, reliability and logistics.

So few seem to think about or mention parts. It's hard enough getting some specific parts for Mossberg's and 870's. Turkish-bullpup-mag fed, ummm ok. Good luck even getting a firing pin. Might look cool (maybe ?) and might be relatively cheap, and might be fun, but that doesn't interest some of us for obvious reasons.

Can't go wrong with a workhorse 590.


I’m looking a bit rough - working in the bush for several days running saw and doing timber recce
family was still sleeping in the cabin so I’m speaking softly
I love the M590 and don’t find it too heavy
I hope you find what you’re looking for
 
Back
Top Bottom