Mossberg 590 A1 Retro Grade opinions

Mean Steak

Mean Steak

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
124   0   0
Location
Central Alberta
So I think I’ve found the shotgun I want!
I’d like a Mossberg 590 A1 Retro Grade with the bayonet lug, heat shield and ghost ring sights

-What do you guys that own them think?
-is it really the “do everything” shotgun YouTube claims it to be?
-how are the ghost ring sights to use? Clumsy or game changing?
-Reliability? How about using 3” shells?
-Are they worth the extra cash from a regular 590?

Also does anyone here know where to find one? I’ve checked my usual go to places but they are all sold out. I put an ad on the EE but no responses yet. Any help locating one would be appreciated (from site sponsor or CGN member)

Thanks everyone for your advice and experiences!
 
I settled for a 590 retrograde with 18.5” barrel last week. There are no 590A1s in that configuration for sale in Canada currently that I could find.

Can’t speak as to the ghost ring sights on the A1, but I’ll be sending my 590 to TacOrd next month to have new sights installed. My eyes are too old for that brass bead, and I find the heat shield makes it much tougher to see than on a shotgun with a ventilated rib.
 
I have the non wood exact version of this gun. I find it cumbersome when fully loaded. A fantastic battle shotgun, but truthfully, overbuilt for most users applications. There are probably a dozen other shotguns in my arsenal that I would take to the range before I would take my 20" 590A1.
 
Last edited:
I sold the exact gun your talking about. I found the 20 inch barrel just to long and heavy. Sights were amazing. Good luck finding one is the other issue
 
I've got one, purchased because it's basically the most robust, do all shotgun around. Sights are great, retro furniture is pretty.. all that considered, she lives in my safe and rarely sees the light of day. I do sleep easier knowing she's there lol.
 
If you're dead set on a 590, get a Shockwave and put an SGA stock on it. I use this setup more frequently.
 
Go for it. I own a 590 Retrograde as it cost far less than the A1. No bayonet and no metal trigger guard.

It's my favourite shotgun, looks absolutely badass in person.
 
I have a 590 in woodland camo, just got it and boy is it fun!
not sure on the 590 A, but check if you can install chokes.
 
Mean Steak said:
...I’d like a Mossberg 590 A1 Retro Grade with the bayonet lug, heat shield and ghost ring sights...
-is it really the “do everything” shotgun YouTube claims it to be?
-how are the ghost ring sights to use? ...
Click to expand...

Is there some practical reason you want the A1 features? The 590 retrograde will do everything the 590A1 will, with significantly less weight. I'd even look hard at the 500 Retrograde, but that's my bias.

The only useful feature I see on the 590A1 vs the 590 is the sight system. Ghost ring sights are excellent once you get used to them. But even then, they're only "better" if you're using the shotgun like you would a short range rifle. A bead sight is absolutely superior for a "do everything" shotgun.
 
axeman022 said:
I have a 590 in woodland camo, just got it and boy is it fun!
not sure on the 590 A, but check if you can install chokes.
Click to expand...

Those woodland camo ones are nice!

I have an old original shipment 14" 590A1 that has seen a lot of rounds. I would get another, but I honestly really dislike the 500 series tang safety.

Instead, I have a 20" Maverick 88 coming which has the trigger guard button safety.
Same great Mossberg action only lighter, with blued barrel and just overall much easier to wield.
I'm going to put an SGA stock on it and 590 Hogue forend tube. Probably replace the bead with a high viz sight and add a barrel clamp and sling plate too.
 
Last edited:
To be honest it is the ghost ring sights that I like. Never really used them on a shot gun but I’m used to peep sights. I was thinking that it would be an easy transition from my M1 Garand, M1 Carbine and Lee enfield. Oh and the retro wood stocks look really good as well!
 
I think the stain they used on the walnut is way to dark and thick. There appears to be beautiful walnut underneath, but from more than a few inches away the stock is as dark and featureless as plastic. I’ll soon be stripping the stain and putting an oil finish on mine.
 
I've got a mossberg 500 in desert camo pattern, 590 in m81 camo and a 590a1 with magpul furniture. All with 20 inch barrels and fixed cylinder chokes. Ive noticed that the heavy barrel on the 590a1 doesn't get as hot after 8 rounds as the standard barrels do. The ghost sites on the 590a1 are nice, as iam used to my benelli m4. The tang mounted safety takes an afternoon to get used to lol
 
Had the 590A1 in the 18.5" barrel and I liked it, had a 20" 590A1 and found it a bit heavy. Then I got a 18.5" 930 semi and never looked back!
 
590A1 is one of the best pumps money can buy. It will outlast you. That said the longer you get the heavier it will be especially loaded. I carry a 590A1 14 inch in the bush. Can't imagine carrying the 20 inch. All depends what you want to use it for.

500 vs 590A1 comparison is pretty simple. Do you want all metal parts or is plastic ok? 590A1 trigger group is all metal.
 
Mean Steak said:
To be honest it is the ghost ring sights that I like. ...
Click to expand...

If it's just the sights, then you can get them added to any shotgun. They can be pricey, of course, and remember there are disadvantages to ghost ring over bead sights as well.

I fully believe in the right tool for the job, and for anything I'd ever actually use a pump shotgun for "overkill" doesn't even begin to describe the 590A1!
 
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
 
Yeah I have to basically agree with your statement.

- 870P is a more robust receiver etc.
-590a1 wins on the more robust barrel
-590a1 is better designed for user repair
- 870 wins in the options dept, no contest

590a1 as designed as a combat shotgun, period. It wasn't designed for any other reason. More specifically probably as a security role shotgun. Defensive or offensive if this is your weapon choice it's a good one. It's not designed to take on bunny rabbits. It can of course, you can hunt with a sharpened stick but that's not the point.

But the reality is the 590a1 is more or less single purpose designed and it does it damn well. 870 can be made into darn near anything, not so with the 590a1.

I have and love them both equally. But I have zero concerns about the robustness or reliability contest between the two.

I love the look of the retro options out there, really cool. But I have zero desire to own them. I want robust tools, not cool looking wood furniture. I really like the look of them though.


manbearpig said:
That would be the 870P...
All-steel construction and 50x the available accessories/barrels/options.
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom