Mossberg 590A1 Flex - A Review

ArmedGinger

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Ok so let me say I've generally always been a fan of Mossberg shotguns. Except for the "Chainsaw", no one liked that thing.

So I wanted to find a shotgun that was short, mainly for transport, especially when ATVs or Helicopters are concerned.

I learned about the Mossberg Flex and it seemed like a really good idea. Within seconds you can change from a pistol grip to a full sized stock and even the pump.

Most Flex models are the 500 series. They are good shotguns. But I happened to see by chance that Mossberg made the 590A1 series in Flex. Not to mention that but they also made it in the Marinecoat.

The only differences between this and your standard 590A1 is the Flex stock and that this doesn't come with the Ghost Ring sights option. Everything else is the same!

This model came with a really nice carry case. It's a nice water "proof/resistant" case. Heavy duty zippers, lots of pockets, molle loops, and an outer case to make the whole thing even more waterproof. If it wasn't for the emblazoned Mossberg logo, you would expect it to even hold a shotgun.

Now there isn't much I can say about a Mossberg 590A1 besides they are built to military specifications. They work. I love the Marine finish, they stand up.

So lets move onto the Flex system. I was originally worried on how tight the system would be. I can honestly say, the stock feels pretty good. There is maybe about half if not less a millimeter of play. Barely anything to notice. As for the Flex lock, I expected more of a "snap" locking it in or having to use a little force to open it, but it opens really easily. It almost feels like it would open on it's own, but it doesn't. I've turned the gun upside down and shook the #### out of it. You have to pull it up and even then, the stock doesn't move an inch until you turn the lock bar 180 degrees.

The AR style collapsible stock is US made and even includes a " flaming ordnance bomb marking" on the butt pad I guess as a nod to the 590A1 being designed for the military. The stock is a standard AR stock with an adapter to fit onto the flex system.

Shooting it is like any other 590A1. I did a very quick "double tap" using Federal Truball, 12 gauge slugs at 50 yards. Pretty decent for my liking (the slight mark you see under the shotgun is just from the ball bearing from the "truball"). I'll be taking it to the range again later on to do a better overall accuracy test, although accuracy mostly comes from the type of slugs than it does a smooth bore shotgun.

If there is anything else someone wants to know feel free to ask. I'll take pictures of whatever parts you'd like and any every question I can.

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" If there is anything else someone wants to know feel free to ask. "

I guess the most important question is; "How fast can you switch between this AR stock and a hunting stock or pistol-grip stock?

And I guess part two of that question is; What flex-compatible stocks are readily available to purchase in Canada?
 
I guess the most important question is; "How fast can you switch between this AR stock and a hunting stock or pistol-grip stock?

As fast as you can grab a different stock. It literally takes me no more than a few seconds to pull the stock off.

And I guess part two of that question is; What flex-compatible stocks are readily available to purchase in Canada?

flexgraphic.jpg
 
It's a neat idea.

Aside from swapping stocks back and forth; It could also be really handy for transport and storage.

Being able to pull the stock off makes it nice and easy to fit into a much smaller case.
 
It's a neat idea.

Aside from swapping stocks back and forth; It could also be really handy for transport and storage.

Being able to pull the stock off makes it nice and easy to fit into a much smaller case.

That was my thinking. Space can be limited on a helicopter. This one I ordered because it also comes with a carrying case:

Moss51274.png


Most stores online sold this kit between $749 and $799 but Kelly's Sporting Goods in Ontario had it for $649 plus free shipping!
 
Are there longer barrels to switch on a 590a1? I know they have the heavy barrel.

What do you think of the marine coat?

Really like the marine coat, its durable.

Any other 590A1 barrel will work although I think Marine coat 590A1's only come with a 18.5' barrel. Doesn't matter if you don't mine your gun looking like a frankstein there is a 28" 590A1 Barrel available (standard black). I have heard than standard 500 barrels will interchange with the 590 series though (more barrels for the 500 available).
 
Really like the marine coat, its durable.

Any other 590A1 barrel will work although I think Marine coat 590A1's only come with a 18.5' barrel. Doesn't matter if you don't mine your gun looking like a frankstein there is a 28" 590A1 Barrel available (standard black). I have heard than standard 500 barrels will interchange with the 590 series though (more barrels for the 500 available).

Yeah the Frankenstein look wouldn't be the greatest lol .... Was just wondering about the versatility to also hunt with it since straight stocks are also available in the flex system. By the way, I've seen the flex accessories advertised at wholesale sports, if you're looking for a pistol grip or whatever. Ive seen this shotgun advertised at a couple retailers and there is a cheaper 500, but without the marine coat and the cool bag ...... It's been tempting for sure.
 
" Are there longer barrels to switch on a 590a1? I know they have the heavy barrel. "

Any of the Mossberg 500 hunting barrels will fit a 590 receiver. But the magazine tube is different.

You'll need to unscrew the magtube, and replace it with this one.
ht tp://www.brownells.com/shotgun-parts/magazine-tube-parts/magazine-tubes/mossberg-500-magazine-tube-6-rds-prod9232.aspx?avs|Make_3=Mossberg
p_631000007_4.jpg
 
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Any of the Mossberg 500 hunting barrels will fit a 590 receiver. But the magazine tube is different.

You'll need to unscrew the magtube, and replace it with this one.
ht tp://www.brownells.com/shotgun-parts/magazine-tube-parts/magazine-tubes/mossberg-500-magazine-tube-6-rds-prod9232.aspx?avs|Make_3=Mossberg
p_631000007_4.jpg

Thanks for the info.
 
It's a neat idea.

Aside from swapping stocks back and forth; It could also be really handy for transport and storage.

Being able to pull the stock off makes it nice and easy to fit into a much smaller case.


This was the big thing for me. I always kept mine in a little side by side case then when I'd get where I was going, put the stock and barrel onto the receiver. The added benefit is you get to feel like a super spy assembling your gun on the spot. I did find that the modular accessories were a little hard to come by.
 
I think t&t had these for $600


Just got mine from T and T, great deal! They don't have any more of the other flex part though but it doesn't really matter to me as I wanted it for a takedown. The bag is neat too, come with a sling for the gun and a sling for the bag. Handles great but I agree with ArmedGiger, the flex part of it makes you think it shouldn't be sturdy yet it seems to be... I am generally not a big fan of collapsible stocks on a shotgun but this set up is a no-brainer for a weather resistant portable reliable shotgun. It is my first marinecote and it seems great, I wonder though if the marinecote has something to do with the extreme difficulty I had cleaning the bore after shooting since the finish is on the inside as well (or maybe it's just that I might have got a bit carried away at the range...). I might also just have oiled the action too much, apparently they run great nearly dry. I guess this particular gun could live a happy long life without being cleaned too often. One day I might try to make a wood stock and fore-end that will fit the flex parts just for fun
 
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