Mossberg 590A1
- Thread starter LAHORI
- Start date
Milspec
Mossberg claims the Model 500 is the only shotgun to pass the US Army's Mil-Spec 3443E test, "a brutal and unforgiving torture test with 3,000 rounds of full power 12 gauge buckshot". (The updated 3443G specification requires a metal trigger guard, so only the Model 590A1 variants, which have a heavier barrel and use metal trigger groups instead of the standard Model 500's plastic trigger groups, will fit the requirements.
I owned the full size version and pounded it, or rather it pounded me. I gave up but the gun never did.
Mossberg claims the Model 500 is the only shotgun to pass the US Army's Mil-Spec 3443E test, "a brutal and unforgiving torture test with 3,000 rounds of full power 12 gauge buckshot". (The updated 3443G specification requires a metal trigger guard, so only the Model 590A1 variants, which have a heavier barrel and use metal trigger groups instead of the standard Model 500's plastic trigger groups, will fit the requirements.
I owned the full size version and pounded it, or rather it pounded me. I gave up but the gun never did.
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
I think the high points have been mentioned, but my thoughts are as follows. I like my 590 but it is not as quick to get into action as is a shorter lighter gun with a standard length magazine. The LOP might be a problem for some folks as all the Mossberg stocks seem to be on the long side. That being said, the gun is tough and reliable. The action can be slicked up to cycle effortlessly, all parts can be swapped out without the services of a gun smith (provided you don't go taking the trigger group apart), the loading port is clear of obstruction, the safety works the same regardless of which side of the gun you shoot from, the attachment points for the sling are good, and the rifle sights are excellent.
Where Mossberg falls down compared to Remington is with their bead sight barrels. The Mossberg bead is right down on the barrel where Remington has a pedestal under theirs to make up for the height of the receiver. Shooting a repeating shotgun with the bead down on the barrel will result in most people hitting too high.
A pal of mine has the 590 Marine model which I anticipated would be a better choice than the parkerized gun for use on the water. But after I examined this gun after it spent a summer in the bottom of a Zodiac in a salt water environment, I question if the marine finish stood up any better than the parkerized finish would have. There was rust near the muzzle on the outside of the barrel, on the action tube under the forened furniture, on the bolt slide, and behind the ejector. By contrast when rust does appear on my parkerized gun, it is quickly rubbed away with an oily rag. Additionally I noticed that there is a dark shadow in the bore which I was unable to remove even after a fairly aggressive cleaning with JB Bore Paste. I don't know if cracker shells have been used in this gun, but that would certainly account for it. Neither does the Mossberg marine finish produce a slipperier action, which is surprising as nickel plating has a lower coefficient of friction than steel.
Where Mossberg falls down compared to Remington is with their bead sight barrels. The Mossberg bead is right down on the barrel where Remington has a pedestal under theirs to make up for the height of the receiver. Shooting a repeating shotgun with the bead down on the barrel will result in most people hitting too high.
A pal of mine has the 590 Marine model which I anticipated would be a better choice than the parkerized gun for use on the water. But after I examined this gun after it spent a summer in the bottom of a Zodiac in a salt water environment, I question if the marine finish stood up any better than the parkerized finish would have. There was rust near the muzzle on the outside of the barrel, on the action tube under the forened furniture, on the bolt slide, and behind the ejector. By contrast when rust does appear on my parkerized gun, it is quickly rubbed away with an oily rag. Additionally I noticed that there is a dark shadow in the bore which I was unable to remove even after a fairly aggressive cleaning with JB Bore Paste. I don't know if cracker shells have been used in this gun, but that would certainly account for it. Neither does the Mossberg marine finish produce a slipperier action, which is surprising as nickel plating has a lower coefficient of friction than steel.
Greenhorse six
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I dont want to flame anybody here but...Im a little tired of reading that the 590a1 is heavy.
Heavy compared to what? your pistol?
A regular 590a1 20"bbl with ghost ring sights weighs 7,25 lbs approx. 8,25 loaded.
thats a 1/4 of a pound lighter than a 500 with same barrel length !!
It weighs the same as a AR with a 20" bbl
But if you compare it your 6,5lbs Norinco Hp9 w/ 14" bbl.
yeah the A1s heavier! but not much..and it can hold twice the ammo!!
so you guys are complaining for 1,25 pound is that right?
Have a good day!!
My 590 with a 20" barrel handles quicker then my 590a1 with a 18.5" barrel, I can feel the weight difference,it may not be much and I'am not sure how much , but it is there.
Greenhorse six
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Just goes to show you that "feel" is in the operator. My 18.5"590A1 felt quicker than my buddy's 20"590A1, both with GR sights.
But neither felt as fast to acquire than my bead sighted 14"590 Compact
my 590 20" barrel isn't a A1,its a lite barrel.
and you have a 590 compact.....you know we all hate you right?
Greenhorse six
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
That was just cruel of you. Hi-jacking this thread for a sec, both of those ,the 18.5" and the 14" have 5 rd mag tube? or can you only get 4 in the in the 14"? always wonder about.
The 14" 590 Compact is factory(except I removed the fore-strap). The story is...It was an unfired SG that a collector had in his cabinet for 7yrs. It went up for sale at my range about 3 hrs before I arrived. I spotted it on the sale rack, told the counter guy I would be back after my range session to purchase it. The rest is history.
I've been looking for a factory 14" Mossberg for many years and happened to be in the right place at the right time.
Keep looking. It will cost you a few bucks but worth it! It's the only SG I have/need now.
- Location
- London, Ontario
Here's the reason to hate me
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LOVE that 14"
- Location
- Central Alberta
Here is my 590/A1 after I put on an aluminum side saddle, and a Surefire flashlight.
These are the tanks of shotguns and were the only shotguns to pass a strict military torture test then shoot 3000 rounds with zero failures.
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These are the tanks of shotguns and were the only shotguns to pass a strict military torture test then shoot 3000 rounds with zero failures.
We had them when I was doing armoured car work. The guns were bought new and within a year they looked like hell. The finish scratches off; the ones with the bead sights had to have the sights replaced on a weekly basis as they kept getting sheared off; the speed-feed stocks were not holding ammo properly and guys were losing ammo; one of the guns had a cracked stock (what from, I dont know). Stocks would often loosen off and twist out of line with the reciever; butt pads needed to be tightened in every once in a while too.
The only malfunctions I have seen with these guns was due to the operator.
The only malfunctions I have seen with these guns was due to the operator.
I don't find mine too heavy at all. I have the 8+1 20in 590A1. It is a project right now and I don't think I will ever sell it. I have own/owned several of mossys for hunting and just plain fun shooting. Never had a problem with any of them.
Canadian_Caesar
Member
- Location
- Edmonton, Alberta
I LOVE my 590A1. Its a 20" Ghostring Model
Other than the little extra reach to the for end (Which is only a problem for my Fiance) there is little I would change with the basic model. The Limb-saver was a nice addition, and now the Fiance smokes clays over and over.
One thing of note, Winchester 2.75" Rifled Slugs printed approximately 6-8" groups @ 25 yards. Winchester 3" Rifled Slugs however... 4" @ 50 yards!!! And I am a TERRIBLE Shot.
And for only a mildly appreciable increase in recoil (Easily managed by the Limbsaver)
That being said I am on the look out for a few bells and whistles.
-Hogue stock
-Aluminum Receiver Sidesaddle
My 590A1 has been my most satisfying purchase so far.
And be sure to shop around for the best price, the EE has some ripoffs out there.
Other than the little extra reach to the for end (Which is only a problem for my Fiance) there is little I would change with the basic model. The Limb-saver was a nice addition, and now the Fiance smokes clays over and over.
One thing of note, Winchester 2.75" Rifled Slugs printed approximately 6-8" groups @ 25 yards. Winchester 3" Rifled Slugs however... 4" @ 50 yards!!! And I am a TERRIBLE Shot.
And for only a mildly appreciable increase in recoil (Easily managed by the Limbsaver)
That being said I am on the look out for a few bells and whistles.
-Hogue stock
-Aluminum Receiver Sidesaddle
My 590A1 has been my most satisfying purchase so far.
And be sure to shop around for the best price, the EE has some ripoffs out there.
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Considering stormbringer's background and the OP, I consider this a very odd responce from him
I've had a Mossberg 590 since the late 80's ('88 I think) and I've used it for just about everything. I've shot Practical Shotgun, some Trap and Sporting Clays, and taken it hunting and it still serves as a traveling companion on long trips through the North. Obviously it is not the most ideal shotgun for each of these uses, but it has served me well for over 20 years. The only thing I have added to it is an original Tasco ProPoint red dot scope. It's shot a big mix of shells from light trap loads to 3" slug and 000 Buck.
