Reliability/upkeep between 870 and a 590a1

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SonicKaos

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I'm trying to decide between a Remington 870 tactical and a Mossberg 590a1, but I've heard about a few issues for each of them.

I've heard that new 870s have really lost some quality points and tend to rust easily and quickly.

I've seen videos of slight bumps causing the 590s to be unable to cycle because a pin will get stuck easily. Not sure if this applies to the 590a1 or not though.

To be honest, I'm leaving more towards the 590a1 now after everything I have a read and watched... but then this sale came along and it's a pretty decent deal
http://www.cabelas.ca/product/9107/remington-870-express-tactical-3-12-gauge-pump-shotgun-w-ghost-ring-sights

What experience do people have with either guns in terms of reliability and maintenance? Particularly with newly purchased ones if possible.

Thanks!
 
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I have the 870 Express Tactical with full Magpul furniture. The only internal upgrade was a Volquartzen extractor for $35. I had to file down the outer edge of the Volquartzen extractor to match the angle of the factory MIM one. I have added a Mesa Tactical polymer 6 shell side saddle and a Magpul off-set flashlight mount and a Magpul MS1 sling. The only issue I had was one episode of extraction of short brass in hot weather, now fixed with the new extractor and some chamber polishing with 000 & 0000 steel wool.

Overall, I tried both in the shop, liked the smoother action of the 870.

No rust on mine, Cerecote finish and keep it oiled inside.
 
I prefer the 870, but I don't think there's a nickle between them and the 590. My preference is for shorter barrels, which the 870 does much better, and much easier. Even getting a 14 inch Mossie is a PITA, and shorter than that just isn't going to happen. As far as quality and reliability goes, it's a Ford vs Chevy thing.
 
I have both, a 870 WM and a 590A1. 12'' and 14'' barrels respectively. I've shot the 590 much more than the 870, and of the two, the 870 is the only one that's been to the gunsmith twice for repairs.

If you're going to put a pistol grip stock of any kind on one day maybe = 870.
If you're going to keep it in the field stock config = 590/A1.

At the end of the day, I like both. Either one is going to be top choices for a good all around no BS shotgun.
 
Wester said:
I have the 870 Express Tactical with full Magpul furniture. The only internal upgrade was a Volquartzen extractor for $35. I had to file down the outer edge of the Volquartzen extractor to match the angle of the factory MIM one. I have added a Mesa Tactical polymer 6 shell side saddle and a Magpul off-set flashlight mount and a Magpul MS1 sling. The only issue I had was one episode of extraction of short brass in hot weather, now fixed with the new extractor and some chamber polishing with 000 & 0000 steel wool.

Overall, I tried both in the shop, liked the smoother action of the 870.

No rust on mine, Cerecote finish and keep it oiled inside.
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Wester,

Where did you find the Volquartzen extractor for $35 ?
 
To me the 870 & 590a1 are essentially the same for reliability. Maybe a tiny edge to the 870 due to it's simplicity.

870 is just a bit easier for field breakdown.

590a1 has a slightly more complicated trigger assembly and just slightly more complicated bolt assembly.
 
I have the 590a1 Blackwater. 20" barrel and is a heavy SOB. Never had any issue with it other than screws backing out (common issue with Mossberg's I believe). Some thread lock and retighten and you're gtg. Breakdown is pretty simple. From what I've read, the 590a1's are the shotguns used by the US military and the only one to pass their tests. I didn't care too much about that other than it fit my needs.
 
Justins1877 said:
I have both, a 870 WM and a 590A1. 12'' and 14'' barrels respectively. I've shot the 590 much more than the 870, and of the two, the 870 is the only one that's been to the gunsmith twice for repairs.

If you're going to put a pistol grip stock of any kind on one day maybe = 870.
If you're going to keep it in the field stock config = 590/A1.
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Sending it to the shop twice seems like a big deal, especially if you use it less often.

Why is the 870 better for pistol grip?

I'm looking at the 18.5" barrels currently. To me, 7 rounds seems like the perfect capacity for a shotgun and it's not too long that it can't be maneuvered quickly still. That said, I have yet to hold one yet so that could change still.
 
SonicKaos said:
Sending it to the shop twice seems like a big deal, especially if you use it less often.

Why is the 870 better for pistol grip?

I'm looking at the 18.5" barrels currently. To me, 7 rounds seems like the perfect capacity for a shotgun and it's not too long that it can't be maneuvered quickly still. That said, I have yet to hold one yet so that could change still.
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The 870's have the slide lock release button (not really sure what it's called) in front of the trigger guard. The 590a1 has it behind, so when you put on a pistol grip it is a lot more difficult to get to the release. Also, the 590a1 has the safety on the top of the receiver which may be harder to reach.

For barrel length, if you plan on doing a lot of CQB shooting for competition, a shorter barrel will be better. I actually use mine now for skeet/trap shooting with my friends. Works pretty good vs some of the specialized trap/hunting shotguns.
 
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Going to the shop for 2 separate repairs is excessive for an 870. It should be noted that it has not had any further problems since. That was 3 years ago.

The 590 has a tang safety located on the top of the receiver, whereas the 870 has a cross bolt safety. There is nothing wrong with either.
 
The 590A1 is a tank, and one of the most reliable shotguns there is. Before adoption the gun passed a 3,000-round endurance test with buckshot and slugs that allowed for just three malfunctions. It was the only gun tested that passed. Sand immersion, sal####er fogging and interchangeability tests were also part of the procedure. The 590A1 was adopted by the U.S. Army, Navy, Coast Guard and several Special Forces units and has since been issued by several hundred police departments, as well as state and federal agencies including the NYPD and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

870 Wingmasters are OK, but the Express versions are full of cheap parts. It's the Maverick 88 of the Mossberg lineup.
 
Unless you want a really short barrel, I'd be inclined to go with the Mossberg.

Today's 870 is not nearly the gun that it was when it built its reputation.
 
I've never owned the 590, but I shot my 870 express for years until it got a little loose with no issues. A bit embarrassed to say, i never did anything to it other than cleaning the bore occasionally. Best of my knowledge the current owner hasn't had any issues with it either. I kind of want another...
 
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