Reliability/upkeep between 870 and a 590a1

[870P]

Single shot break actions and bolt actions used to rule the budget shotgun world back in the days of yore, but pump actions seem to have taken over that role.

IMO few recently manuactured pumps are all that impressive out of the box anymore, they're full of grit and cost cutting measures.

There's a reason that "tuners" like Tac Ord are a thing these days.

 

[madashell]

I just bought a mossberg 590A1 on the EE, 18.5 barrel+extension for 7 shells capacity and come with cylinder accuchoke so will make a even more versatile shotgun if i ever want another type of choke.

So you bought that one the other day !! I gave that some thought but couldn't justify another one. Good deal, enjoy the gun.

 

[jory]

590A1 for the win! The safety being in a better (IMO) location sold it for me. It's built like a tank!

 

[st1264]

The thread should be "870P vs 590A1" as these are the robust versions in their lineup...

870 vs a 500/590 (non-A1) is tossup. They're both reliable, simple pump actions. You buy the ergonomics that you like and most likely, they'll both be reliable.

I chose Mossberg as I like them better. Doesn't make the 870 any less of a good shotgun...

 

[madashell]

590A1 for the win! The safety being in a better (IMO) location sold it for me. It's built like a tank!

I observe people state the 590a1 is "built like a tank" all the time.. (and I agree), yet I don't generally see people using that phraseology for the 870P.

Own them both, and I can honestly say the 870P is "built like a tank" as well ! It's a seriously solid SG. Maybe it's the added weight of the steel receiver, but the 870P actually instiils a bit more of that "built like a tank" feeling imo.

 

[Phat Eagle]

I think it's just because the 870p has only been around since 2014, so many more have handled the 590A1 over the years.

IMHO the 870P is on par with the 590A1; the Express less robust.

 

[870P]

I think it's just because the 870p has only been around since 2014, so many more have handled the 590A1 over the years.

IMHO the 870P is on par with the 590A1; the Express less robust.

The 870P has been around since the '70s at least, although Wingmasters in riot configuration were available almost since the 870's introduction.

 

[SonicKaos]

Based on a ton of negative feedback I've read all over YouTube and other sites now, I think I've just been scared off of buying a shotgun for now.

The 870 express tactical is around the price range I wanted to spend and has all of the features I wanted in a shotgun. I also found a bunch of additional furniture for it that I really like... but I've heard so many issues about rusting easily and extractor issues that I don't feel it's a solid gun, even at a discount. I don't want to spend just under $1k after tax to build the shotgun I want, only to have it rust out on me just because my closet it near a window.

I could spend the money on a police version instead, but then I'm looking at $1k with no furniture upgrades and I don't want to spend that kind of money at the moment.

Maybe I'll keep an eye out for some used stuff instead, but I was hoping to go for new this time for a better chance at getting something reliable.

 

[hawkmp9]

I went through the same decision and research literally last week. The 590a1 18.5" Kryptek won!

 

[Phat Eagle]

The 870P has been around since the '70s at least, although Wingmasters in riot configuration were available almost since the 870's introduction.

I think they only started officially badging them as 870P in 2014, but I could be wrong.

 

[870P]

I think they only started officially badging them as 870P in 2014, but I could be wrong.

My 2003 vintage model's rollmark says Remington 870 Police Magnum, and they'd been making them like that for a while before then.

 

[DT741]

Based on a ton of negative feedback I've read all over YouTube and other sites now, I think I've just been scared off of buying a shotgun for now.

The 870 express tactical is around the price range I wanted to spend and has all of the features I wanted in a shotgun. I also found a bunch of additional furniture for it that I really like... but I've heard so many issues about rusting easily and extractor issues that I don't feel it's a solid gun, even at a discount. I don't want to spend just under $1k after tax to build the shotgun I want, only to have it rust out on me just because my closet it near a window.

I could spend the money on a police version instead, but then I'm looking at $1k with no furniture upgrades and I don't want to spend that kind of money at the moment.

Maybe I'll keep an eye out for some used stuff instead, but I was hoping to go for new this time for a better chance at getting something reliable.

Rust: on a properly maintained gun, won't happen.

Extractor: internet hype at best. When I replaced my worn out oem unit, it was after 1000s of rounds and it was the "cheap" one everybody on internet claims to break if you dare looking at it... Its has been replaced with a machined one, we'll see if it last longer

 

[curseyou]

Rust: on a properly maintained gun, won't happen.

"Properly maintained" is subjective. My 870 express developed rust after use in the rain, then put away in a case for the drive home. Few hours had dinner then cleaned gun and found the crap coating rusted.

Still have the gun and it is excellent but i sanded the rust off and painted over it. ugly but no further rusting but i know it must be babied with extensive G96/eezox etc...

This event made me buy a marine mag. excellent utility gun. you can do anything to it and it will be fine.

 

[870P]

IIRC, The finish on the blued Express guns is nothing more than a cold blue applied on a rough bead blasted surface, corrosion's wet dream.

Its too bad they couldn't at least Parkerize them or something, but there not much Remington doesn't have a lot of room to maneuver at this price point, when they have to compete with a bunch of newer aluminum receiver pump designs, with a design that uses a machined steel receiver.

 

[EL34/6L6]

I have a handful of both 870s and 590A1s and much prefer the 870 design, parts and take down process.

I don't like the 590A1 tang safety (had them fail) or the two internal bars that incessantly fall out during take down & assembly. I also don't like the trigger which is rather heavy.

I do like the 590A1s durability and the robust heavy barrel. They also have good ghost ring and rifle sights. The rear trigger slide release placement is also good, although it does tend to mess with my (870) muscle memory.

In the end, I would take my factory Cerakoted Magpul edition 870 over any of the shotguns in my safe.

 

[drill702]

Go for the 870 tactical , if you don't like it I'll buy it.

 

[Xxxjayalexanderxxx]

Have both, i vote 590a1 all day long. Maybe its just fat thumb syndrome but 870 lifter leaves me with bloody thumb knuckle and shaves thumb nail every time

 

[Suther]

One advantage of the Mossberg I don't believe was mentioned is that its much easier to load the magazine on since the lifter stays out of the way,.

That might be the single greatest factor in its favor in fact.

This same fact means you can't ghost load the mossy like you can the rem though, right??

 

[870P]

This same fact means you can't ghost load the mossy like you can the rem though, right??

I'd take that trade any day.

 

[Suther]

I'd take that trade any day.

Honestly I'm not sure i care either way, but the vast majority of shotgun experience is with a maverick 88 (two of em actually) and i would easily recommend a mossberg to anyone looking for a 12ga pump gun. In my experience they just work. Period.