Mossberg 590A1 question

[Horizon_Seeker]

I'm about to buy a 590a1, but undecided on which barrel length to get, 20inch or 18.5? they are the same price.

Thanks for any suggestion

david.

[Ledbetter]

. . . is only available with the 20".

[Mo_Zam_Beek]

The swing is faster with an 18"

[Dave McC]

I doubt there's much practical difference,David.

One of my "Serious" 870s has a 18+" bbl, t'other a 20". I can feel little if any difference in handling or performance.

Get whatever pleases you....

[Mic]

I just got one with an 18.5" barrle with goast ring sights, Just to be different. Holds 5 in the tube

[EQP]

If you're going to use it for home defense then get the shorter barrel. It will be that much easier to negotiate hallways and doors with than the longer barrel. If it for any other purpose then it's dealers choice. Either way, it's a great shotgun!

Enjoy it,

[DML]

If you can, handle them both before you decide. The 20" 590-A1 is kind of muzzle heavy. Both of the mounting rings are very close to the muzzle and the barrel is a lot heavier then the standard 590.

The mounting ring on the 18.5" barrel is closer to the middle and doesn't effect balance.

[Dave McC]

EQP, any place in my house tight enough for my larger than average carcass will still pass another 2" of bbl quite handily. Besides, the need to go look for trouble in a HD crisis is oft very low.

I thin we're splitting hairs here.

[EQP]

Dave,

True.

[Mo_Zam_Beek]

Dave is right - we are all splitting hairs on 18 vs 20.

I like 18 b/c it does swing faster (shoter, less ammo out at the end). However I am not thinking of home defense. I got mine for 3 gun competitions were every split second counts.

FWIW - ammo capacity with an 18" is 17 rounds max.

+ 1 extension from Vang Comp
1 in chamber
5 in tube
6 in side saddle
4 in speedfeed stock.

Good luck to all.