[Uncle Malice]

I have both. I really like both. I did put a complete 590 front end on my 500 though because I dislike the 500 screw on barrel design. I don't like the polished stainless bolt on the 500, but I plan on taking the whole thing down and doing a camo job on it.

The 590A1 is a hell of a gun. It's just a rugged beast. The heavy walled barrel does add quite a lot of weight. I would recommend just going with the 590 special purpose. It's a good compromise. Unless you're running a huge amount of rounds through the gun in a short time, you don't need that huge thickness.

Anyways, yes, I think the 590 is worth the extra cost over the 500. The A1 has the cool factor of being a military shotgun, but whether those changes are worth it to you is something you have to decide for yourself. I'd definitely recommend the 590 style though.