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Old October 23, 2009, 03:36 PM   #1
OlympicArmsFan
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Mossberg 500 vs 590SP

Ok since Im still looking and Im set on a Mossberg 12ga. I wanted to ask a question or two or more on the 500 and 590.

Im looking for all Mossberg info please no other models as I have a few other threads that can handle those answers there. Thanks

My questions-

I want to know what is the advantage of going with the 590SP over the 500?

What is the real differnce in the 500 vs the 590SP?

Would the 590SP be more then I would need for a HD/SD shotgun?

Would the 500 be a good combat shotgun or should I go to the 590SP for that?

What is the internal differnces of the 500 vs 590SP?

What are the differnces in receivers of the 500 and 590SP?

What are the differnces in barrels of both models?

If I go with the 500 can I update it with parts from the 590?

I dont hunt and I dont trap shoot Im just wanting a good shotgun that fits my budget, needs and wants. The Mossberg line up is in my budget and they seem to fit what Im looking for.

Thanks everyone for you help and time in answering my questions. I will be placing an order for the Mossberg at the end of next week when I get back in town and have a bit more of my questions answered.
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Old October 23, 2009, 04:05 PM   #2
hogdogs
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Quote:
I want to know what is the advantage of going with the 590SP over the 500?
The ability to add a mag extension...
Quote:
What is the real differnce in the 500 vs the 590SP?
The mag tube is open like an 870 so you can add mag tube extension. The 590 has a cast aluminum trigger guard and a metal safety button.
Quote:
What is the real differnce in the 500 vs the 590SP?
No unless you mean cash outlay.
Quote:
Would the 500 be a good combat shotgun or should I go to the 590SP for that?
6 well placed rounds from the 500 is plenty for my first volley...
I have never had mine fail under hard use.
Quote:
What is the internal differnces of the 500 vs 590SP?
Only the cast body on the trigger group... far as I know.
Quote:
What are the differnces in receivers of the 500 and 590SP?
None...
Quote:
What are the differnces in barrels of both models?
Thicker on the 590 (heavier) and the lug is a ring that fits over the mag tube...
Quote:
If I go with the 500 can I update it with parts from the 590?
Yep... The metal safety button and cast trigger group can be swapped... The only one I would consider is the metal safety button but I don't seem to need it bad enuff to swap it and my 500 is my only HD gun and it is over 20 years old...
Brent
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Old October 23, 2009, 04:36 PM   #3
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Wow thank you hogdogs that was a quick answer and ones that I needed. Thank you.
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Old October 23, 2009, 04:40 PM   #4
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Anytime...
Brent
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Old October 23, 2009, 04:41 PM   #5
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The 590's on all the local gun store shelves ALL have plastic triggerguards and plastic safeties. I have 500's with both metal and plastic. The newer ones are plastic. My 590 is my favorite shotgun, but I'm eyeing an FN pump.
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Old October 23, 2009, 05:01 PM   #6
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Zombie, could you please tell me how old your 500 with metal guard is? I have never seen one on a 500.
Brent
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Old October 23, 2009, 05:02 PM   #7
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I think the metal parts and thick barrel are only a sure thing on the 590A-1 model.
Brent
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Old October 23, 2009, 05:38 PM   #8
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If I recall correctly, another difference is that with the 500, there's a huge variety of barrels you can swap in and out... with the 590, not... Because of the lug design hogdogs mentioned, 500 barrels won't fit, and they make few, if any, different barrels for the 590.
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Old October 23, 2009, 05:47 PM   #9
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Quote:
What is the real differnce in the 500 vs the 590SP?
Brent pretty much answered all the questions, but I'd like to add a few things for your consideration.

Converting a 500 to a 590 actually costs more than the 590.

My friend bought a 500, but wanted to convert it into a 590.

This was his total cost:
-Mossberg 500 out the door: $340
-forend tube (to make it possible to install a shorter forend): $80
-forend nut (to secure the forend tube): $20
-Knoxx stock: $50
-Mako forend: $50
-Finding out he can't install a magazine extension: priceless


If you are determined and have the money to buy the 590, by all means, buy the 590. Do not buy a 500 and then try to convert it into a 590, it's not worth it.

Hope that helps .
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Old October 23, 2009, 05:52 PM   #10
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Brent, my old 500's have metal safeties, not triggerguards. The 590's @ the gunshops have plastic triggerguards and safety buttons. You ready for huntin season?? We've already killed 2 deer over in Ocala with the car driving @ night!
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Old October 23, 2009, 06:12 PM   #11
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Thanks Hank15 that helped as I posted this on a few other boards and Im hearing the same thing.

I like having options and thats why I started looking at Mossbergs and Remingtons. My budget put me to the Mossberg side and in my area I can find anything for a Mossy.

I have week or so till I will order so Im still doing my research on this and listening to everyone so keep the info coming.
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Old October 23, 2009, 06:37 PM   #12
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I think the best for the money would definitely be a 590. But if you want versatility like changing barrels out for clays, slugs, HD, turkey, whatever- then get a 500.
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Old October 23, 2009, 08:03 PM   #13
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I personally see no benefit to the 590 over the 500. I have needed nothing for my 500 in over 20 years.
Brent
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Old October 23, 2009, 08:10 PM   #14
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I've never NEEDED anything for my 500's. Except shells!!!
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Old October 24, 2009, 04:40 PM   #15
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Here are the ones that Im looking at from Buds Gun Shop.

This is the 500 Im looking at 20"
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/47809

This is the 590SP Im looking at 20"
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/46282
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Old October 24, 2009, 06:55 PM   #16
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Either one will throw copious amounts of lead at your target for as long as your shoulder will stand up to it....

Of the two links you provided, they look about the same (minus the heat-shield and price) to me... I'd probably go with the 500 though, since it already has the extended mag tube, that concern is mitigated. And the 500 will be cheaper to swap barrels out for hunting and such...
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Old October 24, 2009, 09:54 PM   #17
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Either of those are of the limited barrel option cousins... 5+1 500 in any barrel length will allow swapping of stove pipes for $90-$130 basically any barrel. Anything but the 5+1 set up is the one that restricts barrel options. For that $296 you can get a wood tone 28 inch field barrel and either a 18/22 inch HD barrel or a turkey or a slug barrel combo...

Brent
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Old October 25, 2009, 02:32 AM   #18
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Mossberg 500A Persuader $369.00 Big 5 field combo (w/28' vent rib barrel)... after surgery!

A 590 is a 500 with armor and some better combat options, shoots the same lead out the barrel... Check out my baby, Good old "Big 5 Bertha" on steroids!

Last edited by 12GaugeLosAngeles; October 25, 2009 at 02:40 AM.
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Old October 25, 2009, 02:47 AM   #19
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I've tried all different kinds of tacticool stuff on my 500, ranging from about 5 different stocks, pistol grips, red-dots, lights, shell holders and one think I've found out is that if you actually shoot it most of it's uncomfortable and you can't hit jack with it.

Now the only thing "extra" I keep for my 500 is the 28" barrel for trap/hunting. I gotta go with Brent on this one...I need nothing more than my plain jane 500. It's sporting a new mag tube and barrel as bent the old ones when it jumped off the 4-wheeler and under the tires. But at least I get to add new wear marks.

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Old October 25, 2009, 04:26 AM   #20
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Go with the 500. It's a plain Jane, but it works. In a home defense situation all the whistles and bells won't make a whit of difference at the ranges you'd be shooting at. You could buy an extra sporting barrel for the 500 with the money you'll save.
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Old October 25, 2009, 12:53 PM   #21
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What is the reason to put a laser on a shotgun?? Am I missing something?? The light I can see using, but a laser??
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Old October 25, 2009, 04:01 PM   #22
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Im not looking to tac the gun out. I like simple and easy to use. The only thing if I would do if anything to it is add a stock like my AR with the pistol grip but I dought if I do that.

This will be a HD/SD and if all heck breaks lose.
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Old October 25, 2009, 04:26 PM   #23
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Quote:
What is the reason to put a laser on a shotgun?? Am I missing something?? The light I can see using, but a laser??
That's very simple to answer. So that you can effectively aim the weapon without the requirement of lining up your eye, one or two sights on the gun and the target also.

The advantage in a HD situation of not having to bring the weapon up to formally aim it should be rather obvious.
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Old October 25, 2009, 07:36 PM   #24
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Another good reason for that high-aspect sight is the probability that the stock setup (which looks way high to me) puts your cheek right down in the hurtin' zone.

How do I know this? I've done this and now my Mossberg is back to being just a Mossberg and we are friends again. Hey, it was fun and I enjoyed playin' just as much as the next guy but now my ol' Mossy is lighter (because the SpecOps stock was just ridiculously heavy), swings faster, points better and the slide release is easily within reach of my trigger finger. 'Course she is blind at night, what with no flashlight and no nothin' else, but she can still call it out, which is likely sufficient. The unmistakable sound of a 12 guage pump slamming one into battery, don't 'ya know?

Pretty cool lookin' gun, that's for sure. Needs a few scratches though. Just kiddin'.

How's she shoot? Mine is deadly with slugs out to a hundred and fact is I lucked out and hit a packing box at three hundred a couple of years ago, which was a function of pure luck and thirty years of tournament field archery but hey, it sure felt good! I recall pointing her at a cloud...

Great days!

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Old October 26, 2009, 04:51 PM   #25
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500

Brent has pretty much summed it all up....in fact, he completely summed it up! For me, the 500 with the short mag (5 shot) has proven the most comfortable for swinging/handling, and gives the most versatility with respect to changing barrels.

I have used/owned the 20 inch 590 with the full length mag tube, the 20 inch 500 with full length mag tube, the 18.5 inch 590A1 with 5 shot mag tube and the 18.5 inch 500 with 5 shot mag tube, ....and have tried the 20 inch 590A1 with full length mag tube. I find the 20 inch 590A1 (the A1s have heavy barrels) to be really muzzle heavy. The 20 inch 500 or 590 with the lighter barrels are OK but not as handy as the 18.5 barrels.

I like the feel of the 18.5 inch barrels and own a 590A1 and 500 set up as such. I find no practical reason why the 590A1 is a better HD gun and in fact, I normally carry the 500 at work. I am a detective and department armorer and have had zero problems with our dept 500s and 590A1s except for cracked safety buttons on our really, really old 500s that had a thinner checkered plastic button. I haven't seen any of the newer plastic buttons crack as they are thicker and have horizontal serrations. If the thought bothers you, though it is easy to change the safety for a metal one from Mossberg or Vang comp etc. It looks like you have the nod from Brent in Florida and you have mine from Vermont.....that covers the really hot and muggy and the really frosty cold. Can't see how you can go wrong with the 500....and the plain jane 18.5 incher is reasonably priced, as is the field and security combo. You don't necessarily need super tacticool, you need a reliable gun you can load and shoot quickly and accurately.
John
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