Mossberg 590 help!

Model12Win · April 3, 2015, 04:49 PM

Hey guys! Well I done did it this time... was up at the gun shop and on the wall was a NIB Mossberg 590 with the 20" barrel, 9 shot capacity with heat shield, matte blue finish. The price was excellent. Here's the model:

http://www.mossberg.com/product/shot...e-9-shot/50660

I really love the looks of this gun, what I'm going for is a "modern trench gun" type setup, with the same features as the old U.S. military M1987 and M1912 shotguns. That means I want it to be a basic bead sight pump shotgun with traditional style stock, heat shield, bayonet attachment, and sling swivels... just like the originals. But, of course, this one is a more modern design and it's in a tactical black finish with polymer furniture.

Purposes would be for primary home defense long gun, run and gun, range fun, plinking, and just plain shootin' fun.

BUT... what about the M590A1?

I've heard this is a better gun than the 590, and that the military uses the M590A1 so it's obviously superior for combat right? The M590A1 has the heavy barrel, parkerized finish, and metal trigger guard and safety lever. The Model 590 I'm looking at has standard barrel, matte blued finish, and plastic trigger guard and safety lever.

Do you think the Model 590 is inferior to the M590A1 for combat purposes? I like how this Model 590 already comes with heat shield, and I've heard you really can't get one for the M590A1 due to the thicker barrel. Is the matte blued finish going to rust on me, vs. the parkerizing on the M590A1? Which is the superior finish for corrosion resistance? Will the plastic control on the Model 590 break on me vs. the metal ones on the M590A1?

So basically I just need to know if I'm buying an inferior shotgun to the military issued M590A1. I want this particular Model 590 quite badly... but not if it's a low close choice.

Thanks guys!

Kilrain · April 3, 2015, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Mossberg 590 help!
Hey guys! Well I done did it this time... was up at the gun shop and on the wall was a NIB Mossberg 590 with the 20" barrel, 9 shot capacity with heat shield, matte blue finish. The price was excellent. Here's the model:

http://www.mossberg.com/product/shot...e-9-shot/50660

I really love the looks of this gun, what I'm going for is a "modern trench gun" type setup, with the same features as the old U.S. military M1987 and M1912 shotguns. That means I want it to be a basic bead sight pump shotgun with traditional style stock, heat shield, bayonet attachment, and sling swivels... just like the originals. But, of course, this one is a more modern design and it's in a tactical black finish with polymer furniture. Purposes would be for primary home defense long gun, run and gun, range fun, plinking, and just plain shootin' fun.

BUT... what about the M590A1?

I've heard this is a better gun than the 590, and that the military uses the M590A1 so it's obviously superior for combat right? The M590A1 has the heavy barrel, parkerized finish, and metal trigger guard and safety lever. The Model 590 I'm looking at has standard barrel, matte blued finish, and plastic trigger guard and safety lever.

Do you think the Model 590 is inferior to the M590A1 for combat purposes? I like how this Model 590 already comes with heat shield, and I've heard you really can't get one for the M590A1 due to the thicker barrel. Is the matte blued finish going to rust on me, vs. the parkerizing on the M590A1? Which is the superior finish for corrosion resistance? Will the plastic control on the Model 590 break on me vs. the metal ones on the M590A1?

So basically I just need to know if I'm buying an inferior shotgun to the military issued M590A1. I want this particular Model 590 quite badly... but not if it's a low close choice.

Thanks guys!

The answer to most of your questions is no. Specifically, the 590 isn't inferior unless you think you'll dent or break the barrel/trigger guard/safety against metal bulkheads in a ship, which is pretty much why the 590A1 has a thicker barrel. The 590 won't rust(especially the receiver which is aluminum on all 500/590 guns) as long as you care for it like any other gun. The plastic trigger guard/safety won't break under almost any circumstances. Essentially as long as you aren't using them for hammering or whatnot, it's a non-issue.

The 590A1 is really cool cause it's a "military spec" gun, the reality is what it offers is essentially unnecessary in almost all circumstances and even then it's "upgrades" are dubious at best. That being said, customization of a firearm is a hobby unto itself.

Model12Win · April 3, 2015, 05:43 PM

Thanks, I just wan't sure about the combat durability of the Model 590 vs the M590A1. How do you think these two would fair in combat compared to each other?

Yes, I know, I probably won't ever be in combat... but it's a good thing to always have the toughest available equipment. I just don't want my Model 590 to give out on me when I need it most.

Kilrain · April 3, 2015, 06:43 PM

In actually using the guns, their is no difference, whether they are used in "combat" or not. The reason the 590A1 has a thicker barrel is the Navy requirement that the barrel be "dent resistant" due to the all metal environment in which they be used. The metal trigger guard/plate and safety are dubiously "better" in general in my opinion. I'd by a 590 any day, any time and not feel like I got "cheated" or otherwise undergunned.

Based on your name, why do you want a Mossberg of any type? Winchester Model 12s are fantastic guns for all purposes....?

Model12Win · April 4, 2015, 12:22 AM

I do own a 1955 dated Winchester Model 12 that at one point was cut down to have a 20" bbl by the previous owner(s). It's a great shotgun, BUT, in I've had some feed issues with the gun. Mine is pretty tired, and replacement parts are getting harder and harder to find for them at a good cost. I need a new shotgun that I can run hard and shoot all day and keep for home defense that will be super reliable. The extra ammo capacity is good too, as are the much greater range of accessories for the 590 series guns.

Kilrain · April 4, 2015, 10:36 PM

Fair enough. A 500, 590 or 590A1 should fit your needs just fine.

Model12Win · April 5, 2015, 12:38 PM

Thanks!

I'm getting an M590A1 20", putting a heat shield on on it, a bayonet, a sling, and it will be a trench gun type set up.

Tony615 · April 5, 2015, 07:35 PM

I have a 590A1 and I would keep it simple for HD. Get a light, butt stock side saddle, and a sling that should be it.

Model12Win · April 5, 2015, 09:00 PM

Tony,

I am going for a "modern trench gun" look. That means traditional stock (albeit it plastic not wood), bead sight, heat shield, sling, and bayonet. It will be just like an M1897 or M1912 trench shotgun but will be black.

I'll take off the sling and add a light mount for HD work. No side saddle though. If I run out of ammo for HD work, I'll switch to my G19 Gen 4 with G17 17 round mags w/ +2 baseplate +1 in chamber for 20 rounds of Gold Dot 9mm 124 grain +P rounds with tritium night sights.

Dreaming100Straight · April 7, 2015, 11:42 AM

A trench gun was designed for open combat, but you want a gun for home defense. A home defense shotgun should be kept as free of things, such as slings, that might hang up on items as possible. What purpose a heat shield would have in a limited home defense scenario is very speculative. If you want your trench gun just for the looks, that is fine, but it is a poor choice for HD. Especially the bayonet

Model12Win · April 7, 2015, 02:04 PM

Dreaming, thanks but it's the style I'm going for.

I hesitate to say that it will be also good for home defense. I'll take the bayonet and sling off, and add a tac light and that's about it.

Fishbed77 · April 8, 2015, 12:00 PM

Just get the M590A1. Preferably with the 18.5" barrel. You'll love it.

Model12Win · April 9, 2015, 10:48 AM

^ SICK!!! I'm loving that!

I think I'll get the 20" model for a touch more firepower. The 1.5" extra inches is worth the extra shell methinks, and will be able to fit the bayonet.

Fishbed77 · April 10, 2015, 10:14 AM

Quote:

I think I'll get the 20" model for a touch more firepower. The 1.5" extra inches is worth the extra shell methinks, and will be able to fit the bayonet.

To each his own, but the bayonet lug is worthless on a defensive shotgun, and any reduction in overall length helps. There is a reason the 5-round magazine Mossberg (usually with 14 or 18.5" barrel) is the most commonly-encountered pump-action in the US military.

The difference in balance is very noticeable between the 20" M590A1 and 18.5" M590A1 variants due to the heavy thick-walled barrel, and the weight of the longer mag tube on the 20-incher. To me, it swings more like a trap gun than a handy defensive shotgun.

That said, mag extensions are available for the 18.5" M590A1. The best is the one from S&J Hardware, but it's not the cheapest.

http://sjhardware.com/store/modules....61531b741db236

Don't get me wrong - the 20" M590A1 still a great choice, just not my ideal choice.

.

Model12Win · April 12, 2015, 11:24 PM

The reason why the 5 shot ones are the most common is that they are used as door breachers 99% of the time, and the shorter 18.5" barrel helps.

Also if you read any of my previous posts, I'm making a modern "trench gun" that has the same layout and features as an M1912 trench gun from WW2, and that means it has to have a bayonet mount.

4thPoint · April 12, 2015, 11:47 PM

It's 'superior' in the same way that a HMMWV is superior to a Hummer H1. Same basic plan, a few stronger parts that won't make the civvie version any less capable.

April 3, 2015, 04:49 PM	#1
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Mossberg 590 help! Hey guys! Well I done did it this time... was up at the gun shop and on the wall was a NIB Mossberg 590 with the 20" barrel, 9 shot capacity with heat shield, matte blue finish. The price was excellent. Here's the model: http://www.mossberg.com/product/shot...e-9-shot/50660 I really love the looks of this gun, what I'm going for is a "modern trench gun" type setup, with the same features as the old U.S. military M1987 and M1912 shotguns. That means I want it to be a basic bead sight pump shotgun with traditional style stock, heat shield, bayonet attachment, and sling swivels... just like the originals. But, of course, this one is a more modern design and it's in a tactical black finish with polymer furniture. Purposes would be for primary home defense long gun, run and gun, range fun, plinking, and just plain shootin' fun. BUT... what about the M590A1? I've heard this is a better gun than the 590, and that the military uses the M590A1 so it's obviously superior for combat right? The M590A1 has the heavy barrel, parkerized finish, and metal trigger guard and safety lever. The Model 590 I'm looking at has standard barrel, matte blued finish, and plastic trigger guard and safety lever. Do you think the Model 590 is inferior to the M590A1 for combat purposes? I like how this Model 590 already comes with heat shield, and I've heard you really can't get one for the M590A1 due to the thicker barrel. Is the matte blued finish going to rust on me, vs. the parkerizing on the M590A1? Which is the superior finish for corrosion resistance? Will the plastic control on the Model 590 break on me vs. the metal ones on the M590A1? So basically I just need to know if I'm buying an inferior shotgun to the military issued M590A1. I want this particular Model 590 quite badly... but not if it's a low close choice. Thanks guys!

April 3, 2015, 05:43 PM	#3
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Thanks, I just wan't sure about the combat durability of the Model 590 vs the M590A1. How do you think these two would fair in combat compared to each other? Yes, I know, I probably won't ever be in combat... but it's a good thing to always have the toughest available equipment. I just don't want my Model 590 to give out on me when I need it most.

April 3, 2015, 06:43 PM	#4
Kilrain Member Join Date: June 26, 2001 Posts: 70	In actually using the guns, their is no difference, whether they are used in "combat" or not. The reason the 590A1 has a thicker barrel is the Navy requirement that the barrel be "dent resistant" due to the all metal environment in which they be used. The metal trigger guard/plate and safety are dubiously "better" in general in my opinion. I'd by a 590 any day, any time and not feel like I got "cheated" or otherwise undergunned. Based on your name, why do you want a Mossberg of any type? Winchester Model 12s are fantastic guns for all purposes....?

April 4, 2015, 12:22 AM	#5
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	I do own a 1955 dated Winchester Model 12 that at one point was cut down to have a 20" bbl by the previous owner(s). It's a great shotgun, BUT, in I've had some feed issues with the gun. Mine is pretty tired, and replacement parts are getting harder and harder to find for them at a good cost. I need a new shotgun that I can run hard and shoot all day and keep for home defense that will be super reliable. The extra ammo capacity is good too, as are the much greater range of accessories for the 590 series guns.

April 4, 2015, 10:36 PM	#6
Kilrain Member Join Date: June 26, 2001 Posts: 70	Fair enough. A 500, 590 or 590A1 should fit your needs just fine.

April 5, 2015, 12:38 PM	#7
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Thanks! I'm getting an M590A1 20", putting a heat shield on on it, a bayonet, a sling, and it will be a trench gun type set up.

April 5, 2015, 07:35 PM	#8
Tony615 Member Join Date: April 25, 2012 Posts: 54	I have a 590A1 and I would keep it simple for HD. Get a light, butt stock side saddle, and a sling that should be it.

April 5, 2015, 09:00 PM	#9
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Tony, I am going for a "modern trench gun" look. That means traditional stock (albeit it plastic not wood), bead sight, heat shield, sling, and bayonet. It will be just like an M1897 or M1912 trench shotgun but will be black. I'll take off the sling and add a light mount for HD work. No side saddle though. If I run out of ammo for HD work, I'll switch to my G19 Gen 4 with G17 17 round mags w/ +2 baseplate +1 in chamber for 20 rounds of Gold Dot 9mm 124 grain +P rounds with tritium night sights.

April 7, 2015, 11:42 AM	#10
Dreaming100Straight Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2013 Posts: 1,235	A trench gun was designed for open combat, but you want a gun for home defense. A home defense shotgun should be kept as free of things, such as slings, that might hang up on items as possible. What purpose a heat shield would have in a limited home defense scenario is very speculative. If you want your trench gun just for the looks, that is fine, but it is a poor choice for HD. Especially the bayonet

April 7, 2015, 02:04 PM	#11
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Dreaming, thanks but it's the style I'm going for. I hesitate to say that it will be also good for home defense. I'll take the bayonet and sling off, and add a tac light and that's about it.

April 8, 2015, 12:00 PM	#12
Fishbed77 Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2010 Posts: 4,862	Just get the M590A1. Preferably with the 18.5" barrel. You'll love it.

April 9, 2015, 10:48 AM	#13
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	^ SICK!!! I'm loving that! I think I'll get the 20" model for a touch more firepower. The 1.5" extra inches is worth the extra shell methinks, and will be able to fit the bayonet.

April 12, 2015, 11:24 PM	#15
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	The reason why the 5 shot ones are the most common is that they are used as door breachers 99% of the time, and the shorter 18.5" barrel helps. Also if you read any of my previous posts, I'm making a modern "trench gun" that has the same layout and features as an M1912 trench gun from WW2, and that means it has to have a bayonet mount.

April 12, 2015, 11:47 PM	#16
4thPoint Junior member Join Date: August 28, 2012 Posts: 240	It's 'superior' in the same way that a HMMWV is superior to a Hummer H1. Same basic plan, a few stronger parts that won't make the civvie version any less capable.