[spetreker]

@killerb I guess you are not interested in the pistol grip and AR style stock as it takes away the beauty of classic shotgun aesthetic, am I right?

 

[spetreker]

My new 590A1 seems to be much better made than any of my previous 590s or 500s. It is pretty tight and doesn't rattle (yet). I have a Hogue short LOP stock and Streamlight forend to put on it if I ever get around to it. I don't mind a little extra mass from the heavy barrel on a hard kicker like the 590 with its aluminum receiver. I may buy a 590A1 Retrograde soon. I like the look of walnut and parkerized steel.

Yes I think I will go with the A1 as well. I know that it might be overkill since I will not use it in any extreme combat situation, but I like the idea of not having any polymer components.

 

[spetreker]

Everyone wants the A1 but it's really not any better than the standard 590. The metal trigger guard is unnecessary and only put there because the army insisted on it. The heavy barrel just weighs more and adds nothing and again is only there because the navy insisted on it. The metal safety is definitely better than the plastic one but you can upgrade that for $15 bucks. I do own a 590a1 and it's my favorite shotgun but if I bought another I would have just gotten the regular 8+1 590.

Second have you spent some time on the range with any pistol/AR stocked shotguns? I only ask but I can't stand them and a lot of people feel the same way. It's one of those love hate things so I wouldn't recommend going that route right away unless you know it's a setup you like.

I would advice against the flex model guns. It's just gimmicky to me, there are way more and better stocks/grips out there than what's available in the flex stuff and I never understood why someone would need to swap stocks in the field lol. Just my opinion.

If you love the pistol grip then the 590R is the way to go. If you're concerned about capacity keep in mind you can add a +1 mag extension so it'll be 7+1. And you can run mini shells in it which would be 10 or 11+1.

Now if you never shot a pistol grip I'd go with the standard 590 or 590a1 20" barrel. Its not very expensive down the line to add the AR stock and you get the full 8+1 capacity.

You really can't go wrong because any gun you get can be upgraded into anything else because of how adaptable they are.

To begin, I would like to thank you for the detailed explanation and I agree with everything you said.

No i have not shot a pistol grip shotgun yet and, based on ou rcomment, I think I will end up purchasing a 590 A1. Better safe than sorry. Also, as you mentioned, the shotgun can always be upgraded at a later time.

The 590R is a great looking gun but it does not seem to have a front bead by default. It only comes with pop-up ghost rings or no sights at all. I do not even know if allows the installation of the bead. I know that, as a tactical shotgun, even the optics should fall into that category but, personally I am not a fan of having red dots on a shotgun.

Last question! what is your opinion about optics or front sight bead on shotguns? I personally never look at the front bead or any sight when at the shooting range. I was taught to point and not aim especiallly when shooting moving targets.

By the way, that is a great looking Mossberg lol!