Howdy folks,
I've scoured every shotgun thread posted over the past year so I'm pretty sure this question is not too redundant. BTW, I really enjoy and appreciate all the sharing of first-hand life experiences (and BS) that all of you have posted here (and places like Frugal's).
I recently picked up a Mossberg 12 gauge at a gun show here in Colorado. I was ready to jump on a 590 GR for $400 when I came across another piece with a tag that read "Military Issue". It had a clip from a gun mag (Am Rifleman ?) where someone wrote in asking to clarify what the U.S. military actually used. The article explained the heavy barrel, metal parts, etc and the US serial numbers. I checked the barrel and the numbers against the $400 models at other tables and this was indeed a different animal. I paid an extra $75 despite the lack of GR sights.
I assumed (apparently incorrectly) that only military issued guns had this setup. After looking closer at Mossberg.com it seems that these features are readily available as the 590A1. But, as mentioned in the article, my gun does have different markings than the others I saw at the show. The manual and the markings say 500 MILS. Some detailed photos are linked below.
BTW, I got a shotgun just because I didn't have one - no specific need. So here is my list of assumptions and questions - please correct me (gently) if I am way off-base.
1). This gun is mechanically the same as the 590A1 (except for missing sights).
2). This US-serial number gun is indeed different than the 590A1 as far as collectability (mil-issue vs mil-spec only).
3). The heavy 20-in barrel helps tame recoil compared to lighter or shorter barrels. (how much compared to other options Vang, etc ?) This is the only shotgun I've ever fired. Haven't tried buck or slugs yet.
4). How much would it cost to have GR sights put on considering that the receiver is untapped ? Any cautions, recommendations, cheaper to replace the barrel, etc ? (BTW, I've read all the pro's and con's of GR sights on shotguns so we don't have to cover that here - I like 'em).
5). IF this gun had any collectors value, would modifying it be a mistake ? Ex. adding sights, cutting down barrel, etc. It's too late to leave it NIB.
thanks in advance for your advice,
Scott
http://www.scottmurrish.com/oldguns/mossy01.jpg
http://www.scottmurrish.com/oldguns/mossy02.jpg
http://www.scottmurrish.com/oldguns/mossy03.jpg
http://www.scottmurrish.com/oldguns/mossy04.jpg
http://www.scottmurrish.com/oldguns/mossy06.jpg
http://www.scottmurrish.com/oldguns/mossy09.jpg
I've scoured every shotgun thread posted over the past year so I'm pretty sure this question is not too redundant. BTW, I really enjoy and appreciate all the sharing of first-hand life experiences (and BS) that all of you have posted here (and places like Frugal's).
I recently picked up a Mossberg 12 gauge at a gun show here in Colorado. I was ready to jump on a 590 GR for $400 when I came across another piece with a tag that read "Military Issue". It had a clip from a gun mag (Am Rifleman ?) where someone wrote in asking to clarify what the U.S. military actually used. The article explained the heavy barrel, metal parts, etc and the US serial numbers. I checked the barrel and the numbers against the $400 models at other tables and this was indeed a different animal. I paid an extra $75 despite the lack of GR sights.
I assumed (apparently incorrectly) that only military issued guns had this setup. After looking closer at Mossberg.com it seems that these features are readily available as the 590A1. But, as mentioned in the article, my gun does have different markings than the others I saw at the show. The manual and the markings say 500 MILS. Some detailed photos are linked below.
BTW, I got a shotgun just because I didn't have one - no specific need. So here is my list of assumptions and questions - please correct me (gently) if I am way off-base.
1). This gun is mechanically the same as the 590A1 (except for missing sights).
2). This US-serial number gun is indeed different than the 590A1 as far as collectability (mil-issue vs mil-spec only).
3). The heavy 20-in barrel helps tame recoil compared to lighter or shorter barrels. (how much compared to other options Vang, etc ?) This is the only shotgun I've ever fired. Haven't tried buck or slugs yet.
4). How much would it cost to have GR sights put on considering that the receiver is untapped ? Any cautions, recommendations, cheaper to replace the barrel, etc ? (BTW, I've read all the pro's and con's of GR sights on shotguns so we don't have to cover that here - I like 'em).
5). IF this gun had any collectors value, would modifying it be a mistake ? Ex. adding sights, cutting down barrel, etc. It's too late to leave it NIB.
thanks in advance for your advice,
Scott
http://www.scottmurrish.com/oldguns/mossy01.jpg
http://www.scottmurrish.com/oldguns/mossy02.jpg
http://www.scottmurrish.com/oldguns/mossy03.jpg
http://www.scottmurrish.com/oldguns/mossy04.jpg
http://www.scottmurrish.com/oldguns/mossy06.jpg
http://www.scottmurrish.com/oldguns/mossy09.jpg