Purchasing a 12g Shotgun

M

MaK_12g590

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So I'm looking to purchase a 12g shotgun, as well as my first gun. as far as shotguns go, i've only fired a remington 870 and a mossberg 500. but I stopped by the local gun store on my lunch break and fell in love with the Mossberg 590. I searched on this forum and everyone recommends the 500 or 870 as a first gun. Are there any problems as the 590a1 as a first/starter gun? the price was 429.95 ( located in California ) I like the mind set that the 590a1 can gobble a variety of 12g shotgun shells. The reason i'm liking the 590 is that it has characteristics of both the remington and the mossberg. I really like the parkerized finish, as well as the 8+1 magazine. so anyway, the real question is, what would you prefer as a first gun / shotgun? the mossberg 500, 590 or the 870, and why?


also, I heard a rumor that the mossberg 500 cannot shoot slugs? anyone want to varify that with me?
 
It would really depend on what your primary use for the gun would be - HD/SD, targets, bird hunting, waterfowl, turkey/deer, etc.......
 
I owned a 590 with Ghost Ring Sights (GRS) - it is a 500 it is not like the 870 - they are different but both are good. Go on you tube and put in a search for Mossberg 500/590 and Remington 870 and they have direct comparison videos so you can see the differences. If I were going to get another 590 I would get the heavy barrel A1 model. All shotguns can shoot slugs except the ones with chokes need a more open choke or a rifled choke and some need a different barrel. Get the 590 or get a 500 or an 870. You can't go wrong.
 
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By target shooting, I'll assume you mean clay targets - for that you want a simple bead site, no lights, lasers, or other unnecessary stuff. For HD/SD, you'll get advice about using ghost ring sites, adding lasers, lights, extended magazines, etc. Whether any or all of that is necessary is something you'll need to determine for yourself, but those things will hamper your target shooting. If you can convert from one set-up to the other, then you might realize a single gun that can work decently in each scenario.
 
Not a shotgun expert.

Hey mate,

Great to see that your getting into the shotguns. I'm not an expert with shotguns but one thing that i know is that it needs to "fit" comfortably when your holding it. Like if your larger built you need a shotgun with a longer stock. anyway thats all just technical stuff. It looks like a really really nice shotgun. Mossbergs are one of my favorite brands.

Good luck with your search. Look after yourself and safe hunting.

MK
 
I've watched every youtube comparison video, even the firing and recoil comparisions on both the 590 and 870. So If i were to get the 590, definitely go with the 590a1? a 590a1 is what I looked at today. I was thinking of purchasing it up this friday that way i can have it by next friday.

I was thinking of adding all the fun tactical stuff, if anyone was wondering. Im very aware that a pistol grip makes out to be a pain on the mossbergs because of the location of the safety, is this true?
 
They should all be good, just pick the one you like most.

If by target shooting you mean that you are interested in clay sports ignore the rest of this post:
I was wondering, since your interest is for target shooting and home defense, have you considered a rifle instead? I mean a shotgun is great for HD, but not so great for target shooting. Slugs are murder on the shoulder and expensive. Shot is well...shot. It's fun to blow up target stands with it, did that this weekend, but it's not really target shooting in the strictest sense.:p
 
nothing competitive. a couple buddies of mine like to go 4 wheeling way in the mountains around no civilization, relax, take a break real quick and shoot off a couple rounds at targets we've made, pick up the shells and keep going. Other than that, its going to be strictly used as a home defense gun.
 
I got a Pardner Pump 12 gauge from Dicks for about $160. It has an 18" barrel, handles well, and is strong as a bull - very much like a Remington 870. DO NOT use Bore Blast or any other engine-fuel based fluid to clean it, as it will melt the plastic magazine follower.
I have more expensive defense shotguns, but the PP is my favorite.
 
Greetings MaK 12g590 and welcome aboard,

I searched on this forum and everyone recommends the 500 or 870 as a first gun.
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You may have over simplified everyone's recommendations. Typically it's a case like yours where the poster is asking for a recommendation between the Mossberg and Remington entry level pumps. More often than not, they are looking for a HD/SD gun. Yet, there are times when other uses (specific target or hunting scenarios) are discussed and the recommendations are far from the typical R-870/M-500 debate.

If you were looking for a gun to do a little more target, or field work, then I'd recommend a combo gun with sporting and SD/HD barrels. Based on your anticipated use, you seem to be on the right track. Since this will be you first shotgun, have a knowledgeable person help you properly fit the stock. It will make a big difference in the way the gun shoots and kicks.

I'm not a fan of PGO (pistol grip only) stocks. But, if you gotta have one, you're correct, they are happier on Remingtons (unless you have a thumb from Mars). They look cool, yet the archives are full of posts describing their installation and subsequent removal.
 
also, I heard a rumor that the mossberg 500 cannot shoot slugs? anyone want to varify that with me?
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The 500 can shoot slugs just fine, I shoot them in mine.

All shotguns can shoot slugs except the ones with chokes need a more open choke or a rifled choke. Get the 590 or get a 500 or an 870. You can't go wrong.
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Not all shotguns can shoot slugs.
My Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag says right on the barrel "NOT FOR USE WITH SLUGS".


Michael Grace
 
Did niot know that but makes sense.
will edit my post. You can still change the barrel and put a "slug" barrel and your shotgun will shoot slugs like all others.
 
thanks for the information guys :) I think im definitely gonna pick up a 590a1, do all the fun little tactical upgrades to it. whats a good website or whatever where I can order good quality stocks and other upgrades?
 
I have three black pump action shotguns. A Benelli Super Nova Tactical (4+1), A Remington 870 Tactical Express with the screw on choke (5+1) and the Mossberg 590A1 Special Purpose with the Ontario A1 Bayonet (8+1). I really like them all and have shot the Mossberg 590A1 and really like the shell capacity. I stand 5' 9" tall and find the Mossberg a little long to handle compared to the Benelli and Remington shotguns. You can't go wrong with any of them.
 
So, I figured i'd ask another question in this thread instead of making another :)

Differences between a 590a1 and a base model 590? other than the barrel thickness differences, metal trigger, safety and maybe the price. are there any other differences? do they shoot the same shells, etc etc?
 
thanks for the information guys I think im definitely gonna pick up a 590a1, do all the fun little tactical upgrades to it. whats a good website or whatever where I can order good quality stocks and other upgrades?
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Remember you will be buying the gun in perfect working order, you don't need "tactical" mall ninja stuff to make it any more of what it is: A thing that shoots.

That being said a shell caddy is a really good idea, Cheaper than Dirt or most other ATI can do it justice.

Go to Mesa Tactical if you want to spend alot more.
 
I've thought about keeping the gun in a "stock" or "factory" form. but all of the modifications done to it are easily switched back. Plus it'll keep the factory parts nice and clean. ( I plan on keeping the original box, manual, etc etc. )

as of now, i'm only thinking of adding a pistol grip. haven't decided on adjustable or not yet.
 
BEST mod , shotgun fit and pattern your shotgun so it hits what your aiming at..


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Best most fun mod. Practice.


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Best mod practice some more , more and more.
Those stick on , bolt on things will not make you a better shooter.


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