Table of Contents

• Specs
• Build
• Shooting & Performance
• Accessories
• Mossberg 590A1 Variants Explained
• Mossberg 590A1: Where To Buy
• Conclusion

There’s no denying the Mossberg 500 series’ quality. Debuting in the 1960’s, these shotguns quickly found themselves in the hands of law enforcement and military officials across the globe. As a tactical weapon, they are among the most trusted in the world – and rightfully so.

Mossberg recently unveiled their newest addition to the 500 line: the 590A1. I was a big fan of the 590, so I was intrigued by this update-evolution. The A1 kept many of the great components from the standard 590, but added several performance and handling boosters to create one of the finest shotguns in its class.

The 590 in and of itself makes for a great home defense shotgun, as is detailed in our Mossberg 590 review. You’d expect a simple variant to be mostly similar to its predecessor, but that is not the case when it comes to the 590 and 590A1. Within seconds of handling the A1, it’s easy to tell that the new and improved variant is something special. Let’s take a closer look at the famous pump action Mossberg 590A1.

Mossberg 590A1 Specs

• Model: 590A1 – 7 Shot – Ghost Ring.
• Gauge: 12.
• Capacity: 6+1.
• Overall Length: 39.5”.
• Barrel Length: 18.5”.
• Weight: 7 lbs.
• Sights: Ghost Ring.
• Price: $629.99.

Mossberg 590A1 Build

The Mossberg 590A1’s design is the culmination of over 50 years of shotgun engineering. The Mossberg 500, developed in the early 1960’s, served as the model for the 590, which the American company evolved even further until they achieved the A1 (check out our Mossberg 500 review if you have yet to do so). Since the A1 is built so similarly to the standard 590, we will only gloss over the overlap of their designs, and hopefully focus more on its standouts.

One of the A1’s most important achievements is its MilSpec qualification. Through rigorous testing, the A1 passed the U.S. Military’s assessment allowing it to be used by our military personnel all around the world. Just to put this into perspective, the 590A1 is the only pump action shotgun ever to pass MilSpec 3443E.

Like its predecessor, the A1 was engineered with a top of the line defense against wear and tear, but Mossberg went an extra step with these guys. These pump actions are outfitted with durable, parkerized polishes and treated with corrosion-resistant finishes. In addition to these endurance boosters, Mossberg also built the 590A1 with heavy-walled barrels and aluminum trigger guard and safety buttons.

One of my favorite things about the 590 is how simple its takedown is, and thankfully, the A1 can be field-stripped with ease. I’m big on accessories, so I was naturally drawn to this Mossberg with a tactical tri-rail forend and a Picatinny top rail. More so, the A1 also has a 6-position adjustable stock and specialty sight packages. All of these sweet features give the 590A1 a custom feel without the custom price tag.

You might think that with a shotgun that’s used for tactical purposes and not sport, sights would be pretty low on the list of importance. I don’t necessarily disagree, but having these options to work with is a definite plus. Without doing any modifications or investing in attachments, you have the option of either a front bead, ghost ring (love these), or 3-dot sight system.

In order to make the 590A1 a premier tactical weapon, Mossberg offers them in your choice of a 14”, 18.5”, or 20” barrel. Additional tactical options include a heat shield, sling swivel, a Plus 4 shell Storage Stock, and a bayonet lug. We’ll discuss these possibilities more later on.

Mossberg 590A1 Shooting & Performance

I was already impressed with the way the 590 handled – my experience with the A1 was even better. For starters, the shorter barrel options are great for tactical shooting since they offer more control and concealment. Also, whether you choose the 7 shot or 9 shot, the Mossberg A1 can empty out rounds crazy fast. Being able to shoot and reload fast is key and the 590A1 does just that.

The two most important features which contribute to its great performance are the 6-position adjustable FLEX stock and the available sight options. The adjustable stock isn’t just great for modifying its size for different shooters, but also works to change the form of the gun for different tactical situations.

Furthermore, take your pick between the ghost ring, front bead, or 3-dot sights, and you’ve got seriously fast target acquisition. I highly recommend the ghost ring sight system because it is incredibly quick, easy to use, and versatile. The ultra-thin rear ring and thin front sight work cohesively to find the target without obscuring the shooter’s vision better than nearly any other aperture sight.

Mossberg 590A1 Accessories

Although the Mossberg 590A1 is one of finest tactical shotguns in its class, I recommend utilizing the rails and adding attachments. Before we get into the additional aftermarket options, I just want to reiterate that Mossberg offers a variety of stock, sight, and barrel options. With its tactical tri-rail on the forend and a Picatinny top rail, the 590A1 is just begging to be decked out.

As a tactical home defense weapon, there are a few accessories which should be serious considerations, the two most important being a flashlight and laser sight. If you’re able to spend some money, I’d check out the SureFire X400V IRC White-Light/Infrared LED + Infrared Laser Weaponlight. This tactical flashlight is one of the best out there with a price tag that attests to that. However, if that’s out of your price range, then consider the LaserMax UNI-MAX-B for a more affordable alternative.

A tactical flashlight might be the most important accessory for a shotgun and there are tons of great options. I highly recommend the OV-2 LED light. Although it can go for around $300, it’s a great light that is durable, effective, and comes with a whole package of related tools and equipment.  Other aftermarket options to think about include the Plus 4 Shell Storage Stock, a sling swivel, and a side saddle/stock mounted shell carrier.

Mossberg 590A1 Variants Explained: SPX, Mariner, Blackwater, Heat Shield, Bayonet

Even within the 590A1 series of the Mossberg 500 line, there are several variants. One of the most unique alternate A1’s is the Mariner. As this name suggests, the Mariner was built to be the ideal self-defense weapon in saltwater environments. That being said, if you own a boat, yacht, or even live by the beach, you should really consider beefing up your security with one of these guys. Besides for home defense, the 7-shot pump action Mariner is also a great fishing and hunting companion.

Be careful when buying a Mossberg 590A1 variant because some of them are not worth the extra money. I’ve heard that the Blackwater was designed just as a marketing tool, so try not to fall into their trap. On the other hand, the SPX might be something to look into; there are a few additional features on these which are pretty solid. The SPX has a ported barrel, a really cool fiber optic front sight, and speed feeding, which makes it a favorite among law enforcement agents.

Because of its heavier barrel, the standard 590A1 can’t be outfitted with a heat shield, but Mossberg eventually produced a few variants which can handle it. Although not a necessary component, a heatshield is a nice addition to your shotgun, especially if you do high volume shooting. Even less important is the bayonet lug –don’t waste your time and money on this gimmick.

Mossberg 590A1: Where To Buy

Mossberg’s firearms have become some of the most prevalent in the United States, so finding the right one shouldn’t be too difficult. Many of the 590A1 shotguns can be purchased online or in store at retailers like Arms Unlimited, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. I also found that the Mossberg website to be very helpful for buying firearms online, they have a short video guide and several links to trustworthy retailers

There are some restrictions on buying the 590A1 shotguns since some of them are designed for military and police use. Although many are sold through those channels, most standard 590A1s can be purchased by civilians. The most common restriction is on the 14” barrel A1, which is regulated by BATFE.

Conclusion

No matter how you cut it, the Mossberg 590A1 is an all-around fantastic shotgun. The price is right, the quality is good, and it comes from a name you can trust. The 590A1 is a truly special firearm; the ability to customize so many aspects of it makes this $600 gun feel like you spent thousands.

More Mossberg? Check out our Mossberg 88 review and Mossberg 464 rifle review here at Gunivore!

The post Mossberg 590A1 Tactical Shotgun Review 2018 appeared first on Gunivore.

Table of Contents

• Specs
• Build
• Shooting & Performance
• Magazines & Accessories
• Why To Buy 590 Ghost Ring Sights
• Mossberg 590 Tactical Shotgun Stock Explained
• Mossberg 590 Tactical Shotgun Mariner Review
• Mossberg 590A1 Variant Explained
• Mossberg 590 Tactical Shotgun vs. Mossberg 500

I’ll always remember my first shotgun, the HR Pardner Pump. I broke it in as a teen and remember it fondly, but it eventually came time to invest in a high quality machine that I could be proud of. My father and I agreed that Mossberg was the way to go, so long story short, I walked out of the gun shop with a 930 Pro-Series Sporting and the 590 Tactical. Shotguns are one of the best accessories for home security, and I know that my wife feels safer with my 590 in the bedroom. Usually just the sound of a shotgun being cocked is enough to scare anyone off, although it’s still important to have a weapon you can trust if you need it.

The Mossberg 590 is definitely a reliable gun and a smart buy. This pump action is part of the legendary 500 series which has achieved worldly acclaim since its introduction. Since then, the Mossberg 500’s have been used around the world by law enforcement agencies and even attained military and war experience. As one of the most reliable tactical shotguns on the market with decades of remarkable experience, the Mossberg 590 is the ideal choice for many, but is it ideal for you? Read on.

Mossberg 590 Tactical Shotgun Specs

• Model: Flex 590 Tactical
• Action: Pump
• Gauge: 12
• Overall Length: 41”
• Barrel Length: 20”
• Weight: 7 lbs.
• Sights: Bead (some have ghost ring)
• Choke: Cylinder Bore
• Capacity: 8+1
• MSRP: $599.99

Mossberg 590 Tactical Shotgun Build

The Mossberg 500 shotgun, designed in the 60’s, has developed over time and has seen dozens of variants and models produced. A number of factors are common in the 500 series, such as their receivers and actions. Conversely, the Mossberg variants can differ in barrel length, mag capacity, stock, sights, bore size, and choke options. After closely examining the Mossberg 590 Tactical, I recognized that it’s filled with some truly remarkable features.

Firstly, to ensure its smooth performance, Mossberg added an anti-jam elevator to the 590 and twin action bars. Another great addition to the Tactical is their dual extractors – a feature which I’ve been using for years in trap shooting.

In addition to these quality provisions, they also incorporated some of the most durable components and technology to ensure that the 590 will last. One such measure is the positive steel-to-steel lockup. Furthermore, Mossberg wanted their firearms to be among the most trusted in the world, especially for military and law enforcement use. That being said, they knew that in order to accomplish this, their weapons have to be able to handle abuse. The 590 Tactical definitely fits that description; it’s surprisingly easy to field strip and can handle all kinds of harsh conditions.

If you take a closer look at this Mossberg, you’ll notice that by the comfortable pistol grip there is a polymer trigger guard and top mounted safety which provides ambidextrous operation. Last but definitely not least is the 590’s accessory options; the American company incorporated tri-railed forends to facilitate attachments. With a full length bottom rail and two short side rails, the 590 Tactical can handle all kinds of lights and lasers. This is the epitome of what a tactical shotgun should be built like and the cherry on top is the 590’s adjustable stock, which we’ll explain below.

Mossberg 590 Tactical Shotgun Shooting & Performance

There are a lot of factors to consider about the Mossberg 590’s shooting and performance. For a tactical shotgun, it actually has a decent effective firing range but its standout feature is its great handling. To ensure the 590’s reliability, Mossberg added an anti-jam elevator and twin action bars. Besides for these two additions, the 590 has several other qualities which contribute to its value. Mossberg designed a 6-position adjustable FLEX stock which easily modifies to fit the size of the shooter.

Additionally, its relatively lightweight build and easy to use sight system make the 590 incredibly user-friendly. Lastly, if you know how to use it right, the 590 can be one of the fastest shooting shotguns. This makes it a great addition for any of your security needs.

Mossberg 590 Tactical Shotgun Magazines & Accessories

The Model 590 magazines are nothing special, but they do their job. Mossberg designed their mags to be opened by the muzzle end, and the barrels fit around the magazine. They also come out quickly and smoothly, so cleaning and replacing parts are a breeze.

As I mentioned earlier, the Mossberg 590 Tactical is the epitome of what a tactical shotgun should be. To facilitate this, Mossberg integrated several excellent features. The Tactical Tri-Rail Forend with a full length bottom rail and two short side rails offer endless options for attachments. As a weapon favored for home defense, it’s crucial to invest in a top notch tactical flashlight. I highly recommend the OV-2 LED light. Although it sells for roughly $300, it’s a great light that is durable, effective, and comes with a whole package of related equipment.

Besides for investing in a flashlight, you might also want to consider getting a good laser. If you’re looking to splurge, you’ve got to check out the SureFire X400V IRC White-Light/Infrared LED + Infrared Laser Weaponlight. The LaserMax UNI-MAX-B ($140) represents an affordable alternative.

Why To Buy 590 Ghost Ring Sights For Your Mossberg 590 Tactical Shotgun

Within the Mossberg 500 series, the models could feature an integrated base for a telescopic sight, a simple bead sight, or the ghost ring sight system. The question you have to ask yourself is if it’s worth getting one model over another based on this alone. Although it depends on your own preference, I can’t praise these ghost sights enough. When shooting a tactical shotgun, accuracy is key, and the ghost ring sights go a long way towards ensuring it.

By offering faster target acquisition, they are a great and safe choice for all kinds of tactical shotguns. The ultra-thin rear ring and thin front sight work cohesively to find the target without obscuring the shooter’s vision better than nearly any other aperture sight. Additionally, these are great because if you’re really in a rush, you can also just look through the tube.

Mossberg 590 Tactical Shotgun Stock Explained

One of my favorite features on the 590 Mossberg is its FLEX 6-position adjustable (black) synthetic stock. These adjustable stocks allow for rapid adjustment of the length of pull which is great for people who share this gun. When my father and I got one of these, it was fast and easy for us to switch the size of the 590. He is much shorter than I am and has really short dinosaur arms, but with the FLEX stock we could switch back in forth in seconds without any tools. More specifically, the 6-position stock can increase/decrease the length of pull by up to 4”.

Mossberg 590 Tactical Shotgun Mariner Review

Even within the 590 series of the Mossberg 500 line, there are several variants. Besides for the FLEX Tactical, Mossberg also produces a 7 shot, 9 shot, 6 shot Shockwave, and the famous Mariner. At first glance, you’d think that the FLEX and Mariner are nothing alike, but in fact, they are quite similar. They share the same overall/barrel lengths, weight, capacity, and sights, but differ in their stock and barrel finish.

I’m a fan of the 590 Tactical’s adjustable stock, so when I saw that the Mariner has a standard one, it was an immediate red flag for me. However, the Mariner does have an effective corrosion-resistant Marinecote finish, inside and out. As you might have guessed, the Mariner was built to be the ideal self-defense weapon in saltwater environments. That being said, if you own a boat, yacht, or even live by the beach, you should really consider beefing up your security with one of these guys. Besides for home defense, the Mariner is also a great fishing and hunting companion.

This 590 variant cycles and operates so smoothly and field strips in moments. You can’t really compare the Mariner to the Tactical because they are so similar and only differ for their specified applications. However, both are impressive shotguns which represent impressive additions to any collection.

Talk about a #shotgun stance #2A #Mossberg590 https://t.co/iCG1OmbBEK by @MossbergCorp pic.twitter.com/tur6jvtrmj

— Mossberg (@MossbergCorp) April 3, 2017

Mossberg 590 Tactical Shotgun 590A1 Variant Explained

The 590 and its new and improved variant, the 590A1, share many characteristics but also differ in a few key points. For starters, the 590A1 is the only pump action shotgun to pass MilSpec 3443E. Its military approved build and performance makes the 590A1 one of the most dependable shotguns on the market. As a military weapon by definition, it has flourished in law enforcement agencies around the world.

Additionally, the 590A1’s are treated with stronger and more reliable finishes on their barrels and stocks. One of the most distinctive A1 models is the 7-shot with a more compact 18.5” barrel. Like the standard 590, the 590A1 also has an optional ghost ring sight system, tactical tri-rail forends, and the sweet FLEX 6-position adjustable stock.

However, the A1 has a Plus 4 Shell Storage Stock and additional sight options besides for the ghost ring. Lastly, to make it more durable, Mossberg incorporated a metallic safety and trigger guard onto their 590A1s. The distinctive available specs and variants make the 590 and 590A1 a bit different, so try both out to see which works for you.

Mossberg 590 Tactical Shotgun vs. Mossberg 500

Comparing the 590 to its predecessor, the 500, is no simple task. One of the biggest differences between these two is their magazine systems. The 500’s magazine is closed at the muzzle end and is supposed to facilitate quick barrel changes (the 590’s is closed). Unlike the advanced 590A1, both the 500 and 590 have polymer safeties and trigger guards, which contribute to their lower weight.

Overall, these two shotguns mostly share the same basic features, like a standard 20” barrel and an 8-round capacity. Although the 500 is much cheaper, that shouldn’t necessarily be your determining factor. The 590 is geared more for self and home defense while the 500 is a great trap shooter, so buy accordingly.

Read our Mossberg 702 Plinkster Review and Mossberg 930 Review while you’re browsing Gunivore!

The post Mossberg 590 Tactical Shotgun Review: Mossberg Gets Tactical appeared first on Gunivore.