Help me choose a Mossberg

[Russell92]

I'm going to get a Mossberg 500 for home defense. I'm trying to decide between the 18.5" and the 20". Right now I'm leaning towards the 18.5" because I think I'd like the shortest, lightest one that is the most maneuverable inside a home. However, the extra 2 shots on the 20" are also appealing. Does anyone have experience with both and able to compare the two? Does the 20" feel noticeable more front heavy and does it seem less maneuverable than the 18.5"?

Also, is the only difference between the 500 and the 590 the extra 1 shot in the mag on the 590? I know the 590 can come with extra features like ghost rings and speedfeed stocks but is there anything internally different between the 500 and 590? I'm just talking about the regular 590 not the 590A1.

Thanks!

[Blitzer]

IMO:

Do you plan on missing with the first 6 rounds? Two more rounds won't matter all that much and it makes the Mossie less maneuverable indoors.

Adding a Speedfeed 4 round butt stock or Adjustable Tactical stock with shell holder and/or a Tac-Star sidesaddle works for most home defense applications.

My old Mossberg 500a has:

1) An 18.5" barrel with hand guard

2) Full Speedfeed Polymer stock, I don't like pistol grips on a Mossie due the safety button location

a) It has two small two round magazines in the butt stock itself

3) An Aluminum safety button as the old polymer one cracked and fell off after 4 years, that is one known issue with the Mossies

a) I am not sure how old it is as I got it used but in very good condition. It locked the gun in safe mode until I tore it down and moved it off safe

4) A Tac-Star 6 round side saddle.

Statistics indicate around the home most altercations are ended in one shot being fired by the home owner. Forget about all the hype of the "sound" of a shotgun being loaded deterring a perp and keep one round in the chamber.

Get the new Mossberg buyers guide free by dropping into the Mossberg site at -

http://www.mossberg.com/catalog.asp?section=service

Download the buyers guide and catalogs here -

http://www.mossberg.com/content.asp?ID=601&section=media


:thumbsup: :supergrin: ;)

[eddief4]

good post:thumbsup: :wavey:

[DOG33]

Originally posted by eddief4
good post:thumbsup: :wavey:
+1 :thumbsup:
G

[Russell92]

Thanks, I think I'll go with the 18.5". I'll probably put a side saddle on it, but I can't get the Speedfeed stock since I want a shorter LOP. I think I'll try the Hogue 12" LOP stock.

[MrMurphy]

The 590 is all steel, where some plastic parts are on the Mossberg 500. Both are solid guns, but the 590 is a bit "tougher" built. Like the difference between an 870 Express and a 870 Police.

Having done room clearing with a 20" barreled M16, as well as a 18.5" Mossberg 500 and Remington 870, AND a 18.5" Benelli Nova SP....

Get the shorter barrel. Choate makes a good short-LOP stock, as does Speedfeed (the IV-S), and others exist.

[Skintop911]

Originally posted by MrMurphy
The 590 is all steel, where some plastic parts are on the Mossberg 500. Both are solid guns, but the 590 is a bit "tougher" built. Like the difference between an 870 Express and a 870 Police.

The 500 and 590s are both commercial grade. The 590 has a pass-through mag tube, but is essentially the same gun with a few more feature options.

Greater distinctions in materials, assembly, and QC come with the 590A1s. There are a few custom, non-catalogued offerings that get close, too.

I like the short-stocked, GRS, 590A1 very much.

I would also look for a used 870P.

I've carried a 20" shotgun for years, and found myself in some tight places with them. With equivalent stock LOP, there's little difference between the 18 and 20 versions in maneuverability. The greatest difference is in the weight and balance.

[Russell92]

Originally posted by Skintop911
The 500 and 590s are both commercial grade. The 590 has a pass-through mag tube, but is essentially the same gun with a few more feature options.

Greater distinctions in materials, assembly, and QC come with the 590A1s. There are a few custom, non-catalogued offerings that get close, too.

Thanks. That's pretty much what I thought, I just wasn't sure.

I was just looking around online for stocks and now I'm not sure which one I want to get for the 500 once I get it. I don't know what is the proper LOP for me but I'm pretty sure I do need something shorter than the 14.5" one that comes on the mossberg. I don't know if a 12" or 13" is best for me. Also, all the prices I could find on the Hogue stock were more than I thought they'd be. Now I'm thinking if I'm going to spend a good amount on a new stock I might as well go for a Knoxx.

Anyone know a source for good deals on the Hogue or a similar stock? Or should I just go for the Knoxx?

Could I cut down the synthetic stock that comes on the 500 like you can with a wood stock? Not that I would know how to do this even if I could ;)

[MrMurphy]

I was thinking of the 590A1, I forgot there's two versions.

[gonnagetmine]

2 more rounds for 1.5" is a plus. i mean, take a look at a ruler and see how short 1.5" actually is. i like the barrel and mag tube being the same length too--just seems more solid to me.

i have the 20 in. 590A1. the 18.5 v. 20 difference is mainly in the balance and weight since you will have more barrel, mag tube, and shells at the tip of the gun.

i have a knoxx stock, which works great in terms of recoil compensation. the adjustable lop can make up for the longer barrel length if i need it to be more maneuverable.

i would highly recommend the A1 version--heavy barrel, metal trigger group and safety. it's built like a tank.