Duck hunting with a 590A1?

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Rubber_Duck

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I've never been duck hunting but I've been invited to go this year. The only shotgun I have is a Mossberg 590A1 with a 20-inch barrel, cylinder choke. I don't have the funds to pick up another shotgun or even a spare barrel so this is the only shotgun I'll have. What can I expect? Are there certain loads that will give me a tighter pattern out of what is essentially a tactical shotgun? Maybe Federal Flitecontrol? Also, what are some recommended shot sizes for duck? Thanks in advance for any help.
 
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Plan B is to borrow a shotgun but since I'm inexperienced with regard to hunting I thought I'd ask what I can expect out of my current shotgun. FWIW it works fine when shooting clays.
 
The barrel length isn't the issue, it is the choke. If the barrel doesn't have interchangeable chokes you are SOL. If it does then I'd try a modified choke.
 
Steel shot or tungsten hevishot for waterfowl, the IC choke will be a bit open for ducks unless you are hunting close over decoys. Probably #4 steel for ducks is about the going size. Remember that you not only have to have a hunting license, but state duck stamp and federal duck stamp. Magazine must be plugged so that it will accept no more than 2 shells and one in chamber for a total of 3 shells for migratory water fowl hunting.
 
kudu said:
Steel shot or tungsten hevishot for waterfowl, the IC choke will be a bit open for ducks unless you are hunting close over decoys. Probably #4 steel for ducks is about the going size. Remember that you not only have to have a hunting license, but state duck stamp and federal duck stamp. Magazine must be plugged so that it will accept no more than 2 shells and one in chamber for a total of 3 shells for migratory water fowl hunting.
Click to expand...

His choke is C, not IC.
 
Do you have time to sell the 590 and pick up something more appropriate? You can also pick up a used 870 super cheap. Even new, the 870 Express is extremely affordable.
 
+1. If you're reluctant to borrow someone's gun, just tell them you're planning to shoot your 590 and they'll force you to borrow a proper duck gun. Or you could buy a cheap Turkish pump 3.5" with the proper choke for $300 or so.
 
I agree with the "borrow a shotgun" idea. However; if there's not a suitable one available to you then you have the perfect rationale justify buying a hunting shotgun. perhaps something like a Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 which can be had with screw in chokes or easily changed barrels. You'll have all kinds of choke and/or barrel options available for many different uses and the perfect excuse to buy another gun.
 
The only possible way that'd be feasible is setting the decoys right on top of you, and being the best caller in the world, and having nerves of steel while waiting for the ducks to come within 20 yards, which is about the limit of a cylinder-choked shotgun for ducks.
 
I was in your same boat years ago when I was first invited to go duck hunting. I had a mossberg 500 with the 8 shot mag tube and 20" barrel. I didn't make much at the time as I was learning a trade. I ended up borrowing a shotgun. Later I swapped out the mag tube for a 5 shot one and bought a used 28" mossberg barrel to use. I believe your 590 will accept a 500 mag tube and barrel.

If you can't borrow a shotgun and have to use yours make sure you put a plug in the magazine tube so it only accepts 2 rounds. It's just a wood dowel you can cut and put in yourself. If you don't do this and a game warden catches you it's a big fine. And he will check your shotgun when he sees it.

Also you have to use non lead shot. Steel or heavishot will work. #3 or 4 shot size and limit your shots to close range. 20 yards max I would say. Remember you need to kill the duck. It takes more shot on target to kill a duck than break a clay pigeon.
 
"...shot sizes for duck..." 4, 5 or 6. Has to be steel, everywhere, by law(actually an international treaty) for migratory birds.
"...a used 870 super cheap..." That'd cost as much or more than a 590 bird barrel. Mossberg wants $186.30 for a 20" bird barrel with Accu-chokes for a 590(same barrel as an M500 or Maverick M88) . Might as well be 186 million if you don't have it. Best to borrow a bird gun if you can. You might find a used bird barrel though.
 
He has a 590a1. Different magazine tube and barrel attachment than a 500 or 590. Needs to change magazine tube for a 500 barrel to work. Though I've read you can just unscrew the tube on a 590a1 and install a 500 tube and barrel and it'll work. No actual experience doing this though.
 
JohnhenrySTL said:
I don't own a mossberg but could you consider buying an additional barrel?
Click to expand...

Due to the 590 and 590A1's barrel mounting system, it doesn't take standard 500 barrels. I don't know if Mossberg has any compatible barrels for the 590 series that have interchangeable chokes, but I doubt it.

Yet another reason to aquire a different shotgun for the job.

The 590A1 is designed solely as a combat shotgun. It is not a hunting weapon.
 
Thanks for the replies. So further research shows I can use a longer Mossberg barrel if I change the both the magazine and barrel to a 500 style instead of 590 but it's not ideal for me. I'm happy with my 590 as a tactical/recreational shotgun so I decided I'm going to leave it as is and borrow a shotgun for now and get a dedicated duck gun when funds allow. That way I have the right tool for the job.
 
I think you made the right choice, but I also think it would do better than you may think. Non-toxic shot is required for waterfowl and steel shot it the most commonly used. Steel patterns MUCH tighter than lead shot. I've not had a decent spot to duck hunt in years, but used to do quite a bit. I always used the IC tube and made some pretty long distance shots with steel. I never found the need for modified and they do not recommend anything tighter than modified with steel. Your gun would be a serious handicap on long passing shots. But for hunting in swamps where most shots are tree top high I think it could work.

I'd use it if it were all I had. But I'd borrow something better if at all possible.
 
Briley offers the service of threading for choke, $120, no tube with that. Probably can be had for $80-$90 elsewhere but you might not know what the quality is. Turn around would be several weeks I would guess. If it is something you want on the gun anyway, get it, if just for waterfowl hunting borrow or buy a cheap Mossy or Remington pump.
 
Aaah so never designed for hunting is why my 590 didn't have a mag plug. Spread is why it wouldn't be good for ducks?
 
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