Mossberg 590A1 question

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Slater

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One of Mossberg's selling points for the 590A1 is it's heavy-walled barrel. Other than adding weight (and durability, I suppose) is there any other advantage to this barrel, such as better patterning, etc.?
 
I think the reason for the heavier barrel on the 590A1 vs. the 500 or 590 was primarily about supporting the bayonet in the event it was actually used on a human being. the 20" A1s have the lug if I remember,while the 590 non-A1s don't.
 
I'd say it's a disadvantage, the non-A1 590 is heavy enough as it is. Unless you're going to be bayoneting people as c-bag pointed out.
 
The way I understand it, the 590A1 has a heavy barrel for durability reasons. For instance, the barrel will not dent if banged into a ships bulkhead while passing through. They also added an aluminum trigger assy verses the regular 500 and regular 590's plastic trigger becaus eit was part of the military requirements. It's mearly a matter of preference. I own an 18.5" 590A1 and I love it. My brother has an 18.5" 500 and prefers his gun to mine. Handle them both and choose for yourself.
 
+1 to LeLynn

I have read an article previously (can't remember where though) that the heavy-walled barrel was specified because the 590A1 would be used in the confines of Navy ships, whose narrow spaces and steel bulkheads could possibly damage shotgun barrels.
 
I think the reason for the heavier barrel on the 590A1 vs. the 500 or 590 was primarily about supporting the bayonet in the event it was actually used on a human being. the 20" A1s have the lug if I remember,while the 590 non-A1s don't.

that a big negative c-bag the non A1 still has a bayo lug (i own one) and the bayo doesnt hang from the barrel anyway it hangs from the worst concievable place on a shotgun... the magazine tube
which unfortunatly is the exact same one on both 20 inch 590s and will flex and brake if used alot
i personaly think the bayo lug was either an afterthought or just placed on because of military standards which really makes no sence seeing as how they have cut back bayo training to a minimum with non of it being done with shotguns anyway

the heavy barrel is on the A1 only to be durable enough to pass military testing thats honestly the only reason its on there is durability which is overkill seeing as how the original 500 barrel passed well enough to envoke a specialty model to be made (the 590 and soon to be 590A1)
 
That's not true, the bayonet lug is attached to the barrel assembly (the ring which slides over the barrel - not sure the name). After thinking about it I'm not sure I buy the bayonet explanation, it seems like the weak point would be where the barrel is soldered to that ring part.

I also don't think the bulkhead story makes sense. What on earth would you be doing on a ship that would bend a 500 barrel???

I don't have a good explanation. Not everything with the military always makes sense I guess.
 
I could see where a regular profile mild steel barrel could be dented against a hard corner in the midst of tactical excitement, especially within the confines of a ship.

Ideally they'd make the barrels out of a tougher steel, like 4140, and stay with a thinner profile instead of going with thick cheap steel that ruins the handling and increases the weight.
 
The way I understand it, the 590A1 has a heavy barrel for durability reasons. For instance, the barrel will not dent if banged into a ships bulkhead while passing through. They also added an aluminum trigger assy verses the regular 500 and regular 590's plastic trigger becaus eit was part of the military requirements. It's mearly a matter of preference. I own an 18.5" 590A1 and I love it. My brother has an 18.5" 500 and prefers his gun to mine. Handle them both and choose for yourself.

Pretty much true , post #8 http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=61431

From the guy that knows http://www.pro-patria.us/home
 
I have a 590A1 and you definitely need to feel it before you buy it. It is HEAVY. The barrel was for sustained rate of fire (hence no heat shield) and increased durability as another member suggested. I always assumed it was a military requirement, but it could also simply be a marketing ploy. It also heavily dampens recoil (which I do not believe was a consideration). I love the gun, its built like an absolute tank. I use it for home defense, but I wouldnt want to lug it around for long periods of time.

Here is a photo:

2657b5c8fc4c29fb278d1dfa41d0e3ea.jpg
 
The shotshell carrier is from Messa Tactical. Its pretty easy to install and stays secure.
 
I have a 590A1 and you definitely need to feel it before you buy it. It is HEAVY.

According to Mossberg's specs, the 6-shot 590A1 weighs just a half pound more than its Model 500 counterpart. The 9-shot version, I presume, would add just a little bit more weight with its 20-inch barrel. So yes, the 590A1 has more weight, but it's not that much more. Besides, how can you criticize the gun for its weight and then install a tri-rail forearm, vertical grip, and an 8-round shell carrier on the receiver? The bottom line is that the 590A1 is a sturdy shotgun, but it's not exactly a "tank" either. Whether in 6-shot or 9-shot trim, either gun really weighs no more than most hunting rifles.
 
I wasnt complaining, I was stating. I bought it, obviously I wasnt complaining. By tank, I meant that it is built tough...like a tank.

The point is the weight is forward and is amplified. I felt both models, there felt like a substantial different. the weight I added is unnoticeable in all honesty.

My point was that I use this as a home defense weapon so weight isnt an issue, but I wouldnt want to use it as a gun I had to carry around for long periods of time.
 
that a big negative c-bag the non A1 still has a bayo lug (i own one) and the bayo doesnt hang from the barrel anyway it hangs from the worst concievable place on a shotgun... the magazine tube
which unfortunatly is the exact same one on both 20 inch 590s and will flex and brake if used alot
i personaly think the bayo lug was either an afterthought or just placed on because of military standards which really makes no sence seeing as how they have cut back bayo training to a minimum with non of it being done with shotguns anyway

the heavy barrel is on the A1 only to be durable enough to pass military testing thats honestly the only reason its on there is durability which is overkill seeing as how the original 500 barrel passed well enough to envoke a specialty model to be made (the 590 and soon to be 590A1)

Zhyla is right. the ring of steel with the bayonet lug is part of the barrel, and not the magazine tube. The only part of the bayonet that could possibly touch the magazine tube would be the ring for the rifle muzzle.
 
That's not true, the bayonet lug is attached to the barrel assembly (the ring which slides over the barrel - not sure the name). After thinking about it I'm not sure I buy the bayonet explanation, it seems like the weak point would be where the barrel is soldered to that ring part.
yes true the lug itself does attatch to a barrel ring but the ring on the bayonet itself hangs from the magazine cap so in the end its... both
honestly i wouldnt trust heavy use of the bayonet on the 590 its not like the old M98 or M12 winchesters that had a dedicated attatchment for the bayonet off of the heavy barrel

The barrel was for sustained rate of fire (hence no heat shield)
Theres no heat shield because the barrel is too thick for the factory mossberg one to fit properly and they are too cheap to make a dedicated heat shield for one gun
 
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