Frequently Asked Questions
Mossberg M590A1 for sale
What's the difference between a Mossberg 590 and a 590 A1?
The 590A1 has a heavier barrel, metal trigger guard, and metal safety button instead of the standard 590's polymer components. The 590A1 also typically includes a thicker barrel wall. These upgrades improve durability under hard use. The 590A1 costs more, usually $50–150 above the standard 590.
Can civilians buy a Mossberg 590A1?
Yes, civilians can buy the Mossberg 590A1. It's a pump-action shotgun available through civilian retailers, typically priced around $895, with 13 retailers currently stocking it. No special licensing is required beyond standard firearm purchase laws in your state.
Can you slam fire a 590A1?
No. The 590A1 has a disconnector that prevents slam firing. Unlike older designs such as the Ithaca Model 37, the 590A1 requires the trigger to be released and pulled again between shots. Modifying this would involve altering the trigger group and may be illegal.
Can you shoot slugs out of a Mossberg 590A1?
Yes, you can shoot rifled slugs through the 590A1's smoothbore barrel without issues. Sabot slugs aren't recommended since they need rifling to stabilize properly and will tumble, reducing accuracy. Stick with rifled slugs for reliable performance.
Can a Mossberg 590A1 shoot mini shells?
Not without an adapter. The 590A1's receiver has too much dead space for mini shells to cycle reliably on their own. An aftermarket adapter like the OPSol Mini-Clip 2.0 fills that gap and lets you shoot 1.75" shells. You can remove it in seconds to switch back to standard rounds.
How does the 590A1 compare to the 500?
The 590A1 has a heavier barrel, metal trigger guard and safety, and meets military specifications. The 500 uses some polymer components and a standard barrel. Both are pump-action 12-gauge shotguns with similar controls, but the 590A1 costs more due to its reinforced construction.
What bayonet goes on the Mossberg 590A1?
The Mossberg 590A1 accepts the M9 bayonet, as specified by both Mossberg and Ontario Knife Company. It attaches to the shotgun's bayonet lug. The M7 bayonet is also compatible. Minor tolerance variations exist between manufacturers, so verifying fit before purchase is advisable.
Can you dry fire a Mossberg 590A1?
Mossberg does not recommend dry firing the 590A1. Doing so can cause the magazine spring in the magazine tube to lose tension. If you want to practice trigger pulls, use snap caps to protect the firearm and avoid potential damage to the magazine spring.
Is 590A1 worth it over 590?
Worth depends on your use case. For woods walking, the standard 590 works fine and costs less. The A1's heavier barrel, metal safety, and metal trigger guard suit tactical or military roles. If you won't use those features, save the $200-$300 and go with the standard model.
Will a Mossberg 500 barrel fit a 590A1?
Mossberg 500 and 590A1 barrels are generally not interchangeable due to magazine tube attachment differences. However, 590 and 590A1 barrels do interchange with each other, and some conversion kits exist covering all three models. Internal trigger group components are largely identical and interchange freely across the 500, 590, and 590A1.
Will a 590A1 barrel fit a 590?
Yes, 590A1 barrels fit 590 receivers and vice versa. Both models share identical internal mechanics and magazine tube attachments. The main differences between them are the A1's thicker barrel wall, metal trigger guard, and metal safety—not the barrel interface itself.
How many shells can a Mossberg 590A1 hold?
The 590A1 comes in multiple variants. Common configurations hold 6+1, 9+1 rounds depending on barrel length and magazine tube. Some models advertised as 8+1 may only fit 7 rounds in the magazine. We have several variants available in our marketplace.
Where is Mossberg 590A1 made?
Mossberg manufactures the 590A1 at its facility in North Haven, Connecticut.
Is the 590A1 worth it?
Worth depends on your needs. The 590A1 costs around $895 and offers military-spec durability with a heavier barrel and metal trigger group. For home defense or hard use, it justifies the price. For casual shooting, the standard Mossberg 500 performs similarly at roughly half the cost.
Is a heat shield on a shotgun necessary?
Heat shields protect your hand from barrel burns during rapid fire or sustained shooting. For casual home defense, they're optional. Most shooters don't need one, but they're useful if you fire many rounds quickly or in tactical applications where sustained fire is more common.