Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Hey everyone. I am in the market for a shotgun. It will be used mainly for self defense and possibly hunting. Deer and turkey being the most common things I am going to be hunting. From what I understand, the longer the barrel the more accurate right? So the 590 A1 would probably not be the best choice for a primary hunting shotgun. But its short 18,5 inch barrel would make movement in the house faster that a 26 inch barrel.

So my question is: Can this shotgun be used for hunting as well as self defense? Is the 590 A1 available to the public or is it only for military? What would be a good self defense round to get and what would be a good hunting cartridge? How is the recoil with "hot" loads?

Thanks

Yes. It has no chokes so you will need rifled slugs or a nice tactical buckshot load for longer distances. Accuracy with a shot gun is not like accuracy with a rifle. The longer barrels are usually used for Turkey and fowl hunting and they help swinging on target more than accuracy IMHO. The 590 isn't good at those things because it has no chokes.

The A1 is a good gun, but it is heavy. The non-A1 variant is my preference. The military speced a thicker barrel because they were bending the tube mag when using a bayonet. If that isn't a concern, the lighter weight of a regular 590 would be the best choice IMHO.

This is my choice: http://www.mossberg.com/images/Mossberg ... /50665.jpg

or with ghost rings: http://www.mossberg.com/images/Mossberg ... /50668.jpg

It has 8+1 capacity and is the same as the A1 except no ghost rings (you can get those if you want) and the thinner barrel for less weight. I've added a 6 shell holder, a quick release sling loop, and it rocks. I like the speed feed stock because I keep heavy bear loads in it. If I ever need more penetration a 600gr Brenneke slug will do it.
http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product ... s_id=91133

You can get barrels in any length you wish in aftermarket... You can keep the smaller barrel, and find a longer one for hunting. It's an easy switch out.

The only shotguns I know that are limited to the military are shorty shotguns for door breaching, and the full-auto ones in prototype.

Shotguns are general purpose for everyone, and everyone should one at least ONE! Hunting, and Self-Defense loads are generally one in the same. Not to be cruel, or cold-hearted, but if it will bring down a 300lb Buck, it'll take down a 135 lb Crackhead.

Reverenddel wrote: Not to be cruel, or cold-hearted, but if it will bring down a 300lb Buck, it'll take down a 135 lb Crackhead.

lol

Well said

Reverenddel wrote: Not to be cruel, or cold-hearted, but if it will bring down a 300lb Buck, it'll take down a 135 lb Crackhead.

[/quote]

Nothing cruel about that...and I thought you were being rather generous. I would think that most crackheads barely weigh 110 much less 135...

I do not think the 590a1 barrel can be swapped out. I may be wrong, but I own one myself and looked into it a while ago (things may have changed).

While I love my 590a1, it is heavy. Not an issue for HD, but may get old when hunting.

As far as loads, you just have to get to the range and pattern different brands. with 00, remington was horrible and federal was best. Slugs are slugs, and the thing is pretty accurate out to 50 yards (haven't gone to a longer range).

As far as loads fo HD, it depends on your situation. I've heard #1 is a very good load for penetration and transfering the energy to the object being shot. Unfortunately, #1 is not readily available at most stores so I keep both 00 and slugs on hand.